MY GOAL FOR 2024! WORK OUT THAT CREATIVE MUSCLE!!

      As I am sitting here writing this blog, the year 2024 is 3 days away! Time is just marching on and flying by! I know every year many people have what you call "New Year's Resolutions." It could be losing weight, going to the gym, eating healthy or cutting back on caffeine consumption. I have decided that in 2024, one goal I would like to set is to work out my creative muscle. Creative muscle? Where is that on the human body? 

     When I was in either 2nd or 3rd grade, I discovered I was creative. In my school in New Jersey, our teacher told us to go out in the hallway. On the walls of the hallway there were pictures on posterboard. Our teacher asked us to pick out a picture and write a story about it. I chose the picture of Joe Namath, the famous New York Jets quarterback. Another time there was a picture of a horse. I wrote a story about a talking horse. I was so into the story that I kept writing it during class. My teacher noticed I wasn't paying attention and said to me "David, stop writing your story about the talking horse and pay attention, please!" Let's just say it was one of a very few times I was corrected in front of my class! That same teacher told my mom during the Parent/ Teacher Conference that I had a gift. A gift of being creative! When I moved to Long Island, the creativity continued. I was always thinking of ideas. My Mom always tells the story of my 5th grade teacher. She told my mom "David is a nice boy but he is always staring out of the window and daydreaming!" Maybe back then I was thinking about how I would be doing ventriloquism with an old guy named Grandpa Lou about 25 years later! 

     When I was in high school, I was looking at many options for college. I originally wanted to become an author. I had dreams of being a bestselling author and "Living the dream." I loved to write but my grades were not so good in school so getting into a university or State College was a challenge. Then at a youth camp called Couriers Camp the Lord called me to fulltime ministry at one of the altar calls. I applied to various Bible Colleges and entered Northeastern Bible College in 1982 with hopes of becoming a Missionary. In my first two years I was on staff with the College newspaper continuing to use my creativity. Two years later I found myself joining a puppet ministry only to discover I would become the director of it at college. I won't repeat the rest of the story. All I can say is God had and has a calling on my life. It was my privilege serving at SGT as the Children's Pastor and continues to be my pleasure serving now at Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship as an assistant pastor. I love thinking of new ideas, writing this blog and working on new stories. 

     So now that you all know my creativity history, let me share about 2024. I would like to work very hard in getting a lot of my stories published. I set a goal many years ago that I would like to get my children's book ideas published. I do have one children's book published in 2009 but was not happy with the publisher. The book was entitled "Mouse Mayhem." There are two options you have in publishing a kid's book. You can either go with a traditional publisher which requires hiring a "literary agent." The other option is to have your materials "Self-Published" which may be cheaper but distributing it can be a big challenge. I have a lot of ideas for kid's books and in 2024 I want to really work out that creative muscle that I began developing as a 2nd grader! Not only with my writing but also with my ventriloquism and children's ministry ideas. I have an idea I am developing using PVC pipes and making a stage that will look like a box. Stay tuned! I also have a new ventriloquist figure Red Heartly, a heart puppet who will come out of a black bag. 

     So the creative muscle will certainly be flexing in 2024. Just like I try to go to the gym to work out my muscles, 2024 will be a year that the creative muscle will be worked out. Stay tuned and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

DOES EVERYONE HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS??

 

     It's 25 degrees outside in New York City as a homeless family tries to get in line to get food from a local Rescue Mission. The Mom is unemployed and is single. She has no money to buy her kids Christmas presents. Will they have a Merry Christmas?

     In Ethiopia, a family walks along a dirt road trying to find shelter and food. It's December and they don't know where their next meal will come from. Will they have a Merry Christmas?

     A young father visits his wife in Sloan-Kettering Hospital. Her body is filled with a rare cancer, and she only has days to live. This father has no idea how he is going to raise their five young children alone after his wife dies.  Will they have a Merry Christmas?

     Earlier this month I had a fellow college classmate who was an Athletic Director for Columbia International University pass away into glory at the age of 58, Darren Richie. He left behind his wife, his 4 daughters and grandchildren. Will Christmas be easy for them? Will they have a Merry Christmas?

     A father is employed with his company for over 10 years. In late November he is asked to report to his boss's office and is told he is being laid off because of budget cuts. He and his family were saving up to purchase a summer home so they could spend their summer vacations by the beach. Now they are forced to live on the wife's salary. She is working at their local Walmart and is now forced to grab more hours while the dad looks for a new job. Money that was once there is now being used to purchase food for the family. Money is tight! Will they have a Merry Christmas?

     All these stories are reality. This is not what you would see on your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. In those movies its usually guy meets girl, but they don't get along. Then magically after many misunderstandings and conflict, they end up liking each other, falling in love and living happily ever after. Reality is life can be tough! We have all gone through heartbreak, losing a job, losing a loved one to sickness and/or death, having no money and struggling or just downright being depressed. I heard it said that there are more suicides in the month of December than any other month. Many feel the pressure of buying the best gifts, making sure our kids are happy and making sure Christmas is absolutely 100 % perfect. Here is the reality....it never will be perfect.

     I get so tired of hearing about "The Christmas Magic." You hear about it during movies, I have heard Talk Show hosts talk about it with guests and even on kids cartoons you hear that phrase a lot. Here is the reality again. December 25 is another day just like May 21 is a day. The difference to the world is that we wake up that morning and open our presents and stockings. Yes, it is Christmas Day. But it's also a day to celebrate a Birthday! Although historians will try to prove that Jesus was born in the springtime like in April, we have designated that day, December 25 as Christmas Day. It is really a day to celebrate the Birthday of Jesus, not celebrate Santa Claus. He was born of the Virgin Mary. Both Mary and Joseph tried to find a room at the Inn to spend the night, but the Innkeeper said there was no room. They had to go to a stable, a place where animals were kept. Mary conceived and gave birth to Jesus, our Messiah. They placed his body in a manger, they very place the animals ate their hay out of. All heaven rejoiced and we continue to rejoice knowing our savior lives. He would later die on a cross for us so that all our sins would be forgiven. Best of all He offers us a free gift. A gift we do not deserve. It is the gift of eternal life.

     So, my prayer for you this Christmas is NOT for you to find Christmas magic or for you to have a perfect Christmas. I do hope and pray you enjoy your family and friends and that it is an amazing day for you! I pray most of all that if you are going through hard times or if you are going through good times, you will find peace in knowing who Jesus Christ really is. I pray you will find peace and rest and will enjoy your Christmas and New Years holiday! So, with all that said, I'm not going to say "Happy Holidays!" NO! That is hogwash...MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!   

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!   

 

       

GOD IS WORKING ON MY HEART

 

     I'm so glad I didn't write just "Working on my heart." You would all probably think I was having physical heart issues. No worries! I am very healthy and happy to be alive and able to wake up for another day. Life is good! I will be writing a Christmas Blog before December 25th I promise. I am referring to how God is working on me and showing me many amazing things. Let me begin by go back to last August. By way of a Zoom Conference, I was introduced to a ministry called E3 Partners. They are a ministry who focuses on teaching how to effectively share your faith with people and disciple them in their newfound faith. The Zoom Conferences were for 4 weeks or so and the purpose was to train leaders. They came on September 16 to teach a seminar and E3 wanted to prepare us so we could help lead table discussions on September 16. The Zoom calls were nice but truthfully it was a lot of information to digest each week. Even before I was introduced to this ministry, I felt a huge stirring in my heart about what God was calling me to do. 

     Our church just finished hosting a Vacation Bible School and I was really getting a burden for lost people as well as people who were struggling in life financially, physically, mentally and spiritually. Then September 16 came, and I spent an entire Saturday at Church on the Sound as three men all Pastors shared with us how to effectively share our faith. This included using a 15 second testimony and an outline we could use to share openly with anyone and everyone. After that seminar I felt as though a lightbulb came on in my life. Not only did I gain a lot of confidence, it also gave me a huge burden for people. I see A LOT of people working at Chick Fil-A. I have seen so many different types of personalities through the years. Everything from a member of a motorcycle gang to a 90-year-old Grandma. It is no secret that we are living in the End Times. Jesus is coming back real soon, and we need to be prepared to share our faith with everyone we possibly can. Since last September I have had this stirring to work even harder for the Lord. To be more vocal about Jesus and to let me creativity be used for His glory. Stay tuned for how he will use me. I am working very hard on new Children's Ministry material as well as creative writing. I would love to see my many bool ideas for kids get published. STAY TUNED!!

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!!!

THANK YOU 365....24/7!

 

     It's only 2 words but yet so meaningful! Thank you! In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to become a National holiday. It would be on the final Thursday in November and it would be a day where families would give thanks to God. The tradition has always continued and I always look forward to it. Yes, I do love my Turkey leg and yes, I do love good food. But I do love to give thanks! There is one thing that does bother me. What about the other 365 days of the year? Do we give thanks on January 23rd? Or March 4th? How about June 30th? How about September 1st? It has been my conviction that every single day we should say "Thank you" to God. God, thank you for the clothes I wear, the food I eat, for my job, for the roof over my head, for the car that gets me around and for good health."  

     When I was a kid, I always received a check in the mail for my birthday from my Dad's Aunt and Uncle. Aunt Gladys and Uncle Frank. Uncle Frank was my Grandfather's brother. They were like third Grandparents to my sister and brother and I. They never forgot our birthdays. My Mom would always say, "Make sure you write a Thank you card to Aunt Gladys and Uncle Frank!" Of course being a kid I always griped about it, procrastinated and complained but I did write a Thank you card with my terrible penmanship. I never really put much thought into what Aunt Gladys & Uncle Franks reaction was when they received the Thank you card in the mail. I'm sure it made them very happy. I do believe God feels the same way about us when he hears us say "Thank you." I'm sure it makes him very happy! 

     It reminds me of the story in the bible in Luke 17:11-19 when Jesus healed 10 lepers. Leprosy is a very contagious skin disease. It was so bad that if you had leprosy in bible times you were sent to a "Leper Camp" with other lepers so you could not spread the disease. As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he was approached by 10 lepers. They stood at a distance and asked Jesus to have mercy on them. Jesus told them to go see the priests. As they went there they were cleansed. One of them after being healed returned to Jesus, threw himself at his feet and thanked him. Jesus then asked"Were not all 10 cleansed? Where are the other 9?" Jesus then said to the one "Rise and go! Your faith has made you well." Imagine being healed by Jesus but never saying thank you to him. I often wonder what happened to the other nine who did not say "Thank you?" Do you think they felt any sense of guilt or shame after realizing they never thanked Jesus? That is why we need to take the time every day to say to God, "Thank you!" 2 simple words but very powerful and very much needed in our society today!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!! 

 

 

LAYING A FLEECE BEFORE THE LORD

 

     I don't believe in the Horoscope at all. I personally think it should be renamed "The Horrorscope!" I don't believe you can actually travel back in time and I certainly don't believe in gazing at a crystal ball to find out what the future holds.That is straight from the pit of Hell! This past week I have been praying a lot about decisions I need to make. As many of you know I have had reoccurring back issues for many years. I had to reduce my number of hours I work at Chick Fil-A because of these back issues and terrible back spasms I get. This means I will need to find either another line of work or another part time job. I will confess that I have stressed over this a lot. I mean I realize I am an ordained pastor but I am a human being as well! Last night during the night I experienced the feeling of anxiety where I had trouble sleeping. I have spent a lot of time praying about my future, In fact, after attending a Men's Breakfast on Saturday morning with the men from my church, I went to Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai, NY and walked along the beach praying, listening to worship music and asking the Lord what His plans are for my life. I also thought a lot about what it means to be "Laying a fleece before the Lord." In the bible, laying a fleece was something Gideon did in order to make sure he was hearing from God.

     In Judges chapter 6, the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and were in bondage to the Midianites. An angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, a prophet, and calls him to deliver Israel. In a nutshell, Gideon overthrows the altar of Baal, a false God, we see the Spirit of the Lord rest on him, and the Lord gives him a sign to show him he is called to deliver Israel. That sign is called "a fleece." What they did in Bible times to "Lay a fleece" meant to take a fleece of wool and lay it down overnight on the threshing floor. If the fleece was wet from the dew and the ground was dry, it was a sign from God. In the story of Gideon, he wanted to be sure so he laid the fleece a second time on the threshing floor. This time he asked if the fleece was dry and the ground was wet. It would be a sign from God and God would speak to his people. In today's day and age I don't believe we as Christians need to be doing this. I do believe God does speak to us and He shows us what His will is for us. I also believe that after we pray for something and ask God for direction, He will either give us a peace about it or no peace at all. His answers are always yes, no or wait. I'm from New York and I can tell you New Yorkers don't like to wait. However, as a Christian it is important that we wait on God and not try to rush Him! After all, He is God and we are not!! 

     Writing this blog was a challenge! I wish I had answers to all of my life's questions but I don't. In the meantime,I just learn to trust in the Lord more and more and fully rely on Him!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

WHAT DOES YOUR LIFE SCREAM?

     What does your life scream? I don't mean like the picture above where this guy is screaming on the top of his lungs, I mean when people see you and talk with you, what is extremely important to you. What is the one thing that oozes out of you wherever you go? What does your life scream?

     Many of you who know me well know I am a sports fan. Unfortunately I have not been to any professional sports games in over 4 years. Just to buy food you need to take out a loan. And the parking? Is there a Night Watchman hired to watch my vehicle when I go into the stadium? $25? Whatever happened to Upper Deck seats being $4? Oh right! That was 1975!! Anyway, whenever I attend a game you always know who the crazy fans are. They are the guys who wear face paint or scream the loudest. I will never forget in 2004 someone from my church gave me tickets to a Jets game. It was about 25 degrees outside. During the game a bunch of fights broke out right in front of my seats. The Jets played the Patriots and Jets fans didn't like being harassed by Patriot fans. There was obviously a lot of alcohol involved and a lot of security guards working bard to break up the fights. I left that game in the 3rd quarter fearing for my life. Watching the many Jets fans walk into the Meadowlands that Sunday I could see their lives all screamed out "We love the New York Jets!" 

     I was recently watching a YouTube video of a guy who is totally obsessed with the movie "Back to the Future." He knew every line from the movie and he had almost every autograph imaginable, even the Principal in the movie. He had his picture taken with many DeLorean's that looked like the time machine and he even paid a substantial amount of money to have Christopher Lloyd (Who played Doc Brown) sign his "Back to the Future" Poster. This guys life screamed out "I love the movie 'Back to the Future'"

     I often wonder what people will say about me when I die? I know that sounds morbid! But seriously, what will people say my life screamed out? Will they say "He was a nice guy" or maybe "He was a great Pastor!" Maybe they will say "Grandpa Lou is now gone also. Oh no!" What has my life screamed out during my 59 years on this planet.I certainly hope it will and always will scream out "I love Jesus!" and "I am proud to be a Christian." In my humble opinion, that is and always has been my goal and THE most important thing in my life. How about you? What does your life scream out. Take some time to think about it!

      

CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER???

 

     Christmas seems to start earlier every year! I'm not saying that is a bad thing but it is confusing. It seems to me that many in our nation want Christmas to begin early for one reason. It brings people joy! During the month of September I noticed at a few local Dollar Tree stores started putting out Christmas items next to the Halloween stuff. I never understood why the world of retail feels the need to begin selling merchandise for certain holidays 3 months before the actual holiday. I can understand maybe one month before, but three? 

     I used to run a summer program for kids at my church called "King's Kids Club" back in the 1980's. It was on Wednesday evenings for kids ages 4 to grade 6. I loved having theme nights such as "We Love America Wednesday". "Dress up like Moses Wednesday" and "Western Wednesday" where kids dressed up in Cowboy hats and western gear. My all time favorite was always "Christmas in August Wednesday." I guess you can say I got the idea from the old Crazy Eddie Commercials that were on TV here in NY. They sold all types of electronic equipment like TV's, radios and stereo equipment. They had this guy doing the commercial yelling and he always ended the commercial by saying "His prices are INSANE!" I always loved when they had a "Christmas in August Sale." The actor doing the commercial dressed up in a Santa suit and he had snowballs thrown at him as he tried to describe the sale going on. So once a year I was so happy to do this particular Wednesday event. We put up Christmas Trees with lights. We decorated the tree with ornaments and hung up tinsel, garland and so many decorations. One year I even had my friend Ed visiting from Buffalo bring his pet goat. We called him our "Christmas goat!" I always loved the expression in parents faces when they dropped of their kids or picked them up. They must have thought "This guy is nuts!!" To be a children's pastor and to be an adult talking to puppets, you have to be nuts! 

     Christmas brings people happiness! I don't necessarily agree that decorations should be put out in stores in September. But I do believe that with all that is going on in our world with Israel, shootings and Covid, I just know our world is looking for a glimmer of happiness. I am not surprised people put up Christmas lights after they take down those dreaded Halloween lights. I'm sure many people are listening to Christmas music as well. In my lifetime I have always enjoyed Christmas. But Christmas is only one day. Yes,it is a special day but in the world we live in, why are we choosing happiness only during a few months of the year? There are other things in life that will make us happy. My life is certainly not perfect and yes, I do love Christmas, but during the other months in the year I have chosen to find happiness following Jesus every single day. I pray you will all do the same! In the meantime, let's never forget the Thanksgiving holiday where we give thanks for all He has provided for us! After Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas friends and family!! 

  HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND EVERYONE

  

        

THE ISLAND OF SUMATRA

     This past week I have been very heartbroken. No, I didn't break up with anyone. Life is good! I mentioned in my blog last week all about an island off of Indonesia called Sumatra. When I read that it is the least evangelized Island in the world, I have to admit it really bothered me. It really eats at me and gets me very sad! To think that residents of that Island have never heard the name of Jesus is alarming! I think about the churches today around the world that are in conflict over such things as the color of the curtains in their windows or if they should have a drummer playing or not. Many churches around our nation have changed the look of their sanctuary to look like a movie theater instead of a church. The even have changed the name of many churches to be "user friendly" and pastors today want to dress more "hip" so that people won't think they are square. Wearing a tie is not cool anymore but wearing ripped jeans with a t-shirt is "styling." They even strive to make their children's area look more like Disney World to attract kids. Before you send me emails because your church does this, I am only sharing my opinion. I still wear my "character ties" to church and my churches name is Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship, not exactly "user friendly" but in my opinion "to the point!" Churches get so caught up in being "hip" that they lose the vision of what is going on in the "real world." Think about it! Sumatra is the LEAST EVANGELIZED ISLAND IN THE WORLD!!! Doesn't that as a Christian make you sick??? Shouldn't the Body of Christ feel the need to take action?? It makes me want to quit my job, raise support and get Grandpa Lou and my other "friends" on an airplane and get to this island pronto!!

     There are a few alarming things about this country that I need to share. Sumatra is 87% Muslim. They believe that Jesus was only a good prophet, not the Son of God. Only 20% consider themselves to be "Christian" and the rest are Buddhist and Hindu. There are well over 52 languages spoken on this island. The spread of the gospel is very weak on this island. Ministry to Muslims is very difficult! I should know. I spent almost 3 months in Bradford, England in 1986 also known as "Little Pakistan." We tried to reach them going door to door selling them literature and books in their language. The kids there loved the members of my team and we even had the opportunity to speak in a public school! In 3 months I only saw 4 converts and none were Muslim!  

     There is one thing I can do! The answer would be to go there obviously but in the meantime, I can pray for this Island. I can ask God to "send forth his laborers into the harvest field." I can pray that the Holy Spirit would move upon the people in an amazing way. 

     There are A LOT of people who are Lost not only in Sumatra but right here in the U.S. Come on Christians lets get motivated to pray that God raises up "His laborers!!!!" 

MAYBE IT'S YOU?????        

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

A SWITCH WAS JUST TURNED ON

      I was never a morning person. Just ask my Mom!! As a teenager I would go to bed very late after watching the Honeymooners at 11:30 p.m. and during the summer months I would wake up after 12 Noon! My Mom will definitely testify to you all that it was very challenging waking me up, especially to go to school. I missed the bus a lot mainly because I couldn't wake up and found myself walking to school especially High School. The one thing that did annoy me in the morning was when my Mom would turn my light on. It meant the day was starting and I had to get my butt in gear, get in the shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and hopefully not miss the bus. But that light switch coming on!! Man, I hated it when my Mom turned the switch on. If I had my way back in High School, I wish I would have had someone implant a smart chip in my brain so I could miss having to sit in class. I was not a great student and struggled, but I am proud to say I am a College graduate by the grace of God!

     No, this blog is no about my early morning bad habits as a teenager, When I started having children I learned very quickly that babies don't care what time it is. When they need a diaper change and need to be fed they are not concerned about the time of day. When they are crying they need Mommy & Daddy to get out of bed and help them. Life does not revolve around your time schedule but theirs. I quickly learned how to be a morning person and not a night owl like I used to be. I have no regrets! Now I am up at 4:15 a.m. opening a restaurant. Go figure! My family is still in shock over that one! This blog is about a conference I attended on September 16, 2 weeks ago called E3. A conference on how to effectively share your faith!

     I have always enjoyed sharing the gospel with people but to be quite honest, I actually have always felt more comfortable sharing with 1800 people in a church or even with 100+ kids than one on one. I was taught Evangelism Explosion which is now called Everyday Evangelism in my twenties and during altar calls at SGT I used a tool called the "Evangecube" which was a visual prop that looks like a Rubik's Cube. It is not only for kids but for adults as well. I also have used another technique for kids called the "Wordless Book" which is a book using the colors Black, Red, White, Green and God which represent sin, Jesus shedding His blood, our sins becoming clean as snow, growing in God and heaven as a free gift. This conference was an all day event at Church on the Sound that many from my church and I enjoyed. What really challenged me was something very simple. Sharing your testimony in 15 seconds. As a New Yorker and like many who live here, we never have time. Everyone is always running around like chickens with our heads off. We are always in a hurry and truthfully, people don't have time. A light came on in my life for two reasons...One...It gave me a burden for people who are lost and two...it gave me tools on how I can share the gospel with people. 

     Not only on Long Island, in New York or in the United States, people are lost. I use a prayer guide every morning to pray for or world ironically called "Operation World." I recently read about an Island called Sumatra. It is known as the least evangelized island in the entire world. It is located near Indonesia. It breaks my heart that there are people living on that island who have never heard the name of Jesus...not even as a curse word. Very sad, but that motivates me to get in gear and get to work for Jesus. It has to start with me!

     If you have a personal relationship to Jesus Christ, I pray for you that a light comes on in your life and you get motivated to share your faith with people. It could be at home, with a neighbor or on your job. We can't sit still and expect others to do it. Matthew 28:19-20 is for every believer!!

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LIFE STARTS AT 59!!!

     Wow, what a busy month.I actually have some time to write a blog.  Between working at Chick Fil-A full time, church events, an outreach I did in New Jersey on September 11th and life in general it's nice to be able to sit down and do something I love to do...Write!! My blog title is "Life begins at 59." I'm sure you are wondering "What in tarnation is this guy talking about?" Just hang on! The blog is just getting started!

     Have any of you ever heard of Burt Mustin? Anyone? Probably not. Burt Mustin was an actor and he started his career at the age of 67! He appeared in numerous movies, television shows and commercials ALL after he turned 67! You might remember him in the episode of "The Twilight Zone." He played a resident of a nursing home. In that episode members of the home all wanted to be young again and played "Kick the Can." Or how about the episode of "The Brady Bunch" when Bobby's hero was Jessie James. Burt played an author who wrote a book about how Jessie James killed his Father. He came over the Brady house to tell Bobby that Jessie James was a "mean, dirty killer." His career started at 67 years old and he died at the age of 93. His last appearance before his death was on the show "Phyllis" 

     As you can see by the picture above, yes that is me in a costume. It's actually my latest crazy but amazing idea the good Lord gave me back in May. Many of you know my story about how I have been doing ministry to children since 1984 as a student at Northeastern Bible College as a puppeteer. Since then I would travel to churches and do kids programs using puppets, magic, music an the works. I have lost count how many places I have been through the years. There is one thing I have only done twice...BIRTHDAY PARTIES! The first Birthday party was a complete disaster. I had the kids play musical chairs and the "Birthday Boy" was out first and he cried hysterically. I did a puppet show behind my stage but discovered all the parents left me alone with all the kids OUTSIDE so you can imagine how I panicked when some of the kids went missing and wandered off in the backyard! This was before I did ventriloquism! I vowed I would NEVER do Birthday parties and I meant it! The only exception was, of course for my daughter Kaylee when she turned 4. I wrote a puppet skit and we used a Castle set and did a show for her along with her friends. That was the last one I ever did in 1998. I was asked repeatedly by parents through the years but always declined. "Birthday parties are a 'different animal'" I would tell them. I also never had the time to invest in it. So let me share with you what happened in May this past year!

     It actually happened in April! I got a phone call but didn't answer the call because I didn't recognize the number. It was a lady Cindy who I knew from my previous church. She asked me the "Million Dollar question" Do you do Birthday Parties or do you know someone who does" and I told her "I don't but I'll ask around." Cindy then told me she wanted someone to not perform but share the gospel for her granddaughter. It was not only a Birthday Party but a Communion Party. It was at a restaurant in Bellport, NY on Saturday, May 20th. After much thought, much prayer and more prayer (as well as God working on my heart) I called Cindy back and told her I would be happy to do the party.

     I brought to the party my various characters and gospel illusions. I had about 7 kids and the space I had was the size of a hallway in a house. It was on the second floor I don't mean the length I mean :THE WIDTH of a hallway! The restaurant was a very old building and I have to say the program went very well. I did get a great workout walking up and down the stairs. As I was packing up and leaving, I heard God's voice speaking to my heart. "I want you to start doing Birthday Parties!" What? Me God? Instantly God gave me an idea for a character. I love watching reruns of the old TV show "Columbo" and God started giving me ideas all as I was packing up my tiny Honda Civic and to be honest I was getting excited. On my way home I called my Mom and shared with her what transpired that day, how God spoke to me and what I had to look forward to. After doing A LOT of research, A LOT of praying and A LOT of soul searching I decided to give this a shot! After much thought, I decided to call my character "Inspector Chili Beanie." The Birthday Parties will be for kids ages 4 and up and they will be fun, entertaining and will involve the kids who attend. It will be "The Case of the Missing Birthday Cake". The kids will help me look for clues in hopes of discovering where the Birthday Cake is hiding. It will feature Grandpa Lou, Shelton the Shark, Dennis Ball and Drew Sketchley. I also bought some new magic tricks and...I will be playing my guitar because....I WROTE A SONG! YES!!!! 

     So for me, my life is now beginning as a 59 year old man who is a Pastor, ventriloquist, writer, blogger, manager at a Chick Fil-A and now...Inspector Chili Beanie! Just like Burt Mustin began his acting career at 67, I am beginning my Birthday Party career at 59! Please pray for me as I begin this amazing new adventure!!             

OBEY THE RULES!!

      As all of you know, I love to go for walks. My feeling is God gave me this body and I need to take care of it. I do try to exercise when I can but I do enjoy going for walks at night and going for bike rides. One of my favorite places to go is Sunken Meadow State Park. I love the smell of the ocean, being out in the sun and breathing fresh air. There is a boardwalk there that I frequent when I can. After 4 pm on weekdays the toll is free so I always try to get there when I can. I also worked there during my college years and have fond memories of picking up garbage...well not really but I did return to college with an awesome tan!

At the entrance of the East Parking lot I have always noticed this sign pictured above. I have to say that out of all the things I read on those signs, every rule is broken but two. I never see a whole lot of drones and rarely do you see people smoking. I do however see people roller skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, adults, teens and kids on scooters, people of all ages on bikes and pets all the time on the boardwalk. This got my crazy brain to start thinking. Let me go back in time to the 1960's! When you watch television in the 1960's, the kids on TV shows were all respectful. Beaver Cleaver's friends were always respectful to Mr. & Mrs. Cleaver. On other shows whenever you saw a police officer they were always shown respect. Nobody wanted to break rules. Now I realize that is Hollywood and not reality but still I ask myself this question (as I fast forward to 2023) "What gives people the right to break a rule that is posted on a sign?" I look at that older couple on the boardwalk walking their dog and smiling like they are doing nothing wrong. They are enjoying the beach and the sun like me. But what would happen if Sunken Meadow hired a "Boardwalk Policeman or Policewoman" that handed them a summons for breaking a park rule. Do you think that couple would be happy?  Or how about that teenaged boy who is riding his bike on the boardwalk after the times designated on the sign. Do you think he would understand or start arguing with the officer? Or how about that parent who has three kids all on scooters with their helmets and knee pads on racing up and down the boardwalk. Do you think that parent would say, "No problem officer. I'll tell my kids to stop. We understand!"

     

     I often wonder why people feel rules don't apply to them. I'm sure the State Parks Department has those signs up in case of a lawsuit, God forbid. I'm sure there has been casualties. But I still wonder how we feel that rules don't apply to us. Why is it that in this great country of America people still believe rules were meant to be broken. All I know is that I see a lot of entitlement everywhere I go. Whenever I drive on the Long Island Expressway, you always see some crazy person driving well past the speed limit weaving in and out of traffic trying desperately to beat everyone to wherever they are going. The sinister side of Dave Harff is whenever you see them pulled over on the side of the road you always want to yell out the window, "I'm so glad you caught them, Officer!!!" 

     So in a nutshell friends and family, let's obey the rules wherever we are and please be safe!!

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK!!

MILLIONAIRE VS. HEAVEN

 

     Long time no blog! I know! I know! What can I say? I am a very busy man! I have had opportunities to preach twice, do kids programs at Ocean Grove,, NJ as well as leading a Vacation Bible School for my church...Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship! We held ours in the evening from July 19 - 21 and it went very well! God is opening some amazing doors for me and because of these open doors as well as working 2 jobs both part time,  I don't get to blog a whole lot lately. I will do my best in the months to come! No guarantees the blogs will be twice a month but I will do my best!

     I drive past many 7-11 Convenience stores, In fact we have one across the street from our Chick Fil-A that was built about 4 years ago and seems very popular and busy. I always notice a huge sign in the front that shows how much money you can win if you win the New York State Lottery. I am not sure if this is still their slogan, but it was at one time "All it takes is a dollar and a dream." Just pay $1 for a ticket, pick some numbers off the top of your head and if you are correct you can win one million dollars! It's that simple!!! Or...is it??

     This poses a huge question for me that I would like to ask you! If you had a choice between two things...Winning One Million Dollars or Going to Heaven, what would you choose? The choice is simple and you do have to pick one of the two. Let's look at the two choices! 

     CHOICE #1: You go to a 7-11 or my Mom's favorite Convenience Store in Pennsylvania... Wa Wa! You purchase a lottery ticket and choose 4 numbers, let's say 3152. You put the ticket in your glove compartment and drive home. That night you nervously watch the lottery drawing. In New York we had a lady named Yolanda Vega do the drawing as she would announce which Ping Pong Balls with numbers on them being drawn. She goes number by number and she announces 3 then 1 then 5 then 2. You are a winner!!  You have just won One Million Dollars and just like that you are a Millionaire! You can pay off your mortgage, buy a 2023 Lamborghini, buy a beach house in Hawaii and quit your job! You have everything you ever dreamed of until the day you die. Then what? You can't take the car, the beach house or all your worldly possessions with you? They stay here on Planet Earth. You didn't choose Heaven! You chose Hell because you chose what would make you happy on earth. You weren't thinking about eternity, right? You were only thinking of yourself!

     CHOICE #2: You don't go to 7-11 or Wa Wa instead you bow your head and invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. You admit you are a sinner and you ask Him to forgive you of all of your sins and invite Him into your heart. You say, "Jesus, please be my forever friend." Because you have done this you have received God's free gift to us of eternal life! On this earth you might struggle to pay off your mortgage, you can't afford a new car and manage to get around in your 2004 Toyota Sienna Van. You don't buy a beach house but instead you spend your one weeks vacation on a short term missions trip in Jamaica doing kids ministry. You and your team are serving the Lord in a park with no shade, extensive heat and dust blowing in your face trying to reach young kids with the gospel. However, you are happy because you are serving the Lord and are blessed when you see the happy faces of the children. Several years later you die. You have no desire to bring any of your worldly possessions with you because you have realized your entire life that your reward is in Heaven! You stand before your Lord and Savior and he says to you the six words you have always wanted to hear...'Well done good and faithful servant!" 

     We all have a choice to make! The bible tells us in Romans 6:23 - 

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord 

     So what choice will you make? I pray it truly is Heaven! I have never seen a hearse with a trailer attached to it where someone wants to bring with them all they possess here on earth. It will never go with them. I have, however seen lives changed by the power of God and His amazing love for us when people decide to make Jesus Christ their forever friend!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!! 

WHEN YOU SEE GOD AT WORK!

      It has been exactly one month since I have blogged. Wow! Life has been busy!! I will confess that I have been extremely busy with work, church activities and my Puppet Guy ministry. God has opened many amazing doors for me to preach, speak and do some kids programs throughout June, July and August. I give Him all the glory for that. I am also working 2 jobs at a lawyers office as a Customer Service Rep and at Chick Fil-A in Commack, NY 3 days a week. Yes,,. I do have days where I do actually sleep! I will try to sneak in a blog here and there during the summer. I am leading a team as we are doing a 3 day Vacation Bible School July 19-21 in the evening in hopes to reach many children in our community. And if you know me, you know I always have things cooking in the crazy brain of mine! This blog will be short, but sweet!

     During the last 7 months I have seen God at work in my life, He has provided a new job, a place to live and so many other amazing things and miracles in my life. Whenever we see God working, it puts a big smile on our faces. I have even had people tell me I look so much more happier. I am! I give God all the praise in what He is doing in my life and what He continues to do. I, of course will admit when I don't see God at work and He is silent, I do feel sad, depressed and frustrated. There have been many times in my car I have said to God in a frustrated voice "God, I don't understand what you are doing???" Wow, isn't that contradictory? Asking God what He is doing? However, we have all come to that point in our lives. In the end, God always wins because...He is God! He knows exactly what He is doing in our lives but we need to let Him do it and not hinder Him or ever get in His way! 

     For myself, I am very excited to see where He is going to lead me in the coming months. Until then I am going to enjoy the ride knowing that there will be struggles, frustrations and valley's. But I also know when I do follow Him there will always be love, direction in my life and victories. My challenge to you all is to never give up! Let God give you direction 24/7...not 20/6 or 12/4. Give Him your all every single day! You will not be disappointed!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

     

50

     

     June 1, 1973. Yes! 50 years ago this month! That was the day my family moved from Chatham, New Jersey to Smithtown, NY. My father worked for RCA in Harrison, NJ and his company was about to close down. He found a job at a company called Amperex. My Dad worked as a Mechanical Engineer. I will never forget getting into my grandfathers orange Dodge Dart in Secaucus, NJ along with my sister and brother and, of course my grandparents. We had to say goodbye to our New Jersey friends and begin a new life on Long Island. My brother and sister and I were not thrilled about moving to be honest. I was 9, my sister was 11 turning 12 in July and my brother was 7. It was the start of a whole new life for my family. It took me quite a while to adjust to life here in New York. It's hard to believe it was 50 years ago!

     So much has happened in 50 years but the one thing that surprises me the most is one thing. I AM STILL LIVING ON LONG ISLAND. Trust me when I say if I had a dollar for every time I said I  wanted to leave I would honestly be a millionaire. God has me here for a reason and I know the work He has for me is not complete! In 50 years I had the privilege of growing up on Long Island, experiencing the beaches, getting to know the kids in my neighborhood, graduating Smithtown High School West in 1982, working at a church in Smithtown as a children's pastor, raising a family here and best of all being raised in a christian home with a family that loved me and knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. 

     I also experienced some hardships as well. My father went home to be with the Lord in 1995 which was very hard on my family. In 1976, my father lost his job and my parents were considering moving back to New Jersey but God had other plans. My father being unemployed was hard on my Mom and especially hard on my father. But in the end we all pulled through and got through it! All in all I am happy I can celebrate 50 years of living here. Most of my friends and family have headed elsewhere...PA, FL, NC, SC and GA. I am happily serving the Lord in Rocky Point and doing what I love. A part of me sometimes wonders what would have happened if we never did move. How would we all turn out? I will never know that answer but I do know that we all followed God's Will for our lives and that is something I always want to do. 

     So here is to another 50 years of me living on Long Island! Well, maybe not. Ill be 109 then and I don't think the average American lives that long!

THANKS OR READING AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!     

 

IF

     This past week I was thinking about a word. A word that has only two letters. A word that we all use in our vocabulary on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it can also be a word we use when we second guess ourselves or think about what we could have done to avoid a mistake we have made in our lives. I hope it is not a word that you dwell on or think about constantly. Yes! It is the word you are staring at that is on the top page of this blog...IF! 

     I would have to say for many years I used that word ALOT! There were so many times I second guessed myself about decisions I have made but I then realize you can't change the past and redo whatever has taken place in your life. The dictionary definition of the word IF is "on the condition of

" or despite the possibility that." I was recently watching 2 sports documentaries. One was about the famous basketball player Michael Jordan. Although I grew up as a huge basketball fan in the 1970's and loved watching the New York Knicks play on TV, I have lost a lot of nterest in the NBA. As a kid my room was even decorated with NBA curtains and a bedspread but lately I couldn't even tell you who plays for the Knicks. This documentary ws about the 1984 NBA draft when teams draft college players. The documentary was called "What if." The first three picks in the draft were the Houston Rockets, The Portland Trailblazers and the Chicago Bulls. The Houston Rockets picked first and chose a highly touted and amazing center by the name of Hakeem Olajuwan. He went on to win 2 NBA championships and was an amazing player. The Portland Trailblazers had the next pick and they had a chance to draft in my opinion the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan. Instead, they chose a guy by the name of Sam Bowie who had an okay career but certainly not a career like Michael Jordan. The story goes on to say that Sam Bowie hid an injury from the Trailblazers and never won a championship with any team. Of course we all know Michael Jordan had an amazing NBA career in Chicago, he had a famous sneaker named after him and he won 6 NBA titles all in Chicago. He broke the Knicks back every year in the playoff's. So what would have happened IF Portland chose Michael Jordan? Maybe Portland would have has multiple championships? Maybe history would have changed? I'm sure the owners and General manager of the Trailblazers kicked themselves for not selecting Michael Jordan. I'm sure they had many sleepless nights!

     Another documentary I watched was about the 1983 NFL draft. That was the year several quarterbacks were selected. The first pick in the draft was a player named John Elway who was selected by the Baltimore Colts but then traded to the Denver Broncos. The one team that made a huge mistake was the New York Jets. I know Jets fans are happy now that the have Aaron Rogers but back in 1983 they had an opportunity to select an amazing quarterback named Dan Marino. The Jets being the Jets selected a player named Ken O'Brien. WHO? Dan Marino was selected by the Miami Dolphins and although he never won a championship he did play in one Super Bowl. So what IF th New York Jets selected Dan Marino. Maybe just maybe they would be playing in a Super Bowl and not still be waiting to play in one. The last time they played in a Super Bowl I was 4 years old and today I have gray hair! What IF?

     Lately, I have made my what IF questions into what NOW! I don't second guess myself anymore and I wake up each day saying "Thank you God for ALL you have given to me! Let's make this an amazing day together!" I can't change what happened to me on March 31, 1977 or October 9, 1984 (Those re just random dates). I have to look at 2023, 2024, 2025 and beyond until the Good Lord calls me home.

     So, what IF? Naaaa....What Now sounds better. God has great plans for us! We just need to obey Him and live for Him every day! 

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!! BE SAFE EVERYONE!!         .  

IT'S NOT A SPRINT, IT'S A MARATHON!

      Believe it or not I used to enjoy running. Yes! Used to! It all started in June of 2011 and ended 4 years later. Not by my choice! I had to stop because I hurt my back. The funny thing is I didn't hurt my back by running but by jumping rope! That was the last time I tried that. Somehow I ended up with a herniated disc and I was welcomed with open arms to the world of getting old! Not fun but a part of life. Now I go for long walks and go for a bike ride instead. But when I did run I did enjoy it! I kind of wished I tried it more when I was in High School. Maybe I could have joined the Cross Country team! Well, that was 40 years ago and you can't change the past! 

     To be brutally honest, I have always been intrigued with marathon runners. To train your body to run at a slow pace for 26.1 miles is amazing! The training has to be intense and very grueling. I know when I used to run with 2 other guys they were both in great shape and both were much younger than I am. They would say "Come on, Pastor Dave! Just one more mile!" I wanted to say, "Okay, I'll walk it and see you guys tomorrow." Not a chance with these two guys! One time we even ran the Cross Country Course at Sunken Meadow State Park. One part of the course is names "Cardiac Hill." You guessed it. A hill that is literally a carbon copy of climbing the side of a mountain. I think it would have been nice if they had a hill called "Slide right down" but they don't. 

     I eventually ran over 6 1/2 miles at one point and I do have to say it felt great! Anyone who gets up at 5:30 a.m. to run in 10 degree weather has to be totally insane or totally wanting to run and get in shape. I could always feel the adrenaline kicking in before and during my runs. I lost a lot of weight at one point and the days of me huffing and puffing coming up the basement stairs were over. I did have to monitor when I ran and try not to overdo it. I guess you can say I was "hooked." At one point I even signed up for a 5K but cancelled because the race took place after my dismissal at Smithtown Gospel and I was not in a good mental state at that point in my life.

     Running reminds me of life. Some of us want to sprint through life and we want everything yesterday. Years ago If you needed to get money you could only get it during the hours your bank was open. Today you can do all your banking on your cell phone. You can pay bills, send money to friends and pay for items at a store with a tap of your phone. It's all instant. No waiting (unless you are having issues with your phone). I have discovered that in my Christian walk, God does not work that way. He is of course loving but He doesn't give us what we want, He does it all in His timing. I don't pray for something then WHAMO there it is. "Hey, God! I need a new job!" BAM There it is a job that pays you 6 figures! "Hey God! My car keeps breaking down. Give me a brand new one!" BAM The next thing you know there is a Mercedes Benz in your driveway! I have discovered in the Christian life, life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. God's timing is certainly not our timing. Truthfully, I would much rather allow Him to work in my life at the pace he is working in than in the pace I sometimes beg for. We are NOT going through life doing a sprint, we ARE in a marathon. A race that is called a sprint happens very quickly. The world record for a 100 yard dash is held by Usain Bolt in 2016 a whopping 9.23 seconds! The record for running a marathon which we know takes longer is held by Eliud Kipchoge in 2022 when he ran in a marathon which is 26.1 miles. He completed it in 2 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds. 

     In conclusion, let's all remember to slow down and let God take control. Let's stop trying to rush God and try to convince him to speed things up.Remember, He is God and we are not! I certainly think and I know He knows what He is doing far better than we do! Amen?      

THE GRAVESITE

 

    

     I no longer have cable TV and truthfully I do not miss it! I do have access to Pluto TV and YouTube which I watch on occasion. I was recently watching some videos of where movies were filmed such as Rocky, Beverly Hills Cop and Ghostbusters which I find interesting. This past week I was watching video's of where actors, actresses and singers are buried such as Mr. Roper from the show Three's Company (Norman Fell), Lisa Marie Presley (Elvis's daughter), Sam the Butcher from the Brady Bunch (Allan Melvin), Leslie Nielsen from the movie Airplane, Lucille Ball whom you all know, John Ritter from Three's Company and Buddy Holly where his airplane crashed in 1959. he "Youtuber" visited each gravesite and tried to find the exact location and stood in front of each gravesite telling stories and sharing memories. Watching these made me sad but they all made me think. These people had one thing in common. For the most part they all had success in whatever field they were in whether it be doing movies, singing or doing comedy. Some made a significant amount of money and did well financially and some did okay. Some were good at managing the money they made while others made bad decisions where they invested their money. They all had fame, fortune and everything they ever wanted in life here on earth, but now they all have one singular thing in common...they are all gone. When each "Youtuber" showed any of these celebrity graves, all you saw was a headstone with a name and dates which are when they were born and when they died. All that was left to talk about was a memory of that celebrity and what they accomplished in life here on earth. Some of the most visited gravesites in America include Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, President John F. Kennedy, Michael Jackson and Bruce Lee. 

     So why would anyone want to watch depressing videos of people who are gone? Well, I don't have an answer but I do know watching these videos reminded me of a scripture in Mark 8:34 - For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? All of these people lived a good life here on earth. I don't know if any of them attended church, read the bible, prayed or spoke openly about their faith. I'm not judging them whatsoever but I do think about where they are now spending eternity. Did they make any commitment to follow Jesus? Did they invite Jesus into their hearts and ask Him to forgive them of their sins? Will they be spending eternity in heaven? It's amazing to think that all that fame, fortune and worldly possessions cannot go with them. I heard a phrase one time that mad me laugh. When you die there will NOT be a U-Haul attached to your hearse! In other words all of the things you worked so hard to get while you were on this earth it will NOT be going with you! 

     We all need to come to the realization that one day we will die. One day we will stand before our creator and we will need to give an account of our lives. We will be judged yet if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our name will be in the Lambs Book of Life. I don't know about you, but I want to hear Jesus say to me "Well done good and faithful servant!" I live a very simple lifestyle. I will never own a Jaguar (the car not the animal) or live in a mansion or own a yacht or own a vacation home in Florida. I won't have a million dollars in the bank or own a lot of stock in Amazon. I do have that assurance that I am going to heaven not because I am Pastor Dave and not because of what I have accomplished in ministry throughout my life. That is going to mean nothing! We are saved by grace and not by works! (Ephesians 2:8-9). I'm going to heaven because of what Jesus did for me by taking my place on that cross of Calvary so that my sins will be forgiven and I can receive eternal life. It's a free gift that we can all receive and all we need to do is accept Jesus in your heart. We live in a world today that has pushed Jesus away in our schools, in our government and in our media. I want to invite you to do the opposite...invite Jesus to be closer to you by accepting Him into your heart!!  All it takes is a simple prayer! 

     On my tombstone I want it to read "I'm Going Home." After all, we are only visiting this planet until either we go home to heaven or Jesus returns. COME JESUS COME!! I believe we are getting closer to that day!!    

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK EVERYONE!!

EARTH DAY

 

     There are so many holidays and special celebration days throughout the year. When you go into a card store you see various cards that are designated for those "Holidays" such as Nurses Day, Grandparents Day and even Administrative Professionals Day which used to be called "Secretaries Day." There are no cards for Arbor Day or Groundhog Day and we can all understand why! Tomorrow, April 22 is the annual Earth Day. Earth Day was created in April of 1970. I honestly don't remember when it started because I was only 6 years old. In an effort to keep our earth clean and protect our environment, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, an environmentalist created this day to help bring awareness to our country. This past week I have been thinking a lot about our environment. Yesterday, in fact, while I was walking along the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow State Park I stopped and I was literally 7 feet away from a deer that was feasting on greenery in the wooded area by the boardwalk. I looked up at the trees and saw new buds beginning to form that will one day become leaves. I later sat on the beach in my beach chair reading my bible, a book and a devotional. I stared at the ocean water that calmly splashed on shore with seagulls walking by and two very unique looking ducks swimming by, both almost totally black. It was very relaxing and I said to myself "Why don't you do this more often?"   

     Earth Day is celebrated every year by many environmentalists giving lectures, some groups do fundraisers while others will plant trees in their cities to help encourage their cities to help to "Green it" and make it more 'Earth friendly." There is one thing that bothers me about Earth Day. As I google Earth Day and think about and event or so called "Holiday" that is celebrated every springtime in April for the past 53 years, there is one person who is never mentioned on Earth Day or never ever given credit for it...GOD! In the Bible in Genesis chapter 1 we read in the entire chapter how it took God 6 days to create the heavens, the earth and every living creature and thing on the earth. On day 7 he rested. Yes! Even God needed to rest! It does not say in the bible anything about an "Big Bang Theory" or that we evolved from monkey's. We are not any "Monkey's Uncle" and whenever I hear that phrase I still hear in my head Lou Costello saying to Bud Abbott, "If you are a Monkey's Uncle then let me see you swing from your tail!" Earth Day should be celebrated every day but with one simple emphasis. We need to emphasize in this crazy mixed up world we live in who created this earth and give Him thanks and praise for doing so. It was God! I am all for keeping our environment clean. I hate when I see debris all along major highways and byways. I wish New Yorkers would take pride in where they live and not toss garbage out of their windows. I am all for keeping our air clean. I love walking along Sunken Meadow and smelling the fresh air and the salt from the ocean water. I am also for recognizing Earth Day BUT recognizing the one who created the heavens and the earth...GOD!

THANKS FOR READING AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND EARTH DAY!!    

BIRDS DON'T WORRY

     

     Birds don't ever worry! Have you ever noticed that? In my life time I have been the proud owner of 3 cockatiels. I bought my first one in the fall of 1990. I named him Norton! (Yes, I did use a Honeymooners characters name. I did own a dog once named Trixie!!) Norton was a great bird and I was able to hold him, pet him and he loved to whistle. He was very tame and he whistled loudly whenever I got home. He was gray with some white and yellow mixed in. I had him for about 12 years. I didn't get my second cockatiel until the summer of 2018. I heard about a family who could no longer could take care of their cockatiel so I gladly welcomed into my home Buttercup. Buttercup was a sweet bird who was very tiny and also very tame. He was white and yellow and only whistled loudly when I heard birds outside making noise. About a year later as my kids were about to move into an apartment with their Mom, they asked me to take in my father in laws bird Benny. Benny was another story! He loved to talk and make noise BUT...he would not let me hold him whatsoever. Whenever I tried to hold him he would pretend my finger was dinner so I was not able to hold Benny...ever! I had Buttercup and Benny together in cages side by side and Benny was not fond of Buttercup so Buttercup stayed far away in his cage! Buttercup went to birdy heaven before the pandemic began and Benny went to birdy heaven 6 months later. All three birds had one thing in common. When it was feeding time, they would run back and forth on their perch frantically until I put bird food in their dishes on the side of their cages. These 3 birds never worried. They knew I would feed them! 

     Last week while I was talking to my friend and Landlord Roy in the kitchen, 2 pigeons appeared out of nowhere. They landed on the side of the house on a railing by the side door. They were not nervous at all! In fact Roy's son Tim walked over and took pictures of the birds and they didn't fly away. They actually stared at us and made themselves comfortable. Even when we walked by the door they never flinched! That night after I went for a walk around the neighborhood I decided to chillax and watch a YouTube sermon from a pastor from Oklahoma, Craig Groeschel. Ironically his message was about birds and how they never worry! What he spoke on was so true. His text was Matthew 6:26 & 27 - Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?  

     Think about it!! You will never see a bird pouting, looking depressed or looking worried. They always seem to find a way to take care of themselves. They know where to go to find food, worms and bugs. They know where they can find straw, hay, grass or leaves to build their nest. THEY NEVER WORRY! What Jesus is saying here is so true. If God can provide for all the birds of the air, don't you believe He can take care of you? This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Lately I have been worried a lot about finances. I needed a reminder not only from a preacher down south but also from God's word that their is no need for me to worry! God has my back and God will always provide for me. Trust me when I say "HE HAS!"

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!            

 

3 NAILS... 3 DAYS... 1 WAY TO GOD!!

     My blog today is gong to be short but sweet as they say! I could not let this weekend end with recognizing an amazing holiday that in my opinion is overlooked! EASTER! Or as I have always liked to refer to it as RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Since 1984 I have always loved listening to a Christian band

 called "Undercover." Their music was very "Punk like" and I'm sure many of you would wonder how in the world "Mild Mannered Dave" would love a Christian Punk Band but it's true I did and I still do. I used to have great conversations with guys and even a few girls in Bible College about some of these bands who were from California. I never got to see any of them in concert unfortunately mainly because not many came to the great state of New York! We would swap tapes and talk about the songs that they sung. I remember when I was working security at my college I had some music playing softly and one girl was not happy I was listening to "junk." Sorry ma'am!  I didn't own a lot of Amy Grant or Sandy Patty tapes! Anyway, Undercover had a song that I always think about every Easter season. It's called "3 Nails." When I think about what Jesus did for my by sacrificing his life just for me, it's so hard to fathom his body was nailed to a cross with 3 nails...one in each hand and one in his feet. He was treated like a criminal and He did absolutely nothing wrong! Before they nailed Him to the cross he was whipped, spit at, beaten and they even placed a crown of thorns on His head. He was mocked, ridiculed and tortured! The movie "A Passion for the Christ" which came out in 2004 was mild compared to what Jesus endured on the cross in my opinion. They placed His body in a tomb and sealed the tomb with to men guarding it. Jesus conquered death and on that third day He ROSE AGAIN! HE IS ALIVE!! Because of what He has done for us we can have eternal life by accepting Him into our hearts! Jesus took our punishment for our sins by enduring the cross. Today He is alive!! So many people to this very day continue to mock Him and make a mockery of His name! I love so much teaching kids about Jesus because I know what an amazing difference He has made in my life. I know I am going to heaven! I have that assurance! Not because I'm Pastor Dave and I've been in ministry for many years. Not because of my ministry gifts or pastoral positions I have had and continue to hold. I am NOT going to heaven because of my works and what I have done. I'm going to heaven because of what Jesus did for me! I pray He touches your life just like He touched mine as a 13 year old insecure shy kid i 1977. 3 NAILS...3 DAYS...1 WAY TO GOD!!

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY EVERYONE!!     

HOW IS YOUR SERVE?

 

     

     When I was in Jr. High and high school I loved to play tennis. I actually thought about becoming a Pro Tennis Player and dreamed of facing Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg and even crazy John McEnroe. That was, as you may have guessed, a dream and not reality for my life. I think I made a good choice bypassing Wimbledon and entering full time ministry! When I was in 7th grade, I participated in the Town Of Smithtown Recreation Tennis Tournament and lost my first match. Reality seriously hit me when I was in High School and was cut from the tennis team (one of the first ones to be cut, unfortunately). However, I did love going to a local High School either at Smithtown West or King's Park High School and loved hitting the ball over the net with a friend. There was one part of my game that was terrible. I never had a good serve! I had a great backhand and a decent forehand but my serve?? Well, let's just say my Grandma Harff had a better serve than me and I don't think she ever did much athletically! She did watch baseball games with us but I don't think she ever played tennis...ever! Maybe if I applied myself, maybe if I continued taking lessons, I would have been a better player with a killer serve and made my High School Tennis team. Maybe I would have received a Tennis scholarship at UCLA and gone pro in 1985 and then played matches in front of thousands of people in the U.S. Open in Queens.....okay...back to reality...maybe not! 

     This past week I had the privilege of sharing at the West Sayville Christian School Chapel, something I have done almost every school year since 1994. The principal will always let me know what the theme is for that particular chapel. In the month of March the theme verse was 1 Peter 4:10 which says "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."  Through various methods of teaching (Ventriloquism, storytelling, gospel illusions and object lessons) I challenged the students in grades Kindergarten to 12th grade to use their gifts and talents for the Lord. The key words in 1 Peter 4:10 are "use whatever gift you have to serve others. My blog today is obviously not about playing tennis, but how God has gifted everyone with a special gift we need to be using to serve Him!

     I shared with the students how I discovered my gift as an 8 year old kid in 3rd grade. My teacher, Mrs. McMahon told my parents I was a very gifted writer and I was very creative. I held onto that my entire life of course not realizing I would use it for the glory of God as a children's pastor. That was my gift! Being creative! Coming up with crazy ideas! My gift was NOT counseling or building sets from scratch or being a Youth Pastor. My gift was being creative. That is what I did and how I served God. Lately, my responsibilities have changed and I have been doing more with adults teaching classes and occasionally preaching when needed. My heart has always been to do whatever is necessary to serve God. I pointed at he students in that chapel service and told them "You all have a gift God has given you! Use it for His glory!"Several years ago Charles Swindoll, a gifted speaker and pastor from California wrote a book called "Improving your serve." In some secular book stores, his book was placed in the sports section because people thought the book was about tennis. It was not! The main theme was the book was to encourage Christians to take a deep look into their own lives to see where they were lacking in their service to God. I am not sure if the book is still in print but it really challenged me as a young bible college student when I read it.

     So, how is your serve? What are you doing when it comes to your service to God? Are you using your talents for the Lord or are you merely a spectator in church expecting everyone to serve you. It says in Matthew 20:25 "If you want to become great, you must become a servant." I don't know about you but I want to make it a priority to work on my "serve". My tennis days are over but my walk with God continues every day and I do my best to work hard at it and work on my serve...my service to Him!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND ENJOY THIS HOLY WEEK! HE IS RISEN!!