I AM ONE OF 8.3 BILLION PEOPLE

 

     According to statistics, at the end of 2025 there are 8.3 billion people in the world. That just blows me away. And to think that our God loves every one of those people on planet earth is mind boggling. It makes me sad to think that there are thousands who don't even believe in God. There are also thousands who do not believe Jesus is the Son of God and thousands who feel the need to bow to an idol. Just think about this! There are thousands who, when December 25th comes, don't celebrate Christmas. at all because of their religion. To them it's just another day. A Buddhist, a Muslim, a Hindu and a Hassidic Jew are just a few of them. It's not Christmas, it's Thursday!

     I am one of those 8.3 billion people and so are you. As I type this, there is someone in Antarctica trying to stay warm. There is someone in Japan enjoying sushi in a restaurant. There is a man in Nigeria working on his farm to support his family and there is a surfer in Hawaii catching a wave and enjoying the sunshine. We are merely a speck on a satellite picture of this planet earth. We are all guilty of one thing. We all seem to feel the world we live in revolves around us. America especially is a self-centered country bar none!  My little "world" is in South Carolina where I live, work and go to church. Your little "world" might be elsewhere. I have realized many things in my life. God not only loves me. God has a plan for my life and God sent His son Jesus to this earth as a baby who would later be nailed to a cross for my sins and for yours. To think the God is concerned for my well-being and is on my side 24/7 just blows me away. To know that God can hear the prayers of all 8.3 billion people and answer each prayer according to His will is simple amazing, and amazing is putting it lightly.   

     I don't even want to think about if I did not put God number one in my life. In the last six months I have seen a lot of compromise amongst Christians. One foot in the world and one-foot following Jesus doesn't cut it. We need to be all in or all out in my opinion. To think that God is "all in" for all 8.3 billion people motivates me to say I need to be the same for Him. I'm sure it breaks His heart to know that there are many atheists out there who do not believe he exists. There are Muslims bowing to the east who worship Allah and refuse to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They believe he is a prophet. I'm sure it is the heart of Almighty God to see all 8.3 billion people in this world turn to him. In the meantime, we are only one who can make a difference in this world wherever we live, wherever we work and whomever we are in contact with. It is my job as a Christian to let might light shine brightly for Him. I don't want to be self-centered ever! The world does not revolve around me! I pray a simple prayer:

GOD, GIVE ME A HEART FOR PEOPLE.

LET THEM SEE YOU IN ME!  

     I pray you are motivated just as I am. I have learned a lot this past year about myself. The world is a lost, crazy place where you see troubled people, happy people and self-centered people. I want to make a difference in my world. I hope you do too!

MERRY CHIRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

FROM A BABY IN A MANGER TO A FAT GUY IN A RED SUIT?? REALLY??

 

     I think I write this type of blog every year and the reason is simple ... it really does bother me what Christmas has become verses what Christmas really is. It is supposed to be the Birthday of Jesus Christ, but it has become a money- making season all around the world. Let's start with what Christmas is supposed to be.

     The Bible tells us that an angel sent by God visited Mary, who was a virgin. She was told she would be the mother of Jesus, the savior of the world and God's only Son. Mary became pregnant with baby Jesus so she and Joseph, a young carpenter traveled to Bethlehem, a small city to give birth to our Lord. I'm sure they expected better accommodations as they entered Bethlehem. As they tried to get a room at an Inn, they were told there was no room. This young couple had to stay in a stable, the very place animals dwelled to give birth to the savior of the world. After Jesus was born, the only place they could lay him was in a manger, the very place animals would feed out of. Imagine that! The savior of the world is placed in the same spot where animals eat their food. Historians tell us that Jesus was probably born in the springtime and not December 25th. There is also a theory that the Wisemen came much later to see baby Jesus than what was said. The bottom line is this. Christmas should be the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and his Birthday. Unfortunately, it is not. The world has decided to change it and make it different. Now let's take a look at what Christmas has become!

     You are a young child, and your parents take you to the mall. You stand in line with many other kids your age and you are waiting to see a fat guy wearing a red suit with a long white beard. You sit on his lap, and you tell him what you want for Christmas. Christmas morning comes and underneath your Christmas tree are loads of presents. Santa has come! Everyone is excited and you can feel the magic. Hopefully you received the gift you asked Santa for, and hopefully everyone is happy. As soon as the Halloween decorations and items are removed from Walmart and other stores, you see Christmas decorations being displayed, even before the leaves have fallen from trees. It amazes me how much stores are making during Christmas but also how much money people spend on presents. We all enjoy December 25th. We love being with our families and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. What bothers me is that we have forgotten what Christmas is really all about. It should be about Jesus, but it has become all about that fat guy in a red suit, unfortunately.

     As a child, Christmas had two meanings for me. Being raised in the Catholic church the first 13 years of my life, Christmas to me was part religious and part fun. The religious part if you will, was having to sit at Catholic mass which felt like 4 hours but was much less than that. We were in a very crowded church sitting on hard wooden pews, and the Priest would tell us about the birth of Jesus. It was Christmas Eve. I was bored as a young kid, so I would count the lights or daydream and imagine what would happen if the St. Peter statue, which was right in the front of the church, all of a sudden came to life in front of us. Mass would end and that would be the end of the "religious" part of Christmas. My family would go home, have our Italian Christmas Eve dinner with fish, spaghetti, clams, more fish, more spaghetti and more food. It's a special time and is still a family tradition!  

     Please know that I am not a "killjoy." I love Christmas, I love being with family, I love giving presents, I love looking at Christmas lights and I love putting up my Christmas tree, decorating it and putting icicle lights on my house (although this year I was not able to do that.) I love driving through town seeing Christmas lights on lampposts and Nativity Scenes at churches. I love seeing cars decorated and I recently saw one car decorated as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with a red nose in the front. I love hearing Christmas music while at home, on the radio in my car and while shopping. I even still laugh at the Christmas cartoons I watched as a kid that my brother and I have memorized to this day. All these things are fun and put a smile on not only my face but the face of everyone who enjoy this season. 

     With what is going on in our world today, people want, need and are searching for happiness. People begin celebrating Christmas as soon as we finish handing out the last of our Halloween candy. It's as if we try so hard to skip Thanksgiving and go right into Christmas. If you ask anyone on the street the question, "What is the real meaning of Christmas?", they will probably answer "It's all about being with family, having the 'Christmas Spirit,' spreading joy and love to everyone and getting presents." It saddens me that we have not given any recognition to the real honored guest, the real reason we celebrate ... JESUS! It's His Birthday!  Do you want happiness? It's simple. Follow Jesus and let Him be the Lord of your life. I did on December 6, 1977, and it was my greatest Christmas gift ever! In the meantime, let's remember that baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in that manger in Bethlehem. He would later on in life die on the cross for our sins. He deserves not only one special holiday to celebrate his birth, he needs to be celebrated every single day! 

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! DON'T EVER

 FORGET WHAT THIS SEASON REALLY IS!!

             

ONE YEAR IN SOUTH CAROLINA!

 

     It is so hard to believe it's been one year since I left Long Island, NY at 3:50 a.m. during a surprise snowstorm on my way to new beginnings in the Columbia, SC area. It has been an amazing ride, a bumpy ride and a year of learning and stretching. I have learned a whole lot about the culture here in the south, but I am also continuing to learn what makes people "tick" here! Let me review my 365 days as a South Carolina resident.

     I started my job at Chick Fil-A on December 11th and the leaders there were impressed with how much I knew about the business. They were happy I did not need to be retrained. I got along and still get along with my fellow team members. My biggest adjustment was and still is trying to understand some of the southern accents when they order food, especially when I am on the headset. I was also surprised, but I should not have been how so many here have huge attitudes. It seems as though attitudes are everywhere, even in the "Bible Belt." 

     Speaking of the "Bible Belt," I have also noticed that Christianity is a culture here and not necessarily a way of life. What I mean by that is many people say they are Christians, but they only attend church when they feel like it. I am not saying this is every Christian but a good amount of people. It makes me sad that following Jesus is not a priority for some. But I do want to say that the many who I have met who love Jesus and have put him #1 are great people.

     Before I moved, I had heard that many from the south were not fond of New Yorkers or as we are referred to as "Yankees." I have seen this especially working at Chick Fil-A. Don't get me wrong, I have met extremely nice people, but there are a select few who are not happy a New Yorker has relocated. It has been a challenge trying to make new friends here being that I am not a southern guy. I have made "work friends" and I do like to talk to my neighbor across the street. I have also found at some churches I have attended that people are not very friendly. One church I attended we had several people say "hello" to me but in the larger churches it seems as though they wanted to get out of the church parking lot and beat the traffic. I also realize it's only been one year, so things do take time. 

     The summer I spent here was hot and I mean hot. Thank God for air conditioning. You didn't see a lot of kids playing outside or riding their bikes because of the extreme heat. You will see people mowing their lawns either in the morning or in the evening. Even working outside at Chick Fil-A while taking orders the weather was brutal and many people who grew up here told me it's the norm in South Carolina. It is very necessary to have central air in your home. If you don't you are in big trouble! 

     My first six months here I have to admit were amazing to say the least. Everything was coming together nicely but just like in everyone's life, I hit a few snags, bumps, frustrations and head scratching circumstances that I still wonder why which began in the summer months. I do not want to get into details about these things, but I will say when you are feeling down there is only one place to look and that is UP! I have learned a lot about myself, and I know if it was not for my relationship with Jesus Christ, I would have probably checked myself into a psych ward somewhere. But I do praise God that He pulled me through like he always does! 

     So here is to one year as a New York Guy living in the South. It's been a wild ride, and I know the ride will continue in 2026 with bigger and better things! 

THANKS FOR READING AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

       

TRIALS EQUAL PURE JOY? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

 

     It's the day after Thanksgiving so as we digest the amazing food we enjoyed, we return to our normal lives. Maybe you have to work today or maybe you are enjoying time away. I pray you are all blessed and will always be grateful for what you have!

     I remember being 17 years old and reading the book of James in the Bible. The second verse in the first chapter says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. WHAT? Consider it joy? Be happy that you are struggling? When you face struggles, you should have a big old smile on your face?" I was young and I thought to myself, "No! Not me! I don't want to be happy during a trial or struggle. Why can't life just be easy, simple and with no worries or difficulties?"

     Have you ever met someone who has a perfect life? Their job is perfect, their kids are perfect, their car is perfect and they dress perfect. In your flesh, you just wat to mess up their hair! You realize later on that they hate their line of work, their kids are not very nice and spoiled, and they are having issues with their perfect car. In the long run they are not perfect, and neither is their life.

     Since mid-September, I have gone through several trials. I don't want to explain each one in detail but let's just say it has been trying. I do want to say that I have survived it all, but it was and has been difficult. I have had nights where I wake up at 3 am with anxiety, and I have had moments of doubt, worry and fear during the difficult season in my life. I am not perfect, and I stress out just like everyone else. I am reminded of what the second part of the verse in James 1:2,3 says. It doesn't just end with "Consider it pure joy", it also says in the second part of that verse ...  "Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Perseverance? Yes! Perseverance. We have to and need to persevere. It has never said in the Bible that the Christian life was going to be easy. We can't give up! The trials we face make us better people who depend on God and put their trust, faith and hope in Him!

     So, if you are going through a huge trial ... fear not! God knows what you are going through and God knows when you struggle and when you are in pain. He will pull you through so trust Him 100%!

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!   

      

BEING THANKFUL EVERY DAY

 

     I always loved sharing this Bible story with the kids at church around Thanksgiving time. It's the story of the 10 Lepers. As Jesus was going into a village, he was met by ten men who had leprosy. Leprosy is an extremely contagious skin disease. Back in Bible times if you had this disease, you were sent away to a Leprosy Camp where you had to live with people who all had this same dreaded disease. As these ten men saw Jesus, from a far distance they called out to Jesus in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us." Jesus then told them to go and show yourselves to the priests." All ten went to the priests and all ten were cleansed and healed! Only one out of the ten returned to Jesus to give him thanks and praise as he threw himself at Jesus feet. Jesus asked that same man, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Jesus then looked at the one man who gave him praise and told him, "Rise and go, your faith has made you well."

     In working in the food industry for several years, I can tell you that I rarely hear the words "Thank you" from people. I hear "Give me" and "I want" and even after I tell people to have a nice day, they will either say "Okay" or mumble "Hmm Hmm." No "Thank you" is a part of their everyday vocabulary. Don't get me wrong, I do hear "Thank you" on occasion and there are nice people in this world. I am always shocked how ungrateful people are. It seems as though a spirit of entitlement has slammed into America unfortunately. 

     I have been to third world countries on mission trips. I have been in homes where the place you go to the bathroom is a hole in the ground. I have seen homes in Mexico where they have holes in their roof and dirt floors. No hardwood or carpeted floors in their homes. I went to one church service where the seats were planks of wood, the worship leader played his guitar, and it was missing strings, and the drummer played his drum set that had holes in them. The church service was out in the open air and if it rained, they didn't care because they were happy to be giving God thanks and praise. When you look around America, you see spoiled people who throw food away at home and at restaurants, who complain they have no Wi-Fi service on their laptops and phones, and who disrespect authority and have no guilt doing it. What ever happened to being grateful? Whatever happened to giving thanks to God? What ever happened to telling God you are thankful for the roof over your head or the clothes you wear and the food He provides for you? 

     I get very annoyed when I see Christmas decorations on display at retail stores IN OCTOBER! Next to the Halloween decorations you see Buddy the Elf and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer items all on display in October? This was in our local Walmart. It seems as though here in America we want to skip Thanksgiving, a day we give thanks to God, and we shoot right to Christmas where we preach about peace, joy, love, a lot of presents and that old "Spirit of Christmas." How about we all have a heart of thanks not just at Thanksgiving time but every single day? When we all sit at our Thanksgiving tables to eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and "all the fixings," We need to be thankful and to remember that clear across our world there are millions of people who don't have what we have been blessed with. We can't be like the nine lepers who were healed and never thanked Jesus for cleansing hem. We need to be that one who did thank Jesus. He was cleansed and he was very thankful. Let's be the thankful one not just on Thanksgiving Day 2025 but every day! I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us in the Bible, " give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Let's have a thankful and grateful heart always!

TAKING A SABBATICAL

 

     You have read that correctly. I am taking a sabbatical. If you know me well, you know that is not my true personality. I admit it. I don't know when to stop sometimes. Some people call me "The Energizer Bunny." I even had a Chiropractor say to me "Well, the grass certainly doesn't grow under your feet!" I have worked 3 jobs. I have worked seven days a week and I have been doing children's ministry for over 40 years. I have always given 100% in everything I do. Not only in church but also at every job I have ever had. My parents taught me how to have an amazing work ethic. However, I have to constantly remind myself that I am 61 years old not 21! That is why I am taking something we call a sabbatical. I need a break!

     Just to let you all know, I am NOT quitting my job and I am NOT selling Grandpa Lou and his cast of characters, I am simply taking a breather. A sabbatical is when you take a leave of absence or a rest for a certain period of time. I believe every pastor should take a sabbatical. The demands of ministry are very intense, and the demands of every pastor are "through the roof." I know not every church can do this for their pastor, but I do believe it is important for that pastor. Even those of us who are not in ministry, it is important that we go on vacations and take time for ourselves. 

     I have not done any kind of ministry in over a month. I am taking this time to pray, make plans for what I want to do next and also visit several churches in my area. I have plans of possibly going into libraries to do programs and also writing a book called "Building a ministry from the ground up." Even if the book takes me 5 years to write I will take my time to make it happen. To be honest, I am enjoying the rest, but I will admit I do miss doing Grandpa Lou and Shelton the Shark. I have been making improvements on certain puppet characters, and I have been writing programs I want to do with kids in the future. Many times, when you do the same thing over and over without a break it can be tiresome. It is important for all of us to take time for ourselves. I have realized also that there are others in this world who have the same gifts I have. I can't do it all! But what I can do is take a break so that I can be refreshed. After that I will be energized to do what I love...but just not for right now...down the road when it's the right time.  

I'M NOT A FAN OF HALLOWEEN!

 

     As a kid I always loved Halloween. Growing up in New Jersey the first 9 years of my life, Halloween was a big part of my life. This was before parents had to worry about sexual predators or kids being kidnapped, the good ole 1970's. In New Jersey, we would go trick or treating at night. I remember one costume I had was a clown. Our streets were packed with kids of all ages with bags filled with candy going up and down streets going door to door. In New Jersey, they would call the night before Halloween "Mischief Night" where kids would put toilet paper in trees and put shaving cream all over each other. I guess in New Jersey everyone felt the kids needed to "Let it all out." I remember one year my mom took us to the local high school as a bunch of kids put toilet paper in a tree. It actually looked amazing. 

     I had no issues with Halloween growing up in NJ, but things did change for me when I moved to New York when I was 9. I remember being in 4th grade and when I told one of the kids in my class that we would be going trick or treating at night, he looked at me like I was insane. "Are you crazy Harff? If you go out at night you will die. They will kill you! You have to go during the day!" During the day? That is no fun. But as they say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!" That same kid told me I would be chased by kids who would throw eggs at me, and I would be covered in shaving cream. He made it sound like trick or treating would not be fun at all. He was right So I put on my football player costume and my brother, and I ventured out going door to door with our first New York Halloween getting candy. There were kids in the neighborhood who did not care about getting candy. They were more interested in having "fun" as they called it. My only true memory of that first Halloween was being chased by a kid who wanted to hit me with an egg. Thank God he missed, and I went home very upset. "This is not Halloween?" I told my parents. I only went trick or treating a few years after that. 

     I did not have any issues with Halloween when I became a Christian. I didn't know any better. Even in high school I have memories of my friend John dressing up as a nun on Halloween. Even in Bible college we did trick or treating in our dorms for a year. We didn't think anything of it. We were not educated on what that holiday really stood for. My breakthrough came in 1988. My church wanted to do an alternative to Halloween which they called "Praise Fest '88." We had crafts for the kids, and I was asked to do a puppet show for the kids. During one of our planning meetings, I was handed a pamphlet by one of the leaders. It was very eye opening for me as I read about the history of Halloween and what it really stands for. I was shocked to read all about how evil that day really is. I could write a blog all about the history of Halloween and how it is truly a Satanic high holy day, but I don't feel led to do that just now. 

     When I became a children's pastor, I set a goal to create an alternative to Halloween for kids. I created Fall Fun Fest which we had every October 31st. I could not believe the complaints I got from people. "How could you even mention that evil day. You should do nothing." NOTHING? I explained that this was an alternative to Halloween to provide a safe environment for kids. I will never forget my first ever Fall Fin Fest. It was October 31, 1992. It was a Saturday, and we held this event outside. A family from the community walked in wearing costumes. the dad wore a black cape with a pumpkin on his head. I instantly had people all upset complaining and telling me to ask him to leave. I looked at them and told them, "No! He is the type of person we want here so we can minister to him." I hosted Fall Fun Fest for 20 years. We never mentioned the word Halloween and every year got better and better. We had bounces, carnival games, face painting and more. It was the highlight of our year.

     Please don't get me wrong. I am not "Anti Trick or Treating." We gave candy away to kids at church every year. My kids never went trick or treating because they were at church at our Fall Fun Fest. It's fun seeing kids dressed up in costumes. Personally, I do love wearing costumes, even at 61 years of age. I have dressed up in church as a costume character for kids as a nerd, boxer, carpenter, doctor and professor. Even at the Chick Fil-A I worked at in New York I dressed up as Ed Norton from the Honeymooners, a doctor, Napolean Dynamite, Captain Crunch and a referee. I won a contest as Captain Crunch a few years ago! I just don't like what Halloween stands for. 

     Every year in October I can sense the evil that is taking place in my community. I have been told that several witches reside on Long Island, and I would not be surprised if they came to our Fall Fun Fest to try to cause a disturbance. Lately I have looked forward to October 31st being over. This year is no different. At the Chick Fil-A I am not they do not recognize Halloween and I was told that not very many kids go out door to door. Many churches here do something called "Trunk or Treat" or have Harvest Parties. Ever since 9/11 and since the pandemic we see less kids going out trick or treating. Maybe the holiday is dying?  Since I'm not such a big fan of Halloween that would be very nice!

CHUCK NORRIS WAS RIGHT!!

 

     I love watching documentaries. I recently watched one about the life of Gary Coleman, the child star on the show "Different Strokes." You would think that someone who makes millions of dollars and has fame and fortune would find happiness. Not so with Gary Coleman. He was tortured his entire life both mentally and physically. How sad. He died a miserable, unhappy man. That breaks my heart! The person I want to focus on is actor and tough guy Chuck Norris. There is a YouTube channel I enjoy watching called "God on the move." The channel focuses on the life of actors and actresses who are facing challenges because of their faith. Some have a very hard time finding work in Hollywood because they stand up for their faith in Jesus Christ. One actor in particular, Neal McDonough was fired from a TV show because he would not film a love scene with another woman and kiss her. He told them he would only kiss his real-life wife and no one else. He was instantly fired, but God opened several doors for him in spite of what people said about his decision. 

     Chuck Norris is now 85 years old and has a black belt in karate. He is well known for several movies he appeared in as a tough guy who would defend himself by using karate and Taekwondo. He is also well known for a TV show he starred in called "Walker: Texas Ranger." The show aired for eight seasons. Norris is Christian and is not ashamed to share his faith with others. As he was working on his "Walker: Texas Ranger" series he would put in many "Christian based" themes in the show. The producers asked him to please tone it down, but Norris refused. He said a quote that really touched my heart. He said, "I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God." WOW WOW WOW! Today, Norris writes Christian devotionals and openly shares his faith whenever given the chance. He is also quoted as saying "Real power doesn't come from being famous, it comes from fearing God." 

     You would think that someone like Chuck Norris would gloat and be obnoxious about their fame and fortune. He doesn't care about that whatsoever. He is more concerned about where he and others will be spending their eternity. He does not care at all what others think about him and he knows that his faith and walk with God is the most important thing in his life.

     So, what is important to you? Making a name for yourself? Being a good person? Living the best life ever with "things" that make you happy? Are we making sure people are impressed with us by our appearance and the things we have? Would you rather tell people how much money is in your bank account or tell them about your faith and how you are living your life?  Would we rather stand with God and be judged by the world, or would we rather stand with the world and be judged by God? This is all "food for thought" for all of us. Let's continue to live life the right way by pleasing God and not others!

Life is too short, but eternity is forever!  

TRYING TO AVOID THE "MILLI VANILLI" SYNDROME

     Real or fake? That is always a battle we face. Do we want to be genuine, or do we want to be Milli Vanilli? I will never forget when the news broke out about this musical group in the late 1980's. Who is Milli Vanilli? Let's take a look at this group...umm fake musical group.

     Milli Vanilli was a German R & B duo group from Munich, created in 1988 by Frank Farian who hired 2 lip-syncing performers whose names were Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. Mr. Farian kept a secret from everyone that the actual singers on Milli Vanilli's albums were studio singers Brad Howell and John Davis. The group was known for two big hit songs "Girl you know it's true" and "Blame it on the rain." Mr. Farian admitted that he hired the two lip-syncing performers for their looks. They were two good looking Black German men who knew how to dance but were not known for their singing. Milli Vanilli sold well over 7 million records and won a Grammy award in February 1990 for best new artist. In spite of their supposed fame, the groups world came crashing down. At a concert at a theme park in Connecticut while on MTV, as they were singing a song, the "track" kept skipping. BUSTED! After a difficult press conference by Frank Fanan, he embarrassingly admitted that Milli Vanilli was in fact a fake act consisting of two lip-syncing performers. During that time, Milli Vanilli became the brunt of several jokes and the laughingstock of the music industry. Even thirty-five years later, whenever someone performs the National Anthem by lip-syncing it, Milli Vanilli references are always made. Many people believed in Milli Vanilli only to discover it was totally 100 percent fake!

     I believe this is a lesson in life we can learn. Do we want to live our lives being real and genuine, or do we want to be fake? Several years ago, I spoke at the Smithtown Christian School Elementary Chapel. I did my entire message on this topic. I started the message by telling the kids I was going to play my trumpet. I held the instrument correctly and had the sound person hit play on a CD of a trumpet solo. I pretended to blow into the trumpet very dramatically. I asked the kids if they thought I was really playing the trumpet. Some thought I did. My secret was simple. I have no idea how to play the trumpet. The saxophone? Yes, that I do know how to play. I was being fake, just like Milli Vanilli! Are we real or are we fake? Are we living our lives and being genuine, or are we being phony baloney's? When we are around other people, do we show our real side or are we great actors? When it comes to the Christian life we are living, do we want to please God or "just get by?" I believe in today's day and age we need to be genuine, be real and not be phony. We need to avoid the "Milli Vanilli Syndrome." In the beginning they got away with it. Later on, it destroyed them and their reputation. Friends, let's be real! Fake gets us nowhere. It only leads to disappointment, frustration and chaos. God is calling us to be the light in the darkness. We have the greater one inside of us. Let people see it is real...not fake. 

"10" PART TWO

 

     

     So, to continue this story from last week's blog, I discovered that working at a new restaurant, especially the only Chick Fil-A on Long Island at the time was hard work and very tiring. I do have to admit that I really loved the people that I worked with. I had A LOT of fun! I only lived one mile from the restaurant in Port Jefferson, and I was also back doing ministry to children. I helped a local church on Friday evenings with their Awana Club. I not only taught a class, but I also got to share a devotional with a group of kids at the end of the evening which meant I could display my puppet characters and object lessons. It was a huge hit! 

     I worked the early morning shift 5 days a week and on Saturday I worked at 11 a.m. It took its toll on me, but I was happy to be working. The personal goal I set for myself was to be back in full-time ministry in 2 years. I did not, however take into consideration the fact that I needed to heal. I had many wounds from the bad experience I had in my dismissal at SGT. I did help a church in Holbrook for a season in 2017 but that was short lived. I did have several awkward encounters with people from SGT as they walked in to order food. They would see me behind the counter and either say hello or totally ignore me. I even had one person mock me which really hurt. I'm sure they thought it was funny, but I wasn't amused. It hurt! We had several trainers from across the country come in and train us. This continued for about a month. I was usually on register and sometimes in the dining room. After 6 months, I approached the leadership about moving up in the company. They saw in me leadership skills they liked, so I was promoted to a managerial position in April 2016. I would open the restaurant 6 days a week. I had a crew of 3 others, and I have to say they worked hard. I would always laugh how different they all were, yet we all got along. I was trained on leading the shift, counting register drawers and running breaks. I learned a lot. It was certainly not like working in a church office! In the outside world, nobody cares if you are a Pastor, Rabbi or Priest. I got to see the ugly side of our guests. In 10 years, I have been cursed at, I have had bags of food thrown at me, I had a guy challenge me to a fight and I had a Door Dasher write a bad review about me (which by the way I had no idea or no recollection of any incident ever happening). Besides all of that, I really enjoyed working at Chick Fil-A Port Jefferson. I made a lot of new friends, and I was always blessed whenever I was away for a week and came back, my fellow team members missed me! At one of our Christmas parties, I was named "Funniest Employee" simply because I used to put a picture of our Front of House Director Eileen (a dear friend) all over hidden spots around our front counter. We had fun and I will always cherish those memories!

     After being there 2 1/2 years there were changes being made in leadership and I knew in my heart of hearts I my days were numbered. I was even told "You are supposed to be a children's pastor, not managing a restaurant." I decided to get out while the going was somewhat good so I took a job managing a restaurant called "Cheeburger Cheeburger" in Farmingdale, NY. The owner of that restaurant was very "Hands off" and would rather have others put out his "fires" when situations got out of hand. I knew I needed a backup plan so since I passed another Chick Fil-A in Commack, NY on my way to Farmingdale, NY I decided to apply their part time. I was hired instantly. I was only at Cheeburger Cheeburger for 5 months until the restaurant closed (with no warning of it closing) and I began working at CFA Commack Full time in August 2018. I ended up working there 6 1/2 years. Although I never made it as a manager there, I did work my way up to becoming a Shift Captain. Since they knew I knew how to open the restaurant, I was asked to lead the beginning of the morning shift until the manager started his or her shift. I always knew I was not in their plans to be a manager. The Owner was very big on training his younger team members to lead. I was not the oldest employee, but I knew I had more life experience to offer this restaurant. I was happy encouraging the younger team members and seeing them flourish. My main focus as a CFA Commack employee was to work and get paid. I did not see a future there. I didn't always agree with how things were going or decisions being made. I just did my job...period! In my 6 1/2 years I endured the pandemic season, which was not easy, taking orders outside in the snow and being off 2 months while the restaurant went through renovations. I told the leadership of CFA Commack I would be leaving 6 months before I left. My last day there was November 27, 2024. It was hard to say goodbye, but I knew moving to South Carolina was the best decision for me as I plan to one day retire there. Don't get me wrong, I did have a lot of fun at CFA Commack, and I became very close to Fred and Tina along with many managers there including Dan, Jenn and Sean. Tasia, one of the managers always loved my dad jokes!

     On December 11, 2024, I walked into Chick Fil-A Harbison in Columbia, SC as a new employee. Although the menu has never changed, I had to get used to how things were run differently as well as the southern accents and slow talking people. It's a whole new world here! I have been with this restaurant for 10 months. I am not sure if I am in their plans to be a manager, but I just continue to work hard and do my best. My 61-year-old body feels it after every shift. I have to remind myself I'm 61 not 21! I have fun at this restaurant also as we always tell jokes and enjoy each other's company. I work the early morning shift here but what is different is some of my fellow team members are close to my age. I am not sure how any more years I will be working at Chick Fil-A. It has been quite the ride.

     So, here's to 10 years as a Chick Fil-A employee. 3 different restaurants in 2 states! Thank you for reading all about my journey. It's been an amazing ride! It's been MY PLEASURE!  

HAVE A GREAT DAY FRIENDS!!      

"10" PART ONE

 

     It was August 2015. More than two years after I left Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle as a pastor. I was working for TruGreen lawn Care doing sales and hating every minute of it. It was not meant for me. I was sitting at a Panera Bread just before my 11 am to 9 pm shift. I look up and there is Stan, one of the deacons at SGT. He told me he was opening a Chick Fil-A restaurant directly across the street. We spoke briefly and I told him about my job at TruGreen. He asked me to come to his house and give him an estimate for his lawn. It was funny that I ran into Stan because for the past month I saw him not only at Panera Bread but also at a local diner. I had heard about Chick Fil-A and went there once in Florida while on vacation. I was not familiar of its history. Apparently, the Chick Fil-A Stan was opening was the first in the state of New York with a drive thru in Port Jefferson, NY. 

     Stan and I set up an appointment for me to give an estimate for his lawn but also for another property he owned on the same street. I will never forget this moment. I was sitting on the stairs of Stan's deck writing out an estimate. He turned the corner from his garage, and he had a big smile on his face. He looked at me and said, "Hey Dave, how would you like to work for me at Chick Fil-A?" A thousand thoughts ran through my head. "What if people recognize me. Stan is from my previous church! Do I really want to work with food?' Stan said to me "You can work in the back and prep food. We will teach you." I then realized I seriously had no future with TruGreen. I was way too nice to do sales. My boss wanted me to "beat people up" to get a sale. I have always been gentle ever since I was born. I told Stan "Sure, I think I might like that." He told me he would set up and interview. I later found out that God has spoken to Stan about me to be one of his employees. That was one reason why we kept running into each other.

     Ten days later I had my interview in a trailer in front of the new Chick Fil-A, and I found out soon after I was hired. I attended the orientation a month later and saw many people I knew from SGT including my eventual boss, Eileen. I went in my black "Back of House" chef coat and listened to the vision of the restaurant and got to meet my new team members. The very next day I received a phone call from Eileen asking me if I would consider joining the "Front of House" team. She told me, in knowing me for many years that she felt I was more of a "people person" and that I would shine working amongst our "guests." I agreed and told her I was just happy to have a new job, and I didn't care where I was positioned. It turned out to be a plus for me!

     The following week I was required to attend training sessions. Our trainers were all experienced Chick Fil-A workers and 90% of them were half my age and they were from all over the U.S. We learned how to do headset, work a register, make drinks, make shakes and we learned the ins and outs of the Front of House at our Chick Fil-A. It was a lot of information, and I never thought I would ever catch on but I did...somehow! In just one week the doors of or Chick Fil-A were going to open. The night before our Grand Opening our team members along with our trainers had a celebration dinner at The Meadow Club in Port Jefferson, NY. I got to meet other new team members and at the very end, we were asked to leave the room. I was wondering what was going on. We all walked into the banquet hall and received a standing ovation from our trainers. Stan handed every team member a baton to symbolize how the baton was being passed to us. It was a great feeling, and I still have the baton! 

     The very next morning, at 5:30 a.m. exactly my new job began, and boy was it a wakeup call. It was our first day of "on the job" training where the trainers had to teach us how to open the store. It was a ton of information and after the first 15 minutes I said to myself, "Self! What did you just get yourself into?" Chick Fil-A opens at 6:30 so on that first day a red carpet was laid out for a group that was affectionately known as the "First 100." They are people who literally camped out in front of the restaurant. As a reward they received a First 100 gift card where they get 52 free Chick Fil-A sandwiches for a year. At 6:30, Stan and his wife Debbie handed cards out to the first 100 as we banged pots and pans and cheered them on. News 12 Long Island was there and Erin Colton, a news reporter interviewed guests. All I can say is that first day was insanely crazy busy. I was asked to work and extra hour and all I did that first day was deliver food to guests. I put in 10 hours! I went home, sat in my chair and fell asleep but I realized I had to do it all over again! 

     On October 7, 2025, I will be with Chick Fil-A 10 years! If you told me on that first day "You will be blogging about this experience 10 years later, I would have said "No Chance!" I honestly thought I would be doing this maybe for two years max. The plan i had for my life was to be back in full time ministry at a church out of New York being a children's pastor or maybe an assistant pastor. God had other plans, and he had so much he wanted to teach me. In my next blog installment, I will share with you my Chick Fil-A journey and where it has taken me, what I have learned and how I have used this experience in everyday life...even in South Carolina!

STAY TUNED!! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!   

     

     

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

 

     September 11, 2001. It had to be the worst day in American history. Some people might argue that it was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor or maybe the beginning or World Wars 1 & 2. At least in my lifetime, September 11, 2001 was a horrible, tragic day and we definitely did not expect it. 

     For me it was just another day at the office. I was 37 years old at the time, married and we had 3 kids. My youngest was only 2 days short of turning 5 months old. We had just moved into a condo on the church property and were having it painted. We spent the night at my in laws house. I was scheduled to meet the painter at the condo which had furniture all over covered in plastic. I remember it being a very beautiful day with blue skies. I was in my tenth year as the children's pastor at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle. On Tuesdays we always had a staff meeting with all the pastors. I walked into our church office and one of our secretaries Kit Farrell, who went home to be with the Lord in 2012 approached me to tell me an airplane had hit the World Trade Center in New York City. I figured it was probably a small Cessna aircraft so no big deal. When we all heard it was an actual Boeing 767, we knew it was serious. I don't think anyone realized it was an attack on our country. We all thought an airplane was having difficulties navigating. We were all wrong! I will never forget our Senior Pastors face with genuine concern. Before the meeting was about to start, the pastor told us it was cancelled and we all headed into the school auditorium to watch the newsfeed on the big screen. What turned out to be "just another day" became a nightmare for the American people. Thousands of innocent lives were lost. One was a guy I went to High School with, Pat Dwyer who was in one of the towers. I often wonder how his wife and children are doing 24 years later. I have never met them, but my heart goes out to them and thousands of other families who lost loved ones and friends.

     Living in New York on Long Island at the time was a challenge. We were trapped. We could not fly out of any airport, nor could we leave the area by car. Everything shut down. I remember driving on the Long Island Expressway, and you could actually see ashes from the Twin Towers flying over the highway in clear view. Our world came to a stop. Some even thought it was the end of the world. I do have to say that for at least a few weeks people were friendly. Strangers opened doors for you at the bank. People said hello to you. This doesn't happen in New York! The flag industry did very well financially as they sold American flags. Many flew from people's cars as well as in front of houses. For about 3 weeks our church was packed out. I remember having to put out more chairs at our Kidz for Christ service (our Children's Church) in the gym because we had so many visitors and new faces. Sadly though, after about a month, certain things went back to normal. The one thing that did change forever was airport security and security in general. Before 9/11 you could rush through security, and you could also meet someone at the gate when they got off a plane. Not anymore! Our world changed! The lines at airports for security are never ending. I am glad we are cracking down on this. 

     I also remember seeing family's bonding after that tragedy. On that day many people pulled their kids out of school, and you saw more hugs from mom's and dad's as well as grandma's and grandpa's. It's so hard to believe it will be 24 years since that dreadful day. I pray we never ever have a day like that! If anything for me, it taught me how much I need to draw near to God. I could have been in New York City on that day. I'm glad I wasn't. I am not a big fan of the "Big City", and I have only been to the Twin Towers once, in 1983 when I went with friends. 

     I just want to conclude by saying we should never forget that day and always be praying for the families who lost loved ones and friends. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!

HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYONE!!     

THE STARS WILL LINE UP?

 

     I've heard people say "The stars will line up for you! This is your lucky day! Just rub your lucky rabbit's foot for good luck!' Or how about "Don't ever break a mirror. You will get 7 years bad luck!" I know there are many people out there who are superstitious. Many baseball players will sit on the same section of their bench if they start doing well. Some coaches will eat the same meal before a game if their team is winning. If they eat something different and their team loses, they will say "I knew I should have eaten that same meal. Now I brought on bad luck."  

     I am not superstitious, and I do not believe in bad luck. I don't fear Friday the 13th...ever! One of my kids was born on that day! I don't have a lucky rabbit's foot and will say boldly "I don't need one." I do believe that we serve a God who loves us and has a plan for our lives. We need to submit to Him 24/7 and allow Him to lead us and guide us. Sometimes, in fact many times we may not understand why things happen the way they do. We get impatient. I know I am speaking to myself. But I know that God knows what's best for me. The planets may line up perfectly but that does not mean things are coming together for me magically. That stuff is in the movies. My God promises He will take care of me, and I know He will do the same for you!  

WAITING

 

     Raise your hand if you like to wait? I can't see you but I'm sure no one is raising their hand! I have never met anyone who walked into a stadium and said, "Look at this long line, I don't mind waiting. Let the people in front of me get to their seat before me!" Or how about at a bank. "This line is very long. I will patiently wait until it's my turn." No chance. Even here in South Carolina while taking orders outside in the morning, I had a gentleman very upset that there was only one person outside (me) with an iPad taking orders. He had some choice words when it was his turn to order. He DID NOT like the fact that he had to wait but honestly who does? So what is the definition of waiting? Here it is...  

stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens.

     There has been several things I have been praying for and I'm not at liberty to share them with you all. Many of these prayer request remain unanswered and in all honesty, I get impatient and don't understand why. I know God always answers us with a yes, no or wait. I am never the type of person to say, "Well, if God doesn't answer me soon, I will just have to take matters in my own hands." That would be a very bad decision. All I know is as I wait, I continue to trust God knowing He knows what is best for me and it's in His timing not mine. So....I wait!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

SLOW DOWN

 

     For the past three days I have taken ill. I am not the kind of guy who gets sick a lot and I thank God for that. But since last Friday evening I have suffered with headaches, a fever and a sore throat. I did not work Saturday or today (Monday) just to rest and get better. Most of you who know me well know I don't like to sit for very long. I have been told that "grass never grows under my feet" and I can't disagree. My parents always taught me to have a great work ethic in everything that I do. I do however have to admit that there are times that for not only me, but for all of us we need to slow down. 

     I have always been used to working a lot and putting in many hours. Even as a children's pastor in New York I did the same thing. It was always because I love God, and I absolutely loved ministering to kids. I had to force myself on my one day off to make it "my day off." It was on Mondays, so I had to totally disconnect and not check texts on my cell phone related to church, my emails or my voicemails all from church. It was a day for me to rest and slow down. 

     So now to the present. These last few days being ill has shown me how I need to slow down. I am a human being and not a robot. I have to remind myself that I am 61 years old not 21. Slowing down is not a bad thing but a good thing. The book of Ecclesiastes in the bible talks about seasons and various times we can and should do things under the sun. We need and should slow down when the time calls for it and when our personal life needs it. It is certainly not a bad thing but important for all of us. Life should not be a "rush job" but we do need to step back and enjoy each day. We need to thank God for the new day he gave us and enjoy every second of it. So, let's all slow down and enjoy life to the fullest. 

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!    

DON'T FALL IN THE TRAP

 

     Traps! They are so easy to fall into. I wrote a children's book several years ago that is out of print, but it tells the story of 2 boys playing ping pong in their basement and discovering that mice are running on their drop ceiling. The dad in the story goes out and buys mouse traps to catch the annoying critters. The book's title was "Mouse Mayhem." It's based on a true story! The 2 boys are my brother Mike and I and the dad is our dad. I remember at the parsonage I lived in we had racoons trying to get into my attic. We had traps set up to catch them. We did trap them, but we also trapped a curious squirrel as well! Not once but twice!   

     The "traps" I am referring to are not capturing animals and of course not hurting them. I mean the trap of a bad or negative attitude. When I pastored at my first church in New York, I did have to deal with people and majorly bad attitudes toward me. Don't get me wrong, there were some doozies, but not your average run of the mill bad attitude where someone was in your face speaking to you rudely. Nobody was getting mad at me because there were no pickles on their sandwich because I was not dealing with food. I was dealing with people and most of them were Christians! 

     When I began my career at Chick Fil-A almost ten years ago, I worked in the "real world" customer service. Nobody cared that I was a pastor and when they were not satisfied, they DID NOT just walk away, they let you know it. It doesn't matter if it was an old lady from Ronkonkoma, NY or a truck driver from Charleston, SC, when they were missing items in their bag or their fries were cold, they let you know and sometimes not very nicely. Last week here in South Carolina and was outside taking orders. We call it "Face to Face." It was hot outside; noisy traffic was going by on Harbison Blvd which is in front of our restaurant and we had fans blowing by as well as noisy cars idling. It was hard to hear people. It seems as though I got all the quiet, soft spoken people that day. I had to ask several times for people to repeat themselves. Some spoke up but some spoke in the same tone. I even told this one young guy "Pretend you are yelling at me!" I did have one lady however who seemed very annoyed that I could not hear her. She tried to order from the passenger side of the car and her husband, who I thought might translate for me just sat there not saying anything. The way she answered me was extremely rude but also what disturbed me more was the way she glared at me when they pulled away after they ordered. All I can say is that it greatly disturbed me but also "put me on edge." I found myself having that same attitude that woman had. I tried to put a smile on my face buy I could tell I was becoming very "short" with people. I thought to myself "How dare she talk to me rudely and glare at me. Doesn't she understand I had trouble hearing her?" It was there that I felt the Lord speak to my heart and say, "Hey Dave, don't fall into the trap!" "The trap? But God, she was rude to me!" I was then reminded that not everybody walks around with a smile on their face or having a "Sunshine Day" like a preschooler. Some people have bad days and take it out on anyone they are in contact with. I then realized that I fell into the same trap. "Well, if you are going to be rude to me, then I'm going to be rude to you and everyone else I'm in contact with!" Is being rude going to help? Not really! I could lose my job by being rude but more importantly, what kind of witness is that to someone who does not know Jesus as their savior? 

     Friends, we should not fall into that trap! Someone who is not a Christian will feel "Hey, I can express myself and show everyone how I feel." The reality is THEY DON'T CARE! But as a Christian, I don't want to fall into that trap where my attitudes is extremely "raunchy". I want people to see Jesus in me. That's what it's all about! Traps are meant for animals, not our attitudes! Just some food for thought on this hot July day!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!    

BE A COLSSIANS 3:17 MAN OR WOMAN!!

 

     There it is in the above picture! Colossians 3:17! "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." I have read that verse several times and it always hits home. I know in my blogs I have always mentioned my previous jobs. Those jobs were a blessing to me but in all truthfulness, I have never put my previous jobs and Colossians 3:17 together... EVER! I mean seriously, when I was 20 years old, did I really think that collecting garbage at a state park was all for the Lord? Or how about sanding and refinishing hardwood floors? Sure, it made many people happy when we were done sanding, staining and applying polyurethane on their floors. Was that job all to please God? I made decent money doing it and I was in good shape and yes, I was covered in saw dust but was that to please God? 

     If you break down that verse it all seems to make sense. "Whatever you do..." The meaning of that is self-explanatory. "Whatever you do" means everything! It could be whatever we say or whatever we do each and every day. It could be our job, our ministry or when we are doing a task for a family member or a friend. I will never forget when I first started at Chick Fil-A. I had a nice conversation with one of my trainers. He was young enough to be my son. I told him about my time serving as a children's pastor and how that was my passion. I will never forget when he looked at me and said, "God has called me to sell chicken to people." My first thought was, "Seriously? Is that really something we do for God?" When I was that trainers age, I could not understand why God did not put me in ministry right away. I thought I had it all together. I would tell God, "God, I can be an amazing children's pastor! Why are you not opening doors for me?" I'm sure God looked down on young Dave and said, "Sure! But first let me teach you all about servanthood!" Servanthood? But I want to be in full time ministry! The last part of that verse says it all. "Do it all in the name of the Lord. Giving thanks to God the father through him." It doesn't matter what we do. We need to realize it is all for the Lord. Whether it is selling chicken to total strangers, standing before a group of kids while Grandpa Lou is attached to me hand, mowing my lawn, writing a blog or giving someone a ride home who has no transportation, it is all for the Lord. 

     So, in conclusion let me just make one simple statement. Wherever you are in your life, in whatever line of work you are in and in whatever ministry God has called you to do you need to remember it is all for the Lord and to glorify Him. Let's all become Colossians 3:17 men and women. When I personally focus on who I am doing it for, it gives me great joy. I know you will all feel the same way! 

     

   

I LOVE WHAT I DO!

 

     When it comes to ministry to kids, I absolutely love what I do. Last week I had the privilege of running a Vacation Bible School here in South Carolina. I have been involved with "VBS" ever since I was a helper in 1981 at SGT. I helped a teacher in the "Middler" department with about 8 third grade kids. I was a 17-year-old kid who didn't realize God gave me a gift. Last week I really loved seeing the faces of the kids at VBS when they did the worship songs, when I brought out one of my characters and when they came running in from playing games. I loved thinking of new ideas at this VBS that grab the attention of these kids. From the fall of 1984, the very first time I used a puppet as a Bible College student lip syncing to the song "New Life in Jesus" to the last time I used Shelton the Shark at VBS last Friday, I really love what I do! It gives me joy! It has been a wild ride, but I have enjoyed it, and I continue to enjoy every second!

     I have had many jobs in my lifetime. I once had a job refinishing hardwood floors, I worked at Home Depot, I drive a limo, I even collected garbage at Sunken Meadow State Park, and I tested Mammography machines. Those are just a few. My all-time favorite has always been being a Children's Pastor. Standing in front of a group of kids has always been my thing. Whether it is speaking at a Christian school chapel service, doing a children's church program, a VBS or doing a Kids Crusade at a local church, I really love what I do! Don't get me wrong. I do love my job at Chick Fil-A, but I know God did not call me to sell chicken to total strangers or stand outside in the 90-degree heat and take orders at people's cars. That is not what I want to do the rest of my life. Chick Fil-A is a job. It pays the bills. I don't see myself going anywhere there as far as management goes. My heart will always be for ministry. You all know I love being a ventriloquist, but I also love writing. I do have ideas for books both for adults and children. Finding the time to write is always a challenge (especially when you have to wake up at 4:30 am and work all day). 

     I am the kind of guy who gets weird ideas at the weirdest places. I can walk through a Walmart and come up with ideas from games just walking through the toy section. I will get ideas just driving to work and even in the middle of the night. I once got an idea for a Christmas play while I was home sick. It was in August, and it was very hot outside. I sat at my laptop and typed away. I wrote it from beginning to end that day. That same year, our church did the play on Christmas Eve. 

     My crazy mind is always going, but that is what God has called me to do. To be a creative guy. I hope one day to be back doing what I love fulltime. I enjoyed my 22 years at SGT and my 2 years at Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship. I have enjoyed traveling as "The Puppet Guy" for the past 6 years I know God is not done with this 61-year-old man who "talks to his hand." The creativity just keeps coming. The ideas continue and I look forward to using these ideas for this next generation. They will get to see my ventriloquist figures, my videos where I use toys to teach a bible lesson or when I bring out my "gospel illusions" to tell them about Jesus. I. do have to confess there was a time where I thought my time doing kids ministry was over. I didn't think a church would want a 61-year-old guy teaching young kids. They might prefer a young kid right out of bible college who has years ahead of him. Let's just say my tank is not on empty and I still have a lot to offer. This crazy creative mind of mine is still going strong! I will continue doing what I love until either Jesus calls me home or I can't physically or mentally do it anymore. I hope you are all doing what you love also. I have said it many times that it gives me joy. So, look out South Carolina. This guy is not done! Be looking for more crazy ideas and creative ways from me to reach these kids for Jesus!

I love what I do! I hope it shows!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!