West Cocoa Chat

Twenty-five years ago, 1981. Did anything significant take place in your life then? Baseball fans, do you remember the 49 day strike or the Dodgers beating the evil empire 4 games to 2 in the World Series that year? Can you identify the Series MVP? I couldn’t since there was not one, not two, but a three way tie for MVP between Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager.

Do you remember Bob (I’ll throw chairs/beat up Puerto Rican Policemen) Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers beating Dean Smith's Tar Heels, 63 – 50 for the NCAA Basketball Championship? Or how about the Oakland (win baby, win) Raiders winning the Super Bowl over “Jaws" and the Eagles, 27 – 10?

Do you remember the top grossing movies of 1981? I’ll give you “five” guesses.

Stumped? Come on, it’s only been a quarter century? O.K., they were:

5. Stripes
4. Nine to Five
3. Stir Crazy
2. Superman II
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark

So why all the fascination with 25 years ago and 1981? It was 25 years ago that I started this journey, teaching kids. Today is the last day of school here in beautiful East Central Florida. 25 years ago I had 28 days of “bachelorhood” left in my life. I was going to church then but it was mainly for the social aspect not to mention that I had to attend to play on the church softball team.

Greg can tell you that even when he met me, sports was my world. I didn’t just watch it, I played it year round. 3 different softball leagues year round and throw in a little City League Basketball. In 1981 I “liked” God and I was thankful that He had provided a softball team to play on. If you would have told me 25 years ago that I would be in church leadership I probably would have asked you, “Do they have a softball team?” I think I just digressed just a bit.

Anyway, here I sit about ready to bid “adieu” to my 25th group of students. If I think about it (which I don’t like to too often), the first group of kiddos I taught (if you consider the youngest could have been 12) are now approaching 40! Can we all say “Geezer?”

I thought I would end and maybe entertain you as well, with some comments students wrote about me this year in some writing exercises our Language Arts Teachers passed on to us.

Enjoy.

1. The moment you walk through his classroom you can tell he is ready to have an exciting time with math.
2. Every day he teaches with a smile on his face.
3. Mr. Walker handles interruptions in his own unique way.
4. Mr. Walker is by far my favorite and the best math teacher I have ever met.
5. Out of the whole school, he is the one person who is smart and fun at the same time.
6. He uses complex words, sayings, and facts to catch our attention.
7. Mr. Walker is fun!
8. Over all he is kind and caring, everyone in his class is treated good and respectfully.
9. He is a very cool teacher.
10. He is happy most of the time and that’s pretty tight.
11. I have to admit at times, Mr. Walker can be very annoying but he is funny.
12. Mr. Walker is very different from my other teachers.

I almost feel like I’m “piling on” with this post (given the number of graduation posts I've read in the last few days) but the events of this past weekend spur me on so if I am, please forgive me. We attended the graduation of our good friends’ son, Tyler, this past Saturday. In two years I will sit in the very same seats as we’ll be attending our own son’s graduation. The graduation ceremony was held in Cocoa High’s Football Stadium which may be one of the best high school facilities in the state of Florida.

We were sitting in the seats pictured at the right during the ceremony. Although the picture doesn’t show it that well, if you looked across the field towards the Visitors Stands, you could see the lights of our Little League Field. I couldn’t help but flashback (watched too many episodes of “Kung Fu” during the 70’s) to just a few years ago when those lights stood over a field that was the “center of our universe.”

Both Steven and Tyler played Little League which always led into All Stars. The year that Steven was 10 our All Star Team made it to the State Tournament and we literally ended our season on the day before school started back. As I thought about conversations, games, practices, and post-games talks that took place less than a quarter mile from where we were sitting for this high school graduation ceremony, I was struck at how quickly time moves.

Like the flipping of a switch to turn a light on or off, so it seems that time moves as fast when it comes to our kids. May God bless all the graduates of the Class of 2006.

Tonight we attended my son's High School Baseball Banquet. Steven earned his first varsity letter as a sophomore this year. He would have liked to have played more but he did contribute including getting a hit and scoring the game winning run against Satellite High School. We graduated 9 seniors off this team so I know he is counting on moving into the starting lineup next year. I hope his dream comes through for him.

As with most sports in high school, baseball is a year round sport. Since the last game, Steven has been lifting and they have their first “AAU practice” this coming Wednesday, the day after the last day of school.

I guess you might say his mother and I are proud of his dedication to this sport that he loves with all of his heart. Even more so, we’re proud of this dedication to the Lord in an environment that at times isn’t very Christian. However, tonight at the banquet the atmosphere was very much like a family and I was asked by the Head Coach to lead a prayer for the food. It was a nice start.

We had a busy day at church yesterday. That’s right, busy day on a “Wednesday.” My wife is one of those wonderful (as Mike Cope would say – see May 16th – “Food Women” @ http://www.preachermike.com/) “Food Women” that every church has. Since last summer, she has been organizing and cooking a 6pm Wednesday night meal for our church. Yesterday I joined her as the designated “Burger (not “girlie” as Arnold would say) Man.” I grilled 96 hamburgers from my lovely Food Woman. I’m glad no one saw me as I was letting out a few “bams” as I seasoned the meat with “Emeralds’ Essence Seasoning.”


I finally got home around 10pm following Bible Class and a “Shepherd’s/Minister’s Meeting.” I was greeted warmly by my soon to be 16 year old son. He told me several things in the following order:

1. Welcome home Dad.
2. The burgers were great.
3. Pray for me on my exams which start tomorrow.
4. And by the way, I would really like a Gibson Les Paul guitar some day!
5. Love you Dad.

The “sickness” continues at my home thanks to Steven’s Uncle (aka Stoogelover) Greg.

Have a good day bloggers.

It was an interesting day of worship for this “Keeper of (avoiding the use of the “e” word for certain members of our blog family) Sheep.” I was asked by our “Worship Deacon” to monitor one of our members who was relatively new to working our soundboard.

The funny thing was the Lord had other plans for “my schedule.” Just after communion, one of our ushers asked me to step out into the foyer. For some reason, one of our teens had been out in the parking lot (perhaps avoiding the sermon) when he was approached by a woman who lives across the street from our building. She told the young man her boyfriend/fiancée of 5 years had been verbally abusive to her and she wanted to talk to someone from “the church.”

As I walked across the street towards the house my “where is the boyfriend/is he waiting for me/is he as big as Lex” scans were going full steam. I came across the lady in questioned in her front yard. She was walking 3 dogs on leashes. There were no visible signs of abuse that I could observe. I asked her if I could help her and she relayed to me the same story from above. I asked her if she needed to call the Police. She replied “no” stating that she didn’t want to get her boyfriend/fiancée of 5 years in trouble.

I then asked her what she wanted? You would have thought I had thrown acid in her face by the way she reacted. She asked me what I meant and I told her she could not control her boyfriend, as much as she wanted. She could only attempt to control what she wanted and to evaluate if what she was doing was getting her what she wanted.

Through tears she told me she wanted her boyfriend to be closer to God. I told her it was admirable for her to want her boyfriend to be closer to God but she couldn’t force him any more than I could force her to call the police. Through all of this I was trying to get her to think about herself and if she was in an abusive relationship, to try and break the cycle.

What was the result of my efforts? Her tears went away, her facial expression changed, and she told me she didn’t want to talk to me any more. I was summarily dismissed and so I went back inside our building.

After services and in the hustle and bustle to get our “moms” (including wife as Brady would say) away to the nearest restaurant of Mother’s Day, I was approached by one of our members. He/she wanted to confess something to me, ask for prayers, and guidance. As we prayed together in that empty classroom, I couldn’t help but think of Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." For a moment the little classroom felt crowded.

Have you ever had the feeling that you had forgotten “something” and you could not go to sleep until you rectified the doubt in your mind? That has happened to me twice this week.

The first time was Tuesday evening around 11:30pm. We had a Camp Meeting in our Fellowship Room earlier that evening. Barb had made coffee for the meeting. Later that night, she woke me up from the beginnings of a nice, sound sleep to ask me if I had turned off the Coffee Maker in the Fellowship Room? I couldn’t remember and neither could she. Being the wonderfully devoted husband (and knowing that there would be no more sleeping that night) that I am, I accepted my “turtle-dove’s” request to make the 20 minute drive back to the building to check on the coffee maker. Sure enough, as I walked into our Fellowship Room, the coffee maker was still on and quite hot. Score one for the home team.

The second time occurred last night in our Elders / Ministers Meeting. Jeff brought up the issue of social drinking among some of our members. We discovered through our conversation that none of us felt the Bible condemned the occasional consumption of alcohol. I think our greatest “discomfort” if you will was the concept of “occasional.” For me personally, I can’t see myself in a leadership (I won’t use the “E” word Randy) role being out with some of the guys from church and enjoying “a cold one” with my wings. Would I condemn it if one of our members did as such with respect to moderation, no, at least I don’t think I would openly. But for some reason, I can’t get past it (and wonder if I need to) when it comes to me.

I guess that’s the second time, I can’t remember where I got this aversion to alcohol with respect to my church family but I have it. Intellectually I understand the Bible doesn’t prohibit the consumption of alcohol in moderation. But if I’m with the guys from church and one of them orders a “bru-ski,” I know on an emotional level I will be at the very least, distracted.

Is this an issue for anyone else out there or your church? How are you articulating (if you have or need to) the Biblical position on drinking alcohol?

Feel free to “wine” and dine me with your opinion.

Randy's post from yesterday (http://randywray.blogspot.com/) along with some comments from Steve and Brady reminded me of a final exam that I would like to pass along to you.

If you're feeling guilt over a failed or skipped exam from your college days, go to (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/quiz?event_id=600) and take this final exam from the University of Georgia's, "Basketball 101 Class."

If you're up to reporting your score we'll trust that you didn't use an eraser unlike some of us on a golf course.

Enjoy.

Stay tuned for my next post: "Honey, Did We Forget Something?"

It seems like weeks have passed by since I was on the Pepperdine Campus in Malibu, California. To have a week to hang out with a bunch of guys, being a guy, almost seems as good, no, better than winning the lottery.

I hit the ground running yesterday with papers to grade, Exam Study Guide to update and prepare, and finalizing my semester exams. Our last day of school is 2 (sorry Steve) weeks from today.


If you’ve seen the national news then you’ve heard about how dry our (Florida) state is at this time. My wife called me last Friday, frantic about an approaching fire. One of our deacons, who lives about a half mile away from me, was told to prepare to evacuate in 30 minutes. His son (Steven’s friend Zack) made the front page of our Florida Today Newspaper. He was photographed as he stood on the roof of his home watering down the shingles. Thankfully at the last minute, the wind direction changed, taking the fire back towards I-95.


So, we are in desperate need of some rain and look what is on the radar this morning! Praise God! Hopefully the rain will make it all the way to our (Brevard) county on the east coast. I-95 has been shut down for days during the morning ours due to the smoke mixing with the morning fog. Traffic has been terrible on the alternate routes that I can take to work.

As I was talking with my son this morning about what was going on after work (Final Camp Meeting / his guitar lessons / Youth group Devo.) today, it became apparent that my soon to be 16 year old son had a choice to make. He had to choose between the Teen Devo. at 6 or his guitar lessons at 7. Our Camp Meeting starts at 7 which meant we could probably finagle a ride to one or the other for Steven. I gave him the choice this morning and he selected the Teen Devo. over (please, no hissing from Greg or Randy J) his guitar lessons. It was a nice way to start my day.

Have a smoke free / rain filled Tuesday bloggers.

Our day started with taking Keith to LAX at 7am. I rode with Greg and L.A. traffic wasn't too bad. The ride back was a bit slower due to a more congested 405. Now I'm going to crazy as John and Greg are giving me some back seat blogger tips. I love you guys but please leave my room.

Randy the Pastor also went back today. The old Pepperdine apartment is a bit more quiet. Chuck and I are going to try and walk/climb/wheeze from our apartment to the rock.

Now for the second attempt at P-dine pictures:

Keith and Chuck in what used to be Josh's room. Their reaction was due to my asking for a loan.

Proof, yes, proof that we (including Greg) attended a lecture!

Our favorite lecture – Lunch. Around the infield starting at first base are Greg, Chuck, John, and Keith. It is always nice to “dine” at Pepperdine with the Pacific Ocean behind you.

Randy's 3 favorite words in Malibu are, no, not "Cecil the Elder." His 3 favorite west coast / Malibu words are "Malibu Fish Company." MFC is on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) just a mile north of Pepperdine. The only time you're inside is to order your food. Otherwise you pick up your food and eat outside. Standing here are Don (our minister and church secretary) and Brenda, Mike and Carol, and Keith.

Greg, myself, Keith, and Chuck made the annual trek to "the Rock" last night overlooking the Pepperdine Campus. I'm on the left and I look either tired, sick, or both. Or you might say I look like I just came out of a meeting with a bunch of ministers.

Greg and Chuck on the Rock. Malibu and the Pacific Ocean below.

As the sun sets on our day at the Rock so it sets on our week at Greg's and Pepperdine. For 15 years these Lectures have bolstered me as I walk, a flawed walk at times, in the Lord. But more importantly I’ve been blessed over the last 15 years by the fellowship I’ve shared with Greg and the various brothers in Christ that the Lord has sent our way. I look forward to next year.

P.S.
Steve- Time for you to join our gang.

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. I just downloaded 15,000 from my camera. With out further delay I'll post about 12,000 words:

First, Randy the Pastor, aka (as dubbed by Chuck) the "I.T. Dude." Randy was a lifesaver when it came to problems with our respective computers. We love you Randy the Pastor.

Here we are at the England's Internet Cafe. Starting at the bottom and going clockwise, John, Chuck, and Greg.

Nice picture of Greg's son, Josh and his future wife Heather.

Blogger is being slow on the upload of pictures so I'm going to stop at 30,000 words and come back later for more Pepperdine pics.

I did not get up this morning in Malibu expecting to have an emotional moment much less shed some tears, but I did. You might wonder why a "manly man" such as yours truly might do such a thing? Was it because I found out that Randy wasn’t bunking with us in our dorm room but rather was staying with some family members “up the hill” in faculty housing? I do love my brother but no, it wasn’t the reason for my tears.

Was it when Greg, yes Greg, my devoted friend and brother for many moons attended an (say it together bloggers) 8:30 a.m. lecture with us? I must say that I came close but no, I didn’t shed tears of joy for Greg’s presence but it was great to have him with us early risers.

Was it the fact that today is no longer (“KDD”) Keith Davis Day? I love my new found friend and brother but no, this wasn’t the reason either.

The source of my tears was a video shown in the class taught by Rick Atchley and Bob Russell. Atchley is the preaching minister of the largest Church of Christ in the U.S. while Bob Russell is the preaching minister of Southeast Christian in Louisville, Kentucky, a 20,000 member Christian Church. The video was of Rick Atchley speaking to a convention of Christian Church members outlining his proposal for our 2 fellowships to restore unity between ourselves after 100 years of separation.

The thoughts that were going through my head as tears were welling up in my eyes were of Jesus in the shadow of the Cross-, praying for unity among His believers. The fact that our 2 fellowships, born out of the same movement, a movement initially of unity had been separated for a century. A movement who’s plea was “we want to be just Christians but not the only Christians” but who had somehow strayed far from the Biblical concept of unity.

As I sat there listening to Atchley address the Christian Church Convention and to hear their members applaud and affirm him was just over-whelming.
We have the beginnings of a relationship with the local Christian church back home. I was inspired both to tears and to action to make it even better.

Some random thoughts from Long Beach:

This is my 15th straight year hanging out at the England’s as we acclimate to Pacific Coast Time. I’m amazed as I think back to how all of our lives have changed over these 15 years such as kids growing up, changing churches, and just plain getting older. Even the friends that we’ve hung out with have changed over the years.

This year is special because of the advent of “blogging.” Through it a bunch of guys who have grown close to each other in a cyberspace kind of way are now here at Greg’s getting to know each other the “old fashion way.”

The “old fashion way” has consisted of a run to Wal-Mart. BTW – As Greg, Randy, Chuck, Keith, and I were walking together through the Electronic Department, one of the store workers asked if we were “blowing off work?” Randy responded by saying, “We” were a bunch of ministers who only worked one day a week.”

Our other activities were a Krispy Kreme (5 guys / 1 dozen doughnuts/ with 2 left over – we were good) run and about 3 hours of several “hilarious” “Pig basketball games.” I won’t say who won the most games but if you’d like to use the words “dominant” and “Cecil” feel free. However, I was unable to join Randy and Keith in their exclusive “3 Made Half court Granny Shots Club.”

We also picked up John at the airport and due to the “Illegal Alien Protest” in downtown L.A., the freeways were clear enough to get John back in time to become a “Pig participant.”

Dinner was at Roadhouse and several of us took advantage of the “tri-tip selection.” We’re now sitting around Greg’s Family Room awaiting the start of “24.”

Final/Final Random Thoughts:
1. The Lord has truly blessed Greg’s son, Joshua. His soon to be wife, Heather, is a very sweet, beautiful young lady. I can only hope my son does half as well as Josh.
2. The instrumental praise service Sunday night was outstanding. Keith on Drums, Randy and Greg on guitar truly did an outstanding job.
3. Janice is a saint to put up with us.

2 Prayer Requests:
1. Nathen Defrenn – My friend in South Carolina’s 13 year old(?) son. He broke his leg at baseball practice shagging a fly ball. A lemon size cyst was found on the bone that broke. He was to have surgery today.
2. Ron Cummins – Had surgery on his bladder yesterday. A malignant tumor was removed. The doctors were optimistic the cancer had not spread.
We leave for Pepperdine tomorrow.