"Behold! I Make All Things New!"

My devotion today began with this sentence: "Endings are always difficult. But when they’re new beginnings, they’re revitalizing."

Those are good words for today.

As we look to the blessings and struggles of the past year, we will have mixed feelings. We will celebrate new loves and relationships. New experiences and challenges conquered. An exciting upcoming move or new job.

But we will also have some sadness: loved ones who have passed on; undesired career changes or financial uncertainties; unwelcome health news or antagonistic colleagues.

Yet the fact is this: the Lord brought us through this last year and He will see us through the next one, too!

In the book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible which tells of the End Times and things to come, God says,

⁵And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” ⁶And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. ⁷All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. ~Revelation 21:5-7

There is a lot packed in there! It's not just something to look forward to in some ethereal future. Jesus ["the one sitting on the throne"] says He is doing this now. "...I am making." Then He reminds us that we can trust what He is telling us here because He encompasses all of history, all of time, all of space. He knows what happend to and for you this last year and He knows what will this next year. 

But more than just knowledge, because of His love for you and me through faith in Jesus, who are His children, He also promises that, "all things work together for good!" (Romans 8:28) [Go ahead and just read that whole chapter!]

Let us thank the Lord for all He brought us through in 2014 as well as His grace and gifts given this year, and let us look with joyful hope in 2015 as He will do the same, as He has promised!

Come, gracious and merciful, Lord, Jesus! Come!

Well Done, Pastor Fink - Good and Faithful Servant!

[Jesus said,]“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” ~Matthew 25:21

Yesterday, December 27, 2014, the Lord and Master of Ronald Frank Fink spoke those words to him as he went Home to be with Him forever.

Pastor Fink was my senior when I started in ministry in 1996, at Trinity Downtown in Orlando, Florida.

At the time I didn't appreciate all he had to teach me and what it meant to be a pastor. At times I saw him as frustrating and limiting to what I wanted to do (whether or not it was good for ministry or Trinity!). I was arrogant and inexperienced. I was not a good associate pastor to work with. He was more patient, kind, and forgiving than I ever deserved. It wasn't until several years later that I realized what I had in him as a mentor and how much more ministry I could have done and how much I could have grown had I humbled myself and listened to him. The Lord being good, He was able to redeem some lessons for me when I squandered it with Pastor Fink. I can look back on my time as a sole pastor and then a senior pastor myself and see things much more clearly as to how and why he did things the way he did.

Years later, I wrote to him apologizing for my behavior. I wish I would have said it to him sooner. I wish I had said it to him in person. I wish I had been faithful in working with and under him. I wish I would have seen what a privilege and honor I had in him at the time.

Even so, I am so very thankful for the time I did have with him and with Millie! Such amazing people and brothers and sisters in Christ! Pastor Fink touched me and my life in ways that truly changed me for the better - even if I didn't realize it until later. He has influenced me and so many others - and will continue to - for many, many decades to come.

I truly miss him and am saddened by the news of his passing. Besides a great role model, He was just a really fun and neat guy to be around. I have no doubt about where he is and am comforted in knowing that I'll get to see him again when my Lord calls me to Himself at my heavenly Home.

I just pray that I can become a fraction of the “good and faithful servant” Pastor Fink was! 

Well done, Pastor Fink; well done!

Going Away Party - Ponca City, OK [Throwback Thursday]

In late 1981, my family moved from Ponca City, OK, to Houston, TX.

Before I left, several friends had a party for me. [I think it was either on land from the family of Marcie Batschelett (née Freeman) or Shawn Lessert (née Merrifield). [I'm pretty sure it was Shawn's.]

Alas, it was some of the boys, only.

I believe that Landon (second from the back) had a pretty new, cool, watch then, too. If memory serves, it was a Casio C-80 (or very similar to it). You could do calculations with it, but it also had at least one game you could play on it. Pretty extraordinary for that time!

I was also given a nice new Bible. KJV, red letter, with references, in genuine bonded leather.

I still have that Bible on my bookshelf in my office.

Awesome "gang" of friends!

"Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" - Camp [Throwback Thursday]

The first picture is from when I was a camper at Camp Lutherhoma as a kid. I'm about four rows from the bottom and in the center, between two female counselors.

The one to the right of me (my left in the picture) with the feathered hair was really cute at the time. Having just been reminded of her identity, not so much now. {sadness} The one to the left of me (my right in the picture) and the one on the very bottom right we painted green and red one day. There was some sort of game where groups were to try and dress up the counselors as some characters. We were going for Kermit and Miss Piggy. Clearly, our creativity knew no bounds.

Shockingly, we didn't win.

A couple of other First Lutheran classmates are in the top left. Creighton Holt, Landon Henderson, and Bret Chitwood.

It's easy to see from the hair styles and cloths why the retro style is bringing them back.

The other is when I was a camp counselor myself at Camp Lone Star in 1990. I'm in the second row, just left of center, with my arms up. I think the artist (fellow counselor, Serena Anazagasty, four people to the left of my character) has me wearing my Goofy hat. They called me "Scruffy" because I did not shave my beard all summer.

I was scraggly before Duck Dynasty was cool!

Not shown here, but I also often wore cutoff jean shorts with boots. No need to point out my superior sense of style. I'm well aware of it.

We had several people who had to leave early in the summer, like Daniel Hawkins who came down with mono. A couple of other good people there have since gone Home.

The picture is located here if you want to use it for your next geocaching adventure.

This was the summer before my last year in college and before seminary. In fact, it was during my time that summer that I decided I wanted to "preach and teach" and, as such, changed from DCE to pre-sem. for my studies.

It was toward the end of summer I called from a pay phone in the same room this picture now exists and called my roommate, Randy Mester, so we could coordinate items we were planning to bring for our year at school. On that call he (who was in the Air Force four years right out of high school) told me that he had joined the Army Reserve. As Iraq had just invaded Kuwait, I asked him if that was a good idea. He assured me his unit wouldn't get called up.

He served in Iraq longer than General "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf.

Now, if I could just get that song out of my head...!!!

After Preaching at Grandma Heitshusen's Church [Throwback Thursday]

I was still at the seminary, but I was (fairly) newly "licensed" to preach. My grandma's church, Immanuel Lutheran in Williamsburg, IA., asked my to do so. This picture was taken right after that worship service and before we had to drive back to St. Louis.

Sunday, November 28, 1993.

RE-FORMATION & CHRISTMAS

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday; the last Sunday in October commemorating October 31, 1517, when Dr. Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses for debating on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

Yet, even now, some stored have Christmas decorations out. That seems to be happening earlier and earlier every year.

Yet, the two are linked.

Dr. Luther desired to see a church reformed – changed for the better by removing errors, abuses, and misunderstandings. He wanted to correct faults that had made their way into the life, teaching, and even doctrine of the church. He wanted to see things restored to what God shared in His holy, inerrant Word.

Advent and Christmas strongly touch upon this as well. God created all things good, yet through the Fall in Genesis, errors, abused, misunderstandings, and faults not only found their way into the life and faith of people and, indeed, all of creation. Our loving and gracious Lord couldn’t stand for that corruption to continue. He loved His people far too much for that.

So He sent His Son, Jesus, to reform. Reform His people through forgiveness and grace. Reform hatred into love. Reform death into life. Reform falsehoods into truth. Reform mourning into laughter. Re-form the form of creation itself. Reform everything!

This is why Advent and Christmas are so joyous, because when the Creator of all things becomes a part of that creation in the Flesh, it means a reforming of our very nature; our very core; our very relationship with god Himself. Through the coming of Jesus, God has reformed everything!

O come, O come, Immanuel! Reform us in every way. Reform all things in Your way.

Amen!

"You're Just in Love (I Wonder Why)" [Throwback Thursday]

At a talent show competition from Channel 13.

This was right in front of the Sears at Memorial City Mall. Mary Lynn and I didn't win, but we did get a prize. I got a Marvin Zindler watch [which later fell off into the water around Lake Conroe].

We were singing, "You're Just in Love (I Wonder Why)" by Irving Berlin. As you can see here, Mary Lynn was the love-struck patient and I was playing the part of the doctor, diagnosing her "condition."

Fun times!

Cub Scout [Throwback Thursday]

"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, 

friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, 

thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent."

Fightin' Texas Aggie, Singing Cadets! [Throwback Thursday]

http://singingcadets.tamu.edu/

All Are Nazarenes

https://www.google.com/search?q=all+are+Nazarenes&safe=active&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS590US590&espvd=1&hl=en-US&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sboxchip=Images&sa=X&ei=QKjhU9DwDuOU8QHW54GIBw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=672#imgrc=Cg6lBuLNYDgs_M%253A%3BdJpz07j7JQebtM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ZFDEWrJvHqs%252FU9BSYjW1LQI%252FAAAAAAAACTk%252FcnIretBxkyY%252Fs1600%252FNun.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fradiatehislight.blogspot.com%252F2014%252F07%252Fwe-are-all-nazarenes-now.html%3B339%3B339

Bring Light and Life into the Dark and Empty: Love Well

http://www.juliesunne.com/bring-light-life-into-dark-empty-love-well/

John Piper ~ Prosperity Gospel

My Grandma, Edith Hammans [Throwback Thursday]

I found this in a book I borrowed from my folks last month.

What a pleasant surprise!

I love and miss you, Grandma!

Daniel W. Heitshusen - Sharing about 2014 MYR

I have always been so proud of Daniel. He is a strong Christian young man after God's own heart. What more could I ever ask for?

Daniel has wanted to address the congregation on several occasions [how many teenagers do you know who want to do that?!], the most recent in sharing what he learned while attending the "Missional Youth Retreat" [MYR-2014] at Concordia University-Texas.

This last Sunday, August 3, 2014, he did so at both worship services. The video below is from the second service.

Daniel Heitshusen - 2014 MYR from StMarkHouston on Vimeo.

Jen's and my buttons were (and still are!) bursting!

Well done, son! We are so proud of you!

Overflowing love always,

Mom & Dad

HAPPY 23rd ANNIVERSARY to my BEAUTIFUL BRIDE

Yesterday was Jen's and my 23rd anniversary!

It's hard to believe it has been 23 years. So many changes in our lives and, indeed, in who we are now in relation to who we were then.

Some big challenges have been met and worked through, but even more laughter and joys!

I am ever thankful to the Lord for my Sweet, my Love, my Bride!

I love you mostest, Hon!

Always,
Your Adoring Hubby

Stephanie Kickbush: Rest in HIS Peace - and Victory!

I still get "prayer request" emails from one of my former congregations, Trinity Lutheran in Athens, GA. I appreciate the opportunity to keep in prayer so many dear people, whom I love.

The beautiful Kickbush family.
Stephanie is in the middle in the orange.

Last week a request came through that one of my former members, Stephanie Kickbush, was killed in an accident in Kansas.

I confirmed Stephanie in 2002. She was an amazing young woman; full of life; smart; and just fun to be around.

Jennifer's and my hearts ached hearing that news. I spent a lot of time today trying to find her Confirmation Essay, with no luck. [I might have started them the following year.]

In any event, I thank the Lord for Stephanie's faith in Jesus Christ as well as the faith of her wonderful family. I look forward to seeing her again when the Lord calls me Home.

I pray the Lord's resurrected peace be with all the Kickbushes and those who, like Jennifer and me, mourn her death here.

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY, DANIEL!

Fifteen years ago today the Lord brought an amazing son to Jennifer and me and changed our lives for the better.

Daniel was induced six days early on Orlando, Florida. I had told the office that I was taking a personal day that day as we only told a few family members our plan.

Before telling his name, there were so many people asking that Jen and I thought we'd mess with their minds. We told people we were going to name him "Zephaniah Xerxes Heitshusen." It was fun seeing people's faces and then whispering to each other, "they're not really going to name him that, are they?"

Daniel is an amazing Christian young man who is in love with the Lord and learning about Him and has an enormous heart for people.

He amazes Jennifer and I every day and we are so extremely proud of him!

I love you dearly, son! Have a great day!

In Unfathomable Joy and Love,
Dad

HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSARY of our FIRST DATE

On February 18, 1989, three great friends and I "crashed" a high school formal dance.

My friend Kevin was flying home from college to surprise his parents. That weekend when he was going to be in town, his younger sister, Dena, was going to this "senior girls dance" and his mom, Silvia, was going to be checking people in. 

So I came home from A&M and we decided to get together with a couple of our awesome female friends, Betsy and Jennifer, and "crash" this formal, knowing that we would be able to get in.

We got dressed up and went to eat a Moroccan restaurant (if memory serves) and then to the dance. (Here is one of the pictures from that evening.)

Before that night, Jennifer and I were very good friend. After that dance, we became best friends and began dating.

Twenty-five years later and she is still my best friend, the love of my life, and the most amazing woman I know.

Happy anniversary, hon! I love you so very much.

Always yours, my beautiful Bride,

Your adoring hubby.

Kevin Fritzhand, Betsy (Hawkins) Dodson,
Jennifer (Stein) Heitshusen, & Scott Heitshusen

Conference to Stop Human Trafficking Tomorrow - - Join Me!

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 25th,  the 4th Annual Houston Human Trafficking Conference by Free the Captives Houston, titled "The ROOTS of the Issue" will be held at First Presbyterian Church downtown (5300 Main Street, Houston, TX) from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The cost is $30 at the door.

Join me and let's see how to end this modern-day slavery.

More Information Here:
http://www.freethecaptiveshouston.com/houston-anti-human-trafficking-conference.php