Coincidence or Synchronicity?

Three friends, and aspiring to be friends of the King

Three friends, aspiring to be friends of the King

Today started out as flurry of activity, but ended up in peace and rest.

After the normal early morning men’s meeting in Van Buren, I stood in the parking lot too long visiting. Now everything had to go perfectly to honor a couple commitments and make it to my house in time to pick up two brothers who were to join me for the peaceful, relational drive to a monastery one hour east of Fort Smith for a little solitude and spiritual retreat.

The first stop went perfectly, as if the Lord went before me. Then there was a long, fast drive to the south side of town to deliver five books to a good friend who had already bought books for himself and his three sons, but wanted five more for gifts. I was naturally honored to oblige. I wheeled into the Waffle House parking lot just as my friend and another good friend were sitting down for breakfast. We greeted each other with smiles, hand shakes, and hugs, and I plopped down at the end of the table and began signing the gift books as quickly as I could. I had told these two about the retreat, waiting friends, and that I was on the run.

Part of the helpful Coury House Staff, Friends

I had just finished signing number three, when the waitress started asking questions about the book, with my friends answering for me. Then she asked, “How much?” I turned and told her. She said, “I’ll buy one.” My friend buying the five quickly spoke up and said, “No you won’t; I’m buying it for you.” We all looked at each other smiling, and I asked, “Who do you want me to sign it to?” She replied, “Don Hutchings, my pastor.” “ I owe him everything. He led me to the Lord. I’ll read it first, then I’ll give it to him.” “Coincidence,” but Don is a friend of mine in another church in our city. Just as I hand the book to her, and start to sign the next one, my book buying friend, Shep, exclaims loudly, “Charlie Huff!” I keep writing and don’t look up, conscious of the escaping time, but I know I will. Charlie Huff is an old squadron mate of ours! The four of us flew F-4 Phantoms together in Fort Smith and around the world. What a “coincidence” that he would be in town, and show up at the same restaurant, at the same time, when we hadn’t seen each other for years? He asked about the book as he watched me feverishly signing, catching up through conservation at the same time. The others answered his questions, just as with the waitress, then Charlie said, “Well, I guess I ought to buy one!” Shep spoke up quickly again, as before, “No you’re not! I’m going to buy one for you!” So with five books turning into seven, I ran out to the truck to fetch two more. With all books signed and delivered, I’m about to head out the door and drive to my house, but I have a strong impression that leads to the next “coincidence.”

I had written a Scripture reference in Charlie’s book, but I had a strong impression to stop at the table where he was now seated for breakfast with his childhood friend, and ask if I could write another verse in his book. I wrote Isaiah 40:31, “They that wait upon the LORD, He’ll renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, walk and not faint.” I quoted it to him as I wrote. I don’t really know where Charlie is spiritually, but he looked me straight in the eye and said, “That was written over the door of life support in Ubon Thailand; I walked under it as I headed to fly many missions in Vietnam. It was very meaningful to him. “Coincidence?”

I told my friends about all this “coincidence” and the Spirit’s leading as we drove through fields and forests to the monastery, sharing our lives and relationships with the Lord. Then as we went to our rooms for the afternoon, I was lead to Matthew 16, and the point where Jesus started to set His face like flint toward Jerusalem, the time of laying down His life for others, even down to this day and to us. It’s recorded in Matthew 16. I read and journaled from Matthew 16:13 through Matt 17:8.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”” (Matthew 16:13)

Peter gives his famous answer, and enters his famous discourse with Christ.

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16–17)

I read on to Matt 17:8 before going to dinner with the guys.

“And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.” (Matthew 17:8)

From the prayer book

After dinner and a little rest, we joined the monks for evening vespers. Guess what Scripture they were singing and reading for their vespers? You got it. Exactly what I had read and journaled about that afternoon–out of all the verses in the Bible? What are the chances? “Coincidence?”

The Lord has a great sense of humor, and He likes to be intimate with His sons.

Among many other things, Ryan heard this, “Relax. Relax.” And later this passage in Eph. 3, saying we are His sons, we should act like it, and believe He will empower us:

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14–21)

Brian heard among many other things, what the Lord said to Peter after he began to sink at the end of his water walking encounter with Jesus:

“Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”” (Matthew 14:31, NASB95)

Again, you are My sons. I will empower you. Why do you doubt?

It seems like a good and valid question, when you’ve come aside and immersed yourself in the Word, focusing on the Lord, sort of like the guys at the transfiguration… they “saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.” But in the world of business and education and life, the wind and the waves can easily get your attention and draw your gaze from the One Who saves.

I wish I could take credit for this outing to “come aside” but the young men I meet with on Thursday mornings to talk about spiritual things, and the Holy Spirit in particular, suggested it, and we put the date on the calendar a few weeks back.

I’ve been to Subiaco Abby serval times before and will be again, Lord willing. I think they’ll be back many times in their futures too. They seem greatly encouraged in what they heard and saw in the spirit during our twenty-four hour stay here. I know I was.

Subiaco Abby, Arkansas

If we will take the time to come aside, rest and listen; perhaps God will take time to meet us and speak? A meaningful, healthy life in our day depends on such.

Remember what the flight attendant says before every airline flight, “In case of a rapid depressurization, put your own oxygen mask on first; then help those seated around you.”

His blessings as you seek Him, Dwayne

“And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)” (Mark 6:31)

“and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’” (Acts 17:26–28)

Synchronicity: “the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality ….” Mirriam Webster, m-w.com [A few more photos here.]

Friends for Life

Bill & Stephannie at Lake Louise

Friendship is such a treasure and a gift from above. There is a whole chapter about it in my recently published book, and of course it’s the major theme even from the title, “A Friend of the King.” Elizabeth and I were blessed in college to find and get to know several special friends, two of which are Bill and Stephannie. Our friendship now spans almost four decades, and although we’ve not often lived close to each other, they moved back to NWA a few years ago and we’ve reconnected. It’s the kind of friendship where nothing has changed; we just take up were we left off. We enjoy each other, and we’re loyal and devoted to each other.

We thought it best to practice on a small Fort Smith train

Life brings plenty of challenges, but when you see your friends from way back, continue to grow in their faith, pour into their family, their church, and their community, you really appreciate them more–for standing, for sacrifice, for service, for faithfulness. Noble people you’re happy to call “friends,” and happy they too are friends of the King.

Living as we do in busy times, with busy lives and busy schedules; the desire to be with each other and share the journey has caused us to fight the trend and slow ourselves to spend time together in Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Eventually it led us to get out of town on an epic (in my mind anyway) week trip to Canada, riding the train across the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia and ending up at Lake Louise in Banff National Park of Alberta. The dates were set, the planning put into motion, and before we knew it we were on our way on a beautiful friendship vacation to enjoy some of God’s most beautiful creation and to hang out together relaxing and resting. What a concept!

British Columbia by rail

What a blessing from the Lord! One for which both couples are very grateful. We can and should enjoy friendship at work and at rest. It gives both activities more meaning and joy. I think it’s something God intended for us to enjoy, and He enjoys with us.

Besides catching up on children, grand children, and the funny ways the Lord has led us and blessed us, we also shared our kingdom activity and interests. The time afforded us windows into kingdom work in each others churches and communities. We heard about the two Ethiopian kids their daughter and her husband have adopted and an orphanage they support through a foundation they started. I shared I had just left Camp Hope the day before, and when we touched down in Vancouver, I received the following text from a friend at the camp which excited them.

Big Horn Sheep

“Hey brother, thought you might want to know, 19 kids gave their heart to Jesus at camp. The spirit fell heavy on camp at noon on Friday and never left. I had 4 children in front of me at one time, eyes filled with tears, waiting to give their heart to the Lord …. God is so good!!”

Hearing and sharing heart warming reports like this is wonderful. It reminds you of the old saying about friendship. “Friendship divides our sorrow and multiplies our joy.”

Breakfast with Friends

At work or at rest, let’s purpose to do each with friends more and more in the days we have left. I don’t know about you, but in our day I think slowing and resting is probably more needed.

If you slow to ask Him, He’ll lead. I recently got acquainted with Psalm 23 anew. It’s clear from this passage that “He leads.” But I noticed that the first thing He does is He “makes us lie down in green pastures.” He makes us lie down and rest in a beautiful, pleasant place. Sounds inviting doesn’t it? It’s what’s in His heart for us. It’s what He did for us on this trip, and perhaps is doing for you in this season, or wants to. Be sensitive. Be willing. Be listening for His voice and leading. Godspeed as you follow.

“The LORD is my Shepard, I shall not want…”

“For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing,” (Isaiah 30:15)

Postscript: Just after returning from our trip, Stephannie was injured in an exercising accident and broke her right ankle in three places. Please pray for healing and for the family.

Camp Hope 2013

Much planning, much work, much preparation, much prayer and it all came together. Camp Hope 2013, the first Camp Hope is now history, leaving big smiles on faces and in hearts, along with a sense of awe at what God has done.

Who? Forty-one kids, and about thirty volunteer camp staff.

What? A summer camp for underprivileged, at risk kids.

When? July 24-July 27, 2013

Where? Shoal Creek Church Camp, New Blaine, Arkansas

Those are the facts, but what happened there is hard to describe. I should be able to describe it. I was there 3 of the 4 days before honoring another previously scheduled commitment. My main assigned job was camp photographer, so I roamed everywhere taking photos, and observing all the action as different cabins or groups of boys and girls went from activity to activity, enjoying, learning, interacting with each other and the staff. I also baited some hooks, toted some stuff to and around camp, helped with canoeing activities, told some Bible stories, and picked up small amounts of liter here and there. I ate with the campers, slept in a cabin, and worshiped with them at various times. I gave and received many smiles and hugs throughout each action filled but strangely peaceful day, as did the other staff and leaders. I feel like my contribution and part was small compared to the main leaders and volunteers, but important. I’m starting to see that everyone’s gift is important, as is every act of service or act of kindness, especially if it’s freely given from the heart.

But the fact is I find it hard, if not impossible, to describe what happened here. And that’s what I’m trying to do! I don’t know how to wrap my mind or arms around it? I think the other volunteers would say the same thing? A grin comes to my lips and my heart when I think about it, but not words?

There was plenty of hard work, planning, and action by the three main leaders, Steve, Wendy, and Sue, along with a gifted and giving group of helpers–worship leaders, cooks, counselors, medics, art and music teachers, activity leaders, etc.; but we all have a sense of awe about the whole experience and how it turned out. It’s a sense that the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.

We all know, I suppose, that the awe factor was the presence of God at the camp. He’s very good, very big, and moving in all areas of our human experience. When He comes it’s beautiful, peaceful, loving, and joyful to experience, but hard to describe.

Thank you Father, for loving these kids, and adults, and for your Presence at Camp Hope 2013. Amen. אמן A faithful Father and a faithful King you are. In ways seen and unseen, You changed us for good.

“For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:16)

“And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” (Exodus 33:19)

Camp Hope 2013 from Dwayne Bell on Vimeo.

Little Children . Camp Hope

Today I’m making preparations to attend and assist at a summer camp for children. For the last year and a half or more, three volunteer adult leaders and several volunteer helpers have been working with adults and youth from an apartment complex in our city. They’ve made relationships, gaining the trust and respect of the people there, young and old alike. The happy result is that our church with volunteers from other churches is hosting a summer camp for kids, many of whom might never have a summer camp experience — it’s a place to get away from their surroundings in a safe, loving place and just be kids! And yes, the love of Christ will be shared through lives, service, messages, and music.

The model for this camp is Matthew 18, a camp for foster kids which just completed it’s 9th year, beginning on Father’s Day each year and running for the following week, staffed by some of these same leaders and volunteers. Look here for their website, or here for photos of the 2013 camp completed a few weeks ago.

I will also add, that this is a completely different group of kids and camp, mostly from one apartment complex, and mostly elementary age. The leaders were hoping for maybe twenty children, and ended up with more than forty signed up!

Perhaps this is due to the work of the leaders, or the prayers of people with vision, or the First Sunday event held a couple weeks ago? An event organized to feed them, let them fish, swim, and have a good time, loving on them. Look here for photos of that happy event.

I know from the Bible that God’s heart is for children, especially the fatherless, or those having a tough time. These two camps testify to that. God is at work through these leaders and servants.

Truly in our day the “fields are white unto harvest.” Jesus said that. He also said the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. You would think the next thing from His mouth might be, “get busy and get to work out there.” But it isn’t, He says instead, “Pray to the Lord of the harvest.” “That He would send workers into the harvest.” So that instruction from the Master would be the first and most important step. Please Pray.

But then if we catch a glimpse of the Lord in prayer, or of His heart, we might like Isaiah say, “Here am I LORD, send me.”

Let’s start looking for small ways to plug in, and serve.

Shalom in Him,

Dwayne

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10, NIV)

“In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14, NIV)

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27, NIV)

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:2–5, NIV)

Book Signing: The Journey Continues

The first official book signing for “A Friend of the King” was held at The Solid Rock bookstore in Fort Smith on Saturday, July 20th. The store said it was very successful. I have no gage at this point, but I know I was pleasantly busy, and the time passed very quickly. The best part was making new friends and seeing old friends. For many I know the motivation was freindship, and I am deeply touched. Thank you for making it a wonderful and memorable rainy Saturday!

Longtime friends bought multiple copies and hard back copies. Thanks for your support and encouragement! I met new friends who described to me how their lives had been changed by the King, one overcoming a twelve year addiction and time in prison. Another told of overcoming hardship and family tragedy, but was beaming with joy and a good attitude, telling passionately of volunteering to help others. The King changes lives. He saves and delivers! He always has, and He will till He comes! It’s a joy to serve Him and to tell others about Him.

It was a day to feel really good about writing the book! And to remember the King, with friends.

New Friend Earl Stops for a Chat and a Book

Mrs. Kaay a true friend of mine and of the King

Chris, Page and Brian drop by for a visit and a book, becoming new friends

Enjoyable!

Last from Moore: A Father’s Heart

Items Found in the Woods Near the Old Man’s House

I couldn’t really describe the Moore experience in a thousand blogs, and I don’t really need to. I simply got a call from a friend saying there was a need to help some people and an opportunity to serve. To give up a day of my life to help some people whose lives were in ruins at the moment, and to enjoy the company of some friends in helping, that seemed a small sacrifice and a no-brainer. Besides, my good friend Chuck invited me.

As I’ve mentioned, it seemed to me that the Lord saved the best to last that day! We did get to help some people personally, to get really close to where and how they live, to touch each other at a deeply spiritual and human level. And we saw that their main needs were not really material but moral, mental, spiritual, and emotional.

This situation is typical I’m sure, but the man and the encounter I’m going to describe to you is anything but typical. Really all people are atypical. They have their own lives, how they’ve lived them, and their own stories.

The picture of this old man, poor, but kept, with strength and dignity is what looms large in my mind from Moore, and it will forever. It was a deeply fulfilling, touching, holy moment for me as Chuck and I stood on his steps and he on his porch, the porch of the only standing house within view.

We had done some debris removal and physical labor next door for his neighbor with the storm cellar, but there wasn’t much to be done physically any longer. An army of Mennonites with bobcats and chainsaws had swept in to help along with others. They had water and food. The long process of rebuilding would begin in time.

The old man conveyed that to us, along with his profound, heart-felt gratitude for all the help he’d received. “People have been so good to us,” he said reflecting, followed by a single large tear streaming from his right eye to his chin.

There was some silence, and pause; none of this happened quickly. My friend Chuck said, “Looks like you could use a hug.” I was grateful he said that, because I was feeling the same thing, but not knowing what to do or say. The old man nodded his head slowly up and down. Chuck climbed up on the porch, and gave him a long, strong manly hug. With the both of them facing me and our Israeli friend, the tears began to flow like streams from both eyes. No sobbing or crying, just streams as the man looked out over the rolling hills toward the horizon. Silence followed. Time. Open ears and open hearts.

The stress of the tornado and destruction all around them had brought some real and deep life issues to the surface; issues not easily, if ever, shared with strangers. The old man began to speak. “The day of the tornado, my grandson cursed me and my wife. We raised him, but I told him he wasn’t acting like a Frazer*, and I thought it best that he leave our home, and he did.” After some silence I said, “Can I pray for you and your grandson?” He said, “Please do.” Our hats removed, I asked God to have mercy on everyone involved, to forgive and protect the young man, and to restore the relationship in time. The old man nodded his agreement and appreciation, and added with more tears streaming down his face, “Please pray for my little great granddaughter Kennedy, I don’t know what will become of her?” I did immediately and I have ever since. Please join me in a prayer for Kennedy if you will.

That old man showed me something I wasn’t expecting in that moment. I came to help, but I received help, insight, and instruction.

He showed me the heart of a real man; a heart that beats for his children, and his children’s children. A heart of sacrifice. A heart that never stops caring. Never stops standing for them.

Friends in the Service of the King

I think I saw the heart of God.

Photos from our time in Moore

* Name changed for privacy.

Early Is Good . Spirit 106

It’s been an eventful couple days in the life of the book, and my life by extension!

I attend a men’s Bible and Prayer time at Heritage United Methodist Church. It is a rich and inspirational time, a place and time where I get a lot of spiritual oxygen for my journey. Afterwards, one of the guys followed me to my truck to buy a book. Several of the guys stopped me after the meeting to tell me they liked the book, adding the kinds of help or insights they were getting from it. I would say more than half of the 25 to 30 attendees procured a copy over the last three weeks. That’s very encouraging.

After the early [6:15 a.m. -7:15 a.m.] Tuesday morning meeting, I headed south across the river to the Spirit 106 radio station for a live interview about the book with DJ and friend Dave Burdue and his cohost Sylvia. They were professional, prepared, and did an exceptional job making me feel at ease, getting to the bottom line of the book, and getting the word about the book on the airwaves. In fact, within five minutes of arriving home, I discovered a Facebook friend heard the interview, found out about the book for the first time, and ordered one from Amazon. 🙂 Whew, the speed and power of technology in our day!

A copy of that radio interview can be heard here, on the book’s website. Photos can be seen here.

The interview also told of the first official book signing to be at the Solid Rock Bookstore this Saturday, July 20th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Please drop by if you’re interested in getting a book; talking about it, or friendship, or our times.

This morning was another early, and inspirational one for me. A friend from another local church asked me to speak at their Wednesday men’s meeting [6:30-7:30]. I used my book as part of the introduction about what God seems to be doing, awakening men to walk with each other in deeper friendships and focused kingdom ways. I was warmly and enthusiastically received, with three guys getting a copy of the book afterwards.

They treated me like one of their own, and after they told me who was speaking the following two weeks, I wanted to be there. This is a sacrifice (albeit a joyful one) because I love to sleep in the early morning hours, and already attend early men’s meetings at three different locations on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 🙂

Do you see a trend here? 🙂 I do. I’m excited and happy to be seeing it, and to be living in these times! God chose them for us. And I remember what David said about sacrifice.

Maybe He’s awakening us to more joyful and powerful lives? Could be turbulent? Could be adventurous? Could be relationship deepening? Could result in some leaders like David, and some mighty men? Could be rewarding? Stay tuned, stay hungry, and stay obedient.

His joy to you all,

Dwayne

“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6, NIV)

Dave & Sylvia

Is That a Good Book?

Long Distance … Friends Forever

My mind is filled with wonder about the day and the way the Spirit is leading me in the book adventure. Today two friends joined up with me before daylight at the Fort Smith airport, and we flew at sunrise to Cabot, an hour and twenty minutes east, for breakfast and to celebrate our friendship with Charles, enjoying our camaraderie in Christ, something we’ve been doing for almost a decade now. We usually drive to Russellville, the Cracker Barrel, which is about half way. This we do once a quarter for the love, friendship, joy, and spiritual encouragement it brings each of us. But today we flew! Friendship is such a treasure! At this moment it’s all I can think about, and I’m having trouble thinking of a segue to what’s on my heart and mind to share about the book. How about I just dive in?

The flight attendant was making her way down the aisle serving beverages, as my wife and I were returning from DFW to FSM last week. I was reading “A Friend of the King,” “David and His Mighty Men,” for the first time in months, and so engrossed that I didn’t see her standing there, smiling and looking at me. When our eyes met, she said with a smile, “Is that a good book?”

I was so shocked and surprised by her presence and the question that I smiled sheepishly, paused, and then said, “I think so!” 🙂 And that was all I intended to say.

But she lingered and wouldn’t let it go, saying, “Is that David the David of the Bible?” I looked back up at her and said, “Yes, it’s the David of the Bible.” She lingered and looked deep into my eyes as if asking, “There’s more isn’t there?” I felt like I was busted, and just came out with it, “Well, I wrote it.” “It’s my first book.” She smiled and nodded like she had won some contest of wills, as I told her the gist of the book from the table of contents.

A few minutes later I felt the Spirit impress me to sign and give her the book when I deplaned, which I did, saying, “Remember it’s a men’s book really, but several women have read it and liked it.” “If you don’t like it, you can give it to your pastor,” I said with a smile, moving on out the door to keep the line of people behind me moving down the aisle.

This funny little event gave me pause, and made me consider the question, “Is it a good book?” As I pondered the question it came to me: [1] There is plenty to be humble about. I’ll give a little more attention to the King’s English should I write again. Parts of it didn’t flow as smoothly as desired. But, [2] The Lord impressed me to write the book and gave me the message. [3] The Lord helped me as I wrote, again and again. [4] It’s about ninety percent Scripture. So, yes, I believe it is a good book that has a place in the kingdom and might be used of the Lord to awaken men to their call and purpose in life, while encouraging and equipping them to run the race with vision.

I can in good conscience champion it, and speak up for it. I see the need for it, and the good in it. That’s how the Lord is encouraging me to speak up for the book in this chapter of it’s life. Like this morning, around the breakfast table with men — friends old and new, discussing our times and what we should be doing. And how we all desire to become better friends of the King. I was pleased and gratified that the little book spoke to almost every need and issue being discussed. The LORD will speak through His Word by His Spirit, to men He chooses, and men who choose Him, causing life to flow, and fruit from His Spirit…

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NASB95)

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, NIV)

“to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27, NASB95)

Paul near the end of his life said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” (Philippians 3:10, NASB95)

Abram was told during his life, “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”” (Genesis 15:1, NIV)

A friend of the King gets the King as his friend. “Befriend the King!”

His peace [shalom, שלום] to you all!

PS While we were looking for the verse that says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” Drew found a verse that also applies to the book:

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV)

Joy! 🙂

The Birth of a Friend: “A Friend of the King”

It seems as if this book has taken over my life, at least in this season or the last few weeks. 🙂 I thought when it was published, it would be done, and I could go on to other things; things new, fun, and interesting. Well, when I think about it, this book chapter of my life is new, fun, and interesting. I would never have dreamed I would be here really!

I’m still in the first months after retiring early from my job as an American Airlines’ pilot, and entering the Psalms 23 chapter of my life. That’s what I tell my friends who ask, “What will you do?” Psalms 23 says a lot, but right up front it says, “The LORD is my Shepherd,… He leads.”

He has, and He is, and He will. So back to the book. I feel like writing it was an act of obedience. That He directed me to write, and that He helped me to write, and helped me persevere until published. So I need to do due diligence in getting the word out there about the book. Not to spend lots of money on marketing, or self promotion, or anything like that, but to humbly do what the Lord shows me to do to get it in the hands of people who could be helped, encouraged, and guided by the Scripture and related thoughts it contains.

It occurred to me recently that you might be interested in this part of the journey, the journey of writing and publishing a book, as it is happening. I’ve been humbled and touched by many friends and relatives who have received the book with enthusiasm, many having read it already and providing positive feedback. So I’ll start chronicling some of the continuing saga under the category, “The Book Journey.”

Here’s some current activity! Yesterday I headed to a local Christian radio station to arrange for a radio interview in preparation for my first book signing later this month, which I also arranged at a book store a few minutes later. That store, The Solid Rock, had sold all the books I’d left them a couple weeks ago, so I dropped off some more. While in the parking lot I headed next door to say “hello” to a good friend who is a bank president. He surprised me by asking me to sign three books he’d purchased for family members.

And so it’s going, and gone. I don’t expect too much from these type activities. They are time consuming and humbling. But humility is good. And it feels like obedience. Obedience is good. I feel the Lord gave me a small vision about the process last Sunday. It’s akin to starting a campfire, which takes small, small pieces of wood, several puffs, and patience. But soon you have a fire that roars and is self-sustaining to the point you can throw about anything on it for fuel, and it’ll keep going.

The Lord is my Shepherd; He leads…

It’s my prayer and purpose this humble writ goes out into the kingdom and world, making better friends of people, and of the King.

I sense the book is doing that for me. His shalom to you all. And His joy!

Unfinished Story…contd

We’re all here to help the cause of children, the fatherless, and gratitude for the gift of life!

Several of Matt & Ginny’s close friends initiate and host a book launching party for Matt in the city of his birth-through-high-school years, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on the evening of June 27th, 2013. On the same day a nice article appeared in the Arkansas Gazzette puting out the word about the book launch. Many old and new friends came together to bless the Mooneys, their new book, and support their worthy foundation, 99 Balloons! The event was a huge success, with every book being sold in addition to some very large donations. Thanks to everyone who came and everyone who helped, especially the host of friends, and the friends who were the hosts. Enjoy the photos!

Video introduction to the book “A Story Unfinished” by Matt Mooney

Beautiful venue!

Matt & his Dad