Amy & Chad stop for a hardback and some chat

September 10th, several friends dropped by the main library near our home and the city center to purchase books or have purchased books signed.

The library staff was most helpful and efficient in promoting the event and facilitating the same. They advertised the book by name in the local newspaper, “The Times Record,” as well as in a popular local magazine, “e Fort Smith.”

Have books – will sign 🙂

A place was set up for me at the main library entrance at the appointed time, and friends old and new begin to filter in, to talk about the book and enjoy friendship.

Val stops by for a signed copy and a visit

There were many surprises, including a former college professor, who saw the advertisements, and stopped by to purchase a book. Two dear friends from First Baptist who recently traveled with me to Israel purchased a book on Amazon, coming by for a visit and a signature. A young lady I

The Fort Smith Public Library on Rogers Ave.

came to know on a mission trip to Belize came by with her new husband for a book and a chat. A young man I know from the business world, coming to the library to study for a college class happened by and purchased a book. There were many more visits, and there was never a lull. Three hours passed very quickly as life and the book were shared with friends.

Many thanks to all who came! And to the Fort Smith Public Library for their “over the top” support of local authors!

The book journey continues….

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.]

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!

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

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! 🙂