Tonight we went to a visitation for a 55 year old man who died this week.  In my life as a pastor I have never seen so many people nor flowers like we saw tonight.  The funeral home was overflowing with arrangements for this beloved man.  He was a business man who knew people from coast to coast and was very well respected.  He was loved by many.

Sonya and I were in awe at the response of people that came to pay respects to this man.  We wondered what kind of impact he made on others.  What legacy might he have left?  He was influential to others but how lasting of an influence might that be?

As we left the funeral home, I thought of how life is short and we must make an impact for eternity while we have this life.  If we can have that kind of influence in our business life think of what could be done spiritually.  This gentleman was not a believer until two weeks before his death.  He only had two weeks to make an eternal impact.  What might he have done if Christ had come into his life earlier?

All of us are alotted time on this earth to impact others.  What are we doing with our time?  God desires for us to touch lives.  To share Christ’s love.  To disciple others.  Is this a common trait for our lives?  I hope so!  I pray that when I have gone to be with the Lord, that I have that many people who have been touched by our ministry and life. 

It says a lot about a man to see so many people come to the viewing.  He is at home in Heaven.   I pray that the testimony of his conversion, tomorrow at the memorial service, will impact lives for eternity.

Here it is Monday morning again.  A start for another week getting ready for Sunday.  It seems that there is the same deadline every week.  Wednesday sermon…Sunday morning Sermon…Sunday night sermon.  It is the weekly grind.  It will start over a week from today.  Although it is a revolving deadline, I wouldn’t trade it for any thing in the world.  I love ministry.  The work that we do makes an eternal difference.  Regardless of the demands we have, ministry is the best thing going.

On another note:  how about them Astros?  Finally, they might be coming around.  They swept the Mariners now they look forward to LA.  I was glad they called Chris Burke back to the majors.  By far he is my favorite Astro.   But the team as a whole is doing better.  Hunter Pence is the man and all the others are starting to hit well.  Keep it up boys!

Let’s see, Men’s Breakfast Tuesday and then a crazy day in the office.  Wednesday was a day long meeting at the District Office.  Thursday, had a sectional committee meeting and finished the day with our monthly Senior Supper.  I am not a senior but by default of my position, I am allowed to go.  Today I came in at six to try to get caught up and get my sermon for Sunday ready.

As I left this morning, Sonya said that she missed me. (we haven’t seen each other much this week).  I told her that next week would be better, but she reminded me that I say that every week. 

Ministry is a joy but at times it is a hectic schedule.  The unsung heroes in ministry are the pastor’s wives.  They have to take the back burner sometime while their husband does kingdom work.  While pastors often fellowship together during our meetings, it is the pastor’s wives who rarely enjoy fellowship with their peers.  They are the ones taking care of the kids while the pastor is away from home.  My hats off to pastor’s wives and I pray that God will help us pastors balance family life and ministry.  Some weeks I do a great job at it, some weeks it is impossible.

Thanks Sonya for being understanding.

I read a statistic this morning that said only 20 percent of teens say they have parents who pray and study the Bible as a family.  This is alarming but not unexpected.  If we look at today’s society we can see the fruit of our “Christian” families.  Our teenagers are impressionable and will gain their values from somewhere.  MTV, sitcoms, music, media or YOU!

What are we investing in our children?  I believe that fifteen minutes a day can shape the life of a teen for eternity.  If we as parents will dedicate ourselves to pray and read the Bible with our families I would dare say our families would grow closer.  If our children know that we are praying with them and for them, they will feel free to come to us when they are facing peer pressure or some other struggle.

It does not have to be a three point sermon at night but rather just share something that God has ministered to you through His Word.  Or maybe that is where our problems lie.  When we do not study the Word ourselves, it is hard to do that as a family.  If you will make prayer and the Word of God a central part of your family, we can change the world one family at a time.

At the Cheney house we have started having family devotion time at night once again.  We used to and stopped for a while because there wasn’t “enough time”.  Then we realized we just need to make the time.  That means setting something aside for fifteen minutes and giving attention to the spiritual direction of our family.  You can do the same! 

What is more important television or your kids spiritual vision?  Sports and athletics or spiritual fitness?  Fifteen more minutes of rest or eternal rest?  You decide!

Time seems to disappear.  It seems like one week is over and it is time to get ready for another Sunday.  Between ministry responsibilities, everyday responsibilities and trying to work in family time in there, life is tough.

We took a drive to Pleasure Island last night and we noticed all of the people fishing on “our” pier.  This was the place Josh and I went often.  In the last year and a half we haven’t done much fishing because it seems like we just don’t have the time.  Josh spoke up and said, “I’m thinking about giving up fishing because we just don’t have the time for it.”  Talk about a dagger in the heart.  I am trying to make a conscious effort to make more time for Sonya, Josh and Hannah but it seems time just disappears.

I have made myself a goal to spend more time with my family and especially my 13 year old.  Before long he will be out of the house.  I don’t want to regret not spending time with him.