Where Am I Going?

Just about every day I live, I hear of someone I know dying. I know it is part of the process, but death is the part of life I haven’t gotten used to yet. About eight years ago, my father lost my mother to breast cancer. We miss her. She was, (and still is), the love of my father’s life. Recently, Pat Loomis, a cousin of my fathers, died at the age of 90. Pat was a gregarious woman who loved life. We will miss her. The Loomis family is very, very special to us, (I was named after Pat’s brother, Rich). Between then and now, we have lost aunts and uncles, and other friends and family members. It is hard to let go of each one of them. Sometimes it seems as if life is a series of unanswered questions; “What’s next?” "What happens when we die?" "Am I ready for it?" Or the frightening question, “Where am I going when I die? “ That question used to frighten me a lot, because I was afraid of death. I worried about what would happen when I died. I was unsure of my destination. I felt like a ship without a rudder, being tossed about in the waves. I was tired of that unsettled feeling. I wanted to know where I was going. The uncertainty of it all was very unsettling. Would I go to heaven?

Twenty-five years ago, I got the answers to my questions. One day in the fall of 1985, when I walked into church, I knew that the Lord was telling me that that was the day I should give my life to Him. On that day I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I confessed and repented of my sins to God. He had already done the work for me. I finally knew where I was going. Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice for me, I had been offered forgiveness for my sins. What about you, are you afraid of death? If so, I know Someone who can help. His name is Jesus Christ. His offer of forgiveness is the same for you as it was for me. If you don’t know Jesus, I believe you have every right to be afraid. I was once afraid, too.

Reflections on Marriage

Last weekend our family had the privilege of witnessing an amazing wedding in Franklin, TN. What was different about this wedding? To be blunt...everything. I could mention the building (not a "church" but a building called "The Factory") or the unorthodox, artsy room setup, or the live band that provided very nice music accompaniment, or the two ministers that presided over the event, I could go on and on but that would not really describe what made it different. What was it you might ask? What made it special were...the people. We have known the family of the groom (Luke) for 16 years. They are a very close family. They are a family that loves God and loves each other. It was exceedingly evident that God brought the bride and groom together. It was also obvious what a good example of a Christ-centered marriage can do in the lives of children. In my mind, the ceremony was a testament to the parents and the model they have provided as to what marriage should be. I will never forget the look on the groom's face when the father of the bride walked his daughter down the aisle. Luke was getting a glimpse of God's gift to him...his bride (Courtney). From the wedding vows, to the tender words Luke shared regarding his wife to the words shared by one of his brothers, to...basically everything about it, this wedding was an example of what a marriage is supposed to look like.

As I reflect on the events of this past weekend I think about the 23 years of marriage that my wife, Barb and I celebrate today. I am so thankful for her. She is God's gift to me. I have never doubted, even for a moment, that The Lord brought her into my life. God is the one to put healthy relationships together. I hope and pray that our children have witnessed a marriage that they would desire to emulate in their lives. God is good. May we honor him with our marriages.

Growing Up...a little more each day

Well, it has been about nine months since the Chapter I blog on our daughter, Hannah. In that post I noted that Hannah was graduating from high school and waiting on God's direction for the next chapter of her life.

During her period of waiting on God, Hannah continued in her involvement in the worship ministry at our church and in her work with Family Christian Stores. It was in that work at the bookstore that the Lord began to reveal to Hannah the direction for the next chapter of her life.

Here is what happened.

Family stores help to get sponsorships for children through an organization called World Vision. Since our family had sponsored a child (through a similar organization for a number of years), Hannah had an emotional, as well as, spiritual connection with this type of ministry opportunity. With that passion, Hannah found God's favor in her ability to find sponsorships for many children through World Vision by way of Family Christian Stores because she had a true concern for the welfare of these children. This led her to consider looking into this type of work and area of emphasis for her schooling. As it turns out, Cincinnati Christian University has a department for this area of focus called the Center for Urban and Global Outreach

So, in January of this year, Hannah began attending CCU. In a variety of ways, God has shown signs of His confirmation of His direction in her life. It has become increasingly obvious that she is where He wants her to be. We couldn't be any happier with His plan for her.

I believe that the lesson here is to wait on the Lord and He will reveal His plans for us. As a parent, it is a wonderful blessing to see God work in the lives of our children. I am certain that it brings joy to Him to witness how our obedience to His direction and timing brings about blessings in our lives.

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)


So, what about our other children, you might ask?



Our younger daughter Moriah is the eternal optimist. She sees the "silver lining" in every situation no matter how dismal it might seem. Moriah loves: Jesus, her family, The Bengals (especially Chad Ochocinco), The Daraja Choir, our dog, Sophie, cats, Gus and Sadie and her Lionhead Bunny, Lizzie. Moriah excels in her schoolwork and enjoys math (which concerns me...). She has been taking violin lessons and progressing very well. Moriah has a very sweet, gentle spirit. If you are ever in need of encouragement just talk to Moriah and I guarantee you will feel better.



Our youngest child is our son, Noah who is a freshman in high school. Noah loves doing projects with his grandfather Blair or his uncle Tim, playing video games, playing drums, etc. Noah also enjoys playing soccer for the Landmark Homeschool Soccer team. Noah has assisted in the technical areas at church (i.e. stage setup, video editing, lighting, etc.). He plays drums for youth worship and has, on occassion filled in the adult worship services. I admire his work ethic. No matter what he does, he always wants to be prepared and do it well. I wish I could say the same for myself. I can learn from him.

My goal in this blog was not to boast about our children (really, it wasn't) but I guess it is okay to be proud of them. Actually, I probably see more traits in them that I would like to see in myself.



Oh, I can't forget to include the greatest gift of all to me in my life (other than Jesus), my wife, Barb. I know she is God's gift to me. I love her more each and every day. She is more beautiful to me now than the day I met her. Thank you for her, Lord.

In all of this, God has given me more than I deserve.

All I can say is thank you, Lord, thank you for the plans you have for me.