1994 AND FOLLOWINGThe picture you see here was taken in February of 1994. A group of men called to be Sports Chaplains during the Winter Olympics held in Lillehamer, Norway. In the picture you'll see a friend who has been a tremendous influence in my life because of His incredible love for the Lord and for people, David Guinn. He's the bearded one next to the giant Norwegian strong man! There are a few missionaries that were serving in Europe at the time and others that came at the invitation of David and Action Ministries International. All were present to share the Good News with folks from all over the world during those 16 glorious days. What an event!
OK - not one of us are the same today, 16 years later, as we were then. We all look different - whether heavier, grayer, less hair, thicker glasses - surely the years themselves have taken their toll but each of us have grown. Each of us have had life experiences that have changed us. That's ok - that's the way its supposed to be! What I'm certain of is this - wherever we are today that's not where God wants us tomorrow. None of us are static and in our best efforts to limit, if not stifle change, life goes on. John Lennon wrote in his song, "Life is just what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." Well, life is happening! Change is occurring! The greater question - is it from glory to glory? Is it from mediocre to mediocre? Is it from one level of godliness to the next? Is it growth?
It is a journey, isn't it? Life is not a treadmill where so much energy is expended and ultimately you've made no progress - just expended energy? There is a purpose to God's plans and desires for us and I'm hoping that when he says, "Fred, let's go" that I'm willing to say, "You know what? The last 16 years have been incredible. I can't believe all you've allowed me to do, see, and experience. Let's make it another 16!"
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