Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Tonight was so special--as we celebrated a yearly tradition in our home-where me, Christi, and Jaici and Jayden watched "Its A Wonderful Life." I was beginning to think it would not work out for us this year--but by the grace of God it came to pass.
The movie is so special for so many reasons. First and foremost it is special to me because it gives my kids a chance to see some real values besides what I preach on each Sunday--that are truly good and wholesome and reflect Christ. George Bailey is so the kind of man I long to be each day. He truly cares for others and puts himself first--just as Christ tells us we are to deny ourselves. As I write this, I realize the movie is not a particularly Christ centered movie--but does have a lot of Godly focus to it.
George Bailey sacrifices often, his wants and dreams to serve and bless others he loves. He learns at an early age, the values his father taught him--to look out for the little guy and to remember those who would not have so many blessings in their lives. And while George's dreams are much bigger than his father's--he winds up following in his father's footsteps and helping the poor and working class of Bedford Falls have a chance to own their own homes and have a little taste of the American Dream! My favorite part of the movie is when George is sparring with Mr. Potter and tells him--and I paraphrase--"That rabble you speak of, are the ones who do most of the working and dying around here and is it too much to ask for them to have a place to live and a roof over their heads." I so love that moment--where he stands up for the little guy and his father's ideas!
I so want my children to grow up at least being exposed to such values! My kids don't have to follow in my footsteps and be full time ministers--but I do want them to grow up to understand the importance of serving others and showing love and kindness and not live their lives being self-centered and self-focused. If you ever look at the word "SIN"--just take out the middle letter "I." "I" and self focus leads often to sin and an unhealthy life.
Life is so much more than materialism and looking for the next best and biggest thrill. The kind of love and compassion that was shown George Bailey towards the end of the movie and the blessings he saw--was partly because God was teaching him about what was most important--and then partly because he had lived his life serving and blessing others. I want my children to know that a life spent serving others is a life that can bring real joy and peace and value to their lives!
Jesus tells us that it is better to give than to receive! And HE was right! Merry Christmas!
Bruce
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
AN EXCITING DAY FOR AT THE CROSS
Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,
Today was just unbelievable! And yet--not really given I have seen God do BIG things over and over and over again! We served 37 or 38 I think today at our food pantry--and served over at least 50 or 60 with all their family members for our luncheon we served today for those coming to our food pantry! It was so wonderful! Some sisters from Highland Oaks Church of Christ provided a bunch of coats/jackets for adults and kids, as well as a bunch of food, a shepherd from Saturn Road Church of Christ provided a BBQ brisket, a sister from our congregation did a bunch of cooking this morning, and with several other volunteers from HIghland Oaks--and it was just beautiful! You could feel so much Jesus love in the air!
I cannot express how wonderful it felt to see so many people--many who are really hurting and struggling to just survive--and many children--so full of hope today! I saw smiles from people who probably are not smiling a lot. Several older hispanic women who have so little--really there were all colors and shapes and sizes of people--and all were seeing how good Jesus is!
Such days I have experienced in ministry--nothing else can top them! So much more to do! Please be in prayer for the Lord to continue to provide the funds we need to keep the work going in Mesquite! Merry Christmas everyone!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Today was just unbelievable! And yet--not really given I have seen God do BIG things over and over and over again! We served 37 or 38 I think today at our food pantry--and served over at least 50 or 60 with all their family members for our luncheon we served today for those coming to our food pantry! It was so wonderful! Some sisters from Highland Oaks Church of Christ provided a bunch of coats/jackets for adults and kids, as well as a bunch of food, a shepherd from Saturn Road Church of Christ provided a BBQ brisket, a sister from our congregation did a bunch of cooking this morning, and with several other volunteers from HIghland Oaks--and it was just beautiful! You could feel so much Jesus love in the air!
I cannot express how wonderful it felt to see so many people--many who are really hurting and struggling to just survive--and many children--so full of hope today! I saw smiles from people who probably are not smiling a lot. Several older hispanic women who have so little--really there were all colors and shapes and sizes of people--and all were seeing how good Jesus is!
Such days I have experienced in ministry--nothing else can top them! So much more to do! Please be in prayer for the Lord to continue to provide the funds we need to keep the work going in Mesquite! Merry Christmas everyone!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Thursday, December 17, 2009
SHAWN'S NEW HOME AND LIFE
Dear Loved Ones,
While I hurt and grieve deeply, I am also so envious of what Shawn Anthamatten, disciple and worker for Jesus, is now or will soon be getting to see. Job offers some insight here:
"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze? "Tell us what we should say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. Should he be told that I want to speak? Would any man ask to be swallowed up?
Now no one can look at the sun, bright as it is in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart"? (Job 37:14-24, NIV).
While Shawn had seen God's power at work many times, there is no doubt in my mind that if not already, he will soon be seeing "the wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge." Shawn is seeing the wonders of God's great works! Shawn is receiving his just reward--no more sadness, no more sickness, no more struggle. Now he gets to walk the streets of gold and see great glory! Oh happy day when Jesus walked! Oh happy day that Shawn now walks with Jesus all day everyday--and gets to see Jesus!
What an awesome God we serve! We love you Shawn!
Bruce
While I hurt and grieve deeply, I am also so envious of what Shawn Anthamatten, disciple and worker for Jesus, is now or will soon be getting to see. Job offers some insight here:
"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze? "Tell us what we should say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. Should he be told that I want to speak? Would any man ask to be swallowed up?
Now no one can look at the sun, bright as it is in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart"? (Job 37:14-24, NIV).
While Shawn had seen God's power at work many times, there is no doubt in my mind that if not already, he will soon be seeing "the wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge." Shawn is seeing the wonders of God's great works! Shawn is receiving his just reward--no more sadness, no more sickness, no more struggle. Now he gets to walk the streets of gold and see great glory! Oh happy day when Jesus walked! Oh happy day that Shawn now walks with Jesus all day everyday--and gets to see Jesus!
What an awesome God we serve! We love you Shawn!
Bruce
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
MORE REFLECTIONS ON SHAWN
I guess around 3 months or so ago, me and Shawn and our two boys went out to East Texas to stay at a farm a friend of mine has out there. Shawn is not much of an outdoorsman, but just came to hang out. I was going through a rough time personally and needed to be away with a true and real friend. And thats exactly what happened!
Our boys played all day each day and Shawn and I would either walk around the farm or ride on the "Gator" or just sit on the front porch of the farm house and just talk. He would share struggles he was going through and I would do the same. We prayed together a lot and it was so peaceful. There were many moments where he did not necessarily have the words to fix my problems, but he listened so well and offered the comforting words of compassion he could offer. It was enough. Just him being there with me soothed me and sustained me--God used Shawn well during that time to bless me.
Our boys had a great time--but so did us two "old men" who were once boys their ages playing together many years ago! We just talked a lot and enjoyed our time together as two real friends and brothers! Each afternoon and evening, we would drive into Mineola for a meal or to go to Wal-Mart to get more shotgun shells. He really enjoyed seeing Bryson get outdoors and have the kind of fun boys are supposed to have! Although, Bryson almost killed all of us the first time he held a shotgun! :) But the Lord kept us all alive! :)
Oh, how I long to be back on that front porch out in the country talking to Shawn as he sat there smoking his cigs and drinking his Dr. Pepper. The two only material things he ever really cared about having! For Shawn was the most unmaterialistic person I ever met! Oh what I would not give to just have that simple time with my simple friend again! What I would not give to just be able to say: "Shawn, you have such immense value and you make such a difference in my life and so many others' lives! I love you bro! I love you my great friend of many years!"
Good times--oh yes--great times! I am so blessed!
Bruce
Our boys played all day each day and Shawn and I would either walk around the farm or ride on the "Gator" or just sit on the front porch of the farm house and just talk. He would share struggles he was going through and I would do the same. We prayed together a lot and it was so peaceful. There were many moments where he did not necessarily have the words to fix my problems, but he listened so well and offered the comforting words of compassion he could offer. It was enough. Just him being there with me soothed me and sustained me--God used Shawn well during that time to bless me.
Our boys had a great time--but so did us two "old men" who were once boys their ages playing together many years ago! We just talked a lot and enjoyed our time together as two real friends and brothers! Each afternoon and evening, we would drive into Mineola for a meal or to go to Wal-Mart to get more shotgun shells. He really enjoyed seeing Bryson get outdoors and have the kind of fun boys are supposed to have! Although, Bryson almost killed all of us the first time he held a shotgun! :) But the Lord kept us all alive! :)
Oh, how I long to be back on that front porch out in the country talking to Shawn as he sat there smoking his cigs and drinking his Dr. Pepper. The two only material things he ever really cared about having! For Shawn was the most unmaterialistic person I ever met! Oh what I would not give to just have that simple time with my simple friend again! What I would not give to just be able to say: "Shawn, you have such immense value and you make such a difference in my life and so many others' lives! I love you bro! I love you my great friend of many years!"
Good times--oh yes--great times! I am so blessed!
Bruce
Monday, December 14, 2009
MORE REFLECTIONS OF SHAWN
One time me and my buds were playing a game we called the infamous "Beat Up Trick." (we were around 16). The "Beat Up Trick" was a game that required a group of us standing behind some bushes while the supposed victim ran out into the street and would pretend to trip over the median. The others would then come out chasing the victim and pretend to beat them up, only to see a car coming and run the other way and hide behind the bushes. On occasion, the victim would get picked up by some hot girls and get taken with them. This one night Shawn was the "Victim." So we ran over and we didn't just "pretend" but actually gave Shawn a few extra real kicks for fun. Then we look over and see a car and go "Oh, a car" and ran.
Moments later a truck full of older rough dudes pulled up wanting to help Shawn. Instead of playing along as a poor, beat up victim--Shawn looks over into the bushes towards all of us and gave those famous words "Is that ya'll?" To Shawn's credit-he thought he was whispering--but Shawn did not whisper very well.
Needless to say, then those guys knew they'd been had and they chased us all over that neighborhood because they knew they'd been fooled. We almost got the crap kicked out of us thanks to Shawn. So forever on--the famous words that have immortalized Shawn Anthamatten--"IS THAT YA'LL?"
Moments later a truck full of older rough dudes pulled up wanting to help Shawn. Instead of playing along as a poor, beat up victim--Shawn looks over into the bushes towards all of us and gave those famous words "Is that ya'll?" To Shawn's credit-he thought he was whispering--but Shawn did not whisper very well.
Needless to say, then those guys knew they'd been had and they chased us all over that neighborhood because they knew they'd been fooled. We almost got the crap kicked out of us thanks to Shawn. So forever on--the famous words that have immortalized Shawn Anthamatten--"IS THAT YA'LL?"
Sunday, December 13, 2009
MEMORIES OF SHAWN
Its late and I can't sleep for crying and hurting over the loss of my true blue and real friend since the 5th grade--Shawn Jason Anthamatten. My son and I came out to McKinney to stay in a hotel he likes that has an indoor pool and a gym--I was gonna get a good workout and have some good father and son time. But with the news of Shawn's passing when we first got here--I lost heart to do anything else. My son is devestated--as Shawn was like his uncle. My kids called Shawn "Uncle Shawn."
As I reflect, I honestly can't remember Shawn not being in my life. There was about 8 months a couple of years back when he was living in Arkansas--but beyond that--he was always there. He was there with me at night every night when my mom was in the hospital dying. He was there when my dad passed away. He was there the day I got married. He was there when I ran for public office. He was there when I graduated college. He was there when I planted a church. And sometimes he was there when I did not want him to be! :) But he was always there! My friend David Oldright said earlier--"Shawn was a mainstay!" How true.
I remember randomly so many memories of my friendship with Shawn. I remember the first day I had contact with him in 5th grade--we were not sharing pleasantries. Shawn was known as a punk then and got into a lot of fights. So one day me and a boy named Jeremy Whitely were throwing the football in PE and Shawn came walking by and the ball hit him and he got mad and was not going to let us have the ball. He and Jeremy almost got into a fight. Of course, I think I threw a few ugly comments towards Shawn too. Never knowing that almost 30 years later--I'd be weeping over his untimely death.
I remember him falling asleep in Mrs. Leard's Science class in 8th grade and him drooling all over his desk and a big pile forming on the floor. This is not in any way to disrespect Shawn--he would often laugh about it too when we talked about it many years later. To his defense, he was working a part time job back in 8th grade and was tired a lot. I remember (OMGosh I remember) many, many times walking down the hallway of Agnew MS or MHS and suddenly getting slapped in the back of my head by Shawn--it used to piss me off to no end! Or even worse--getting a "wet willy" lapped on the back of my ear!!! To this day--anytime Shawn would be behind me--I'd be very anxious and nervous! :)
I remember when I lived in Terrell my Jr. and Sr. year and he would come visit me from time to time. He'd drive up in his white 76 Pinto and you could hear the car coming all the way down the street. Then he'd get out and him closing his door was louder than a bomb going off! One time he skipped school at MHS to come visit me in Terrell. Being the good friend I was, I called in sick for him. As I was spelling his last name with the office secretary--I told them "Anthematten" instead of "Anthamatten." I could see him almost shouting but in a whisper tone "NO NO NO ITS A NOT E!!!" :) I could see the terror in his eyes as I misspelled his last name on the phone! He actually got into some trouble for that one I think! :)
One time when he was driving that old Pinto--I was following him back from Mesquite and suddenly--his hood just flew up over his windshield as we were going down Hwy 80. Somehow he was able to pull over and fix it--but it scared that crap out of me!
And you did not know Shawn was a fireman did you? One time when we were teenagers--he was with my old friends Andy Hubacek and Rodney Bangs and I think Rodney's engine was on fire or maybe it was Shawn's engine--and low and behold--he was trying to blow the fire out! With his mouth! :) Yes, that really happened!
Then there was the day my daughter was really sick and my wife and I were at a church planting assessment all day and we really could not miss it. Shawn stayed all day with her that day taking care of her, making her soup and whatever else she needed. I never forgot his kindness that day.
Then once when Shawn was our missionary at Allenhurst Apartments--there was a man who was in bad health in apartment 35. He really needed a new remote wheelchair bad. One week when Shawn had gotten a good tax refund--he just went and bought that man a brand new remote wheelchair!
One day me, Shawn, and our two boys were walking through Paschall Park as we have many times letting the boys play. One day we were walking by this old man's house who just started cussing at my son for walking in his yard. I started to turn around to go address the unkind man's verbal abuse--but before I could--Shawn had already threatened the man with physical harm for talking to my son that way--and the man shut up! Shawn always stood up for children! He was indeed so very good to children and had a real soft spot for them in his heart!
Since I am a preacher now--I won't go into many youthful indescretions we participated in together--but how I could tell some most laughable stories! :)
These are but a bitter-sweet thoughts that come into my mind. My heart aches right now--not so much for Shawn--he is with Jesus I have no doubt! Its more of a selfish ache and hurt--for myself!
Oh Shawn, how we will miss ya! You left too soon! There were more laughs to be laughed and fun to be had and special moments to share! We will look out for Bryson my great friend and brother!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
As I reflect, I honestly can't remember Shawn not being in my life. There was about 8 months a couple of years back when he was living in Arkansas--but beyond that--he was always there. He was there with me at night every night when my mom was in the hospital dying. He was there when my dad passed away. He was there the day I got married. He was there when I ran for public office. He was there when I graduated college. He was there when I planted a church. And sometimes he was there when I did not want him to be! :) But he was always there! My friend David Oldright said earlier--"Shawn was a mainstay!" How true.
I remember randomly so many memories of my friendship with Shawn. I remember the first day I had contact with him in 5th grade--we were not sharing pleasantries. Shawn was known as a punk then and got into a lot of fights. So one day me and a boy named Jeremy Whitely were throwing the football in PE and Shawn came walking by and the ball hit him and he got mad and was not going to let us have the ball. He and Jeremy almost got into a fight. Of course, I think I threw a few ugly comments towards Shawn too. Never knowing that almost 30 years later--I'd be weeping over his untimely death.
I remember him falling asleep in Mrs. Leard's Science class in 8th grade and him drooling all over his desk and a big pile forming on the floor. This is not in any way to disrespect Shawn--he would often laugh about it too when we talked about it many years later. To his defense, he was working a part time job back in 8th grade and was tired a lot. I remember (OMGosh I remember) many, many times walking down the hallway of Agnew MS or MHS and suddenly getting slapped in the back of my head by Shawn--it used to piss me off to no end! Or even worse--getting a "wet willy" lapped on the back of my ear!!! To this day--anytime Shawn would be behind me--I'd be very anxious and nervous! :)
I remember when I lived in Terrell my Jr. and Sr. year and he would come visit me from time to time. He'd drive up in his white 76 Pinto and you could hear the car coming all the way down the street. Then he'd get out and him closing his door was louder than a bomb going off! One time he skipped school at MHS to come visit me in Terrell. Being the good friend I was, I called in sick for him. As I was spelling his last name with the office secretary--I told them "Anthematten" instead of "Anthamatten." I could see him almost shouting but in a whisper tone "NO NO NO ITS A NOT E!!!" :) I could see the terror in his eyes as I misspelled his last name on the phone! He actually got into some trouble for that one I think! :)
One time when he was driving that old Pinto--I was following him back from Mesquite and suddenly--his hood just flew up over his windshield as we were going down Hwy 80. Somehow he was able to pull over and fix it--but it scared that crap out of me!
And you did not know Shawn was a fireman did you? One time when we were teenagers--he was with my old friends Andy Hubacek and Rodney Bangs and I think Rodney's engine was on fire or maybe it was Shawn's engine--and low and behold--he was trying to blow the fire out! With his mouth! :) Yes, that really happened!
Then there was the day my daughter was really sick and my wife and I were at a church planting assessment all day and we really could not miss it. Shawn stayed all day with her that day taking care of her, making her soup and whatever else she needed. I never forgot his kindness that day.
Then once when Shawn was our missionary at Allenhurst Apartments--there was a man who was in bad health in apartment 35. He really needed a new remote wheelchair bad. One week when Shawn had gotten a good tax refund--he just went and bought that man a brand new remote wheelchair!
One day me, Shawn, and our two boys were walking through Paschall Park as we have many times letting the boys play. One day we were walking by this old man's house who just started cussing at my son for walking in his yard. I started to turn around to go address the unkind man's verbal abuse--but before I could--Shawn had already threatened the man with physical harm for talking to my son that way--and the man shut up! Shawn always stood up for children! He was indeed so very good to children and had a real soft spot for them in his heart!
Since I am a preacher now--I won't go into many youthful indescretions we participated in together--but how I could tell some most laughable stories! :)
These are but a bitter-sweet thoughts that come into my mind. My heart aches right now--not so much for Shawn--he is with Jesus I have no doubt! Its more of a selfish ache and hurt--for myself!
Oh Shawn, how we will miss ya! You left too soon! There were more laughs to be laughed and fun to be had and special moments to share! We will look out for Bryson my great friend and brother!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
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