CHRISTMAS AND VALUES OF OUR KIDS

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

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

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

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

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?"

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

BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!!

Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,

What an incredible Thanksgiving week!!! God was so in control!! Our Thanksgiving Dinner at Allenhurst Apartments Wednesday night before Thanksgiving Day went so much better than what I even expected! "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV). After praying for weeks, passing out fliers a few times, knocking every apartment's doors numerous times--I went into Wednesday thinking we might get 30 or so residents to join us for dinner. INSTEAD WE SERVED OVER 80 PEOPLE WHO LIVE AT ALLENHURST APARTMENTS!!!! God will draw people out!!!! We got to meet several new families we don't yet know and several new children!! We had over 25 volunteers from several different congregations--including Highland Oaks Church of Christ, Mesquite Church of Christ, New Hope Church of Christ, First United Methodist Church of Mesquite, Sunnyvale Baptist, and some others I cannot remember. Special thanks to Mesquite Mayor John Monaco for his presence and kindness to everyone that night! I can tell you that our two church apartments were packed full of people--with much love and goodness abounding!!!!! It felt like the Acts 2:42-47 scenario!!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

I got to see hope in several people's faces who needed that hope. Thats what Jesus offers!!! Several said they would start coming to Tuesday and Wednesday night activities at the church apartments. And old friend of mine who has been away from the Lord for the past several years--who has been wanting to get active again in his walk with Christ--came to the dinner and got very excited and wants to start volunteering to help in the work.

So much more work to do! So many more lost souls to reach! Funds to be raised to keep our work going! Many miles to go!! But God is faithful and will do great things!!! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPS SUPPORT CHRIST'S WORK IN MESQUITE!!!

Love in Christ,

Bruce

LIFE AND DEATH EXPERIENCES OF A LOCAL MISSION CHURCH PREACHER

There was a couple I knew very well who I used to often visit with when I was a manager at Cici's Pizza. They were not real religious, but appreciated the fact that me and the other managers were strong in our faith. A few years later after I had left CiCi's and was in full time ministry--the man died and they literally knew no preachers or church leaders who could perform the funeral. So when the widow called me, I was of course honored to help.

I remember meeting with the family as I always do before a funeral--to get details and memories and other information that I could use for the service. I think there was two grown children and them as well as the widow could only tell me a few details about this man. And while he said he believed in God, it did not appear that he had ever had much of a relationship with the Lord. Of course, when we preach funerals--we don't preach people into heaven or hell.

So come the day of the funeral--I had put together the best eulogy I could with the little information I had. I walk into the funeral home expecting to see at least maybe 30 or 40 people. Instead I think there were about 10 people there. It felt so depressing and just heartwrenching! This man had lived for almost 80 years, had been a businessman, knew many local people--and yet--just a handful of his family and friends were there to say goodbye. And his widow seemed just so helpless and soooo sad! So I just did the best I could to honor this man's life and remind everyone how much God loves us and cherishes His children. I think I read about when King David's son died and how eventually he moved on and still had to serve God. But I just kept thinking how sad it would be to live a life without a loving church family, without the daily hope of the Lord in one's life, and all the blessings that flow from such a life.

I was so proud and honored to be there and it was a blessing to get to try to comfort that family and plant seeds about what a wonderful life Jesus offers! And yet, it was a really hard experience.

And my final thoughts on this are simply--what do other families do when a loved one dies and they have no church or minister or anyone really to turn to? We will talk about that more in my next writing. But know this--our God so loves us and wants to bless us and keep us so close to His bosom! He is so full of love for us! Let us cling to Him closely and praise His name daily!

Grace and Peace,

Bruce

LIFE AND DEATH EXPERIENCES OF A LOCAL MISSION CHURCH PREACHER CONT

Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,

Another story that comes to mind is a couple I was introduced to not long after I had started to Dallas Christian College and was leading the Nehemiah Ministry. The man (I am sad to say I can't remember their names) was dying of liver cancer I believe and only had a few weeks to live. I started visiting him and his common-law-wife in the hospital and would spend time with them, read some scripture to them and just try to minister to them as best I could. After a couple of visits--they couple said they wanted to make their relationship right with God and asked me if I would marry them. So one evening, a brother and I went to Baylor Hospital and went to this couple's room-and married them as he lay on his hospital bed. It was very simple and certainly not a normal wedding--but yet--it was beautiful. I felt so honored to be there doing what I was doing. A week later, this new husband passed away. Of all the weddings I have performed--I can't think of a more special one! The joy on their faces, even though he had little time left--was such a blessing to get to witness! We serve such a loving and compassionate God!

Let us keep showing the love of Jesu to all who so desperately need that love and that hope!
Blessings,Bruce

LIFE AND DEATH EXPERIENCES OF A LOCAL MISSION PREACHER

Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,

The journey God has taken me on these past five years has been both overwhelming and exciting--but always an honor and privelige! In my work with families at Allenhurst Apartments, Peachtree Apartments, and just some various people here and there God put in my path--has given me many insights on life and death! Let me share a few stories.

DEATH

Let me share a few death experiences. I guess my first would have to be the little angel named Miranda Todd--in the early days of the Nehemiah Ministry--before we ever planted At The Cross. I remember like yesterday, sitting on the sidewalk in front of her apartment (before we ever had a church apartment) and sharing the Gospel with her and eventually baptizing her when I was still serving at New Hope Church of Christ. I remember a few months later one day--right after tutoring--we were trying to leave the church apartment before Wednesday night class--and she was in the kitchen trying to grab some extra snacks to take home because she was always hungy bless her heart. And I was yelling at her to hurry up because we had to go. Little did I know that the next evening she would be hit by a car in front of Allenhurst and would die a few days later. That was the most difficult funeral I would ever preach! And yet--I saw God take that situation and actually bring many of HIS people together from several local congregations and for a moment--we had real unity! I remember planning the funeral and we had ministers and shepherds from four different congregations participate in the funeral. We had youth ministers from New Hope, Valley Creek, Meadowview, and Mesquite Churches of Christ participate. We had two pulpit ministers, and some other various mulit-congregational members involved. Along with a bunch of our Allenhurst and other church kids coming on stage to sing some special kids' songs. And that difficult moment got so many Christians out of their church buildings and serving and loving on lost people in Mesquite! The only thing I can compare to it--would be how God used 9/11 to create a period of time where Americans were no longer afraid to talk about HIM. I remember having a memorial service before the funeral at our church apartment the day before the funeral. We must have had over 60 people in that little two bedroom apartment that day! No one seemed to care. We just all were packed in close together and prayed and sang hymns--in a nasty old apartment complex. BUT GOD WAS HONORED! I will never, ever forget Miranda and the faith that child had! She changed my life and the lives of many in the Lord's church. Her step-mother and five step-siblings are still involved in our church today and still live at Allenhurst.

I will continue this series on life and death again soon and leave you with this for now. We serve an awesome God! If you and or your congregation are not reaching lost, hurting people nearby your building and your homes--lets go now! Lets not wait! There are MANY MORE MIRANDAS OUT THERE WHO NEED JESUS SOOOO BAD!!!!!!!

Love in Christ,

Bruce

Pastors, Preachers, Ministers--SERVANTS

I was driving by a nearby church this week and noticed a parking spot by the front door designated for the pastor. I thought about it for a few moments and it started to bother me. Now don't get me wrong, I believe every congregation should be autonomous in terms of only Jesus being the head of the church. But it nonetheless kept bothering me.

I was thinking and wondering if Paul would have wanted the church to treat him or other church leaders as such--as men to be put on a pedestal? I kept thinking about Jesus saying the first shall be last and the last shall be first. I am just troubled at how many churches around the nation and world treat their pastors, preachers, ministers or whatever they choose to call such men. So often I will see congregations lift these men up to a very high spiritual and otherwise leadership positions and put a lot of hope and trust in these men. I can tell you first hand having been a preacher and congregational leader these past few years--that not one of us can ever live up to such standards. We should do all we can to set a good example--but we are still human and flesh.

However, beyond that, I think it dangerous to ever to treat men as royalty who are not called to be "important" but instead--meek and mild and humble and a lowly servant! I am called to teach and lead God's people in my congregation--but I am a SERVANT LEADER. Jesus clearly teaches us that the Son of Man did not come to be served--but to serve and we are to follow in His footsteps.

Myself, I'd rather park in the farthest parking spot and let a visitor or another member park up front. I don't need honor and glory from people--I receive all the affirmation and love and value from my Father in Heaven!

Now should church leaders be given respect and be listened to and even obeyed at times--absoulutely! But such leadership has to be proven not just by words in the pulpit--but through daily actions at home, in the congregation, and in the community. Such respect and obeying of authority has to be earned. Simply having the "title" means absolutely nothing!

So when you see your preacher, pastor, or minister or just church leaders--give them respect and honor and listen to them. But not because of who they are--but because of WHO they represent!

May the Lord bless you today!

Bruce

D-Day

Hard to believe it has been 65 years since the D-Day invasion. As I always am at such moments, I was moved to hear President Obama and the other allied leaders speak on the cliff overlooking the historic invasion. Special thanks to all those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have given the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free!

Bruce