A Faithful Servant

With Father's Day around the corner, I've been reflecting on my own father and the legacy he left. This is the second Father's Day since his death. The older I get, the more I realize how much my life has been shaped by his faithful example. 

If there is one word that described my dad, it's the word faithful. The virtue of faithfulness has fallen out of vogue in our culture. We value new, variety, novelty, exploration, and self-expression. Faithfulness is boring, constraining, old fashioned, and restrictive. In that regard, my dad was "old school!" Dad valued character, being a person of your word, following through on commitments, timeliness, and taking care of business. He was faithful in everything he undertook. 

It's not that dad wasn't willing to learn new things and to change. At the age of 78 he got his first computer and learned to use email. It was a great upgrade from Web TV! He used online banking but preferred to deal face to face when it came time for financial transactions. During the last days of his life, he was so glad that he made it to May 1 so he could receive another month of railroad pension. He made me log onto his bank account to confirm that the money had been posted!

Dad followed cultural events and was conversant on the latest piece of news, whether local or global. But there were some things that were non-negotiable. There were a few things that he wouldn't compromise. You don't compromise your word, your commitments, and your obligations.

My dad lived out Micah 6:6-8. 

"With what should I enter the LORD’s presence? With what should I bow before the sovereign God? Should I enter his presence with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Will the LORD accept a thousand rams, or ten thousand streams of olive oil? Should I give him my firstborn child as payment for rebellion, my offspring – my own flesh and blood – for my sin? He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the LORD really wants from you: He wants you to promote justice, to be faithful, and to live obediently before your God."

What does the Lord want from us? To be faithful! The Scriptures put a high value on being faithful and so did my dad.

Dad met Madelyn Elaine Rank when he was 17, a senior and she was a sophomore in high school. They later attended a Billy Graham movie together in the same gym in which my dad played basketball for his high school team. That day, when the invitation was given, my dad realized his sin problem and placed his trust in Christ. For the next 65 years my dad faithfully lived out His commitment to Christ in a quiet, unassuming way. 

As a follower of Jesus Christ dad knew he was to be faithful. He knew he was to be a faithful:

• Employee who worked hard at whatever he was assigned
• Husband who loved the woman he married and to faithfully live out his marriage vows
• Provider for his family
• Father who provided spiritual direction to his children
• Servant in his church
• Friend to a group of men

So, how my did dad do? 81 years provides an adequate amount of time to assess a persons life and legacy. Faithful is the word that comes to mind as I review my dad's life.

• Faithful Employee - Dad worked 42 years for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. I was always so proud of him. He had the coolest job in the world! Sometimes he would take me to the depot with him! Everyone knew and respected him. One summer he worked it out so that we could catch a freight train going from Iowa Falls to Tama. The engineer, one of my dad's fiends, let us ride in the engine with him and even let me run the throttle and blow the whistle at the intersections!

• Faithful Husband - Dad married my mom on December 31, 1949. He was 21, she was just 18. They were married for 48 1/2 years. Not always easy years, but they loved one another and expressed affection for one another. I never heard my dad criticize my mom. He faithfully served her, did the dishes, helped with grocery shopping (my mom didn't know how to drive a car), and willingly supported and helped with my moms country craft business. They were a wonderful team. And he stood by my mom as she died of cancer 13 years ago. My moms last words to me were, "Make sure you take good care of your dad." My mom would often say, "I married the most wonderful man in the world!"

• Faithful Provider - My dad made a modest income. I remember during my high school years that he was making $12,000 a year. My mom didn't work outside the home and helped raised three kids. He worked hard at his garden that helped feed our family throughout the year. My dad could have taken promotions for his career, but choose not to so we could continue to live close to family. He had perfect attendance on his job year after year. He built the first home our family owned, learning the various skills by reading a how-to book. He saved and spent cash for everything he purchased, using his vacation time to work on house projects. When I wanted a bike, rather than give me the money, he taught me how to earn it. He took me door to door selling Christmas cards for the new Huffy three-speed bike that I wanted. At the end of his life he left his family a substantial financial estate built by frugal budgeting, shrewd investing and living within his means. One of his last requests to me was to see that each grandchild got a financial gift. He was still providing right to the end.

• Faithful Father - My dad was a beloved and faithful father. After his diagnosis my two sisters and I  stayed by his side for the last 19 days. It's the least we could do for a man who had given his entire life to his family. I'm blessed with many wonderful memories of time spend together with my dad playing catch, attending church together, coaching baseball, fixing up our Spicebush Trail home before we moved from Syracuse to Iowa, digging potatoes in the garden, attending a Twins game with my boys and a trip to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. I'm not certain when it began to happen, but later in life we began to hug every time we met and he would tell me that he loved me. There's no sweeter sound this side of heaven that to hear the words, "I love you." spoken by your father.

• Faithful Servant - My dad was a faithful servant in his church. Over the years he served as the church treasurer, 5th grade Sunday School teacher, helped plant/remodel the Fellowship Baptist Church in Tama, and faithfully served at the Sanibel Community Church. He set aside an amount of cash weekly that he gave when the offering plate was passed. Later in his life I had opportunity to have many spiritual conversations with my dad. On one trip to Florida, Jason and I stayed with him so we could catch some spring training baseball games. We spent time each day reading and discussing the Purpose Driven Life together. At the end of his life when Hospice asked my dad if he would like to talk to a Pastor or Chaplain, he told them, "My son is my Pastor. He's taking care of everything."

• Faithful Friend - My dad was a faithful friend to many. On Sanibel Island my dad had a rich collection of friends ranging from neighbors, a daily morning coffee group, a coffee group a Baileys Store, a cribbage group, and the Brown Baggers at his church. In Tama and Toledo he had a morning coffee group. At his memorial service and visitation, I met men who knew my dad his entire life. And I learned that "coffee" is a verb, as in "I have been coffeeing with Bud for over 15 years."

My dad didn't seek anything for himself. His only thoughts were about his faith and his family. As we sat in the exam room by ourselves on Thursday, April 26 after Dr. Kutteh delivered the devastating diagnosis, we talked about life and death. My dad said, "I don't think there is anything that can prepare you for a moment like this." I replied, dad your whole life has prepared you for a moment like this. You're at peace with your God and are trusting him for your final destination. You're at peace with your family. You have three children who adore you and 9 grandchildren who respect and love you. There is no unfinished business. You're ready. And his response? "I just wish I could have done more!"

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. One servant received five talents, one two talents and one one talent. The servants that were given five and two talents each used what they had been given to multiply their return. Each heard the words, well done, my good and faithful servant and then entered into joy of their master for their reward. My dad was a two talent servant who used faithfully leverage all that he was given. 

Vernon Leroy Pagel was born on August 6, 1928, and died on May 15, 2012. Bud was born in Tama, Iowa and lived most of his adult life in Toledo. My dad lived a simple, humble life. He didn't aspire to greatness. He simply lived each day as a faithful employee, husband, provider, father, servant and friend. 

In the living of his life my dad showed us all what true greatness looks like. In the living of his life, he left his family a legacy worth aspiring to. By God's grace, I hope to faithfully pass on the Pagel legacy and the life of Christ to the next generation who will impact generations yet unborn.

Well done my good and faithful servant! I love you dad!

Days

In 2005 Steve Jobs stated that he looks in the mirror every morning and asks himself, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" This is a great question.

On Thursday, April 26 I accompanied my father to several medical appointments here in Cedar Rapids. He had called the day before and asked me if I could go to the appointments with him. My father is very independent and he never makes a request like this. So I cleared my calendar and met him the next morning at the urologists office.

Later in the day we met with oncologist Dr. Kutteh. In a matter of 30 minutes our world was turned upside down. Dr. Kutteh read off my father's blood numbers and wasted no time in delivering the devastating news ... acute leukemia ... days to several weeks to live ... I can't allow you to drive home ... do you have a place where you can stay here in Cedar Rapids ... would you like me to set up an appointment with hospice ... we will keep you comfortable.

We brought my father home to live with us. Three days later he was admitted to the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. At 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 15, my father shed his earthly tent and was welcomed to his new eternal home!

Days! The word rang in my ears. Days ... Days ... Days. What would I do, what would I say if this was the last day of my life? What would I do, what would I say if this was the last day I would see my father?

In God's providence, we were given not one day, but 19. 19 days, some too short, some very long. Days filled with expressions of love, laughter, tears, sorrow, joy and hugs. For 19 days life seemed to stand still. I arose each morning wondering if this day would be my father's last. 19 days of crystal clear focus. 19 days of eternal perspective. Today may be my father's last day to live. Today may be the last chance I have to tell my father how much I love him. Today may be the last time I get to sit in the same room with my father and enjoy his presence. Today is all that matters.

Nothing in life can adequately prepare you for a moment like this. God's presence walked with us and His grace surrounded us. God gives good gifts to His children. The gift of time ... presence ... family ... friends ... days. All sweet gifts. All received with a grateful heart. Thankful for just one more day.

For those who are interested, the visitation and memorial service will both be at the Kruse Phillips Funeral Home in Tama, Iowa. The visitation will be on Sunday, May 20 from 4:00-7:00 PM. The memorial service will be on Monday, May 21 at 10:30 AM. The graveside service and lunch will follow.

The lunch will be held at the Reinig Community Center in Toledo. In lieu of flowers, we request that gifts be made to the Hospice of Mercy in Cedar Rapids.

If you are traveling to Tama on highway 30, please note that the new bypass may not appear on your GPS. Traveling from the east, take the first exit for business 30 and then proceed to the funeral home.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Something New

Jean is second from the left, seated in the golf cart

My friend, Jean Bauer said goodbye to the house that she called home for the past 61 years. The large "white house" on Blairsferry Road was a recognizable and familiar landmark. But on Tuesday, July 19, it was leveled to the ground to make way for progress.

A lifetime of memories were wrapped up in that house. Jean, now 90, and her loving husband Leo, raised their family in this house. I get teary-eyed just looking at the photos. Here is what Jean has to say.

"I lived there 61 years. We bought it April 15, 1950 and I sold it April 22, 2011. We had no water (used an out house) windmill  and heated water in a boiler out in the pump house to do the washing. It was a great place to raise three young boys. We had a lot of family gatherings, dinners and picnics for family and friends. It took a lot of work to fix it up and that is where the boys learned to do so many things. They helped Leo rebuild it to a show place. Then it deteriorated because we knew that it would some day be torn down for something new." 

When I talked to Jean on Sunday and asked if it was hard seeing her home being razed, she replied, "Goodness no! It was time, it needed to go." Today Jean is enjoying her new condo!

I love Jean's attitude! Jean never complains and never feels sorry for herself. She is fully engaged in a life that is moving forward, serving others. Jean reflects on the past, anticipates the future while fully embracing the present. When I grow up and turn 90 years old I want to be like Jean!

As I looked at the photos of the old white house being torn down, I immediately thought about Carl Fredricksen from the movie Up! I wrote about Up! on this post called The Great Adventure.

Carl and Ellie wed and grow old together in the old house where they first met. Unable to have children, they also try to save up for the trip to Paradise Falls but other financial obligations arise. Just as they seem to finally be able to take their trip, Ellie dies of old age, leaving Carl living alone in their home as a sour recluse with nothing to live for and missing his wife terribly. As the years pass, the city grows around Carl’s house with construction as Carl refuses to move.

Desperate and alone, the 78 year old Carl Fredricksen concocts an ingenuous way to save his property. He ties thousands of balloons to his home with the hope of traveling to Paradise Falls to fulfill the dream of his late wife.

There is only one problem, Carl can't escape the person he has become. Carl is stuck in the past, unable to embrace the new adventure that is in front of him. It takes a Junior Wildnerness Explorer scout named Russell to help him move beyond his painful past and regrets. Enough said. Go watch the movie!

Carl lived with regret. Jean lives with gratitude. Carl was hostile to change. Jean embraces new challenges. Carl lived in the past. Jean lives for the future. Carl held on to the familiar. Jean longs for something new!

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1

Best Men

I'm the richest man in the world! Four sons and a wife who love me for who I am. I can't even begin to express my satisfaction and gratefulness. By grace, God has made me a participant in His story.

Part of my story is the two guys you see above. 23 years ago our lives changed for ever. We went from a family of four to a family of six overnight. Being the father of four boys has brought the best and worst out of me. And it's made me acutely aware that I'm in need of God's grace.

Josh and Jon have brought, and continue to bring, joy to our lives. Our prayer when they were small is that they would grow up to be friends. One of the first words they learned was "cooperate!" And over the years their commitment to pursuing Christ and His mission has only brought them closer.

Josh and Jon are becoming awesome young men. You make me proud. I'm honored to be called your pops!

And just as 23 years ago when our family changed for ever, our family is changing again. In October of this year, Sharon and I will officially become "empty nesters."All four of our sons will be married and on their own!

And so our life comes full circle. It's Sharon and me, four awesome daughters in law, a heart full of hopes and dreams, and new opportunities to trust God. We are leaving one season of life behind in order to press into this new one.

And our boys? Ryan and Natalie are pursuing what God has for them in Oklahoma. Jason and Erin are trusting God for their future direction in Colorado. I'm proud of each of you and the journey of faith you have chosen to pursue.

And Josh and Jon? This summer Josh asked Jon to be his best man as he and Diana shared their vows in Hornick, Iowa. And this fall, Josh will exchange the favor and will be the best man in Jon and Trista's wedding in Johnston, Iowa. Two brothers standing shoulder to shoulder. Much has transpired the last 23 years. But one thing remains the same - Josh and Jon, you're still best men!

Achiever

This past week our good friend, Richard Kramer, celebrated his 75th birthday. And so our small group gathered together for a summer cook out and get together. And as our custom, we enjoyed a great evening of food, laughter, friendship, celebration and prayer. You can see a slide show here.

In his earlier life, Richard was a sculptor. His birthday cake had a photo of one of his pieces titled, Achiever. Richard wrote this poem to accompany the metal sculpture.

The crucible of life
Destroys us utterly.
But some are purified
And rise above
This common pool of pain
By vision, faith and discipline
To show the way for others.
Let it be me to show
Yet let me also humbly follow.

Richard is an achiever. He grew up in Cologne, Germany during World War 2. Some of his family members were killed during the relentless bombings. Ricard lived on his own as a teen and then moved to Canada when he was in his early 20s. He was alone in a foreign culture, not knowing the language or any people who could help him.

Richard knows the pain of loosing loved ones through death, even suicide. He also knows of a sovereign God who reveals His ways but sometimes keeps the "whys" of life veiled. Richard knows pain, but he also knows grace.

Richard is a unique, one of a kind servant, beautifully forged from the crucible of life. His faith, his vision and his discipline are an inspiration to all who know him! In Christ, Richard is an achiever.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 
Isaiah 55:10-11

Shaped By A Mentor

Norma "Duffy" Lyon died of a stroke on Sunday. Duffy raised nine children on the family dairy farm near Toledo. She is best know for being the Butter Cow Lady. Duffy Lyon first sculpted a cow from butter for the Iowa State Fair in 1960. She crafted 46 of the butter cow sculptures the fair has displayed over the past 100 years.

We will miss Duffy's creative talent and the art she sculpted out of butter. But she didn't leave without mentoring her successor.

Duffy Lyon retired in 2006 and Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines took over, becoming just the 5th butter cow sculptor in the history of the fair. Pratt, a friend of the Lyon's family growing up, began working with Duffy at the fair when she was 13 years old, but only doing small chores and not actually sculpting. Their relationship grew, and soon Duffy Lyon was telling everyone Pratt would be the one to replace her when she retired, well before Pratt ever considered herself qualified.

"She always had so much confidence in me," Pratt said. "She always had something new to teach me, whether we were talking about sculpting, about life or about cows. I'll miss that opportunity to learn from her. She was very generous with her time and she gave me so much. She is the only art training I had. So, everything I know and have learned is from her. She was very patient with me and taught me so much about art and about life,”

Lyon and Pratt had accepted an invitation to be grand marshals for the State Fair Parade in August in honor of the 100-year anniversary of the Iowa State Fair butter cow sculpture. Rather than have her long-time mentor and friend at her side, Sarah will be riding in the parade alone.

Sarah may be alone, but she isn't unprepared. Her mentor has passed on, but not before passing down the craft of sculpting in butter and the art of creating a life worth living. You see, anyone can live a life, but only a mentor can shape one!

An Iconic Figure

Anyone who has lived in Iowa for long has heard of the Butter Cow at the Iowa State Fair. Norma "Duffy" Lyon, the "butter cow lady" died of a stroke today.

Norma and her family were from Toledo, Iowa, the same place where I grew up.She and her husband Joe had nine children. I graduated from South Tama High School with Emily, one of their daughters. Madelyn, my mother, and Norma were good friends. My mom was a frustrated artist and sculptor. She appreciated Norma's creativity and artistic ability.

Duffy Lyon first sculpted a cow from butter for the fair in 1960. She crafted 46 of the butter cow sculptures the fair has displayed over the past 100 years.

When I was in Poland to teach English classes, a student once brought a text book they used in school to study United States history and culture. I glanced through it and was surprised to see a photo of Duffy and one of her State Fair butter cows! Her fame had proceeded her all the way to Europe.

Today, Iowa lost an iconic figure. My sympathies go out to the Lyon family as they grieve the loss of their mother, grandmother and friend.

Once I Was Afraid of Dying

Grab the tissues and watch the video. During the past 24 hours Coach John Wooden was been referred to as a leader of men, icon, someone who made you want to be a better person, humble, loyal, one of a kind, and loving husband.

You can read all about his life and achievement, and they are many. But the thing that is probably least understood about Coach Wooden was his steadfast devotion to his wife Nellie. Nellie was John's childhood sweetheart. They met when he was 14 and were married six years later. They celebrated 52 years together before Nellie passed away of cancer on March 21, 1985.

Since her death, John Wooden has written a love letter to his beloved wife on the 21st of every month, placed in an envelope and added it to a stack of similar letters on the pillow she slept on during their life together.

In 2003, UCLA dedicated the basketball court in Pauley Pavilion in honor of John and Nell Wooden. Named the "Nell and John Wooden Court," Wooden asked for the change from the original proposal of the "John and Nell Wooden Court," insisting that his wife's name should come first.

Former player, Swen Nater wrote the following poem titled Yonder for John Wooden after being inspired by John's life-long devotion to Nellie.

Once I was afraid of dying.
Terrified of ever-lying.
Petrified of leaving family, home and friends.
Thoughts of absence from my dear ones,
Drew a melancholy tear once.
And a lonely, dreadful fear of when life ends.
But those days are long behind me;
Fear of leaving does not bind me.
And departure does not host a single care.
Peace does comfort as I ponder,
A reunion in the Yonder,
With my dearest who is waiting for me there.

A Gentleman of the Game

Ernie Harwell,the 92 year old Hall of Fame Detroit Tigers baseball announcer, passed away on Tuesday, May 4 after a battle with cancer. Ernie was in a class all his own.

Harwell had a deep love for the game and faith in Jesus Christ. He trusted Christ in 1961 at a Billy Graham Crusade. "Whatever happens, I'm ready to face it," Harwell told The Associated Press on Sept. 4, 2009. "I have a great faith in God and Jesus."

Ernie Harwell kicked off each new baseball season with this quote from the Song of Solomon 2:11-12.
For, lo, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of the singing of birds is come,
And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

Ernie Harwell belonged to another generation. A generation that valued honesty, integrity and character. In a culture that creates and worships pop celebrities, Harwell was a reminder of another way of life - simpler and kinder.

This past week, baseball lost an icon. A one-of-a-kind man who lived his passion. Baseball lost one of the true gentlemen of the game.

You're Familiar With His Work?

I'm waiting for our plumber to arrive and just read this great post by Kerry Patterson. Kerry is the author of Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High and records a monthly podcast.

His material is great stuff. But I especially enjoyed what he had to say today. You can read the entire article here. Spoiler alert - grandparents are crazy people. Read this post at your own risk!

Here's a paragraph from his post. Enjoy!

"When it comes to my own happiness, I do know a couple of things. First, happiness is not a constant state that one hunts down, tackles to the ground, and possesses. You never achieve happiness; you just experience happy moments. Second, we often assume receiving recognition for our labors will bring happiness. Not to say that it doesn’t, but sometimes, it’s surprising what kind of recognition truly matters."

So, how about you? What do you want on your tombstone?

Overcome Evil With Good

You've heard about Fred Phelps and Wesboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. But perhaps you haven't heard about Albert Snyder of York, Pennsylvania.
You're about to learn more about Albert Snyder in the weeks ahead as the Supreme Court has agreed to hear his case when it they reconvene on October 4.

On March 3, 2006 Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, 20, was killed in a Humvee crash in Al Anbar province, Iraq and was buried on March 10 in Westminster, Maryland. The Rev. Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church staged a protest outside the ceremony, including signs reading "Semper Fi, Semper Fags" and "God hates dead soldiers."

Then, on June 5, 2006,  Albert Snyder, Matthew Snyder's father, filed a defamation suit against Phelps and the Westboro Church in federal court, alleging church members violated the family's right to privacy and defamed Matthew Snyder on its website. The legal battle has wound itself through the court system and will be heard by the Supreme Court this fall.

Which brings us back to Albert Snyder, a father who tragically lost his 20 year old son while he was serving his country in Iraq. The latest story by the Associated Press details the fathers pain and agony.

Some nights Albert Snyder wakes up at 3 a.m. Other nights he doesn't sleep at all, tormented by thoughts of the hateful signs carried by a fundamentalist church outside his Marine son's funeral.

 "It's still very emotional," Snyder said in an interview at his attorney's office. "It's like I constantly relive this every day, and I just wonder sometimes, when this is all over, what I'm going to do with that void. Will the grieving process begin?"

This will be an interesting case of freedom of speech verses state protection. But regardless of the outcome, it's important to emphatically state that the kind of hatred the Phelps advocates has no place in the life of a follower of Christ. My heart goes out to Albert Snyder and the unimaginable pain he has had to endure.

I don't know how I would react if I were faced with a similar circumstance. I can't imagine loosing one of my sons. And I can't imagine the hatred that motives a person to hold up signs of condemnation at the funeral of an innocent soldier. There's some things in life I just don't understand.

It's times like this that I turn to the Scriptures for guidance and wisdom. Romans 12:14-15, 19-21 is just such a passage for this occassion:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Where, O Death, Is Your Sting?

By now you may have heard that 22 year old Anaheim Angel pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a hit and run car accident yesterday in California. The driver of the minivan that struck the car in which Adenhart was riding, 22-year-old Andrew Thomas Gallo, was later apprehended and was legally intoxicated. He had a suspended license and a previous drunk-driving conviction. Two other passengers in the car were also killed

Nick Adenhart was a 14th round draft pick of the Angels in 2004 and pitched here in Cedar Rapids in 2006, posting a 10-2 record with a 1.95 ERA in sixteen games. He was named to the 2006 Midwest League Western Division All-Star team and also the 2006 Midwest League post-season All-Star team.

This was a tragic and needless death. This being Good Friday, I probably spent more time than I otherwise might have, reflecting on this incident. The thing that absolutely grabs my heart is when I watch the Angel Press Conference with Adenhart's agent, Scott Boras. Please watch the video and the way that Boras breaks down in tears.

Now, if you're not a baseball fan, what you need to know is that Boras is the toughest and most hated negotiator in the sport. In its April, 2001 edition, Esquire writer Scott Raab called Scott Boras the Most Hated Man in Baseball. Slate magazine called him "The Baseball Anti-Christ." Trust me, without going into details, Boras' hard-nose, take no prisoners reputation is well deserved!

To watch a man like Boras break down in tears reminds me that even the strong and powerful are not immune from the tragedies of life. And then I reflect on the tragedy of a young Jewish man who was falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit, cruely punished, publicly humiliated, and brutally beaten and crucified. This is a tragedy of epic proportion.

This tragedy brings me to my knees when I realized that my Savior took my place and paid my penalty. He did for me what I couldn't do for myself!

Friday is a day of tragedy. But I'm thankful for Sunday and the empty tomb. I'm thankful that Jesus Christ hung on a cross and died for my sin. I'm thankful that senseless tragedies will one day be made right. That pain and suffering will be swallowed up by life.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

One of a Kind

Elizabeth "Freddie" VanderSchaaf passed away on Thursday, March 19. Pastor Bob and myself had the honor of officiating at her memorial service on Saturday evening. You can read her obituary and see a video tribute at this link. This what I shared at the service.

Freddie was a connector. She loved her God, she loved her family and she loved people. But she didn’t want to just meet people and exchange pleasantries, she wanted to connect. She wanted to get to know you, to find out about your family, what you do, where you’re from. And hundreds of other questions! Chances are that if you’ve lived in Cedar Rapids for more than ten years, Freddie knew you.

Sometimes Freddie’s inquisitiveness went too far or got her in trouble. Bill Halderman tells this story about his first encounter with Freddie.

We had been attending New Covenant for a few months when one of the Sundays my wife Marilyn didn’t attend. I found a seat in front of Freddie and Howard next to a friend of 40 years. Giving Adel a hug as we always do when we see each other. After the service Freddie asked me if this was my wife. I told her she was my second wife we were members of the Mormon Church before coming to New Covenant. At that point she was speechless! Not wanting to offend us she just said, “we are glad you’re here.”

And when a relationship or connection wasn’t working out quite right, or as she expected, Freddie would call me. It was such a visit over 15 years ago in my office at church, that our relationship changed. Freddie (and Howard, they always traveled together) set up an appointment and came in to see me. She shared about a hurt, I listened, offered to help, and a friendship was born.

Looking back, that was the day that I became adopted into the VanderSchaaf family. I know many of you know what I mean, because you were adopted too!

Everyone needs a friend who believes the best about you. Who only sees your strengths. And even when you make a mistake or let them down, they overlook the offense and come to your defense.

Freddie was one of those people to me. She gave me far too much credit and overlooked way too many of my weaknesses. She would introduce me to those outside New Covenant this way - “Come here, I want you to meet one of my favorite pastors!” She always introduced me with such pride. I always a little embarrassed and wondered what other people thougth! How many pastors does she have? Does she have some she doesn’t like?

But I came to understand that Freddie had all kinds of favorites! Favorite oldest grandson, favorite middle grandson, favorite youngest granddaughter, favorite oldest son, favorite youngest son, favorite youth pastor, favorite male soloist .... on and on. And of course she had her favorite husband, Howard!

But that was Freddie! She was a one-of-a kind! A big smile always greeted her friends. Freddie loved to connect with old friends and make new ones. Today, might the many memories we have of Freddie be an encouragement to live our lives for eternity – to love God, to love our family and to love people.

The Bottom of the 9th

Tom Rinaldi from ESPN has done another incredible human interest story from the field of sports. He is the best story teller I have ever heard. This piece on John Challis is a must see.

The John Challis story was brought to the nations attention after Mike White from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote a great article that was published May 4, 2008. John Challis was diagnosed with cancer on June 23, 2006. He was only given several months to live. He exceeded doctors expectations before passing away August 18 of this year.

John Challis was an ordinary young man who determined to use his circumstance for good. Here is what he had to say about his view of life.

"Sometimes I cry, but people cry for all different kinds of reasons," he said. "Sometimes I just want to know why, but I think I figured that out. God wanted me to get sick because he knew I was strong enough to handle it. I'm spreading His word and my message. By doing that, I'm doing what God put me here to do."

In a little over two years, John Challis touched thousands of lives. Over 1500 attended the visitation after his death. Mike White wrote about the visitation and funeral service and the impact John Challis had on his own personal life. Tom Rinaldi and an ESPN producer attended the funeral, not for professional but personal reasons.

John Challis spent most of his final 2 1/2 years thinking about how to impact others. He was mature beyond his years. John's final act of selflessness occurred during his own funeral service.

Before he died, John asked Joe Signore, a close friend of the family, to give his eulogy. But John had made Mr. Signore promise he would do one thing at the funeral. Mr. Signore asked John's younger sister, Lexie, and his mother and father to leave their first-row pew and come to the front of the church. "Lexie, Gina, Scott. John made me promise to do this," he said. "He told me that you had gotten so many people to applaud him. Now it's your turn." At once, everyone rose and gave the Challises a standing ovation.

Even at his funeral service, John Challis wanted the focus of attention placed on others. John Challis was an incredible young man who knew how to live, and knew how to die. He stands as an inspiration to every person who is ten runs down going into the bottom of the 9th inning.

Going In Style

Today was Administrative Professionals Day so we treated our support staff to a special lunch. They gathered in the lobby at 11:30 to receive their first clue. Their capable chauffeur, Mark Eades, drove our special guests from location to location, where they received additional clues before arriving at their final destination, the Marriott.

They enjoyed a great buffet lunch and time together. I think we accomplished our goal of making the day memorable and meaningful. You can click on the photo above to see a short slideshow.

We appreciate our support staff! They make our jobs and ministries so much easier. A special thanks to Peggy Eichenberger, Brenda Gadd, Judy Greeb, Gina Green, Lisa Harrington, Sara Howard, Terri Hungerford, Gina Kaufman, Jane Kelley, JoDee Martin, Mary Nelson, Jen Olsen, Sharon Pagel, Kris Paulson, Debbie Riffner, Donna Smejkal, and Angie Wacker.

Heart Cry of the Broken Hearted

New Covenant once again hosted the Children's Candle Light Memorial Service. You can read about last years service here. The service is a very sacred time as the families come forward to light a candle in remembrance of their loved ones.

A special thanks to Dennis Sharp who organizes this special service. A Gazette reporter attended this years event. You can read the Gazette article online here.

I'm thankful that we have a God who entered into our pain and suffering. He knows what it's like to loose a beloved son. He knows the heart cry of the broken hearted.

Lets Say Thanks

During this time of year, when you sit around the dinner table with family, don't forget to say "thank you" to our troops. Men and women are serving around the world to ensure that we can continue to enjoy freedom.

Xerox has teamed together with other sponsors to help people express our thanks in a practical way. You can go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/, select a postcard design, write a message and they will deliver it to one of our military personnel stationed overseas.

So, what are you waiting for! Go to the web site, compose a message and send a postcard. It's time to let our troops know that we appreciate their sacrifice and service. Let's say thanks!

Not In Vain

With yesterday being Veterans Day, I thought you might enjoy reading about this "human Statue of Liberty" photograph.

According to the Iowa National Guard web site, the photo was taken in July 1918 at Camp Dodge. 18,000 officers and soldiers posed for this photo which was to help promote the sale of war bonds, but was never used. The photo was taken by Arthur Mole and John Thomas, who planned and photographed other large patriotic symbols using American soldiers.

Some interesting facts about this photograph:

• The distance from the top of the torch to the man closest to the camera is 1235 feet or almost a quarter of a mile!
• There are twice the number of men in the flame of the torch as in the whole remaining design, while there are eight times as many men in the arm, torch and flame as in all the rest of the figure.
• The base to shoulder is only 150 feet while the right arm is 340 feet long.
• The widest part of arm holding torch is 12 1/2 feet.
• The right thumb is 35 feet long while the thickest part of body is only 29 feet.
• The flame on the torch is 600 feet long.
• There are 12,000 men in the flame of torch and only 2,000 men in the body, head and balance of figure combined.

What an incredible feat. And to think that after all that work, the photograph was never used!

A special "thank you" to all the service men and women who have or are proudly serving our country. Your sacrifice was not, is not, and will not be in vain!

My Dad

Every once-in-awhile I read something that speaks to my heart. Things that impact me the most casue me to reflect on my own life and journey. And they often come from the most unlikely sources.

That happened to me yesterday when I read Tom Stern's blog article titled, Wikipedia/Life Balance. Tom writes a regular comic strip and blog titled CEO Dad that explores work/life balance.

A little background to this article is in order. You may have read in the news that some prominent politicians and civic leaders have been accused of altering their own Wikipedia entries. For those who are unfamiliar, Wikipedia is a collaborative, online encyclopedia that covers millions of topics. Wikipedia prides itself on seeking to be fair and balanced in its coverage of a topic. To rewrite your Wikipedia entry is equivalent of trying to rewrite history.

So Tom Stern began to reflect on why we are so concerned about what others say about us. And more importantly, what do those close to use think about us. And what would they write about us if invited to do so. I will let Tom explain it from here.

This got me thinking: how might a dispassionate third party (in this case, I suppose, a “Wiki”), describe me this Internet depository of facts? And, as the royal couple discovered, it is bad form to tweak your own Wikipedia entry. Then I came up with an interesting idea, one that might be instructive for all of us as a work/life balance exercise, and one that directly involves a loved one.

Ask your children (or a young person close to you if you have not yet been blessed with progeny) to compose your Wikipedia bio. When I ran this project by my 11-year-old daughter, here is what I got in my in box:

THANKS TO MOMMY FOR SOME BIG WORDS SHE HELPED ME WITH AND SOME SPELLING.

Tom Stern is an American businessman and my daddy. He does a lot of stuff I don’t really understand. He has this cartoon character named CEO DAD that is kind of like him, except not. In one of the cartoons, the dad tells his youngest child that if she does well at school, he will promote her to first born. I do not get why this is funny, but the grown ups laugh about it. Also, in one cartoon the dad makes nametags for his kids so he can remember who the heck they are. My dad actually did that once, but he promised me it was a joke.

TOM’S EARLY LIFE
Dad grew up in New York, and so my grandparents talk like they are from somewhere else. I love my grandparents, but sometimes I hear Dad talking to Mommy about how they brought him up with unreasonable expectations. I don’t know what that means, and it is one of the things I needed Mommy to help me spell.

HIS MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Dad talks on the phone all day, and he gets all crazy sometimes telling people about deals and money, but if I talk to my friends for even, like, a second, he says I shouldn’t talk so long on the phone! Nice one, Dad! So, I don’t really know what my Dad does, but he keeps telling me it paid for my braces. I wish I saw my daddy more because when I see him we laugh and play a lot. But that is his own fault if he wants to be such a grown-up dopey-head and miss out on playing and fun stuff.

HIS LEGACY
One time we were driving in the car, and Dad heard a song come on the radio from when he was little. He said it was by someone named Harry Chapin, and it was called “The Cat’s In The Cradle.” He pulled the car over to listen to it and sing along, and then I had to give him a Kleenex to blow his nose. He said it always happens when he hears that song, it makes him feel congested.

Oh, well. He is my dad, and I love him even if he gets a stuffy nose when he hears dumb songs on the car radio.

THE END.

Kouzes and Posner write in A Leader's Legacy that each of us, whether we intend to or not, will become at some point a character in someone's story. We all talk about people when they're not around, and others will talk about us when we're not around. The obvious question is, What will they say?

A Rich Legacy

As you may have heard, Leona Helmsley passed away last week at 87. You may remember her as the billionaire hotel baron who was nick-named The Queen of Mean during the 80's.

Leona was pompous in life and she has proved to be pompous in death as well. Her 14 page will was filed yesterday in Surrogate Court and it contained some surprises! It's estimated that the Helmsley estate is worth over $4 billion. And where will the money go?

$12 million is to be put in a trust for the care of her beloved 8-year-old white Maltese dog, Trouble. How much can it possibly cost to take care of a dog! Leona instructed that Trouble's remains be buried next to her remains in the Helmsley mausoleum.

And the mausoleum? Leona ordered that the mausoleum must be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year." She left behind $3 million for the upkeep of her final resting place in Westchester County. The ornate granite mausoleum boasts 1,300 square feet, with a dozen Doric columns and stained glass windows recreating the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building, once the crown jewel of the Helmsley properties. It's reported that the mausoleum was built for $1.4 million!

The construction of the mausoleum is a story unto itself. Harry Helmsley, Leona's husband came to Sleepy Hollow last year after Leona engaged in an ugly battle with Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, where the real estate magnate was originally buried in 1997. The expansive family mausoleum there was memorably described as a "tomb with a view."

But the vista disappeared when a public mausoleum went up nearby three years ago. An irate Leona called the new construction "a disgrace," and resolved to relocate the remains of her husband. She purchased a piece of land in Sleepy Hollow to construct a new mausoleum and quickly alienated her husband's new, living neighbors. In typical take-no-prisoners style, a wooded section of the cemetery was stripped clean of trees in summer 2005.

The new construction lacked permits, and village officials quickly shut down the project."We tried to be amenable," Mr. Zegarelli said. "There are still procedures to go through, whether you're dead or alive - no offense, but it still has to be done."

The two sides worked out their differences - fines were paid, donations were made by the Helmsley group to repair some of the damage. And then last August, the mausoleum was approved for the reinterment. All this fuss over the remains of the dead.

And the living? The will left millions of dollars to two of her grandchildren. And the remaining two grandchildren received nothing, for "reasons that are known to them," she wrote.

It's been said that your legacy consists of the stories people tell about you once you are gone. Make no mistake about it, Leona Helmsley left a lot of stories and an unforgetable legacy. Unfortunately, the stories people tell will be stories shaped by ambition, ego and power.

It's good to remember that we all leave stories behind. Our legacy is being formed by the choices we make each day. What stories will people recall about my life? It's my desire to leave a legacy that will inspire those around me. I want to leave a legacy that is rich toward God and the people I love. I want to leave a legacy rich in good works.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18