I posted this last summer on my harley trip, but God reminded me of it again when reading my journal and talking with Him this morning, some lessons need to be repeated to be learned...enjoy
As we travelled from place to place and looked at all the amazing things that God has made, I began to reflect on the goodness of our God and His incredible patience with humanity. As I stood at the base of the biggest tree I have ever seen, the thought struck me that it only arrived in that condition after weathering countless storms of life, numerous fires, tremendous winds and existing for some 2000 years.
As I sat by this new behemoth of a friend I realized it was growing during the time that Jesus walked on this earth. I very much felt inspired that it got where it was because of time, and a clear understanding of what it was and what it was supposed to be. You see, I saw a myriad of little redwood in the forest, but only those who have spent the time arrive at maturation......this was a deep thought for me and I believe it holds true for my life as well.
I get so frustrated at times with my own progress in my spiritual journey, with the day in and day out of just taking in nutrients and then just living through yet another storm, or fire or winds of life. And yet it is exactly that process that makes us who we are....
As I sat at the base of that tree I noticed several scars and notches in its bark some way up high....and I softly whispered nice scars my tree buddy.....would you like to see mine? And we sat and enjoyed the spirit that was in the air...knowing more days of sunshine were coming and eventually both would sings praises to our creator as the years of maturity roll over us.
T. S.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Words Cannot Express-So Listen To My Heart
This week is truly been the most challenging so far in my journey from senior pastor to active duty chaplain. My emotions are "flooded" in counseling terms. With each friend who has stopped in this week to reflect and share memories my heart has had to choke back the over whelming emotions that I feel.
This Sunday represents the next big step in my own spiritual journey with the Lord. I have so loved and so much wanted to protect this flock as a shepherd would his sheep forever, but alas, the Lord has spoken and my time here with you has drawn to a close. I am uncertain what all of our futures hold, but I am certain of the one who holds our futures.
As we gather one last time this weekend, I would so appreciate your prayers of support and encouragement. In the days and weeks and years ahead may we all look forward to the day we bow around His throne and sing one more time "Jesus Messiah"....
My mouth says, thank you for your love and support
My eyes say.....I will miss you tremendously
My heart says loudly....I love you all...
Your humble servant
T.S.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord!
James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. NLT
The last week has been so full of emotion, so full of questions...as I did the interview with the Star News Yesterday the reporter asked me if I was afraid of dying. I have thought for the last couple of years that meeting my master would be a joy...I told her there were worse things than dying, namely living a non purposeful life. To those who do not understand why I am leaving I will just humbly ask you to trust that our Lord is guiding my life as well as yours and one day it will all be made clear.
I think back 11 years ago when I so struggled to leave BABC in Boise to come here and plant Elk Creek, then I didn’t really understand, but now I do and God has been glorified in what we have done. My prayer for the next phase of our journey is that you will trust in what God is going to do to us, through us and with us.
Life is never promised to be easy; we just have a promise to have his presence on the journey. It breaks my heart to say goodbye to all of you....11 years is far too short a time to love a fine people like yourself! And though in the days ahead there will certainly be sorrow and at times pains and even disappointments please remember that I love you, I have done my very best to be a good kind shepherd and to preach the whole Gospel to you....
I have asked the Lord so many times this last year for wisdom, so many times to make it clear to me what he is doing in my life that I must trust, I must hold on and I must move forward.
Please keep me in your prayers in the days of ahead and when you hear of me say a quick prayer for my safety and for wisdom.
May our gracious heavenly Father grant us all peace
Your humble servant
Just Troy
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. NLT
The last week has been so full of emotion, so full of questions...as I did the interview with the Star News Yesterday the reporter asked me if I was afraid of dying. I have thought for the last couple of years that meeting my master would be a joy...I told her there were worse things than dying, namely living a non purposeful life. To those who do not understand why I am leaving I will just humbly ask you to trust that our Lord is guiding my life as well as yours and one day it will all be made clear.
I think back 11 years ago when I so struggled to leave BABC in Boise to come here and plant Elk Creek, then I didn’t really understand, but now I do and God has been glorified in what we have done. My prayer for the next phase of our journey is that you will trust in what God is going to do to us, through us and with us.
Life is never promised to be easy; we just have a promise to have his presence on the journey. It breaks my heart to say goodbye to all of you....11 years is far too short a time to love a fine people like yourself! And though in the days ahead there will certainly be sorrow and at times pains and even disappointments please remember that I love you, I have done my very best to be a good kind shepherd and to preach the whole Gospel to you....
I have asked the Lord so many times this last year for wisdom, so many times to make it clear to me what he is doing in my life that I must trust, I must hold on and I must move forward.
Please keep me in your prayers in the days of ahead and when you hear of me say a quick prayer for my safety and for wisdom.
May our gracious heavenly Father grant us all peace
Your humble servant
Just Troy
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Authenticity for Sale!
I know the title is an oxymoron, but it is what we see so much in our world. Politicians each one telling how much more honest they are than the other guy, how much better they will do if elected, how genuine, sincere, authentic they all appear to be. Is it just me or does it seem there is a total lack of connection in people’s lives with what they profess and what they really are?
I came across a short story,
A tiger met a lion as they set beside a pool,
said the tiger to the lion, why are you roaring like a fool?
Oh that's not foolish said the lion, with a twinkle in his eyes
they call me the "King of Beasts" because I advertise!
A rabbit heard them speaking, he ran home like a streak
he thought he would try the lion's plan, but his roar was just a squeak
A fox came to investigate, had his luncheon in the woods.
So my friends when you advertise, be sure you got the goods!
I read an awesome book by Bill Hybels titled "Honest to God" this is my must read for all who would desire a more authentic relationship with their master Jesus Christ.
The church, and Christians have been roaring for years that we have the answer, and we do, yet when people come to visit, or interact with churches and Christians we behave more like the mouse than the lion....
May God make us all in the image of the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH this week!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
We plan-God laughs, When He plans it we enjoy!
It never ceases to amaze me how God's timing is perfect. I found out Friday that my house is going to sell, (not a short sale mind you but a real honest to goodness sale) (I know kinda like big foot these days, you have heard of one but never actually really seen one) anyway, we will close March 17th-Thank God.
Then out of the blue I get the most encouraging call from a new friend....God is so good. They wanted to remind me that God in his timing always has a plan and we can just trust and obey. Made me smile, laugh and honestly feel really thankful for the call.
I spent the last weekend drilling with the 321st out of Gowen. They are set to deploy by years end, remember these fine men and women in your prayers. It was good to pray with them and to focus on their lives. It made me thankful for all they do and glad I get to support them in the field.
My word for the day is found in Philippians’ by the Apostle Paul, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are before...I shall never forget all of the precious people the Lord has allowed me to shepherd here in McCall, but I am excited for our new potential pastor that is coming on the
4th
Remember Ephesians 3:20 as we go through this time, "Now to Him who is able to do!" God we are counting on your doing exceedingly abundantly above what we could ask hope or think....
May our Great God grant us all peace
TS
Then out of the blue I get the most encouraging call from a new friend....God is so good. They wanted to remind me that God in his timing always has a plan and we can just trust and obey. Made me smile, laugh and honestly feel really thankful for the call.
I spent the last weekend drilling with the 321st out of Gowen. They are set to deploy by years end, remember these fine men and women in your prayers. It was good to pray with them and to focus on their lives. It made me thankful for all they do and glad I get to support them in the field.
My word for the day is found in Philippians’ by the Apostle Paul, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are before...I shall never forget all of the precious people the Lord has allowed me to shepherd here in McCall, but I am excited for our new potential pastor that is coming on the
4th
Remember Ephesians 3:20 as we go through this time, "Now to Him who is able to do!" God we are counting on your doing exceedingly abundantly above what we could ask hope or think....
May our Great God grant us all peace
TS
Monday, February 15, 2010
Humble
Pride is concerned with who is right.
Humility is concerned with what is right.
-Ezra Taft Benson-
As I have walked these last few weeks through the halls of my life, examining each and every possession, friendship, accomplishment with new found vision and sight not born of this world but rather from the lens of life's lessons of loss, I have found that as one looks forward it is a wise man who also looks backward in order to adjust and make the necessary corrections so as not to duplicate some of the same trials of self creation again.
Some friends came up to me on Sunday who will not be there for my last service, and with tears in their eyes told me how much my life and ministry has impacted them these last 11 years, she said, "I never learned so much as I have under your teaching"....I have to admit I was deeply touched, I was humbled. As I examine the last 11 years I do so with great humility and at times with a hard lens, recognizing all of my shortcomings and failures as a pastor.
I have come to the conclusion that it is I who have learned the most in my time here as Pastor. It is I who should be thanking all of you. I have learned so many life changing lessons about grace, patience, understanding and especially about failing forward. I have learned that successful people show kindness, and understanding, and help to others when they fail. I have learned that successful people are not derailed by their own failures; they accept them as a normal part of the process and use them as a catalyst to do better. I have learned to error is truly human, to forgive divine.....
We serve a gracious God, who while allowing free-will to reign can still use that free-will to create something beautiful out of the chaos...
To all of you who have written, called, loved, laughed, forgiven, encouraged and been there for my own journey these last few months....a huge thank you....
May our Great God grant you peace!
LT Bates
Humility is concerned with what is right.
-Ezra Taft Benson-
As I have walked these last few weeks through the halls of my life, examining each and every possession, friendship, accomplishment with new found vision and sight not born of this world but rather from the lens of life's lessons of loss, I have found that as one looks forward it is a wise man who also looks backward in order to adjust and make the necessary corrections so as not to duplicate some of the same trials of self creation again.
Some friends came up to me on Sunday who will not be there for my last service, and with tears in their eyes told me how much my life and ministry has impacted them these last 11 years, she said, "I never learned so much as I have under your teaching"....I have to admit I was deeply touched, I was humbled. As I examine the last 11 years I do so with great humility and at times with a hard lens, recognizing all of my shortcomings and failures as a pastor.
I have come to the conclusion that it is I who have learned the most in my time here as Pastor. It is I who should be thanking all of you. I have learned so many life changing lessons about grace, patience, understanding and especially about failing forward. I have learned that successful people show kindness, and understanding, and help to others when they fail. I have learned that successful people are not derailed by their own failures; they accept them as a normal part of the process and use them as a catalyst to do better. I have learned to error is truly human, to forgive divine.....
We serve a gracious God, who while allowing free-will to reign can still use that free-will to create something beautiful out of the chaos...
To all of you who have written, called, loved, laughed, forgiven, encouraged and been there for my own journey these last few months....a huge thank you....
May our Great God grant you peace!
LT Bates
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Journey
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
--Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson
As I prepare for our final month at Elk Creek I am reminded how grateful I am that in this life we have hope that we shall all see one another again.
God has been using people all around me to prepare me for this next phase of ministry without my even knowing he was doing it. God is so smart! :}
He used my time at McCall Fire and EMS to expose me to all kinds of trauma and to teach me how to do a CISD while being impacted by being part of what occurred.
He taught me how to relate to real people by allowing me to coach football as well as be a carpenter for Gutowski construction.
He taught me dependance upon him through many trials of pastoring authentic people these last 11 years as well as the dissolution of my marriage.
He taught me faith through friends...
He taught me forgiveness through those who love me most....
So many lessons....I feel like I am just now ready to start my spiritual journey and to lead well here.....and yet God has seen fit to lead me onward.....
What a journey....what a time....
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
--Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson
As I prepare for our final month at Elk Creek I am reminded how grateful I am that in this life we have hope that we shall all see one another again.
God has been using people all around me to prepare me for this next phase of ministry without my even knowing he was doing it. God is so smart! :}
He used my time at McCall Fire and EMS to expose me to all kinds of trauma and to teach me how to do a CISD while being impacted by being part of what occurred.
He taught me how to relate to real people by allowing me to coach football as well as be a carpenter for Gutowski construction.
He taught me dependance upon him through many trials of pastoring authentic people these last 11 years as well as the dissolution of my marriage.
He taught me faith through friends...
He taught me forgiveness through those who love me most....
So many lessons....I feel like I am just now ready to start my spiritual journey and to lead well here.....and yet God has seen fit to lead me onward.....
What a journey....what a time....
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Watching
What a great honor to get to swear in my son Cody Benjamin into active duty airforce. It was interesting to see the fire in his eyes and the passion as he stood before me a young man embarking on the start of his adult journey. I experienced feelings of great joy, pride, sadness, regret and hope. As he led his team into the airport for their flight, I could envision his future rolling out before him and it is a good one.
As for me and my journey, I would say the word conflicted doesnt even begin to explain all the emotions I have been feeling these past several months since anouncing my resignation and moving towards a ministry in the ARMY. How does one say goodbye to such fine people who have become like family to me? How does one move on into the next phase of life when you leave part of your heart behind?
I have seen God do so many things here at ECBC over the last 11 years that have been truly amazing and that I will never forget.
They say the heart is like a treasure chest thats filled with souvenirs, its there we keep the memories that we gather through the years.....my treasure chest is full!
May the Lord make his face to shine upon us
As for me and my journey, I would say the word conflicted doesnt even begin to explain all the emotions I have been feeling these past several months since anouncing my resignation and moving towards a ministry in the ARMY. How does one say goodbye to such fine people who have become like family to me? How does one move on into the next phase of life when you leave part of your heart behind?
I have seen God do so many things here at ECBC over the last 11 years that have been truly amazing and that I will never forget.
They say the heart is like a treasure chest thats filled with souvenirs, its there we keep the memories that we gather through the years.....my treasure chest is full!
May the Lord make his face to shine upon us
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Adventure Begins
Greetings one and all and welcome to my new blog!
It is my desire to journal my new adventure each step of the journey. If you want to come along feel free, if you want to comment feel free....it is simply a tool for me to express my thoughts as I experience all the new things that the Lord has for me on this journey. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the US ARMY (LOL)
The beginning of this journey started 18 months ago when Rita and I were on Sabbatical in Denver, Colorado. While visiting Denver Seminary there was a letter from a retired Col, who had been a chaplain stating the immediate need for more chaplains in the USARMY. I remember signing a sheet for more information, and as soon as I returned home I received a call from him explaining all about the program. As Rita and I prayed about it, we decided to see if it would be an open door to become a reservist and continue to pastor Elk Creek. Little did I know that God had other plans than just part time.
It has been quite a journey the last 18 months to say the least and I owe a lot of my dear friends a great thanks as well as great apologies. As I wrestled with this life changing decision, at times I retreated inward seeking solace from the Lord. Which causes great distress among my close personal friends as they had to watch my turmoil without really knowing what to do! A big shout out to you all and you know who you are! I have known for a couple of years that Rita was ready to begin a new and separate journey, but I was certainly reluctant at first trying to stop the inevitable, alas I am afraid I could not. Now 18 months later, I have resigned as senior pastor of Elk Creek, am divorced and have accepted a commission as a 2LT in the US Army Reserves.
I will be drilling this Friday night and Saturday with the 321st Engineer Battalion out of Gowen, which should be very interesting for me. I am told we will be out in the field and seeing as how it is still winter in my world I am looking forward to the chance to hang out in the desert out of the snow for a couple of day. 38 degrees never looked so inviting!
It is my desire to post thoughts, and experiences in hopes that friends and family can follow, not to mention any other senior pastors who decide to do this in their 40's (can you say insane?) who might be able to benefit from my mistakes...err experience I mean.
This month represents so many changes for our family I appreciate all of your prayers. Benjamin leaves Tuesday for the Air Force and Ty and Ralene are going back to Chicago for the next 4 years. I am staying in McCall pastoring until Feb 28th which is my last Sunday, then I am off to Grand Junction Colorado and wherever the Lord leads perhaps I will just head down to the keys and get lost for a while, who knows, after that I attend CHBOLC in Jan next year.
May our Great God grant us peace..
2LT Bates
It is my desire to journal my new adventure each step of the journey. If you want to come along feel free, if you want to comment feel free....it is simply a tool for me to express my thoughts as I experience all the new things that the Lord has for me on this journey. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the US ARMY (LOL)
The beginning of this journey started 18 months ago when Rita and I were on Sabbatical in Denver, Colorado. While visiting Denver Seminary there was a letter from a retired Col, who had been a chaplain stating the immediate need for more chaplains in the USARMY. I remember signing a sheet for more information, and as soon as I returned home I received a call from him explaining all about the program. As Rita and I prayed about it, we decided to see if it would be an open door to become a reservist and continue to pastor Elk Creek. Little did I know that God had other plans than just part time.
It has been quite a journey the last 18 months to say the least and I owe a lot of my dear friends a great thanks as well as great apologies. As I wrestled with this life changing decision, at times I retreated inward seeking solace from the Lord. Which causes great distress among my close personal friends as they had to watch my turmoil without really knowing what to do! A big shout out to you all and you know who you are! I have known for a couple of years that Rita was ready to begin a new and separate journey, but I was certainly reluctant at first trying to stop the inevitable, alas I am afraid I could not. Now 18 months later, I have resigned as senior pastor of Elk Creek, am divorced and have accepted a commission as a 2LT in the US Army Reserves.
I will be drilling this Friday night and Saturday with the 321st Engineer Battalion out of Gowen, which should be very interesting for me. I am told we will be out in the field and seeing as how it is still winter in my world I am looking forward to the chance to hang out in the desert out of the snow for a couple of day. 38 degrees never looked so inviting!
It is my desire to post thoughts, and experiences in hopes that friends and family can follow, not to mention any other senior pastors who decide to do this in their 40's (can you say insane?) who might be able to benefit from my mistakes...err experience I mean.
This month represents so many changes for our family I appreciate all of your prayers. Benjamin leaves Tuesday for the Air Force and Ty and Ralene are going back to Chicago for the next 4 years. I am staying in McCall pastoring until Feb 28th which is my last Sunday, then I am off to Grand Junction Colorado and wherever the Lord leads perhaps I will just head down to the keys and get lost for a while, who knows, after that I attend CHBOLC in Jan next year.
May our Great God grant us peace..
2LT Bates
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