hearing the birds

This is difficult but I think I need to tell the story. I have been honored. Someone has singled me out and said some very nice things. I hate to bring it up, but it is wrong for me to not tell you about this man, because one day, he may be your pastor. And if he is, you will be the better for it.

I met Shawn Franssens when he was the pastor at St. Mark's in Independence. I liked him from the beginning. Sometimes pastors can be proud and haughty. Not a sniff of this in Shawn. Good hearted, kind, normal. Now there is something that you don't always find in a pastor: normal. We became friends. At annual conference this year, he was ordained an elder. When you are ordained you can ask one of your friends to lay hands on you as the Bishop lays his hand on you. Shawn asked me to do this. It is one of the most significant honors of my life. The Bishop says, "take thou the authority to preach the word." And you are there, praying for your friend. Thinking about every sermon that he will preach, every life that he will touch, and asking God for a double portion of His spirit. That was a very special moment.

Now Shawn has gone a bit further. He has started a daily blog titled, "hearing the birds." You can find it at hearingthebirds.blogspot.com The following is what he has written in the margin of his blog:

We all need mentors. People that have wisdom to share with us. Who for a moment, a season or a lifetime we go to when we need an ear, a piece of advice, a supporter, a confidant, a friend.Rev. Jeff Brinkman is my mentor. He asks in his musings about life... "Can you hear the birds sing?"This blog is my attempt to share the many ways I hear the birds singing in my life.

Well, I hate to tell you about this, but it would be a dishonor to him to not tell you. Please check out his blog and be praying for my friend Shawn.

I hope that you have people that love you. It is such a blessing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.