Moments that stand out
In January of 2013 my dad passed away, but not his memory, nor the things he taught. His wisdom and practical understanding of God and His Word were life changing for me, and for many others.
I’ll never forget one Sunday morning when I was about eight years old. My dad was preaching on a Sunday morning when all of the sudden he stopped and said,
“The Holy Spirit is here. I feel God’s presence.”
People began praising the Lord in response, but my little eyes and head were turning every which way. I was looking up and down, forward and back in the sanctuary. By what my dad said, and how he said it, I was certain I would be able to see God somewhere in the room.
It also wasn’t uncommon for my dad to stop in the middle of his sermon and say something like,
“Don’t you feel like giving God some praise right now?”
Then people would begin to speak out their thanks and love for the Lord. I can recall the first time I did that. I lifted my hands and told Jesus I loved Him. I could feel Him warmly embrace me with His love. It was life changing.
What dad taught us
Over his life my dad taught many things about God’s Word and faith, but most importantly he taught us about the presence of God. He taught us about those spontaneous moments of sensing God’s presence and stopping to give Him praise. And it’s in those special moments that our lives were, and are, most changed.
Thanks dad…see you soon.
Joel you Dad was my first pastor in Grants Pass when I was in Jr High – I still remember things he taught us. Sermons filled with grace. Always grace !
What an awesome legacy your father left behind. Thank you for sharing your memories and passing down the wisdom to your congregation! I love your passion for the Lord, the Word, and Praise. It’s truly contagious and a blessing to me.
I so enjoyed the photo of the first sanctuary i attended when we began at Cathedral of the Valley. I cherish the memory of those times I was made aware of God’s presence and encouraged/taught how to spontaneously breakout into worship Him. I miss both my spiritual father and my forever church family and am also thankful for their pouring into me so i can be of service where God has sent me.
“But wait, it gets gooder!”