The Bright Spot Report

Kai Tierney - A Secret Agent of Compassion

2024-10-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

Kai stood there with his daughter Ella holding a volleyball. A woman pulled up in a car with several children inside. Her teenage daughter asked one of the volunteers if he had a volleyball. The man turned and saw Kai holding exactly what the girl asked for. With a smile as big as a branch in a ponderosa pine tree, Kai handed the ball to a volunteer who gave it to the girl. The teenager’s smile grew as wide as Kai’s. The receiver of the gift caught a contagious heart-smile from the giver of the gift.

That’s how it goes with Kai Tierney, he’s always ready in season; creating heart-smiles, often unseen - except in the eyes of God and those closest to him. In his personal life, Kai is a model for any man wanting to be the best husband and father he can be. It’s not that he’s perfect, but what sets him apart from most men is, he’s teachable. Kai studies and learns from other men. He walks the walk of a man hungering for God’s more excellent way of loving everybody around him.

Often Kai can be found with his wife and daughters volunteering at an event called Grill & A Prayer held on the streets of Flagstaff. Folks in need come to the community outreach for free clothes, food, prayer and many other free items. Kai found an old bike and refurbished it. That bike was given to girl whose family was living in a motor home and passing through town. The girl left with her bike and a smile as the family traveled on through. Another heart-smile created, another life touched by a man who acted in compassion behind the scenes.

Kai creates heart-smiles on most of his days and most of them go unseen. He’s one of those “extra-mile guys” who go above and beyond expectations. He doesn’t just use the work of his hands with bikes, volleyballs and a ton of other things he and his family give away, Kai never hesitates to form personal relationships with folks in need. He listens deeply and makes people feel valued and special. You can often see him taking the time to pray with people.

Imagine how many lives have been touched and impacted by the Tierney Family. Hearts that beat with compassion create generational ripple effects. Heart-smiles rise over the horizon of changing seasons bringing joy and relief in times of struggle. Kai has a heart with peripheral vision, he can spot folks in need of compassion a mile away in any direction. He leaves smile imprints on hearts in many places. It may be at a gas station, community outreach, church, work, or maybe putting together a trampoline at a safe home for Navajo children. He’s taught fatherless kids how to fish at the Father’s Fish Camp and shared a s'more or two in the process! Anywhere he goes, Kai’s heart is locked and loaded ready to fire off an act of compassion with a smile.

God bless you Kai Tierney! You’re a great role model for men on how to be one of God’s secret agents of compassion. Thanks for all you do. May your generosity be a reciprocal blessing on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

Kai is a volunteer for youthwithapurpose.org

Jane Voss Is Doing Greater Things for Jesus With Children

2021-05-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

It's impossible to think of Jane Voss without picturing her contagious smile lighting up over a group of happy children. Her warm demeanor with kids is as natural as an Arizona sunrise. God gives all of us gifts and Jane is a "gift-maximizer." She pours out every ounce of energy in finding more excellent ways in showing God's Love to children.

Many people are gifted with the ability to teach children, but Jane Voss is an "extra-mile" kind of teacher. She is extremely well organized and exceptionally intuitive when it comes to teaching. You can't just call her a teacher because that wouldn't begin to explain the value of what she does for kids. She may plan a lesson, but she adjusts seamlessly to the shifting emotional needs of her students.

Jane drives farther than most people do to come to church. She serves as a Youth Ministry Leader several days every week. Most of the things that Jane does in life require extra effort, perseverance and resilience. She's an "energizer-lady" who relentlessly pursues excellence. Jane sees the opportunity to lead and jumps right in.

Sunday School is special and Jane's been doing that for many, many years. Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights is an extra-mile activity. Every lesson has a valuable life message to help kids learn how to become overcomers in the struggles of life.

Generosity is one of the greater things that Jane gives from her heart. Whatever is needed for the children she serves, Jane will find a way to make it happen. Obstacles and adversities are only greater opportunities to reveal God's glory in the heart of Jane Voss.

People who create Bright Spots in Life are folks who do the Greater Things that Jesus spoke about in John 14:12 (AMP) "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father." The extent of Jane's outreach is the enlarged Love of God in the children she reaches.

Thank you Jane Voss for doing greater things for Jesus. The impact created through your actions not only trains up children in the way they should go, but you're also shining the light of Christ on the whole church. People see what you do and want to get involved. You are God's gift to the children and the church. Jesus loves you and so do we.

They asked Jesus,

“Do you hear the things these children are saying?”

Jesus answered,

“Yes. Haven’t you read in the Scriptures,

‘You have taught children and babies to sing praises’?

Matthew 21:16

Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report. He's also written seven books, several magazine articles and blogs including The Bright Spot Report and Mentor Force Nuggets of Wisdom. He is a Bible Teacher and Youth Program Developer who teaches young people about God's plan for His purpose in their lives.
As the Director of Youth With A Purpose who has spent the last 20 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with the Love of God and grows through compassion and empathy. The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The YWAP Mission:

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation."

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org

Engaging in relationships

for the purpose of discipleship.

Ryan Musgrove - His Heart Never Stops Serving

2021-01-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Nobody is born a leader, but some folks seem like they're born to serve. Ryan Musgrove is one of those rare guys. He never stops serving. He gives the impression of always looking for an opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Ryan served his country in the United States Army. That in itself speaks of a sacrificial attitude that esteems others as more valuable than himself. Jesus spoke about the greatest things we can do in Matthew 22:37-39,

"Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Every once in awhile a special person comes along and lives out those words in thought, word and deed. The words that Jesus spoke could almost be a mission statement for Ryan's life.

He's a magnet for children with a smile that stretches from his heart to his eyes. He's an expert "Bounce House Technician." That might be a new term for you, but it's a great way to describe a guy who makes kids smile as they burn off youthful energy. Being in a bounce house can rattle the brain or tickle your heart, it depends on your age. Ryan is ageless in his pursuit to create happiness in the lives of children. Many of them have been abused and neglected. At least for a short time when Ryan is around, the kids get to know what love is. He truly loves them in a Christ-like way.

The Sunshine Rescue Mission is dear to Ryan's heart. His life led him there as part of his learning process. In a short time he was named "Disciple of The Month." That story was reported in the YWAP News. He was also named to the Leadership Team before he moved on to the next phase of his learning process. Ryan has one of the greatest leadership traits that any person can have, it's called "teachability." He's always eager to learn new things.

At Church For The Nations Flagstaff, Ryan is one of the first to volunteer when the need for help arises. Some volunteer positions are more fun than others, but Ryan shows the same enthusiasm whether the task is exciting or tedious. He wraps gifts and gives gifts. He buys bandanas because kids ask for them. He gives away his sunglasses to kids. He sets up bounce houses, cleans bounce houses and he jumps in bounce houses! He paints kids rooms. He hikes mountains. He runs a sound booth at church. He hangs up decorations and takes them down. He helps homeless guys find a home in his heart. Ryan has skills that enable him to do what needs to be done and he does it with excellence. Ryan's skills are heartfully applied at a men's mission, an orphanage, at church, on the job and in his friendships.

Ryan might be a high energy guy, but don't hesitate to ask him to pray for you. He knows how to, "be still and know God."

The pictures below only give a small glimpse of the servants heart that smiles deep inside Ryan's chest. The next time you see him, you might want to say,

"Hey Ryan! I'm proud of you! Jesus loves you and so do we!

The YWAP Mission:

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation."

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org

Engaging in relationships

for the purpose of discipleship.

Marvin Johnson Goes Beyond The Extra Mile!

2020-12-18T08:36:00.001-08:00

Marvin is claimed by God!

Some folks go from “lost to found” in the blink of an eye. Then there’s those extra special guys who are destined for greater things that take a little longer. Marvin Johnson is one of those guys doing greater things.

He didn’t go from lost to found in the blink of an eye. God had to dip him in many different life-experiences to mold him into one of the greatest Compassion Deliverers the world has ever known. He’s the heart and soul of Compassion Ministries based at Church For The Nations Flagstaff in Arizona.

Everyday, yes EVERY DAY! Marvin is involved in loving a neighbor. In his home, in his van, in his church, where ever his heart is, Marvin is leaving some compassion in someone’s heart.

He delivers compassion boxes of food to folks in need. He orders extra food to deliver to a children’s home. He served up compassion at a protest that could have turned ugly. Every Sunday before church, his crew of volunteers serves a free breakfast. Marvin is always serving.

This weekend he’s serving volunteers, but he’s also serving as Santa Claus. He did his best to dye his hair white for the occasion. That’s just another example of Marvin going the extra mile. At Church For The Nations Flagstaff, we think it’s okay for Santa Claus to be in church. Especially when he kneels at the feet of Jesus.

Thank you Marvin Johnson for who you’ve surrendered to be, a once lost man who’s been found in Christ. Our city, our country and our hearts are more beautiful because of your compassion. Jesus loves you and so do we.

"Bring the ring, the seal of sonship, and I will put it on his finger.

And bring out the best shoes you can find for my son.

Let’s prepare a great feast and celebrate.

For this beloved son of mine was once dead,

but now he’s alive again.

Once he was lost, but now he is found!’

And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy."

Luke 15:22-24 The Passion Translation

Marvin is a top notch manager with an eye for inventory detail.

Marvin goes the extra mile to serve abused and neglected kids.

Marvin doesn't do mediocre, all of his dinners are seasoned with greatness.

His volunteers are like him - they serve with happy hearts!

Heart Smiles!

Getting ready to be the jolly old white haired dude named Santa.

He's a manager who's serves by example.

He doesn't drive a big fancy car, Just a van with room to serve.

Marvin serves well with another guy with a servants heart - Pastor Daniel Williamson.

WE FEED THE NEED!

Compassion Volunteers getting ready on Sunday morning.

Marvin made an extra trip to the Food Bank to serve a children's home.

The Extra Mile Team!

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

#BrightSpotReport #CompassionMinistries #cftnflag #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW

Church For The Nations Flagstaff
755 N Bonito St Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Phone: 928-714-1170
Email: keely@cftnflag.com

Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report. He's also written seven books, several magazine articles and blogs including The Bright Spot Report and Mentor Force Nuggets of Wisdom. He is a Bible Teacher and Youth Program Developer who teaches young people about God's plan for His purpose in their lives.
As the Director of Youth With A Purpose who has spent the last 20 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with the Love of God and grows through compassion and empathy. The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The YWAP Mission:

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation."

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org

Pastors Daniel & Allison Williamson - Trusted By God

2020-12-03T13:28:00.004-08:00

Unless you've been the Pastor of a church. you probably don't have much of an idea what a Pastor goes through on a daily basis. Many folks expect them to be super-human, without flaws and always available for every need. Those people don't exist, but we know some folks who come close.

Pastors Daniel & Allison Williamson are super-human in many ways. They're both "go-the-extra-mile" kind of folks who lead Church For The Nations Flagstaff. Most of the time they're filling needs without being asked. They have the wisdom and the ability to sense a need and serve people spontaneously with their whole hearts.

It's not uncommon for them to open their home for meetings, counseling or family gatherings. Emergencies happen on an almost daily basis. At least many folks who think they have an emergency call the "Pastor hotline" to pour out their emotional baggage. Then there's the real serious stuff; death, divorce, disease, abuse, folks falling back into addiction, or people going to jail. That's heavy stuff on a Pastor's heart.

These two Pastor's are like trees soaking up the suffering of people around them like roots soaking up rain. It's called empathy and compassion. They care for everybody who comes across their path. They might soak up suffering like rain, but it causes them to drip humility like morning dew.

"Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;

In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,

Your youth are to You as the dew."

Psalm 110:3

One of the hardest things a Pastor ever goes through is when someone leaves the church. We like to think that everyone we meet will be a lifelong friend. Truth be told, the number of folks who actually leave a church is very small.

Unfortunately any vacated pew causes a sense of loss. There are good reasons to leave a church like when you are lead by the Holy Spirit. Then there's a few lousy reasons to leave a church mostly caused by pride. Folks get offended too easily in this day and age. They might feel slighted by the Pastor who hasn't noticed them lately or gone out of his way to make them feel special. Little do they know the Pastors may have been going without sleep facing one emergency after another.

Church is a place where people go to worship God and seek ways to serve other people. It's a place to learn about God's Word and how to apply it outside the church walls. Many ministries are born in churches like Church For The Nations Flagstaff where the Pastors support the visions of the people they serve. Some folks only come on Sunday's and soak up a good Word. Many others take advantage of church programs to grow into a greater knowledge of understanding what God created them for.

If you feel a need to leave a church, please don't just disappear. Respect the Pastors enough to have a heart to heart talk with them and explain the reasons why. Most of the church leaders I know would welcome the chance to hear about blind spots that may exist in their ministry.

One of the greatest compliments

we can give Pastors Daniel & Allison

is that they are teachable.

They earnestly want to learn how to be greater servants.

What else could anybody ask from a Pastor?

We've watched these two Pastors in public and we've had the honor of witnessing their character in private moments. Daniel & Allison are the real deal. God trusts them to carry the sufferings of the people they serve. That's what Jesus did and it's what He asks of us.

They're almost always serving somebody, but somehow they'll also find a way to serve you. Call the Church if you'd like to meet them or come by on a Sunday morning. There's a free breakfast at 9 am and Service starts at 10 AM. Pastors Daniel & Allison Williamson would love to meet you and serve you - because that's what they do with all of their hearts.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

#BrightSpotReport #cftnflag #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW

Church For The Nations Flagstaff
755 N Bonito St Flagstaff, AZ 86001

The YWAP Mission:

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ -centered mentors for the next generation."

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org

A Song Called "Runnin" & A Word About Being Strong

2019-05-25T13:50:00.001-07:00

A Song Called "Sky Daddy" & A Message About Love At Christfest

2019-05-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

The Ten Commandments - Youth Leadership Lesson from YWAP

2019-05-13T13:02:00.001-07:00

Robin Lynn - A Woman of Courage With Advice About Abuse & Bullying

2019-04-12T20:57:00.001-07:00

Bob Kuebler - Finding The Supernatural Jesus In The Natural World Epsiso...

2019-04-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

YWAP 9 Minute Life Speaker Deb Fuszara 4 4 19

2019-04-06T12:19:00.001-07:00

Unscheduled by YWAP, but scheduled by God, Deb Fuszara was ready to step up as this week's 9 Minute Life Speaker at YWAP Teen Action Night at The Bread. #teenaction #ywap4God #JLYASDW

A 19 Yr. Old Young Man Becomes One Of The Greatest Nine Minute Life Spea...

2019-03-22T15:49:00.001-07:00

"You can't just wake up every Sunday, go to church, rinse and repeat!" Kobe Matestic speaks about a real relationship with God though His Word.
#teenaction #9minutelifespeaker #ywapbuffalo #ywap7168308240 #ywap4God #JLYASDW

YWAP Nine Minute Life Speaker Antonio Evans 3-14-19

2019-03-19T20:57:00.001-07:00

Another great Nine Minute Life Speaker at YWAP.
#ywapbuffalo #ywap4God #JLYASDW

Just Do A Little Bit Each Day

2019-03-11T09:16:00.001-07:00

Becky Rogowski - A Quiet Shooting Star at YWAP

2019-03-08T19:17:00.001-08:00

Some folks are underground visionaries. They see the big picture and know how to make the best of every situation. The see and do what needs to be done, but they're seldom seen themselves.
Becky Rogowski is an underground visionary. She's one of the Directors of Youth With A Purpose in charge of Teen Action Night at The Bread of Life. Every Thursday night without fail, Becky is helping to oversee almost every aspect of the program.
We don't have many pictures of her and she never calls attention to herself. She quickly moves behind the scenes making sure everything is in order. The picture above shows Becky moving behind a volleyball net as kids are having fun with her in their midst. At YWAP, we believe in a "Blended-Leadership" style of management. Many leaders are part of the backbone of a program that is changing many lives. Becky leads with a backbone of courage, seldom seen by visitors.
She has a great relationship with the 12-18 yr. old's in the youth group. They come for fun, exercise, Life Lessons from a guest speaker, Biblical Leadership and great food. Becky ushers them through all of that and more. She gets personally involved as a mentor with a caring heart and a listening ear.
On most nights, both of her sons are with her as participants in Teen Action Night. They also volunteer to help when needed. They serve food and help clean up. They also set up chairs after the volleyball equipment is taken down so the building can be ready for church services. There's a lot of work involved and many hands get the job done quickly. The point here is that not only is Becky a great leader, mentor and volunteer, she's also a phenomenal mother to her sons.

Physical fitness and teaching forgiveness can be fun with great mentors like Becky.

We are honored to have Becky Rogowski as an underground visionary who goes the extra mile without being asked or caring about who gets credit for a job well done. I can imagine if Jesus was the head of this outfit (and He is!), I'm sure He'd be telling Becky: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Those words are meant to be spoken on earth as they are in heaven! Thanks Becky for all you do, we appreciate you. Jesus loves you and so do we.

These are Booklets that help young people learn Biblical Leadership.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW #ywap4God

The YWAP Mission:

"To help young people and their families
affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice
become Christ -centered mentors for the next generation."

The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. YWAP can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org

Mike Lafferty - A Humble Husband, Dad, Friend & Scholar

2018-12-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

Helping people know the encouragement found in God's grace, that's a great way to describe what Mike Lafferty's life is all about. Some guys have the ability to keep their balance as they walk in narrow ways.
   Uncomfortable questions are okay in Mike's way of mentoring. Truth has a cutting edge that God uses to prune our character that isn't useful in His purposes. Folks who know him well respectfully describe him as a Bible Scholar. Mike's studied for many years as an obedient and surrendered servant of God.
   Men can be described as, husband, father, friend, and scholar. Our lives are labelled by our dedication to each role. Mike is teachable - that's the foundation of lowliness from where a man is eventually exalted in Christ. He's still learning how to get better in all of his manly roles.
   Brokenness and wisdom are rungs on the ladder of humility. Mike Lafferty is a guy who knows when to step and when to hold his place. Mike has walked in wisdom after holding his place in pain. Brokenness gives us a greater ability to love. He encourages people to step beyond their comfort zone to a new level of potential.
   Love is a labor established in the work of our hands by God. Mike is guarded in his time with his family. They come second in his life - after his relationship with God. They are his priorities.
   Every man faces challenges that God uses as opportunities to create greater Love in the world. Mike Lafferty is a humble world changer. He sees goodness when other folks are focused on judgement. Mike sees potential when others see problems. Mike's face is smiling with encouragement when others are squinting in scrutiny. Mike gives grace when others are casting glances of disdain.
   Mike Lafferty is a man of humble boldness. His character is borne of brokenness and obedience in order to be used by God to enlarge His Love in greater ways. Jesus loves you Mike, and so do we.

Thanks for your time.

Go do something nice for somebody.

Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW #ywap4God

Bob Kuebler is the Director of Youth With A Purpose who has spent the last 17 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with the Love of God and grows through compassion and empathy. The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The YWAP Mission:

"To help young people and their families
affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice
become Christ -centered mentors for the next generation."

Bob is the Author of six books, several magazine articles and blogs including The Bright Spot Report and Mentor Force Nuggets of Wisdom. He is a Bible Teacher and Youth Program Developer who teaches young people about God's plan for His purpose in their lives. He can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org

Would you eat fruit hanging from a frozen tree in Buffalo, NY?

2018-02-08T12:09:00.003-08:00

Would you eat fruit hanging from a frozen tree in Buffalo, NY?

2018-02-08T12:09:00.001-08:00

Will You Stand In The Gap With YWAP?

2017-11-20T12:30:00.001-08:00

IS TODAY YOUR LAST DAY ON DRUGS?

2017-11-08T03:40:00.001-08:00

Courage isn't drunk from a bottle.
Confidence isn't inhaled from weed.
Peace isn't a found in a powder.
Hope isn't hidden in a hallucinogen.
Love isn't snorted through a straw.
Sex isn't a plug to fill a hole in your heart.
Emptiness isn't filled by anything outside you.
Wholeness comes from within.
Go deeper.
Ask for help.
You don't see them, but people right now have your back in prayer.
You may not know God, but He knew you before you were formed in the womb.
He knows your emptiness and your struggles.
He believes in you and so do the many people praying for you.
We pray for your plans for in the future.
We pray against anything that will harm you.
We pray for you to prosper and be in good health.
You were made in the image and likeness of God.
You are worthy of love and affection.
Let your emptiness be the soil where a seed of love is beginning to grow.
God is love and He loves you.

Your life journey has a purpose.
You are climbing the mountains of life.
When you reach the next mountain peak, look behind you and shout:

“I'VE MADE IT AND SO CAN YOU!”

You will lead others as a Guide on the Mountains of Life.
Today is your day of decision.
Decide to love yourself in a more excellent way.
Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

++++++++++

“Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly.
You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize
the fullness of Christ,
and the emptiness of the universe without him.
When you come to him,
that fullness comes together for you, too.
His power extends over everything.”
Colossians 2:9-10 The Message

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
#brightspotreport #ywap4God #JLYASDW

How To Get Close To God - Mike Lafferty & Bob Kuebler

2017-10-12T15:18:00.001-07:00

Managing the Mentoring Process

2017-10-11T11:58:00.001-07:00

All relationships will bear some kind of fruit. Mentoring relationships have fruit producing principles.
This is the first in a series of Mentor Force teaching videos sponsored by Youth With A Purpose Inc. The star of our first mentoring video is Jimmy Darby from Buffalo Peacemakers and Open Buffalo. Thanks Jimmy for your valuable insight and sharing your heart. Jesus loves you and so do we.
#ywap716 #mentorforce #ywapbuffalo #openbuffalo #JLYASDW

Mike Pelechaty Was A Knight Who Let His Wife Wear The Shining Armor

2017-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Most of the story you're about to read was written on September 8, 2013. It sat partially finished in a draft folder until God brought it to my mind about a month ago. I decided to finish it today October 9, 2017. Both Mike and Cathy are now in heaven. I wrote the original story when Mike was still with us. The original story is in purple while today's continuation is in blue.

YWAP Thanksgiving at Holy Cross November 19, 2017. (Mike is on the left.)

Many women think they're looking for a knight in shining armor. A guy without kinks in his armor really doesn't exist this side of heaven. Most guys are more like fruitcakes in tin foil! A woman would be better off with a guy who's transparent with his weaknesses. The kind of transparency that fuels a fire that burns away the chaff of his character. A guy should be willing to sacrifice himself and lift his wife into the glory for which God created her. Mike Pelechaty is one of those guys. He let his wife Cathy wear the shining armor.

Together with their daughters Erica and Olivia, Mike and Cathy have lived lives of sacrifice for the past few years. Living in the shadow of cancer is like growing a broken heart. The brokenness spreads as the disease advances. My interaction with the family has been mostly as a friend of Mike.

I was a regular reader of Cathy's posts on The Father's Breadbox - Devotions & Teachings by Cathy Pelechaty. God reached through her and touched those of us who read her words. I was nourished spiritually by reading about her time with God. Here is a quote from her page:

"Never Forget That ~
Walking With God Changes Everything ~
Talking With God Changes You..."

Mike was a good friend of mine for several years. He's a Doctor and a Pastor. Those titles don't begin to describe who Mike is. He's a Dad who loves his daughters in a more excellent way. He talks about his family constantly. He loved his wife in a more excellent way. He was in enormous pain for the last 3 years. He carried the pain of his wife and his daughters. He carried his own pain. Cathy left her world of physical pain and was welcomed into heaven on September 8, 2013.

Many married men would gladly take away the pain of their families and carry it themselves. That's also true of a great majority of married women. Mike and I met for breakfast one morning at the Gardenview Restaurant in West Seneca, NY. He told me how hard it was being a husband, a father and a doctor. A husband wants to take the pain away and a doctor is supposed to know how to heal. Mike could do neither of those things for Cathy. At least that's what he believed.

I think Cathy must have known how much she was loved. There is a kind of healing that happens when you know you are loved. Her relationship with God was revealed through her writings. She was an excellent wife to her husband. Her children called her blessed. Cathy Pelechaty was a friend of God.

Her children bless her.
Her husband also praises her.
He says,

“There are many excellent wives,
but you are better than all of them.”

- Proverbs 31:28-29 IBC

His love was raw and genuine. As a man, I deeply admired him. Yeah, I wanted to be like Mike! He desperately wanted what was best for his family. He was also a man who followed hard after God. He served as a Board Member for our ministry called Youth With A Purpose. He asked the tough questions that nobody else would ask. He helped plan the future of the ministry which is still growing today. His words are still alive in my heart.

Mike left this world and was welcomed into heaven on December 18, 2016. I can only imagine Jesus smiling with one arm around Mike and one arm around Cathy. I think God allows us to see physical representations of heaven like this because we couldn't handle what heaven is really like. The immenseness of God's glory would simply blow us away. No pain, all mercy, full of grace, unending oneness with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Mike and Cathy are alive in the greatest story ever told! They get to live everyday from Alpha to Omega for eternity.

I miss Mike. I miss Cathy's writings and Holy Spirit delivered wisdom. They're both Bright Spots in a world that sorely needs them. Because of who they were in relationship to each other and in relationship to God, they still live on as Bright Spots today. My wife and I have prayed for their daughters Erica and Olivia and will continue to cover them in love. Will you please do the same?

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
#JLYASDW

HARD TIMES CREATE BRIGHT SPOTS

2017-05-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ice & snow eventually melts into spring & summer.

LIFE IS HARD SOMETIMES

The older you get,

the more likely you're going to go through a lot of hell

on your way to heaven.

YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

The waves keep crashing even under the blue skies.
Sinking in sadness and pain, the sun is still rising - again; and so will you - again!

Close your eyes.

Imagine your feet moving on the waves of your life.
Imagine your hands lifting the sun as it rises.
Imagine your breath moving the clouds.
Imagine your eyes seeing wisdom in the deep skies.
Imagine your ears listening to stillness.
Imagine being still and knowing that this too shall pass - as everyday does.
Imagine your heart knowing the peace of all suffering reaching its end.
Imagine Jesus walking with you on many waters.

He will never leave you.

The greater your suffering,

the greater the potential for your life

to display God's love to other folks.

LIFE IS HARD SOMETIMES.

The cross has been taken down.
The tomb is empty.
Love has brought a new day.
Your pain will leave,
Jesus wants your burden.

He wants to hold your heart and walk you through.
Imagine Jesus kneeling in front of you,
He's holding your heart in His hands and says:

"I got you, you won't sink any deeper.

I am the voice of many waters.

I speak to them now and say,

'Be still."

++++++++++

"God says, “Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10 ICB

"God’s voice was like the roar of rushing water.
His greatness made the earth shine. "
Ezekiel 43:2 ICB

"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters."
Psalm 29:3

"his voice as the sound of many waters."
Revelation 1:15

"Then I heard again what sounded like the shouting of a huge crowd,
or like the waves of a hundred oceans crashing on the shore,
or like the mighty rolling of great thunder,
“Praise the Lord.
For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
Revelation 19:6

++++++++++

Please share this with someone who might need a lift from hard times.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

Monday May 8, 2017
8:40 AM
Buffalo, NY, USA

THESE PASTORS MAKE ME CRY AND I KEEP GOING BACK!

2017-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Life Church is a place that seems to have me in tears on a regular basis. There have been several times in my life when a preacher's sermon has given me watering eyes. This morning, the transparency and vulnerability of Pastor Pete Jankowski left me wiping my wet face.
It's not the first time he's done that. Pete is a guy who takes sincerity and honesty to a deeper place every week. His sermons are enough to touch the tear ducts in your soul.
Friends who die early cause lots of tears. Pastor Pete made me cry for a reason other than a deep sermon. He was the bearer of sad news delivered from the pulpit. A good friend of almost everyone in the church died suddenly. Dr. Mike Pelechaty was my friend and a former Board member of our ministry, Youth With A Purpose. The news was a sudden shock and I was overwhelmed.
Eventually the Service ended and I was stuck to my seat as the grief overpowered my ability to move. I managed to lift my head and saw Pete was standing in front of me. He saw my tears and offered a comfort that God knew I needed. He hugged me and felt my pain at the loss of a friend. This time he was catching my tears instead of causing them.
Pastor Pete's partner in the creation of watering eyes is Pastor Craig McLeod. He's the reason (through God's guidance) that my wife Linda and I began hanging out at Life Church. When Dr. Mike's wife Cathy died, Pastor Craig immediately dropped what he was doing and went to comfort a grieving family. That was a leadership lesson for me that I've duplicated in the YWAP Ministry. We sometimes have to comfort the families of young men who die from gang violence. Don't wait when someone is grieving, go immediately.
Pastor Craig's sermons have also left me wiping my face several times. But there's something even bigger that he did. It was another leadership lesson. Pastor Craig is taking on some new opportunities that will have a huge impact on the kingdom of God internationally. That means a greater role at Life Church for Pastor Pete. The way in which Pastor Craig passed the mantle of leadership to Pastor Pete is one of the greatest leadership lessons that I've ever witnessed.
On a Sunday morning after service, I told Pastor Craig what I saw him do. I was in tears describing it to him and a tear welled up in his eyes as well. It's hard to put into words what actually took place over a period of time. These are my words of what I saw Pastor Craig do through his actions;

"Pete, Jesus loves you and so do we. I'm passing on the mantle of leadership in this church to you. It's yours completely and I let it go. All the wisdom that I've gleaned as a Pastor, I freely give to you whenever you need it. I will serve you as the Pastor of this church. My desire is to lift you up and propel you into the purpose and glory for which God has created for you."

"Here, this is yours.

How may I serve you?"

May we all go and do likewise. Thank you Pastor Pete and Pastor Craig for repeatedly making me cry.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
Bob & Linda Kuebler

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