Category: Life

Posted in Life

Black Mouth Cur

Posted on by William Douthwaite

IMG_3558.JPGSince the day we brought him home, we wondered what kind of dog Samson was. We were originally told he was a mix of shepherd and lab and whatever. Friends would look at him and see boxer and ridgeback. We often asked him, but he never even gave us hint. Our vet simply called him a Florida Brown Dog, and we pretty much stuck with that.

Today at the farmer’s market, a woman who I believe works at the humane society asked, “Is that a Black Mouth Cur?” I replied, “I have no idea.” She continued, “I think he’s a Black Mouth Cur. They are great dogs. In fact we have a waiting list for them. They are really good with wounded veterans and work well with those who have PTSD.”

So we went over to a bench and looked up the breed online and sure enough, Samson fit the breed’s description and looked like all the pictures. He’s got a shepherd-ish tail, but there plenty of variation allowed for in the breed. Black Mouth Curs are not among those breeds listed with the AKC, but there’s plenty of information about them available. And plenty more pics at Samdog.

 

Posted in Life

More reflections on being a grandfather (part 2)

Posted on by William Douthwaite

10400646_10153411674873460_5093416171899200828_nEight months ago, I jotted down a few thoughts about being a grandfather. It’s time to share some more reflections.

Eden is 1-1/2 years old; Elijah is about 8-1/2 months.I got to see Eden between Christmas and New Years while she and her parents visited, and I see Elijah several times a week since he lives nearby. Eden is running around, Elijah’s learned how to crawl (kind of). She’s grown quite a head of hair; he’s only sporting some peach fuzz.

The best part of a visit with them is when they see me, recognize me, and break into a big smile. That moment makes the rest of the day, no matter how good or bad, seem unimportant. When Elijah sees me at church, he either gives me the “Grandpa, what are you doing here?” look, or a quick, silly, “Ha!”

The second-best part is making them laugh. And I know just how to do it. Having ticklish whiskers helps, but I also know what silly sounds will get the belly laughs going, the wonderful sound of unrestrained squeals and giggles.

And how about little naked people scooting around the house before bath time? That never gets old and always makes me laugh!

Those are some more of my favorite grandfather things.

Posted in Life, Ministry

There’s a corpse sitting here.

Posted on by William Douthwaite

corpseI got the call about 11 am. Her sister had walked into the house and discovered her father, seated in his chair, without his oxygen tube, TV blaring, dead. He had struggled with health issues for years, but none of us expected this. In fact, I had just given him a ride home from the hospital a few days before, and he was doing better each day.

It took me about an hour and a half to get home, cleaned up and over to the house. He was still sitting there in the chair as I talked with his daughter and a hospice nurse finished up some paperwork. In some ways, it felt just like the times I went to visit, except he was unusually quiet. He usually did most of the talking. More than once I thought to myself, “You know, there’s a corpse sitting here!” But He looked peaceful, so I waited with his daughter until the staff from the funeral home arrived.

We sat and talked about family, the in-and-out of the hospital routine of the past year, his many friends in the neighborhood and the only thing he really ever wanted to do: go fishing.

Actually, I’ve been in similar situations before. A number of times I’ve stayed with a family member until the staff from a funeral home arrived to take the body of a parent or spouse away. Just part of the job, I guess. It never really bothered me. Though the body was there, the soul had gone to be with the Lord, and that is a very reassuring thing to know.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Life, Ministry

A hard question

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“So, how’s the church doing?”confused

That’s a hard question to answer. Maybe the hardest.

That question comes up often at this time of the year, because many of our seasonal visitors are here to escape the harsh winters of the north in the pleasant climate of Florida. Their question is sincere, they care about the church where they worship while away from home and they are part of our church family. Continue reading “A hard question” →

Posted in Life

A trip to Alpha Pregnancy Center

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Today’s guest post was contributed by my grandson Elijah David Kendall.

My mom took me to the Alpha Pregnancy Center in Palm Coast, FL today. I have to confess, I dozed off during the ride over, even though it was only a few minutes from my house. I awoke to the bright afternoon sun when my grandpa lifted me out of my mom’s car. Who would have suspected that such a wonderful place would be tucked in behind some storage units and a strip mall!

When grandpa pushed a call button and announced our arrival, a very nice lady welcomed us at the door. I knew in a moment this was a place where moms and babies were VIPs. The walls were covered with baby pictures and I saw piles of blankets for babies. There were so excited that we had brought with us a car load of diapers and baby wipes that were donated during last week’s Vacation Bible School. I met a very nice woman named Jessica in the reception area, and then Martha, the director, came around the corner and greeted us. I recognized her voice, for she had come to speak at our church few months ago before my birthday. But it was even better to see her in person. She was so happy to see me, too.

Diapers and wipers collected at this year's VBS
A car load of diapers and wipers collected at this year’s VBS

Martha gave us a tour of their building. I got to see the counseling area, a classroom filled with resources, and a room filled with baby clothes. So many people had donated so much for babies that hadn’t even been born yet! I felt pretty important and very, very loved. Do you know that people from my church fill up baby bottles with change to help moms take care of their babies? Someday I’m gong to do that, too. Over sixty moms come in every month for support, encouragement and direction.

After our tour, grandpa talked with Martha about Child Evangelism Fellowship and the Good News Clubs. I wanted to say, “Sign me up!” but I think I’m a little too young. So I just politely listened. Afterwards, we went to Panera to hang out. Mom and Grandpa had some iced coffee and a snack. At first, I was a little grumpy because they didn’t order anything for me. But it turns out Mom had a snack for me, so I felt better. In fact, I felt so good, I even smiled for a few pictures.

I am so glad I got to go to Alpha today. I think everyone should go there at least once. I know I’m a little prejudiced, but I think babies are pretty important. Jesus did, too. As soon as I figure out how to fold my hands, I’ll be praying for moms and babies, too, thanking God for the gift of life!

Elijah is two months old and lives in Ormond Beach, FL. 

 

Posted in Life

People like that

Posted on by William Douthwaite

As I reading through 1 Samuel, I was struck by the interesting relationship Saul has with David.

After David defeats Goliath in chapter 17, King Saul takes David into his service, makes him commander of his armies and watches as David becomes increasingly more popular. People start writing songs about David and his victories, which really annoys Saul. Saul is jealous, afraid and threatened by David. Yet Saul needs David. You see, not only is David successful at winning battles and defeating Saul's enemies, but David is the one whose music can calm Saul when he's tormented with harmful spirits (1 Samuel 16:23).

How many people like this has God placed in our lives? You know who I'm talking about. The ones we're jealous of because they perform better, look nicer or have more than us. The people who command attention while we're ignored. Someone who annoys us just by being around.

Could it be that we need people like this?

That's a strange idea, but let's just go with it for a moment. Why might we need people like this who threaten us, frighten us or make us jealous?

For one thing, they can teach you something. If you want to succeed at something, you might just want to emulate someone who is successful in that area. You want to apprentice under someone who is really good at what they do, right? Thank goodness for those folks!

It's also humbling. It reminds you that you are no better than Saul, the first king of Israel who had the throne snatched away from his family in favor of someone who had a heart like God's (David). Someone more popular, more successful than me intrudes upon my self-righteousness, and rightly reminds me that the only thing I really have going for us is God's grace, not my performance.

They're also a reminder that you're annoying, too. You can go above and beyond helping someone, only to discover they don't appreciate your efforts at all. You've made them look lazy or incompetent by doing so much!

I don't like it, but I admit that I need people like that.

 

Posted in Life

Reflections on being a grandfather (so far)

Posted on by William Douthwaite
I’ve got two grandchildren now. My first, Eden, was born last summer. Number two, Elijah, is just a few weeks old. A week or so ago, these cousins met for the first time and this seems like a good time to reflect upon my experience of being a grandfather.

First, there’s little that compares with holding newborn life. Small, helpless, trusting, miraculous are just a few adjectives that come to mind. Tears and laughter erupt in their presence. They grow so fast you find yourself watching each minute to see how they’ve changed. The memories of my own children’s births are vivid once again.

As I take them in my arms, I remember exactly what to do. Immediately I cuddle, rock and sway. A diaper change is followed by a quick swaddle before lifting them up on my shoulder. Without thinking I’m singing songs, imitating their sounds, and giving them a tour of the world.

Suddenly, my children have become husbands and wives, and dads and moms. They still call me Dad and my wife Mom, but we call them “Dad” and “Mom,” too. But no one is confused.

Life is so simple when all you have to worry about is eating, sleeping and getting your diaper changed. All you have to do is cry a little, and someone – or everyone – comes to attend to your needs.

Posted in Life, Ministry

The Dropbox

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Picture3Last night my wife and I went to see “The Dropbox” a documentary directed and produced by students from the University of Southern California about a pastor in Seoul, Korea who constructed a box in the wall of his church to rescue babies that would otherwise be abandoned in the streets. It was a moving and emotional journey to the church and home of Pastor Lee Jong-rak, who not only continues to care for his own disabled son, but adopted more babies for a total of fifteen children he and his wife now care for. Over 300 babies were left in the box in 2013, surrendered mostly by single mothers who could not keep them because of social pressure or could not care for them because of congenital disabilities.

But rather than seeing the needs and challenges, Pastor Lee sees each child as perfect, beautiful and important. As I saw each child smile, I saw them in a different way, too. The film tugs at your heart in several ways. Your mind simultaneously says you should be doing something for orphans and asks how could anyone do what Pastor Lee and his wife have done?

The director of the film, Brian Ivie became a Christian during the six months he spent in Korea gathering information and footage for the film. He realized that he was one of those kids, and discovered that God still wanted him. He briefly tells of his own transformation in an interview at the end of the film. Once you realize how important your life is to Jesus Christ, you are reminded that every life is sacred and worth our love and care.

You can learn more about the film, which is only being shown March 3-5 in selected theaters at www.thedropboxfilm.com. I am sure the movie will be on DVD before too long, and it would make for a good movie night at church!

 

Posted in Grace, Life

Legend of the One Eyed Pastor

Posted on by William Douthwaite

wpid-Photo-20150221214628045.jpgFortunately this a story has a happy ending and I am still a two-eyed pastor, but it was touch and go for a few weeks.

It all started one afternoon in mid-November. I think it was a Wednesday. I was sitting at my desk at church, working on Sunday’s sermon, and noticed a shadow in the lower left corner of my right eye. I’ve got a few all-star floaters in that eye and sometimes my contacts get out of place, so I just rubbed it a little, and resumed what I was doing. But it was still there. Mostly when I looked up and to the right. Weird. About an hour later, it seemed a little larger, so I thought I’d give my eye doctor a call. “Come right over,” they said. It was just down the street, so a few minutes later I was there and Dr. Nunez was peering into my eye. He described a  a horseshoe shaped tear in my retina, and it had begun to pull away. He used the sobering words “ocular emergency,” and called to see if he could get me in to the retina specialist. They were already done for the day, so my appointment was first thing the next morning. Continue reading “Legend of the One Eyed Pastor” →