Today marks 100 days since I lost my best friend, confidant, co-laborer for Christ, lover, biggest supporter of my dreams, parenting partner and so much more. BUT, and most importantly, today marks 100 days since Annette entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ! I still don't like God's plan, but I still trust it completely.
So many of you have been praying for me and the boys constantly, and I continue to covet those prayers. There have been some rough days for me over the past few weeks. We celebrated Brian's 17th birthday, which was our first holiday type of day since losing Annette. There were lots of memories stirred as we prepared to move into our new home...great memories, but almost proportional is the hurt of just plain missing her. There was the stack of pictures that we used at the Memorial Service in December that I hadn't put away yet but then found as I began packing the garage up last week. Then, today, I was struck by the memories of all the special things Annette did for Brian's classrooms over the years as they celebrated the 100th day of school...the cupcakes made, the silly games they played, and just her love for being able to be a part of the boys' lives and schools. There was the constant excitement over seeing the painting, flooring and decorating come together and wanting to call her to tell her all about the daily changes in the new house.
There have been more and more smiles and laughter happening within our family, and we talk about Annette (mom) often. We thank God often as we pray together that we had such a great life with her, and that we will all three continue to adjust well to life without her here.
Your patience with me is greatly appreciated as I continue to try to find my stride and focus again. I am a "cope by doing" personality by nature, though I'm really trying to slow down now that these big transitions have (hopefully) hit their climaxes. I am constantly trying to "be still and know that He is God." I still struggle with even knowing how exactly to pray for much of what is going on in life and in my spirit. I hold on to Romans 8:26-28, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (ESV)
If you are traveling anywhere near the Lear Boys, we would love for you to stop by and visit!
Until the next update, Joey
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
52 Days ago...
It’s now been 52 days since my sweet Annette went to be with Jesus. In some respects, it seems like it was yesterday when we said “I love you” to one another, for one last time, in the Youth Room at MDBC while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. In other ways, it seems like it has been years since I was able to put my arms around Annette; to take our regular Friday date day and talk about life over lunch at Chipotle; to lay in bed at night and just laugh about something ridiculous one of the boys said or did; to worship and serve our Lord together…I’m sure you get the point.
I cannot express in words (or effectively in any other manner) my thanks for the MANY meals, gift cards for meals out, hugs, texts, emails, Facebook messages, and most importantly, prayers on behalf of me and the boys. We are all three doing well overall, and there have been some truly touching and sincere conversations between the three of us. This, in and of itself, is quite an accomplishment for those of you who know my boys, and it’s a real blessing from the Lord to be able to share His Word and to just remember the MANY memories we have of Annette.
I have been doing well as I continue to adjust to life as I now know it. Most days, the memories that flash through my mind of my sweet little lady are ones that bring a smile to my face, like an 80’s power ballad on the radio that we would belt out together. Today, however, was one of those days that tested me. I was working on completing reimbursements that had been piling up since early December in my office, and as I turned a page, there was the sign-up sheet for our Youth Christmas Outing, which took place on Saturday, December 7, the night before Annette's aneurysm. Annette’s name was second under mine at the top of the list where we typically signed. I sat there for a good three minutes and just stared at her name. I sat there and remembered the awesome time we had with 40 of our best friends/youth from MDBC as we went to Ryan’s Buffet (or “the Trough,” as Annette called it!) and caroling to many of our widows/shut-ins from MDBC. Annette was driving one of the vans, and as we left the last house, we drove around a roundabout. The normal once around wasn’t enough for her, and two times were not enough...Annette proceeded around for a third time, and I could see her laughing like crazy from my van. What an awesome thing she spent her last night on this earth doing…fellowship with great friends, worshiping God by singing songs about Him to those who have lost those closest to them, and just finding fun in the simple-ness of life! It was just like Annette to be concerned about others, to want to spend time with those she was closest to in His name, and to have some spontaneous fun driving around a roundabout like she was dipping into turn four at Bristol Motor Speedway!!! After I had a nice, long cry, I prayed and once again thanked God for the time that He allowed me to have with this incredible lady. I miss her like crazy, but God is bringing glimpses of joy back into my life, and I know that He will continue until my full joy is restored!
Finally, I want to make sure folks have the correct information about the most recent venture for me and the boys. Last Saturday, we went and checked out a foreclosed house in a nearby development (Logan’s Reserve, for our local friends). The boys loved it (as did I), and I decided to put in an offer, which, to my surprise, was accepted!! The home is less than 8 years old, and just needs paint and some flooring replaced. The boys are busy telling EVERYONE that we’re moving, usually leaving off the part about “just to another house in the area.” Sorry if they got anyone riled up! God is so good, and He continues to offer grace sufficient for each day. I have been evaluating a LOT recently about what He has done in my life for the first 43 years, and I am truly excited about what He has in store for the next phase of life. I purpose to live my life for Him whatever the journey, to enjoy every day, and to do all I can so that one day I will hear, as my sweet Annette and her incredible dad, Linden, have already heard, “well done, good and faithful servant!”
Thanks again for all you are doing for us! MDBC, thanks for being the church that you are called to be, and for providing enough food to feed a third world country! Pastor Terry Felton, my Senior Pastor (ten years my junior!), and one of my best friends is leading MDBC exceptionally well through this season. I received a special surprise from our good friends at Stewartstown Baptist today, as they delivered a container full of packages of candy bars, some fresh baked cookies, and a BUNCH of cards from their members. The coolest thing was the huge stack of homemade cards that their Awana Clubbers wrote and colored for us…some of it was not necessarily the stuff of theological textbooks, but what a great feeling it was to read the prayers of these precious children on behalf of me and the boys…good job Pastor Lee Peoples!!
Until our next update…
Joey
I cannot express in words (or effectively in any other manner) my thanks for the MANY meals, gift cards for meals out, hugs, texts, emails, Facebook messages, and most importantly, prayers on behalf of me and the boys. We are all three doing well overall, and there have been some truly touching and sincere conversations between the three of us. This, in and of itself, is quite an accomplishment for those of you who know my boys, and it’s a real blessing from the Lord to be able to share His Word and to just remember the MANY memories we have of Annette.
I have been doing well as I continue to adjust to life as I now know it. Most days, the memories that flash through my mind of my sweet little lady are ones that bring a smile to my face, like an 80’s power ballad on the radio that we would belt out together. Today, however, was one of those days that tested me. I was working on completing reimbursements that had been piling up since early December in my office, and as I turned a page, there was the sign-up sheet for our Youth Christmas Outing, which took place on Saturday, December 7, the night before Annette's aneurysm. Annette’s name was second under mine at the top of the list where we typically signed. I sat there for a good three minutes and just stared at her name. I sat there and remembered the awesome time we had with 40 of our best friends/youth from MDBC as we went to Ryan’s Buffet (or “the Trough,” as Annette called it!) and caroling to many of our widows/shut-ins from MDBC. Annette was driving one of the vans, and as we left the last house, we drove around a roundabout. The normal once around wasn’t enough for her, and two times were not enough...Annette proceeded around for a third time, and I could see her laughing like crazy from my van. What an awesome thing she spent her last night on this earth doing…fellowship with great friends, worshiping God by singing songs about Him to those who have lost those closest to them, and just finding fun in the simple-ness of life! It was just like Annette to be concerned about others, to want to spend time with those she was closest to in His name, and to have some spontaneous fun driving around a roundabout like she was dipping into turn four at Bristol Motor Speedway!!! After I had a nice, long cry, I prayed and once again thanked God for the time that He allowed me to have with this incredible lady. I miss her like crazy, but God is bringing glimpses of joy back into my life, and I know that He will continue until my full joy is restored!
Finally, I want to make sure folks have the correct information about the most recent venture for me and the boys. Last Saturday, we went and checked out a foreclosed house in a nearby development (Logan’s Reserve, for our local friends). The boys loved it (as did I), and I decided to put in an offer, which, to my surprise, was accepted!! The home is less than 8 years old, and just needs paint and some flooring replaced. The boys are busy telling EVERYONE that we’re moving, usually leaving off the part about “just to another house in the area.” Sorry if they got anyone riled up! God is so good, and He continues to offer grace sufficient for each day. I have been evaluating a LOT recently about what He has done in my life for the first 43 years, and I am truly excited about what He has in store for the next phase of life. I purpose to live my life for Him whatever the journey, to enjoy every day, and to do all I can so that one day I will hear, as my sweet Annette and her incredible dad, Linden, have already heard, “well done, good and faithful servant!”
Thanks again for all you are doing for us! MDBC, thanks for being the church that you are called to be, and for providing enough food to feed a third world country! Pastor Terry Felton, my Senior Pastor (ten years my junior!), and one of my best friends is leading MDBC exceptionally well through this season. I received a special surprise from our good friends at Stewartstown Baptist today, as they delivered a container full of packages of candy bars, some fresh baked cookies, and a BUNCH of cards from their members. The coolest thing was the huge stack of homemade cards that their Awana Clubbers wrote and colored for us…some of it was not necessarily the stuff of theological textbooks, but what a great feeling it was to read the prayers of these precious children on behalf of me and the boys…good job Pastor Lee Peoples!!
Until our next update…
Joey
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
If You Care to Know What I Think...
No, I didn’t watch the VMA’s, but I did see some recaps of the “performances.” I am, as a Christian man, as a dad (to 2 young men), as a Youth Pastor, and as a human, being deeply disturbed by what has transpired over the past few days.
Sunday was such a great day for my family and my church family. We ended our month-long emphasis on missions with an incredible “International Carry-In Meal,” and then a time of prayer for the over 6,000 unreached, unengaged people groups of the world. My wife, my oldest son and I gathered by one of the banners which had about 100 of these people groups listed on it, and we prayed for them. My heart was broken for these people whom we don’t know personally, who can’t call on the name of Jesus for their salvation because we haven’t gone or sent other Christians to tell them about Him. But my heart was overjoyed as my 16 year-old son prayed for one of these groups where we learned that if it is discovered that you are a follower of Jesus, you are imprisoned and possibly even put to death. He prayed not only for those who might be imprisoned, but for the prison guards and soldiers who put them there, that they might choose to follow Jesus, AND that they might share Him with their own families!
I sit here today preparing a message to share with teens tomorrow night, and I am saddened. I’m saddened by the fact that in my country, the past two days have been consumed with the thoughts and images of a few who choose to show complete disregard for their own lives. I’m saddened that we so quickly throw around condemnation for such acts as were shown on the VMA’s, while our society (both churched and un-churched) continues to support the products as continually advertised. I’m saddened by the way we continue to find “new” ways to justify our actions. I’m saddened that I spend so little time praying for those who are utterly lost to this world, and whose lives seem to indicate that this world is all they have to live for.
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:15-17 ESV
May I (along with those who have given control of their lives to Jesus) be challenged by His words today. Let’s be about feeding the sheep, praying for their salvation and showing His love by all we do, say and live!
Joey
Sunday was such a great day for my family and my church family. We ended our month-long emphasis on missions with an incredible “International Carry-In Meal,” and then a time of prayer for the over 6,000 unreached, unengaged people groups of the world. My wife, my oldest son and I gathered by one of the banners which had about 100 of these people groups listed on it, and we prayed for them. My heart was broken for these people whom we don’t know personally, who can’t call on the name of Jesus for their salvation because we haven’t gone or sent other Christians to tell them about Him. But my heart was overjoyed as my 16 year-old son prayed for one of these groups where we learned that if it is discovered that you are a follower of Jesus, you are imprisoned and possibly even put to death. He prayed not only for those who might be imprisoned, but for the prison guards and soldiers who put them there, that they might choose to follow Jesus, AND that they might share Him with their own families!
I sit here today preparing a message to share with teens tomorrow night, and I am saddened. I’m saddened by the fact that in my country, the past two days have been consumed with the thoughts and images of a few who choose to show complete disregard for their own lives. I’m saddened that we so quickly throw around condemnation for such acts as were shown on the VMA’s, while our society (both churched and un-churched) continues to support the products as continually advertised. I’m saddened by the way we continue to find “new” ways to justify our actions. I’m saddened that I spend so little time praying for those who are utterly lost to this world, and whose lives seem to indicate that this world is all they have to live for.
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:15-17 ESV
May I (along with those who have given control of their lives to Jesus) be challenged by His words today. Let’s be about feeding the sheep, praying for their salvation and showing His love by all we do, say and live!
Joey
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Catching Up with the Lear's...
I know, it's only been about a year and a half since I blogged...would you accept that I'm trying to pace myself? Okay, the foremost reason for this delay is just that life has been happening in the Lear Family, especially over the past year or so.
If you haven't heard or read, our family has grown since the last blog. In 2010, we were blessed to have been allowed to adopt our second son, Michael. Like Brian (who is getting ready to turn 14 next month!!), Michael was adopted through the Foster Care System. Just in case you're wondering, there are more than 450,000 children in Foster Care today, and around 125,000 who are available for adoption...those numbers should not only make you shake your head, but, I pray, will spurn you to seek information about what you and your family can do for maybe just 1 of those children! Okay, I'll step off the soapbox for now...
Life in the Lear household has had many ups, many downs, and MANY learning points over the past year. Annette (my beautiful & awesome wife) stays very busy coordinating visits to all the professionals who are part of our lives. She really does live the life of a full-time social worker many weeks! Annette also is active in Stonecroft Bible Studies as a Leader, and she takes part in prayer group of moms who pray for their kids' schools. I thank God OFTEN for her and for our marriage!! Brian and Michael have done well, especially over the last several months, adapting to one another. They play video games together, swim, bike, and play games together...sounds like a wonderful life, huh? They really have grown together and act like lifelong brothers, for better or WORSE!
I have really been evaluating not only the past year, but life in general, since turning 40 in September. I haven't been doing this in a depressed state, but rather seeking God's will for the next how ever many years He allows me to serve Him. I'll share more about this in upcoming days...I promise it won't be a year and a half!!
I'll leave you with a quote from "The Pursuit of Holiness," which our staff is going through together: "It is possible for us to do the right action from a wrong motive, but this does not please God. Holiness has to do with more than mere acts. Our motives must be holy, that is, arising from a desire to do something simply because it is the will of God." Back to the stats on Foster Care...would you truly seek His will in what He would have your family do?
Serving Christ,
Joey
If you haven't heard or read, our family has grown since the last blog. In 2010, we were blessed to have been allowed to adopt our second son, Michael. Like Brian (who is getting ready to turn 14 next month!!), Michael was adopted through the Foster Care System. Just in case you're wondering, there are more than 450,000 children in Foster Care today, and around 125,000 who are available for adoption...those numbers should not only make you shake your head, but, I pray, will spurn you to seek information about what you and your family can do for maybe just 1 of those children! Okay, I'll step off the soapbox for now...
Life in the Lear household has had many ups, many downs, and MANY learning points over the past year. Annette (my beautiful & awesome wife) stays very busy coordinating visits to all the professionals who are part of our lives. She really does live the life of a full-time social worker many weeks! Annette also is active in Stonecroft Bible Studies as a Leader, and she takes part in prayer group of moms who pray for their kids' schools. I thank God OFTEN for her and for our marriage!! Brian and Michael have done well, especially over the last several months, adapting to one another. They play video games together, swim, bike, and play games together...sounds like a wonderful life, huh? They really have grown together and act like lifelong brothers, for better or WORSE!
I have really been evaluating not only the past year, but life in general, since turning 40 in September. I haven't been doing this in a depressed state, but rather seeking God's will for the next how ever many years He allows me to serve Him. I'll share more about this in upcoming days...I promise it won't be a year and a half!!
I'll leave you with a quote from "The Pursuit of Holiness," which our staff is going through together: "It is possible for us to do the right action from a wrong motive, but this does not please God. Holiness has to do with more than mere acts. Our motives must be holy, that is, arising from a desire to do something simply because it is the will of God." Back to the stats on Foster Care...would you truly seek His will in what He would have your family do?
Serving Christ,
Joey
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Good is Good, Best is Eternal!
There is always something going on with our family activities or with ministry related meetings and activities or with school related activities...it seems never ending and exhausting! So what are we to do?
God has really been speaking to me over the past several months about evaluating what is going on within my life, family and ministry. I have been challenged in my Quiet Time to follow Matthew 22:37, "And He (Jesus) said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (English Standard Version).'" There are MANY things that I am involved in that are very "good" things...BUT, am I choosing to pursue the good things in life or the "best" things? Am I following the things that will last for eternity, or am I just going through the motions of doing some good things that no one will remember 50 years (or less) from now?
How about you? How about your family? Take a moment to just look at your calendar for the past two weeks and the next two weeks. Is your calendar full of lots of good things or are there eternal impact activities filling your pages?
Pray that God will open your eyes to those eternal purposes that He is calling you to pursue...and then DO IT!! Measure every activity by this test: Is it good, or is it best? Choose to live for eternity!
Pastor Joey
God has really been speaking to me over the past several months about evaluating what is going on within my life, family and ministry. I have been challenged in my Quiet Time to follow Matthew 22:37, "And He (Jesus) said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (English Standard Version).'" There are MANY things that I am involved in that are very "good" things...BUT, am I choosing to pursue the good things in life or the "best" things? Am I following the things that will last for eternity, or am I just going through the motions of doing some good things that no one will remember 50 years (or less) from now?
How about you? How about your family? Take a moment to just look at your calendar for the past two weeks and the next two weeks. Is your calendar full of lots of good things or are there eternal impact activities filling your pages?
Pray that God will open your eyes to those eternal purposes that He is calling you to pursue...and then DO IT!! Measure every activity by this test: Is it good, or is it best? Choose to live for eternity!
Pastor Joey
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