Just ponderin'

A good friend of mine went to be with Jesus this week. Bill Shure is that friend. This world will miss him.  His children will miss him most. I just began to PONDER!

 See-God weaves our lives in crazy ways that we just don't understand. The connections he creates are simply- amazing. I first was introduced to Bill at Faith Assembly of God in Fort Smith. Our pastor, Bernard Ridings, brought in all these HIPPIES to our church that just 'hung out at the church' and PRAYED and played music!  They wore blue jeans, had long hair and beards! Mercy! These HIPPIES were amazing. They were free spirited and loved The Lord more than they loved themselves. What memories I have of those days!  Bill was one of those hippies that stayed connected to western Arkansas. Bill wasn't real concerned for himself. Being in Bill's presence was quite possibly one of the greatest experiences one could experience. He was always positive, always uplifting, always gentle, always kind, always talking about The Lord. The kind of man that when you left his company-- YOU felt better having spent some time with him. A year ago on my blog- Bill responded to one of my posts-JUST PONDERIN',   I remember the day I read that comment of his and was so touched by his words. Today- it means even more. I love that man of God.

So many have witnessed the talent that God gifted him with on this earth. Children's and youth programs/buildings have experienced first hand- church buses painted like Noah's Ark running down the road 'hauling' children to church.  Fire trucks, whales and other amazing creatures of God's own handiwork 'coming out of the walls in youth or children's buildings.  Massive trees for children to play on while they learn about the love of Jesus. My personal favorite- plant pedestals!  PLANT STANDS??? Yes- when Mikell died- we got plants! Now this girl here -can't grow a thing! But I got plants- plants that I just couldn't part with. Plants that I suddenly got commissioned to keep alive- OH lord!! Where else better to store them than in my church!  Beautiful to say the least. So I called my friend Bill Shure! Of course he knew just how to showcase them. Pedestals made of something I surely cannot identify, but absolutely beautiful works of art. These pedestals now reside in the Kiddie Kollege/Center for Child Development building. I get to see them every day! My heart is now more proud than ever, seeing those plants sitting on beautiful stands that were crafted by my friend Bill.

Now I'm JUST PONDERIN'--when Bill had his welcoming party in Heaven this week--I'm betting Mikell met him there!  I think it might have gone like this--  "Mikell- when you came to Jesus-your family got all these beautiful plants and I made some pedestals for your parents to showcase these plants". I believe Mikell's response was- "Bill- what color are those pedestals?"  Well...... Duh...... Green and gold - of course!:).  

As you ponder life today, be like Bill. Love God! Love others! and pray for Bill's family! They are missing a wonderful father, brother, friend. I know I am.