My Favorite Place – “The Cabin”

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Nov 30, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Last week, my family and I left the beaches of South Carolina and journeyed to West Virginia. My family would stay at my dad’s, while he and I would venture off during the day to one of, if not my favorite place, on all the Earth. Nestled back in the West Virginia mountains is a small cabin surrounding by trees and rocks. The sound of the stream downhill creates a serenity that many will never experience. The sound of the clear water falling over the small dam, along with the songs of the birds in the trees create a symphony where the troubles of the world fade off into the wind. For me, this place brings a sense of delight only to be met with magnificent joy as my family gathers around.

The lights and sounds of the city fade into the distance as the tires of our car travel those paved, uneven and windy West Virginia roads. The mountains push out the troubles with each turn as the air turns cooler. The rush of the day is felt each mile as my heart grows fonder of the state I will always call my home. Though my hat hangs near the beaches of South Carolina, my heart delights in the mountains of a distant land where times moves a little slower and where mountaineers are always free.

This cabin has become a symbol of thankfulness and calmness in our family line, granted it has only been in that line about 12 years. The newness of the cabin does not take away from our family heritage. It was in this area our great-grandparents raised our grandmother and while working in their small country store. A life of simple times resides in this valley, but simple does not mean better. Financial times were tougher then; current finances are much better. Our family lives a more secure life than years past, but our heritage always takes us back to these quiet, beautiful mountains. A few miles from the cabin, on top of a hill, is the grave of our great-grandmother. With her body there, memories of the area remind us of our past, this place will always hold a special place in our hearts.

For me, this remote spot will be my writing place. In a few years, I plan on disappearing to this place with my laptop and my thoughts. My family will travel with me for a time of rest and relaxation, but my task will be writing. The cabin has the ability to clear your mind of any negative thoughts and create a residence a peace within you. It could be the slower life, the gentle breeze, the sun rays piercing through the trees, but time is peaceful down that dirt road.

This Thanksgiving I spent a few days around the cabin; my earthly “promise land.”. I spent time milling around through the woods and considering the life I live. The tranquility of peace seems much broader once I enter this little spot on Earth. Life takes on a different view once the factors which cause frustration are left miles behind and replaced with God’s nature. The life I live is a sweet, wonderful life. My life is a flicker in the candlelight of time, but that flicker is my flicker. The brief time God has allowed me to walk this land has been blessed me with family and friends which I do not deserve. My family is the backbone of who I am want what I do. Being the backbone of my life, they strengthen the foundation instilled in me since my youth – the foundation of Jesus. It might sound cliché for a minister to bring Jesus into this discussion, but it is true. It is the life I have chosen by the gift He has provided.

My friends, as I write this evening, I am no longer at my Earthly “promise land of peace,” but I am back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the joys to the sorrows, the bliss to the stress, we have made our way back to the pace of life we are so used too. Even though the cabin is behind us, peace is still before us. The peace which the world cannot understand is a peace not offered at my cabin, instead is a peace offered in the life of the best – and His name is Jesus.

A few weeks from now the world will sit and adore the man which gave us all He ever had. The focus will be His simple birth, but the life will be the richest the world has ever had to offer. The gifts His family was given, were bountiful; but the gift He will provide you will be one which words can never describe.

Even though you might have your “cabin” while on Earth, there has to be someone greater controlling the peace of your life. Will you choose the One who gave Himself to create peace?

He already chose you, will you choose Him?

Just some thoughts,

Chris

Oh yeah!

Lord willing, in a few short months I will make my way back to that cabin. Our family will be surrounded by relatives that are normally scattered across this great country, but just for a few days, we will sit and reflect on the lives we have, the blessings of family and the serenity only found in a little place I like to call, “The Cabin.”

Monday Morning Blues – Jeff Allen

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Nov 30, 2009 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

After a great week of vacation, I am back to the world of writing and thoughts. I plan on sharing some thoughts of the past week, but those will come later. For now, take a moment of your day and listen as Jeff Allen describes his trip to the health club. Enjoy!

Hope you enjoyed!

Chris

Transparency Post – Day #7 – Friday

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Nov 21, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

The fog of the morning settled over the horizon and my view of the landscape began to change. The chill in the air faded as the mountains came into view. Over the next few days, my view of the Earth is a bit different than it has this past year. Fall is settling in and the leaves have already settled to the ground. The deer feeding in the field across the lake bring a very peaceful look at the world away from the city, traffic and lights.

The day is different and quiet. I was the last one to rise from slumber and will probably be one of the last to nestle my head into the pillow to begin a nights rest until I rise again on Sunday morning. The changes in altitude bring a change of climate. The climate is a little brisk, but the sunlight penetrating the clouds brings to light the majestic nature of the Creator. No flying rocks could ever create such a sight and no explosion brings the sunlight to a rising world. Granted, I am partial to the Creator because he made everything I see. I am partial to the Creator because He is my crutch.

Yes, you read that right – my crutch. I know many people in the highest Earthly form consider Christianity a crutch. I will admit, they are right! They are absolutely right – it is a  crutch and it is my crutch. I will readily and at anytime admit, I cannot make it through this world alone. There is no force in my life that I control any factors. I seek to be my own personal choice maker, but every choice I make (myself) is with human reason and selfish thought. I cannot do this alone and I am courageous enough to admit it. I need someone who has a greater mind, strength and power that I cannot understand. I need the Creator and I need His mind, strength and power.I need a crutch and the Lord is my crutch!

This day was beautiful and full of light, a gentle breeze and family. From the dawn of the day until the dusk of night, we have all been together. We have shared stories, played games, and spent time together. There were memories created today the world will never erase. From the morning cup of coffee with my family, to the walk by the pond and to the watching deer over the rise with the binoculars., our time on this day was precious. The kitchen in which I now write smells of cookies and milk, what a beautiful smell. My favorite part of the day was watching my children run and play with other family members; memories made today will last forever.

Throughout the day, there was email to send and thoughts to write, but all in all, I was blessed with a day of family. Communication floated in and out regarding the Preacher’s Pen website and the Free Material provided there. I have posted several eBooks you can download and read. I have also posted some Teacher’s Workshop Material that you may download and use. If you want these files sent to you, just use the contact form at the top of the page and I will get them to you as soon as possible.

I was able to sit and read a few more chapters of Master Leaders by George Barna. I am really looking forward to writing my review this week on this book. I love the perspective of all the leaders sitting down in an informal atmosphere and discussing in-depth leadership principles. The book has been an excellent one and I am looking forward to letting you know my thoughts.

Final Thoughts:

Today was great. The time spent with family is our most precious because it must include God. I am looking forward to speaking at Bridgeport tomorrow on “Strengthening Our Relationships – The Growth Triangle.”

I am blessed; that is my total thought – I am blessed. I have not earned the things I possess nor am I deserving of the people in my life, let the Lord continues to provide.

Just my thoughts,

Chris

Transparency Week – Day #6 – Friday

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Nov 21, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

After a couple hours and figuring out my dad’s internet service and routers, here we go!

_______________________________________________________________________________

Thursday rolls into Friday and Friday finds me somewhere else!

When I moved to Mount Pleasant a little over four years ago, I asked for two days off during the week. It really did not matter which days, as long as I had a couple days off during the week for family, friends, around the house stuff and more work. Well, rarely do I find myself taking two days off a week. Rampant thoughts fill my mind every second of every day and I find myself enjoying the path of life I have chosen. I seek to find time each day to spend time with family and friends. Since I do not work an 8am to 4pm shift, it is easier to rearrange the day for various things. I have designated Fridays and Saturdays as my days off each week, but they never end up as a day off. While I know that many Fridays and Saturdays will be working days, I try to structure my week to spend some precious time away from the work.

With that in mind, take a peek and see how Friday was almost a day off…

As the sun made its way across the South Carolina Lowcountry, the smell of coffee made its way from the kitchen to every room in our house. I stumbled downstairs to find some coffee before finding our the new and improved schedule for the day. The morning was supposed to bring various household chores, yard work and preparation for traveling but things of Thursday rolled into Friday and Friday would be a new day with a new horizon.

After the normal coffee, quick check of email, coffee, checking in on Twitter, more coffee and a family meeting, the day was set to take off out of the gates. Alexis had an early doctor’s appointment only to find out she has strep throat. After making a journey to the doctor’s office, gas station and pharmacy, we made our way home to scavenge for food. Carrie and a neighbor went to see the “New Moon,” so it was my turn to fix some food. We had a gourmet meal of Tyson chicken nuggets, french fries and sweet tea, as I checked some more email and finished writing Wednesday’s post.

Once lunch was devoured, the post was written and the clean-up was over, it was rest time for Alexis and nap time for Caleb. Alexis made her way upstairs to watch a movie and recoup from the doctor visit and Caleb found himself a nice spot on the couch and closed his eyes. I am not sure I could fall asleep like he did, but I might have to try. i have been that tired before, but comfort always came first.

A quick mowing of the front yard was in order after lunch. I could not believe I was moving the yard around Thanksgiving, but that is what happens in some parts of the country. As as soon as the yard was mowed, we began the process of packing for the upcoming travel. Alexis was feeling pretty good so we decided it was worth the trip. With children not feeling well, the trip is always rough.

Right after a few emails, articles and post written, I found myself loading the car. Within a few moments, I found myself riding by this particular individual below. I know there are some people who use pallets for firewood and apparently, this guy was going to be burning for a while. (Oh yeah, in case you ask, Carrie took the picture, not me. I was driving.)

Dinner found me playing tic-tac-toe with Alexis as we sat around the table watching a few people try to get a fire started. My opinion was that a fire would have been nice, but it would have been better if I could win at tic-tac-toe. I am sure the days of tic-tac-toe with my girls will fill my minds when they are gracing the stage having graduated from high school and college, or even as they walk down the aisle with some boy! Until then, bring on the real deal – tic-tac-toe with crayons!

After dinner we decided to find a place for some ice cream and ran across a Dairy Queen and the thought of a Blizzard sounded pretty good.  Throughout traveling, dinner and now a little dessert, various emails floated through and they needed a quick answer. The phone still ran and a couple phone calls during the day would yield an email or two once I got settled in and cleared my mind. But that Blizzard allowed me to enjoy some time with the family.

As the day wound  to a close, I found myself filling the car with gas and searching for some coffee when I saw this book pictured below. I know it is one of those inspirational books, but the title had me laughing out load the the truck stop where I was getting a man-sized cup of coffee.  Be sure to laugh! (And before you make some West Virginia jokes, this was taken in Virginia!)

Final Thoughts on Friday:

For the most part of Friday, my time was spent with family and an almost day off. The emails were not as rampant, the phone calls were shorter and the time with the family was quality. God was blessing me with a special day to enjoy all the benefits of my wife, my daughters and my son.

I was blessed!

Just some thoughts,

Chris

Day #5 of Transparency Week

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Nov 20, 2009 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

Car work, finalization, frustration and possibly changing plans – Welcome to Thursday, Day #5 of Transparency Week!

As mentioned yesterday, I began the day getting some work done to the car in preparation for some upcoming travels. The work was easy and simple, but the time constraints of the ministry and upcoming personal events, made the decision to go to Gerald’s Tires much easier. As I sat, pondering the events of Wednesday, I began to wonder what a Thursday would bring and what opportunities God would allow me. Having only been in full-time ministry for twelve years, I have begun to realize how much in control God really is. Notice I said I have begun, I never said I understand it, because I do not and never will understand the thinking of God. His ways are greater than my ways and His thoughts high than my own.

Thursday brought simplicity and frustration. Simplicity came in the form and preparing lessons, only to receive a call to inform me that I will only speak once instead of twice. Frustration came in the form of not having simple things work the way the should.

Since I am only speaking once this weekend, I will have the opportunity to sit with my family for the first time in a long time. I know it may not sounds like much, after all, about each lesson I present is 30 minutes; but that is 30 minutes during a time of awe and respect of God, my family and I are separated. Many people think preachers are with their family on Sunday, but that is not entirely correct. We are with our family in the same building, but we are not necessarily together. We see our family on Sundays, but many times that is all it is, a quick look or a passing touch. Ministers need to be on top of their game on Sundays (as the stereotype goes).  Most ministers have a plethora of things running through their minds on Sunday morning; everything from unlocking the building, greeting visitors, finding members to pass along information, to teaching or filling in for a Bible class, to be sure that his children are sitting with them in the pew.

Please understand, I am not griping or complaining, because I love the ministry, but not having to preach a lesson and being able to sit with your family is a blessing many take for granted. Sunday’s are my big days and my favorite day of the week. I am blessed in Mount Pleasant to worship with an awesome spiritual family who takes care of many of the “Sunday things” that other ministers have to worry about.

I will have a problem this Sunday so I will go ahead and confess. While I sit in the pew and listen to the lesson, my mind will race of sermon thoughts and topics based upon what I am hearing. The pages of my ESV Study Bible will fly open and the keys on my Palm Centro phone will type as I take notes for future lessons. My mind races as fast as the Nascar race on Sunday when i hear someone else speak. It does not race in a critical way, just a brainstorming way.  Last week, during Sunday morning Bible class, I am sure members thought I was texting everyone in the world as fast as I was typing; instead, the teacher said one thing that threw my mind in a hundred directions and I was typing outlines on my computer based on the ideas bible class generated.

In light of not speaking on Sunday morning, I plan to combine some thoughts for Sunday afternoon based on our relationships as Christians to each other. I am going to share the chart image below and talk about our relationship with each other and how we all need to grow closer to God to strengthen that relationship.

The rest of yesterday was a frustration with a piece of technology. I bought the movie “Up” for the family as part of the trip we are planning and it came with a Digital File Copy which can be loaded on a cell phone and viewed whenever. Now the box says it is a Windows Media File. Well, I can view Windows Media Files on my Palm Centro, but not this one. After dealing with it myself, I called Disney DVD Customer Service, only to find out Mickey was at lunch, because the customer service was useless. I do not like saying that about companies, products or support, but it was useless. I have had dead AA batteries give me better support than they did. The agent read the sheet of paper stating the procedure just as I had it only to tell me it will not work. If I see Mickey soon, I will have a mousetrap for him!

The evening was planned to go with Emma to her presentation for PTA at school, but Alexis came down with a headache and a fever, so Alexis and I stayed home and did some around the house work. I should say, I did a little bit of the work and Alexis watch a movie.

I spent the remaining part of the night making CDs of the audio books. I love to listen to audio books and I am looking forward to hearing the “Christmas Sweater” by Glenn  Beck again.

As I closed my eyes around 1:30 am after reading, CD burning and praying, my eyes closed quickly and before I knew it I was up again.

Final Thoughts:

Thursday was a good day despite the frustration aspect of life. I get frustrated way too easily and lose patience; this is where I need the most work. Too many simple things drive me nuts. I will work on it ore this week as I spend time focusing on Thanksgiving and the life I life and how blessed I am.

Stay tuned for Friday’s it is a kicker all ready!

Thanks for stopping by,

Chris