Hey All,

Well a lot has happened since my last BLOG.  I have lost my voice and regained it.  I have gone before the Board of Ordained Ministry and passed.  I have celebrated my birthday, Jennifer’s birthday, and our anniversary.  We’ve had a rash of people dealing with sickness and most are recovering or better.  It seems that when I look back on the last month and a half that it’s just a blur with a few clear images where I stopped long enough to capture a memory or two.  I think all of our lives are a bit hectic these days.  We love to pile more and more on our plates.  Sometimes though that plate becomes overfull and things begin to slip over the edges.  That’s when we know that not only is our plate full it’s overloaded.

Overloaded plates can lead to a multitude of problems.  I should know because I am one of the worst people to overload his plate.  I find some of the issues I deal with from overloading my plate include fuzzy deadlines, nervous eating, sleepless nights, and other ailments.  It never fails that the more I put on the less healthy I become.  Lately, I have tried to focus on Weight Watchers again where 3 years ago I lost 128 pounds.  I am good for a day or two but then I have those days when the things I have on my plate blows my focus and all of a sudden I am eating like there’s no tomorrow or worse yet working through the night to get something done.  So what should I do?

I have discovered that I need some kind of milestone or event in my life to establish new disciplines.  Today is the second day of Lent.  Lent is the forty days before Easter not counting Sundays.  It’s a time of reflection and repentance.  I have always used Lent to better discipline myself in the areas I feel most weak.  That’s my milestone.  So this Lent I have decided on a certain set of disciplines in the area of plate loading.  Here they are:

1)      Focus on my faith in God.  Take the time over this Lenten Season to refocus my time with God.  Realizing that God is where my strength, discipline, and fortitude come from helps me to not look to myself too much but rather God.  Become a better disciple.

2)      Avoid commitments that others are able to do.  I am always eager to say yes to anything, especially church commitments.  But I have to remember that I am not the only person called in this church I am one in a multitude of others who are just as capable and faithful as I am.

3)      Be more effective.  To be more effective I find that I must discipline my time to do the things I have planned and get them done.  Often I find myself chasing white rabbits or losing my focus from my task.  Then the important tasks are left unfinished.

4)      Instead of making plans, just do it!  Love to plan out everything.  I am a visionary person meaning that I envision every task that I intend to do.  Sometimes though I find that I get bogged down in the vision.  I have decided that this Lenten season to follow the rule: Just Do It!

5)      Get plenty of rest.  The best way to ruin any job or activity is to be too tired to perform the task.  I am the world’s worst sleeper.  I find myself waiting and waiting to go to bed and then I go to bed either really late or in the recliner.  Neither of these practices help me meet the goals I have set for myself.  My hope is to get the rest I need to be most effective.

6)      Focus on healthy eating.  Healthy eating helps us manage the things that are on plate even when it’s a bit full.  Healthy foods give us strength for the journey.

7)      Keep a sense of humor.  Instead of beating myself up for my failures take everything with a grain of salt.  Enjoy the joy of the Lord and the blessing that God has bestowed on me.  If you don’t know what to do, laugh.

These are the things that I am trying to work out in my life this Lenten season.  I hope that my struggles are something you can find advantageous to your walk in faith.  If you are like me and your plate is overflowing allow Lenten season disciples to help you get your plate down to something manageable. 

My prayers are with you all.  God bless until next BLOG.

Pastor Allen

Hey All,

I am a bout a week later than I like to be BLOGGING but it’s been crazy the last week and a half.  As most of you know we had company.  It was good having Jennifer’s whole family with us during the holidays. 

I’ve been thinking lately about this BLOG.  I feel like I have been a bit lazy on offering a spiritual side to this BLOG.  I am wondering what you think.  I like reporting the daily happenings of the pastor and sharing about our life here at St. Matthews but I am wondering what you do for spiritual food?  So today I want to talk a bit about spiritual things.

The first part of being a spiritual person is to begin with a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Now that sounds like a simple way of saying things but truly it’s that simple.  You see Jesus wants relationship with us, not for His sake but for ours.  We are like lost sheep in the wilderness the whole world threatens to swallow us up and often we don’t even know it.  We don’t see the different “wolves” that threaten to swallow us up in this great big world.  We don’t see personal issues of morality and debt that can rip happiness from our lives as we struggle against them.  We don’t see the wolves of substance abuse until it has us by the throat and we can’t get loose.  We don’t see these evils in our lives until it’s too late and we start thinking that there’s no where to turn.  Let me tell you this.  The shepherd Jesus will protect us from the wolves in our world if we just let Him.  You see a shepherd not only makes sure that sheep are fed and well cared for but they are protected as well.  Think about the Psalm of the Good Shepherd or the 23^rd Psalm:

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Do you here the reassurance of being a sheep?  Now of course there are some things we have to remember.  Such as, the shepherd goes through the valley of the shadow of death with us but does not take us from that valley.  Meaning that yes, we will have perilous situations in our lives but Jesus will be there to care for us.

We need to remember that the shepherd is always there when we call for Him.  He does not leave us or forsake us the shepherd, Jesus, is there. 

We must also remember that the shepherd knows what’s best for us.  We want what we want at all times but the Shepherd loves us and says, “no.”  We find this harsh in our, “do what you want society.”  But we must listen to the master to know what is good for us and not good for us and live accordingly.

Finally, we have to always remember that the shepherd is leading us in paths of righteousness the shepherd grace directs us to do right things which if we do enough of them will make us be more and more righteous. 

Now I wonder.  Do you want this kind of life?  Are you ready for a shepherd or do you think you’re able to face the wolves alone? 

You see that’s why Jesus wants a relationship with us.  He is there to help us deal with the wolves like a shepherd.  We need Him.  Jesus has our best interest in mind.  If He had considered His best interest he would have allowed the wolves of this world to destroy us.  Instead He not only takes on Flesh as Emanuel meaning God with us, He also goes to the cross and dies for our sins.  Then Jesus rises from the dead to give us eternal life.  That’s how much He loves us.

As the New Year begins let’s all resolve to be more spiritual with a better relationship with Jesus.

That’s the BLOG for this week January 5, 2007.

In Christ’s Peace,

Back to the BLOG…

Hello All,

I have received many comments lately on the absence of new comments on my BLOG.  Well, I have been busy.  It’s the Thursday before Christmas and I finally have a moment to sit at my desk and share a few words. 

My last entry came while I was in Mississippi with the building team.  I would like to draw that to a close before I share about the Advent Season.  In Mississippi I saw sights I have never seen before and if you look around the destruction that is still there a year and a half later is still overwhelming.  The nine of us worked diligently on our flooring all week and had completed all of the house that was available.  On Friday afternoon the family ordered Dominoes Pizza and we concluded our time with them the way that good Methodist always have fellowship, by eating.   I feel that we connected closely with this family and I look forward to returning and saying hi. 

That night we found the energy to play some more Rook.  In case I did not tell you I had brought two decks of Rook Cards with me.  On the first night there was enough of us that knew how to play the game that we were able to teach the others especially Madelyn’s sister, Penny.  While all of the other groups each evening spent their time in prayer, sharing and devotion we were busy playing Rook.  Now that may seem a little heretical but tell you the truth I think the most important time that we spent with God that week was while we worked to put our family’s home back together, not in all the things we could have done when we returned in the evening.  Not only did we teach Penny we also taught Madelyn who found the game quite competitive and I think she came to love the game as we all did.  I enjoy Rook and if you do too please let me know and we’ll get a game or two going.

After that night we all piled in the van and a couple of us in my car and we came home on Saturday.  No major happening to report there except I discovered that not everyone enjoys a Crystal Burger. 

After our return from Mississippi my families and my life were turned upside down.  On November 4, 2004 I had a little mishap in our kitchen.  It seems that I turned on the wrong burner walked away from a pan of grease and returned minutes later to find a blazing inferno.  Jennifer and I were able to put the fire out but not until we had lost the hood above the stove, the blinds above the sink (from Jennifer throwing the burning grease into the sink- swoosh), and the lights in the kitchen.  A majority of the mess though was from soot that was all over the kitchen, den, living room, hallways, and master bedroom.  At first I intended to make the repairs but while I was in Mississippi we had some of the Parsonage Committee to check out the damage with the insurance people.  The decision was to turn the house damage over to the church’s insurance and the rest of the damage would be handled by my own insurance for the contents.  The reason this turned our life upside down was that when I returned from Mississippi the cleaners showed up on our doorstep.  They cleaned everyday that week except for Thursday, which was Thanksgiving.  They not only cleaned everything in the rooms that I mentioned they also packed it up and took it to a place over at the church for storage in preparation for the painters who were coming the next week. 

A Blessing in Disguise…

Let me stop a moment to share a story that has to do with the fire, us being out of the house and the people who came to clean.

The story really begins back in 1994 while I was working for Bojangles in Hickory, NC.  I was the grill cook and had developed strong friendships with my co-workers.  At times we had time to talk, while we cleaned and did other things not related to direct customer service.  One particular gentleman that I spoke with was the cashier.  His name is James and we would talk about a multitude of things but ultimately we would always speak of our faith.  He would tell me what he believed and I would share my feelings, and limited knowledge on the subjects.  It wasn’t long till I noticed that I was pretty good at this.  I just seemed to get it.  I prayed about this and considered what it meant.  I came to realize that I was called to be a pastor.  Now I had known for some time that God had called me to be a pastor but I refused to believe that because surely God would not use someone as vile as me.  Then while I spoke with James and others but mostly James I realized that despite myself, I was able to minister to my co-workers and take on the role of pastor.  After much consideration I finally realized that God does not make me a pastor from birth.  Instead God takes us and gives us this call and the gift of the vocation that is pastor.  I am just like any other person.  I have just accepted this mantle as a gift and work to be found worthy of it.  I went on to pursue my calling and James went on to other occupations and we lost contact not long after that December 1994.

Now fast-forward 14 years.  The fire has occurred and now the cleaners show up.  The cleaners of the house and the people doing all of the hard work were ServiceMaster out of Hickory I think.  These people are very professional and work very hard to please their customer.  One day I was home when the people came to clean.  When they bring new people into your home they always introduce the homeowner to them if they can.  One of the workers that day was a man that looked familiar.  Then they introduced him to me as James.  It only took a second or two more until I realized that it was the James who was responsible for me pursuing the ministry.  It was a blast catching up on old times and soon we were re-established in our friendship.  That goes to show you that God does work in mysterious ways.  I never intended to ever see James again.  But the fire and the subsequent work of fixing the house brought a very important person back into my life after 14 years. 

Back to the Fire…

The painters came to the house the next week.  Over the weekend we had acquired the camper we had used while we were waiting to get into the house when we first moved to Morganton.  Starting on Monday night the family would spend the next 9 days living between the camper and the master bedroom shower.  If you have been following your calendar during this BLOG you would realize that this brings us to December 6, 2006.  By this date we were able to begin living in the house again.  Although Service master had packed everything up and then spent the next three days bringing everything back it Jennifer’s and my job to unpack our belongings.  This basically meant that we were unpacking again just like when we moved here.  It was a daunting task with Jennifer working most everyday and me busy with the trappings of the Advent season.  We worked in our spare time but I have to give Jennifer and some of the ladies in the church all of the credit for getting us unpacked.  During the time that we were dealing with the fire I found myself too discombobulated to be very effective in the many areas, especially sharing our BLOG story.  So now you know one of my excuses for not BLOGGING sooner.  Ha ha

The Busy Season…

Even during the fire and well after the fire Jennifer the family and I have been very busy and very blessed with all of the activities of the church.  I think I have attended 6 Christmas parties with about 3 more on my list.  We had the special Christmas Carols and Lessons on December 3^rd where we not only had a service for the church but we had a special service for our community.  Then on Dec. 5^th we had the Christmas Float in the parade.  God really blessed us that day because Jennifer and I were able to find about 7500 pieces of candy to pass out for very little dollars.  The good news is that we did not run out of candy in the parade.  The float was fun and I think it was important to get our name out further into the community.  These activities are evangelistic in nature.  Now let me say just a word on Evangelism.

Evangelism

I want to clarify something for everybody that reads my BLOG.  First all Christians are called and expected to evangelize.  Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean going from door to door and asking for a minute of the person’s time although that is effective.  What I mean is that at every moment during every day we should be an example of the Good News that we hold.  Evangelism means to be the bringer of good news.  We should not only act appropriately as Christians but also tell people about the Good News of your salvation and eternal life.  Be an evangelist; bring the Good News to the word.

Let me say just one more thing about evangelism.  Evangelism is not practiced to warm more of our pews on Sunday morning.  Meaning that evangelism is not responsible for filling the pews.  Evangelism is responsible for sharing love of Jesus Christ, our Good News, with a hurting and dying world.  So whatever it takes to show Christ’s love, do it!

The Busy Season Continues…

Like everyone during this Advent Season I have been too busy.  I have found too many things to do and too many things undone that need to be done.  So I have stayed busy and tired.  The bright spots in the midst of all of this busyness are opportunities to be in fellowship with others.  Although I have enjoyed all of the things I have done in fellowship this year I want to especially say, “Thank you” to everyone who came out to our Open House.  With the Open House being on the 17^th Jennifer and I essentially only had 11 days to unpack all of our belonging from the boxes left by ServiceMaster and put up the Christmas decorations with some being lost in the initial move.  Jennifer and I had our differences of opinions during those 11 days but ultimately it was all worth having the church over for this special time with us.  We think that some 60 to 80 people came through during the 3 hours. 

Time will Tell…

Well here I am four days after the Open House.  We are practically done buying what few gifts we need to purchase.  I am getting ready to head out and check on some people in the hospital.  I guess time will tell how our holiday season will play out between now and after Christmas.  I hope to share a BLOG about that next week.  I would ask for you to pray for those who will be sick this Christmas, will be away from family, and those who will not have a happy or Merry Christmas.  Make sure that you are faithful to the special services we have this week and next week.  Don’t forget the Christmas Eve Service and the New Years Eve Service.

A Christmas Wish…

As I close out this BLOG today on December 21, 2006 I want to wish everyone who reads this BLOG a very Merry Christmas.  I pray for all people to know God, peace on earth, and goodwill toward all people.  Last night Santa Claus asked me what I wanted for Christmas.  Tell you the truth, I have all I could every want.  I have a wonderful God.  I have salvation in Jesus Christ.  I have hope, joy, and peace.  I have a family that I love.  I have a loving and caring congregation to serve.  I have so many things that I just can’t think of anything I could want for Christmas. 

My hope for you is that you will be able to enjoy all of the blessing that God has given you this Christmas season.  Merry Christmas!

Hey Ya’ll,

Wednesday has come and gone. We nearly finished the floors that we have been working on. Trish has done a wonderful job of cleaning and organizing around the house. It was a hard day though. We woke to terrible thunderstorms and rain. We went to the house and had many times when we were waiting to get outside to do some cutting etc. The work was also very slow today because we were trying to get everything to fit together and it was not easy. I hope and pray that the work will go faster and smoother tomorrow. One

highlight that also caused our hearts to sink was a tour by our family member of her town. She showed us the worst of the destroyed parts of town and the miracle homes that made it through the storm. She also helped us understand what happened from her

perspective. She shared a story about a town that had memorials to the Camille hurricane of 68. I am guessing the year. Katrina destroyed those memorials. Meaning that Katrina was much worse. I could never tell you all that we have seen.  Our host church had a Thanksgiving meal tonight. I had the Cornish hen and it was good. We enjoyed some down time tonight and were planning some sightseeing on Friday if we get our work done. I am tired so I think I’ll head to bed.

Thank you for your prayers.
Pastor Allen

Hey Yall,

Well the end of day two is much like the end of day one. We have completed the tile and now most of us are on the laminate flooring. Trish is still working on the yard.

We went down to the Gulf coast for lunch to see more of the damage. We saw a sculpture of sorts that showed waves, which according to the family we are helping show the heights of the different surges of the Katrina hurricane. Many houses are still in the same state they were after the storm. Diane said she did not care to go down to the park because it was so depressing. She says there used to be so many beautiful houses there but now there are just FEMA trailers. If I were to guess I would say that there seems to be about 35% of the residents living in FEMA trailers in our area.   That’s after 14 months of clean-up.  

Although the work is hard we still find some time to have some fun. We took some funny pictures today. We made a quick stop at Wal-mart tonight. We picked up some snacks and sodas. Supper tonight was Shrimp Gumbo. It was delicious. I was hoping to try some local foods but that’s about as close I think I’m going to get this trip. I must admit that I have truly enjoyed this opportunity for ministry and look forward to the next three days.

Let me finish with a brief thought. I believe that we see Jesus more clearly in the faces of people who have known adversity. They have learned to depend more on God than on themselves. I would never wish adversity on anyone but those who face it with God will overcome. So many here have overcome because of their faith. Our job is to help them complete the victory they have found in God.

In Christ,

Allen P. Boliek

PS - Just a note about my BLOGS. If they don’t make sense its because I am using my Blackberry or cell phone to write them. That means I can only review the last 10 words I write at any time.

Hey Y'all,

Well it's the end of day one here in beautiful Ocean Springs, Mississippi. We went to the home of Harry and Diane Schwab. Their home is actually in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Yes, it is the same name of the squirrel revival song by Ray Stevens.  While there three of us worked on laminate flooring while three more worked on Tile flooring. Trish cleaned up the yard. The couple was incredibly happy for what we did today and look forward to our return tomorrow. We have heard many horror stories about the hurricane and how things have been here since. But many of these stories are opportunities for people to tell us how God has helped them overcome. I am most amazed about the immensity of this disaster. Some projections here say that it will be 5 to 10 years before reconstruction is completed. Please keep these people in your prayers.

May God bless you.

Pastor Allen

Well I have to admit that last night was not the best sleep I have ever gotten. Actually it was down right poor. I pray that it won't affect my work today. As of now it seems we are going to be putting down flooring material. I haven't bent over in a while, I guess it's time to discover my feet again.

From what I have been told we'll be eating breakfast at 6:30am and then at 7:00am we will have devotions. I think after devotions we'll be working. I'll keep you posted on what we're doing and how the work is progressing. Oh yeah, if anybody needs to contact me it seems that my cell phone is working so use that number. You can also send e-mails to pastoralnc@yahoo.com. Well, I am going to go get a shower and see how that does. I'll try to send more BLOGS as I am able but we did come to work so I might not have a lot of time.

God bless you all,

Pastor Allen

Hey Ya’ll,

I think I finally found a way to BLOG while I am away from home. We’ll see.

As most of you know I am in Mississippi right now with the missions or building team. Getting here was enjoyable with the company of Tony Yount. A funny thing happened when we got within 3 or 4 miles of the church we are staying at, I turned and went to the wrong St. Paul UMC. Who would have guessed that there are 2 St. Paul UMCs in Ocean Springs. Beyond this its been life as usual. I am about to fall asleep so I’ll write more later.

God bless,

Pastor Allen

Hey All,

Sorry I have not been very regular lately with the BLOG but I seem to be very busy. 

As most of you know I am on my way tomorrow afternoon to board the Carnival Cruise ship “Elation.”  We will board the ship sometime between 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.  There will be two stops along the ships path: Cozumel, Mexico, and Key West, Florida.  The whole family is going so it should prove to be one incredible adventure.  I hope to send a quick BLOG along the trip but it’s unlikely that I’ll have the time.  Please keep us all in your prayers as we drive to and from the ship in Port Canaveral, Florida. 

I must say that I am so thankful for the lay people of St. Matthews.  As Jennifer and I have been getting ready for this trip you have been incredibly supportive.  I really feel like we are going to be able to go and enjoy a true vacation.  Usually we take vacation time to visit family but this time we’re actually going somewhere all together different.  One layperson put it the best when they said, “Don’t worry Allen, we have it covered.”  That’s something I can take to the bank.  The lay people of St. Matthews are incredibly hard working and dependable people.  I have been amazed and impressed with their/ your witness.  I know that as I take my time on vacation the ministry of St. Matthews will continue to flourish.  I hope that’s not too much of an ata-boy!  Haha

I need to get a lot done so I’ll BLOG more later.  Have a good week and hopefully I’ll BLOG while I am gone and will be able to put some pictures on the pastor’s page when I return.

God Bless,

Pastor Allen Boliek

That’s my BLOG for October 26, 2006