From My Heart

In July of 1863, near Gettysburg, PA - a fierce battle was fought during the Civil War. Although the battle at Gettysburg has often been recognized as the turning point of the war, it was also one of the most devastating and deadliest. Over the course of three days, there were approximately 60,000 casualties and 8000 deaths ~ all American soldiers. On November 19, 1863, there was another gathering at Gettysburg. This time the fighting was over (though the war would continue two more years) and the battle site was being dedicated as a cemetary and war memorial. An orator by the name of Edward Everett stood to speak that day and delivered a speech of nearly two and a half hours. Virtually no one remembers what he said. Then President Lincoln stood to speak and though his words were few, the thoughts he gave on behalf of the dead are forever engrained in our history and our memories. Even today, there are no better words to commemorate Memorial Day th...

These are things everyone should know according to Mike Storter ~ written in his own hand ~ as read by Rev. Tommy Warnock: Pizza is a breakfast food. (Maybe...) Los sientos means "I'm sorry" in Puerto Rico. (In a lot of Central FL, too) Why would you make tea and not put sugar in it? (People make tea and don't add sugar?) The Bible is still as relevant as it ever was. (Yes, it is) If you are a believer, you need to act like it. (Yes, you do)

Edit: November 29, 2012 This post was originally published on my blog in May, 2012. Mike was truly a man who inspired many to live a 'greater' life. I don't know that he would have considered his life 'lesser' or that of a 'loser'. Being diagnosed with a terminal illness, he could have decided that he did not have to continue to work and serve. He could have laid down and let others serve him. Instead, he continued to attend church, minister to others, and preach until literally days before his death. He didn't do anything magnificent or explosive, he just continued living out his life and his faith in the midst of what we all felt was a tragedy. His quiet persistence in his faith touched an untold number of lives. Below is the post I wrote after attending his funeral service. I haven't written much lately. Truthfully, I have been rather uninspired. However, having just left the memorial service of someone I consider to be one of the giants of...