My Spiritual Father Passes Away

On Saturday afternoon A. Allan Alaimo passed away. Pastor Alaimo and I meet 15 years ago when he was searching for a new Youth Pastor. Six weeks later and I joined his staff in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. At that time, I had no idea the influence this man would have on my life.

 

I have a great father who loves me unconditionally, taught me about character, and gave me a strong work ethic. But as a young minister I needed a spiritual father who would mentor and challenge me with the purpose of making me a more effective servant of God. Pastor Alaimo quickly became this person in my life. Pastor Alaimo was a mentor before being a mentor was fashionable. It wasn’t what he did…it’s what he was. 

 

I am the man in ministry I am today because of Allan Alaimo. 

 

He taught me to think and ask questions in ways I had not been challenged before. He taught me the power of story. On one 11 hour drive to a conference he asked me to drive. He then asked me if it would be OK if he shared some stories from his life. Being a good staff member, I obviously said yes. He then pulled out a tape recorder and began to record his stories. Those stories changed my life. Ever since, I am passionate about sharing my stories when I spend time with those I lead.

 

Pastor Alaimo was also the most fun Italian I ever met. I enjoyed spending time at his home with Mary. We loved to eat and talk and dream. He also taught me to eat pasta in a such a way that would make any Italian proud.

 

Pastor Alaimo would have been 75 in April. His ministry touched countless lives and impacted a generation. I know it touched my life. He made me a better man. I pray my ministry will touch others in the same way his has touched mine.

24 Years and Counting

Renee and I are celebrating our 24^th wedding anniversary today. Believe it or not, this is the first time we are not spending the day together on our anniversary. I am at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia at a Modular Class and Renee did not travel with me.

 

As I have been thinking today about Renee and our marriage, I came up with the following thoughts:

 

·         I love Renee more today than I ever have.

·         I am a better man because of her love, support, encouragement, and forgiveness.

·         I still smile when I think about her.

·         When I travel, I think about her more than anything.

·         Love brought us together but commitment kept us together.

·         Marriage is hard work….but it’s worth it.

·         Marriage is an endurance sport…be prepared to go the distance.

·         Good marriages build homes not houses.

·         God has had His hand on us…even when we didn’t know it.

·         A strong Marriage builds on the past but doesn’t live in it.

·         In the year 2034…we will be married 50 years.

Lost – Your Nickname from Sawyer?

OK! One of my favorite shows is Lost. When I was in Las Vegas in January, I unintentionally got my friend Doug addicted to the show. He has watched all three seasons and has caught up with season four (You can watch every episode online in HD and free at this link).

 

Anyway, he found this nickname generator that allows you to put some data and creates the nickname Sawyer would give you.

 

My nickname is: Third Degree.

 

What is yours?