The Latest

Well I don’t know if this blog is going to be much more than informative, but hopefully it will have more value than just that. I also hope you all are doing well, I have enjoyed hearing from you and keeping up with what’s happening in your lives as well.

Corinne and I have been able to visit our son Samuel twice since he’s been at Camp Pendleton and we’re hoping he will have liberty again in the next two weeks before going off to Florida for his continued training. However, we’ve heard rumors of the possibility of his continued training happening at Camp Pendleton instead of Florida, which would be great for us to have him close to home for a bit longer. Jordan has gone out of state twice now and is currently working in Louisiana (for an unknown period of time) doing underwater welding, with the possibility of getting full time work out there which has kept us on our toes (or should I say on our knees). Daniel and Lauren are still here with us at home and doing well.

With all that’s happening with the two boys, Corinne and I are so glad we are still here in Southern California and that we’ve able to be a support to them during these transition in their lives. We feel reassured that it was the right decision for us to stay down here in at this time.

Last week was a busy and a very exciting week for us as we began the home study at John and Tammy’s house. Corinne and I have been getting together with 5 other couples and praying about how and when to start a study and in just a week’s time we all decided to “go for it”.

It was a great evening and everyone seemed to really enjoy the time and the opportunity to sing, study and meet new friends. We were all very excited about what happened and look forward to this Friday as well. We are guessing there were around 40 people there, but more exciting than how many were there, was that they didn’t want to leave afterwards, but just stayed, talked, and enjoyed each other’s company.

I was also asked to speak the following evening at a musicians get together at the Carnegie building in Upland (and got to “jam” a little as well). It was a lot of fun and I had some great conversation as well. On top of that, I was invited to speak that Sunday morning at Calvary Chapel Pomona Valley while Jeff and Karen were down in Vizcaino, Mexico.
More than the teaching I was able to enjoy being a part of and praying with people and what things are happening in their lives; things that are important like children leaving the home, working out of state, or joining the military. I was able to talk to moms in the same situation as Corinne and pray with couples going through physical hardship or pray with others who, like me, have desires to do more for God and step into a work that is bigger than we are (though I suppose any work of God is bigger than we are).

Well, that’s the tip of the Scotti iceberg. I appreciate all the prayers and concern you’ve shown to my family and myself.

…Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3:5)

Everyone Gets Bit

Everyone Gets Bit

When I began dog training every trainer that I rode along with told me a story of a time when they got bit, and as I recall all of them at one time said, “everyone gets bit”. There was an unsettling feeling that came with that statement, but like biblical prophecy the fateful day came while training a Weimaraner, it was quick, unexpected and fortunately not too bad.

This thought of getting bit came into a more serious light when I went to a memorial service for a friend of ours sister who lost her battle with cancer. As the service began I was drawn in with a video presentation which displayed pictures throughout her life. What caught my attention were the pictures from the past that showed our friend with her sister when they were young girls. In the pictures they were smiling, innocent, having fun and free of the cares and weights of this world, (as it should be with children). Then I noticed as the pictures continued that there were years missing, no pictures, no smiles. I was aware of this most likely because I know a little of my friends past, which she shared about briefly during the memorial service and I bring it up to make this point, life can be a lot like dog training in this way… everyone gets bit.
We may get bit by a bad relationship or bad health, sudden loss of a job, lapse of judgment, kids who go astray, there are a million things that can happen, but eventually every persons photo history changes from innocence to heartbreak some where along the journey. That thought was even more unsettling than the one I had with the trainers earlier.
As my friend spoke about her troubled years, she then spoke of how those troubled years were turned around as she realized her need for spiritual care and turned to Jesus for that care. Her story like the pictures in the presentation made another turn, a reappearance, a resurrection if you will, where life was bought back and so too the smile.
I for years had been bit, but ignored the wounds of my soul, I know even now that if there were to be a video presentation in memory of my life, I too would have a blank spot, a black hole where there was no light to be found, but as with my friend so also with me there has been a resurrection of life, where I was treated for my spiritual cancer and wounds.
I think most of us are able to grope our way back towards the light, for some the journey is quick and seemingly painless, for others it seems that even though the light may be seen health is never found. I believe however there is help and hope available to everyone, but we all first must realize our need. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” And that He did not come to call those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners (Matt 9:12,13). I think this is such an incredible revelation that can free and heal us all and what I love about this statement is how it fits so perfectly into the video of our lives, because at some point in this journey we are going to need a physician, because you see,

...everyone gets bit.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:6)

Decision 2008

Decision 2008

I guess all the election talk has got to me, thus my title, but it is great to know that what ever decisions are made whether for a country or in our individual lives we do not need to fear as we seek and ask the Lord for guidance, knowing that if we ask for bread, He will not give us a stone (Matt. 7:9).

As many of you are aware, my family and I have been at a crossroads in our lives whether we were to venture up to St. Helena in the Napa Valley and be involved in the work the Lord is doing up there, or…? And that has been the haunting question for us, if not there Lord, what and where?
Back in November I met with a pastor and friend for advice in this matter and was counseled then to stop traveling back and forth to St. Helena for a time and instead be still and listen for God’s direction. That has proven to be valuable and healing advice as I was able to slow down enough to take care of and enjoy the needs of my family over the holidays and though it was a wilderness Christmas, it has been one that I will forever cherish.
In this time Corinne and I believe that the Lord has spoken to us in a clear and practical way to stay put here where we are and not pursue ministry in St. Helena. As far as that future question mark, well it’s still there, but I can share a few of things currently taking place.

• First, I am and will be training dogs here in the So Cal. area as a means of make a living (appreciate prayer for this).
• Second, I have been invited to lead worship back at C. C. Montebello a couple of times a month, which if you know me has been therapy and an absolute joy!
• And third, I’ve been asked to lead a home study by a few old friends, and received encouragement in this from my same friend and pastor. With that said we are currently praying about when and where this will take place.

This has not been an enjoyable journey especially seeing my family have to go through it all. It’s easy to lose sight of what we want to accomplish in our lives, when we encounter hardship during that pursuit. I received an encouraging comment on one of my blogs recently that helped me remember some important things. The comment was from a High School friend who I haven’t been in touch with for close to thirty years, she wrote “Its nice to read about what you are doing and to see that your priorities are the same as they were when I last saw you many years ago”. I remember those priorities, I felt that God put them deep within me and I pray I never cease pursuing them.

… to know the Lord and to make Him known.

All Things New

All Things New

As the New Year has come, I was thinking about this word, “new”, Whether it’s a new outfit or a new start, the idea of something fresh or a chance to begin again with a clean slate is very appealing to us and thus we have resolutions to lose weight, get out of debt and the hopes of just “starting over” with the “New” Year.
One reason I believe we find the idea of starting over so appealing is because of the mistakes we make, whether it’s a bad relationship, tax penalties we didn’t pay or just something we did and regret, the thought of getting out from under the effects of theses things are very appealing indeed.
I think God is very fond of this “new” idea as well, that’s why we see a thread throughout the scripture. His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3), we are new creations in Christ (1Cor. 5), God even says, “behold I make all things new (Rev. 21).”
Now, of course “new” things are great when it comes to second chances and cars (just check out Bill’s blog “Daddy’s New Ride” http://pastorbillwalden.blogspot.com ). However they can get a bit scary when it’s as serious as a relationship or career change, but regardless of what it is, and whether it is fearful or thrilling, with anything “new” there is also the possibility of something better. I think that is one of the reasons God likes making things new, because what He is really interested in, is making things better and making us Holy (complete).
This has been a reality of what Corinne and I have been living in lately and after I touch base with a few people I will be sharing more on some decisions that we have recently made, but I believe this thought of new, faces us all throughout our lives as we make choices between being safe, or being better.
Maybe the thought of taking seriously a more committed relationship to Jesus is your doorway to a new beginning, but you are afraid it is an end to many things in your life (In truth, it’s a bit of both). Which would you choose?

I will ask you the question that I have been asking myself for the past few months, where are you in this place of new beginnings? Are you on the horizon overlooking an adventure, or on the edge of a cliff standing paralyzed? And they are probably the exact same place.
I think Joshua was there when he took Moses’ place and had to lead the children of Israel into the land God promised. The Lord told him to “be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid” as He also encouraged the disciples as they stood and watched Jesus, their Messiah ascending away from them and into heaven. No doubt about it this “new” can be a very scary place. I imagine the Wright brothers stood there too that day at Kitty Hawk, and you know what happened to them don’t you? ...They flew.

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

A Thought On Christmas

A Thought On Christmas

In many homes at Christmas you will find a Manger scene (Crèche) equipped with Baby Jesus, Angels, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Wise men, Camels and I’ve even seen some with cows, though I’m pretty sure that shepherds and cows don’t go together. And for the time being let’s forget that all these people (and heavenly host) weren’t actually together at the same time, there seems to be the thought surrounding this extraordinary event, that all was calm, all was bright. I’ve even heard some say that the stable where Jesus was born was actually better than the Inn (where there was no room), because it was cleaner and God was taking care of everyone by making things a little nicer.
I on the other hand read the story a little different, call me jaded or Scrooge, but I’ve been in a stable and that’s usually not water all over the ground and it seems like a substantial downgrade from the Inn if you were to ask me.

Which brings me to my Christmas thought. If we weigh how much God cares for us by our comfort, then what do you do with this story? Take a look at Joseph for example, first off there is the event itself, Mary’s pregnant but it’s not his! God provides an intense dream that helps to guide his decision not to shame her and no doubt Mary’s character helps with that decision as well, but suddenly Joseph is involved with something bigger than he could ever have imagined. I would guess that the counsel he was getting from friends or family was different from what God told him to do in the dream, and what God asks of Joseph is not easier, in fact it’s harder.
Look how things continue, after Joseph has listened to God and shown extraordinary understanding, some governor wants to tax the people and so Joseph has to take his extremely pregnant “wife” 70 + miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a Donkey! (Yeah, imagine that road trip) And the pay off is a stable? But hold on, it’s not over, later on the wise men show up giving them gifts which I’m sure reassured Joseph that he was doing the right thing and all, but before he can even catch his breath he is warned in another dream about Herod wanting to kill the child and the message to Joseph isn’t “don’t worry, I will protect you and the child”, the message is “run for your lives to Egypt”.
I have to confess, right about now I would be thinking, “God, can You just give me a break?” Now, I’m not trying to ruin Christmas; really I just want to preserve the reality of it. Because it’s in the midst of this incredible hardship, that the hand of God is at work, though everything seems to be going wrong, God is moving, guiding and speaking to Joseph, which is an amazing thing if you think about it.
I was wondering, what if Joseph had put Mary away as he had originally thought, and did not listen to God in that dream? He still would have had to travel to Bethlehem and very well may have made it in time to find a nice room at the Inn (after all, a pregnant women can really slow you down). He may have had a nicer room, but I don’t think he would have had as nice of a view as he did in that stable, to witness the single most important event in all of human history, when God became flesh, and walked among us.

So here is my take on the “Christmas” story, even though the whole world seemed to be bent on keeping this event from taking place, God was at work, in the lives of those involved, moving heaven and earth, so He could be with us.

…and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” ( Matthew 1:23)

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That Smile

That Smile

Well the day finally came when we saw our son Samuel, and I must say that all my anticipation did not compare to the actual time we had today. There are so many aspects to this day that I could talk about, but I want to stay focused on his smile. I will not forget when I first spotted him in his platoon, and when Corinne and I yelled out his name and he glanced our way and gave that smirk he gives when he doesn’t want to smile (and believe me he wasn’t supposed to).

The smirk

He looked great; they were about to begin their five-mile motivational run followed by the emblem ceremony and then we would be able to greet and spend what seemed like the quickest five hours with him for lunch and a quick visit. I was aware of a few things in that time, one was how happy he was. Now I would like to think it was just to see us, but I think a lot of it was the fact that he had completed something that he has wanted to do for a long, long time, plus the fact that he would be going home tomorrow. A second thing I noticed was the connection he had with his fellow Marines. I mean here we were, his family who he hadn’t seen in four months, yet he would go out of his way to say hi and congratulate those he spent all this time with, or they would say these little things that only really they found meaning in. It’s not hard to see why, he had just gone through the most intense time of his life with these people which brought a depth and connection that was special between them. I thought how true it is and why we are told to share one another’s burdens, to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. It brings a deeper growth and bond than probably any other way and it was Jesus’ desire that we be one in John 17. As I was talking with my son over things that stood out to him through boot camp, most of the things he mentioned dealt with the hardship he had to overcome, especially of an event called the Crucible. The word crucible comes from a Latin word having to deal with melting or purifying of metals and really isn’t that what is meant to happen with us in the refining process in our lives as we pursue the Lord? So a life that is blessed (or happy), is a life that is refined. Maybe that is one of the reasons Samuel was so happy, even when he was leaving, going back to more drills and to bed at 9 (still can’t get over that), he said, tomorrow, I go home, with that he walked away, …smiling.

Tomorrow, I go home

Joy

MCRD
(Marine Corp, Recruit Depot)

We arrived at the base around 7:00 after stopping to get a bite to eat. The accommodations are quaint (they're great for 20 bucks a night!) and they have a lot of things here so that the families can enjoy their stay, Corinne and I took a walk around the base for about an hour just looking at where our son has lived for the past 16 weeks and wondering what it's been like for him. Right at 9 o'clock we heard Taps being played which means bedtime for the recruits (imagine, Samuel in bed at 9). It was funny to think that even though we couldn't see him, Samuel was somewhere close by hearing the same thing we were.
Well in less than 12 hours we are going to get to see our son, thank you all who have given such encouraging emails, prayers and emotional support to us, we are grateful beyond words and you have filled our lives with hope and joy through not only Samuel's decision to join the Marines and his time in boot camp, but through all the difficulties in our lives at this time. Your simple Thanksgiving and Christmas blessings, the emails, phone calls and gifts have meant so much to Corinne and I.

Thanks so much for keeping in touch.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Well, we’re just about ready to leave for the San Diego area, Corinne Daniel and I are staying at the Marine Base, they have a place for family to stay there. Jordan and Lauren will be joining us later.
We will be seeing Samuel tomorrow and get to have lunch with him as well as spend some of the day with him and then he graduates on Friday and then we get to bring him home.
We found out he is going to be with us and working at the local recruiting office till January 15th, which was great news for us. I don’t know how to put in words what I’m feeling, it’s all over the place, but I will try to journal some of it best as I can. They say it may rain, we’re praying it doesn’t and though the rain may shorten the graduation ceremony, it won’t dampen my spirits of getting to see my son again.

Fingerprints

Fingerprints

Have you ever heard a song that just takes you back? Or maybe certain scenery or fragrances can translate you to a point in time? Funny how we can be moved emotionally by these things, but really, it shouldn’t surprise us, after all it was still us, just some time ago.
This happened to me this past week as I was reminded of a time in my life that I had thought was long gone, but a couple of situations and BAM! There I was in this disturbing time warp, complete with sentiment, heartache and nostalgia. Now usually I just put these events in a little box that I mark “not me anymore” (and thank God I’m definitely not that same person), but I began to think, why am I remembering these things in such a powerful way? And where should this emotional roller coaster be taking me?
One place I don’t want it to take me is back inside the box! Where I live paralyzed to events that are no longer a reality in my present life, but that word reality is really important to me regarding all this, you see the reality is that my life is not separated into boxes of the past or present it is a continuing timeline filled with good, bad, ugly and hopefully redemptive things.
Paul had no problem reminding those who followed Jesus of what they were, he did not put their past in a box, but instead put it before them and said, remember this was you, but it’s not anymore. “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.” Titus 3:3 (NLT)
Paul was just telling the truth, and unless we too are honest with what has and is taking place with us, how can we know if all things have become new, unless we have something like the old to compare it to.
So even though we like to put our life into little compartments, I don’t believe that God’s view of us is like that, just look at how scripture talks about salvation. We look at salvation as an event in a moment of time, but God seems to refer to it as an ongoing process
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope… Romans 8:24 (NKJV)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
…for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 (NKJV)
We were saved, are being saved and will be saved, our life is a whole and we will either be able to look at the entirety of it and see God at work, or we will be fragmented and unable to relate to anybody, because we are not living an honest or whole life.
So when I hear that old song, or see that familiar scenery, when the memories come flooding in, instead of trying to put them back in a box, I think I will look and see if I can find somewhere in the memory

...God’s fingerprint on my soul.