Things You Probably Don’t Know About Me & Some You Do – Part 3

16.  I met and married the woman of my dreams (Lori) in college.  She is actually older (11 months) and taller than I am. 

17.  We started in ministry in Houston, Texas in 1989 as Youth, Children, and Pastors of Visitation at church of 1000 called Christian Temple.  This is where I was introduced to fire ants.

18.  We started Bus ministry to students and Bible Clubs on several HS campuses while in Houston. 

19.  On a Mother’s Day Sunday while on the stage, I noticed that I had a black shoe on one foot and a burgundy shoe on the other.  What a cool youth pastor.

20.  I led the first of many missions trips in 1990 to Tijuana – Rosarita, Mexico.  It was a hard core experience.

21.  While living in Houston, we experienced a severe tropical storm.  After that experience, I never want to be a part of a full blown hurricane.

22.  Two girls were delivered of demon possession during one of our youth services.  Some people think it was only a thing in the Bible.  Not so.

23.  I watched life transformation in a teenage girl who set her house on fire in order to run away.  She gave me her ‘book of bad memories’ when she surrendered her life to Christ.  I still have it in my possession.  Jacquie, Lori and I love you and are so proud of you.

24.  I now hate goldfish because of a fish nightmare in Houston. 

25.  I am a better pastor and believer because of the growth in my life while serving in Houston, Texas.

Never More Proud To Be A Texan (and a Dad)

I know I’m an Oklahoman and a huge Sooners fan, but after watching Nastia Luikin grab the Women’s All-Around Gold Medal in last night’s Olympic competition – I have never been more proud to be a Texan.  Nastia is from Parker, Texas, located about 10 miles from where we live.  Lori and I have been amazed at Nastia’s grace and strength in her performance.  But maybe what has impressed me the most is her obvious relationship with her dad (who is also her coach).  Father and daughter make quite an impressive team.   Twenty years ago, Nastia’s father won the Men’s Gold, himself.  You can tell by Nastia’s love for her dad that he’s a great dad.  No doubt she has followed in her dad’s footsteps.   

My prayer for me this morning:  “Lord, may this earthly dad be such a reflection of YOU to my two little girls, that they follow in their Heavenly Father’s footsteps.”

-a Dad

An Olympic Perspective

I absolutely love the Olympics.  For the past severall days, my family and I have been glued to our TV watching world class athletes display their incredible abilities and break world records.  I am not sure there has ever been an Olympic display of strength and agilities like this one.   More world records have been smashed than ever before.  A couple of nights ago, I found myself jumping up and down in my living room cheering for the final leg of the USA Men’s 400M relay team.  One of the most incredible moments in Olympic history.  Last night, we cheered and watched as Michael Phelps became the greatest Olympian in world history, receiving 11 Gold medals.  And he’s not finished yet.  I, like millions of others, have admired his focus and dedication to accomplish such achievements.  HE is truly amazing.  My favorite part has been watching each one stand on the medal podium and receive the Gold Medal.   And yet in all of the splendor of that achievement – there is something greater.  The Apostle Paul says that there is a greater medal to strain towards.  Something far beyond our temporary life on earth.  1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 says:  “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. 26-27 I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”

So everyday, I want to train hard, push the limit, and give it everything I’ve got so that when the race of life is over for Kalyn Brassfield, I will stand on an eternal podium and receive the Gold that never fades away.  That’s far better than the Olympics. 

Will you join me in this race?

-Kalyn

Things You Probably Don’t Know About Me & Some You Do – Part 2

9.  I started a Bible Club in my High School that is still in existence today.

10.  My brother was (and is) one of my heroes growing up.  He is still one of my BFF’s.

11.  I played the trombone in the Band.  My favorite thing in High School was to march the halftime show at the football games. 

12.  I preached my first sermon at the age of 14 in white corduroy jeans and dingo boots (I was stylin’). 

13.  Basketball was my favorite sport in High School.  I play through my sophomore year.

14.  By the time I graduated High School, God had helped me to give a personal witness of Christ to all of my graduating class with the exception of 5 people.

15.  I attended 5 colleges before receiving my Bachelor’s degree.  Conners State College (OK), Oklahoma University (OK), Northeastern State University (TX),  Southwestern A/G University, San Jacinto College (TX).

Things You Probably Don’t Know About Me & Some You Do – Part 1

1.  I was raised in the oldest town in Oklahoma.  Not Muskogee but Ft. Gibson.  It actually has a civil war fort.

2.  I raised beagles (the dog not the bread mispelled) to hunt rabbits.  I hunted almost every Saturday in the winter until I was 16. 

3.   I have eaten rabbit gravy, BBQ squirrel, smoked deer, roasted cow tongue, fried aligator, and sucked crawfish heads. 

4.  I had a mud slingin’ Dune Buggy at age 14.  My brother and I built it ourselves.

5.  I was called to the ministry at age 14 in a youth service.

6.  I was born without doctor or nurse assistance.

7.  I had blonde hair growing up (quit laughing).

8.  I was extremely shy until I was filled with the Holy Spirit as a young teenager.