Paul Fries::Proverbs 3:5-6

WINDING DOWN

2007-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

I am in my last weeks as a director of missions here in Florida and fully engaged in preparing to be a church planter in Wisconsin.

Over the next weeks I plan to share with you the journey my wife and I are on. A quick update: Cheryl and I plan to leave Florida, around the first of May, and begin a new work in Richland Center, WI. Heartland Church will be partnered with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention and the Central Baptist Association. Our sponsoring church is Rolling Hills Church in Platteville, WI.

In my next post I will share with you the process we have gone through to get to this point. My hope and prayer is that God will use our experience to encourage you as you seek to serve Him!

Graceville Florida December 2, 2006

2006-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

I could not help myself...knowing that next winter I will be living in the more frigid north country (Wisconsin). While it was a balmy 65 degrees on the 2nd the weatherman has predicted an artic blast next week. What constitutes an artic blast in the panhandle of Florida? Mid twenties that's what.

Anyway, it was an enjoyable day...even when doing yard work.

We have a name!

2006-11-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

Soon to be located in the heart of Southwestern Wisconsin, in the heart of Richland County, in the heart of Richland Center!

Politicans, whether Democrat, Republican or Libertarian will not bring the needed changes to America. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ promises a change of heart and spirit of man.

The goal of Heartland Church is to introduce people to Jesus Christ, help them grow in their faith relationship and enable them to actively impact their communities, all for the Glory of God!

Spinach, Lettuce and Carrot Juice

2006-10-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hopefully everyone is aware that we are currently having a problem with the above mentioned vegetables. My thoughts on this subject are very simple-MORE REASONS NOT TO EAT VEGETABLES!!!

IT'S A FINAL!

2006-09-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

FSU 13 - Miami 10

Ithaca High School Class of '71 - Paul R. Fries

2006-08-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

It is that time when we meet again, our 35th high school reunion. 35 years ago we left the hallowed halls of IHS to make our way into the world. 51 strong, little did any of us really know what was in store for us or where we would be today.

As for me, I am married to Cheryl, whom I met while living in Omaha, NE. We have been married 31 years and are the proud parents of two sons, one daughter, one daughter-in-law and 2 granddaughters (and yes I do believe they are the greatest granddaughters alive!).

I have retired from one career (U.S. Air Force) and begun another as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I currently serve as a Director of Missions in Florida working with 30 churches as we minister to our community and beyond.

I have lived in Texas, Japan, Thailand, Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado, California, Philippines, North Carolina and Virginia while in the United States Air Force and in North Carolina, Missiouri and Florida since my retirement.

I look forward to September 15 when we gather at the "Bowling Alley" and celebrate the memories as well as look toward the future.

How about you, classmates of the IHS class of '71, where have you been? What are you doing? I would love to hear from you.

June 21, 1975, Paul Fries and Cheryl Chamberlin are united in marriage!

2006-06-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

The place: Twenty Second Baptist Church, Tucson, Arizona.

I stood in front of the church, along with the pastor, best man and other attendants and thought to myself, (ya I really did think this) "I wonder if they would all get upset if I leave now?" I was actually getting cold feet. Then, the music sounded, the doors opened and in walked the most beautiful girl in the world! I can honestly say that all thoughts of leaving were gone in a moment and have never resurfaced these many years later.

Cheryl and I were married that day with no knowledge of how our lives would turn out. Just two people who loved each other and felt as though the Lord Himself had brought us together. She did not know she would have to move multiple times living in 7 different states, a foreign country and 18 different houses! She surely didn't know she would someday be married to a preacher!

God has blessed. We now are the proud parents of three children, one daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and a lifetime of friends all over the world.

Through it all Cheryl has been my greatest encourager and my best friend. To my wife I say, thank you for the years you have followed me around this country. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for making the decision that your most important career was being at home with your children. Thank you for being you, a wonderful wife, mother and friend.

I love you!!

To God be the Glory!

2006-06-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

UNVERSITY OF FLORIDA-FIGHT SONG
I tried to download the UF fight song for my phone. I was doing this to honor my children, all Gator fans. However, my phone would not accept the download. As a Seminole fan I can't help but wonder if I have a Seminole phone and it simply rejected the Gators! Sorry kids I tried!
A loving Dad

2006-05-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Uniform Still Fits...Kind of!
I was given the privilege, this past Sunday, to be the guest speaker at a special Memorial Day service at one of the churches I serve. As I began to prepare I thought I would wear my uniform, since I am retired from the military,but first I had to get a new uniform. Two things have happened since my retirement in 1991 that precipitated this need for a new uniform. First the dress uniform has completely changed and secondly I have matured (actually gained a wee bit of weight).

So I traveled to the thrift store at Tyndall AFB and purchased a new uniform. My wife, as she has in the past, sewed on my stripes and I was able to wear it Sunday. The picture on the right was taken Sunday morning.

I have to say putting on the uniform once again brought back many memories and caused me to stop and remember the honor of serving my nation.

As we pause, this Memorial Day, please pray for the families of the fallen. They are the ones who must continue to live with the loss of one they love.

2006-05-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

WOMEN and MOM'S OF MY LIFE

Mary Prahl Fries, my mother, the one who "made me what I am?"

Norma Blackwell Chamberlin, my mother-in-law, who has loved me, as a son, ever since that day in 1974 when Cheryl and I announced to be husband and wife

Cheryl Chamberlin Fries, my wife of 31 years, the mother our our 3 children, who is just as beautiful today as the day I met her in November of 1973.

Tracy Hartman Fries, my daughter-in-law and the mother of my granddaughters. A delight to have in our family.

Ladies, thank you for loving me! Thank you for loving your husbands and children and being a Godly example for all the world to see.

I love each of you in more ways and with stronger emotion than I can express.

Your son, son-in-law, husband, father-in-law,
Paul

2006-04-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Seminoles/Gators ACC/SEC
Okay all you Gator fans, here is the question. How many Gators were chosen in the fist round of the 2006 NFL draft? Answer -0-, yes that's right -0-!
Next question. How many Seminoles were chosen in the first round? Can you say 4! Actually 4 is the same number as the total for the mighty SEC in the first round.

So, how many ACC players were taken in the first round? 32 selections - 12 from the ACC. I think that is just over 30%!

I don't want to hear anymore how the SEC is better than the ACC (especially from my sons)!

2006-04-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

2006-03-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

West Africa Summit
We are heading to Tampa tomorrow to Idlewild Baptist Church where we will participate in the West Africa Summit. We are very excited because we will get to speak with some of the missionaries working with our daughter! Hope to see some of you their.

2006-03-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

Blue Like Jazz!
For all you Blue Like Jazz fans please read this article http://www.bpnews.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=2190 and then provide comment. Looking forward to hearing from you.

2006-02-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

FAMILY HISTORY

I have always enjoyed family history. The picture to the right is a picture of Mom's family reunion, circa 1948. The young man on lower left (as you look at the picture) is Frank Prahl, young man upper left is William Prahl, 3rd man in upper left is my great grandfather, Joseph Deitelhoff. Behind the post on right is my dad, Theron Fries. Sitting front right Anna Hawkins, next to her is my grandmother, Emma Susan Deitelhoff Prahl. Holding children on left is my mother, Mary Prahl Fries and to her right is my aunt, Florence Prahl Moore. Mom is holding Arthur Fries and Janet Fries Hopper and Aunt Florence is holding Carol Fries. I do not know the others in the picture.

If you see and read this and can identify others please post a note.

2006-02-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my lovely wife Cheryl!!

We claimed the song, "A Very Special Love Song" by Charlie Rich, as our own many years ago. I write it today for my wife (cause I can't sing it).

For you sweetheart!

Babe, somewhere I know I'm gonna find it Babe
It'll have my love behind it
And it will be a symphony of all you mean to me
A very special love song
And Babe,
If there's a way you know I'm gonna say it Babe
If there's a melody I'll play it and I'll play it through
Especially for you
And all the words are true
A very special love song
So don't be surprised if your sitting alone
And you hear it
'Cause I'm gonna sing it to the whole big lonely world
So turn your radio way down low and get near it
And I'll tell the world
I love you girl
Babe, if there's an ounce of love
I'm gonna give it to you Babe
If there's a breath of life
I'm gonna live it everyday for you
And oh the whole night through singing just for you
A very special love song
For You

2006-02-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Throwing Ropes, Not Rocks
I came across a humorous story the other day in Paul Powell's book, "Shepherding the Sheep in Small Churches," of an actual encounter between the great British preacher Charles Spurgeon and equally great American evangelist D. L Moody.

"D.L. Moody went to London to meet Spurgeon, whom he had admired from a distance and considered to be his professional mentor. However, when Spurgeon answered the door with a cigar in his mouth, Moody fell down the stairs in shock. "How could you, a man of God, smoke that?" protested the great American evangelist.
Spurgeon took the stogie out of his mouth and walked down the steps to where Moody was still standing in bewilderment. Putting his finger on Moody's rather rotund stomach, he smiled and said, "The same way you, a man of God, could be that fat!"

After sharing this story Powell goes on to remind the reader that "we all have faults and weaknesses...they may be different from our brother, but they are no less real." (pgs. 114-115)

I couldn't help but laugh as I read the story even as I was reminded to "lighten up" sometimes. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.

Hopefully we can honestly say, "I love you brother/sister!"

2006-02-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERYL!!!

Born: February 8, 1956

Cheryl at 2 weeks; 26 yo with Micah (front), Jared (on lap), Rebekah (coming soon), Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Paul with Kessed and Grace!!!

God has blessed me with the sweetest wife on the face of this earth! I fell in love with her when she was 18 years old and my love grows with each day.

Cheryl I Love you!!!

2006-01-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

We love you Grandpa!
(and the Gators too!)

2006-01-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

2006-01-23T22:15:00.000-08:00

2006-01-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

2006-01-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'm BACK!!!
It has been exactly a month and a day since I last commented here. That is the trouble with old "bloggers" we just don't post enough. Forgive me and I will attempt to post more often, of course I will need something to say first.

on the right a baby freezer and future missionary

on the left a beautiful freezer and current missionary

Bek forgive me but I love both pics.

Proof that grandbaby freezer really does love the seminoles...look at the joy on her face!

An now the newest grandbaby freezer (Kessed Noel). Yes it is true being a grandparent is wonderful!!

2005-12-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

ONE MAN'S OPINION

I will be attending church on Christmas day! Not because it is Christmas day, though that is a pretty good reason for a Christian to go to church, but because Sunday is my normal day of worship. I cannot imagine not going to church on one of the Christian churches "most Holy days" as quoted in the Dothan Eagle.

So far I have seen two arguments on why some churches have canceled services on Sunday, December 25th. The first is that "people need time with their family" and Christmas is traditionally a family day. If this rational is true then we should never expect people to go to church...there is always a need for more family time in our fast paced society. It also has to mean no more golf days (takes half a day), no more football games (at 3 hours or more), etc. By the way Scripture tells us, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:37-38). No one is more committed to their family than I am but I want my all of my family members to understand my commitment to Jesus Christ. What do we teach our children when we cancel a whole day of regularly scheduled worship services (I have no problem cancelling the evening service since that service is a man made tradition)? What does this say to the lost world? I cannot imagine any of the world religions canceling services on one of their most holy days for the reasons stated.

The second reason I have seen stated is that "the churches purpose is to reach the lost" and since the lost won't come to church on Christmas day there is no reason to have church. To that reason I say you totally misunderstand the purpose of worship. While I agree the church must be about the business of evangelizing the lost our first priority is to Worship the one to whom we owe all, Jesus Christ. One other comment on this reason. The two days that bring the largest number of lost people into our churches have historically been Christmas and Easter, so if we are really concerned about winning the lost why would we do away with one of the two days with the greatest potential for sharing the gospel?

Finally, remember Matt Redman's song, "The Heart of Worship?" If we cancel worship, in my opinion, we cannot sing a song such as this again because we have just twisted the words and made them say, "It's all about me Jesus, it's all about me."

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
And it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus
I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
And it's all about You, It's all about You,
Jesus I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
And it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus

2005-12-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

ACC CHAMPIONS!!!
Yes tis true...we are the champions, 27-22!! Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't of seen it myself!!

2005-12-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

Imagine MNF Being Covered Like Iraq
check out http://www.carolinajournal.com/mediamangle/display_story.html?id=2959

2005-12-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY

Today is the day teams look forward to from the season's beginning...the conference championship game! Of course not all teams get to play a championship game (Florida, Auburn, Alabama eat your hearts out)!!

I realize many of you will be critical of this post but you have to admit you can't win a championship if you can't get in the game....GO SEMINOLES!!!!

2005-12-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

My first post, WOW!! Well here goes.

My wife and I Home Schooled our children for 11 years...a wonderful time that has proven to be very successful since all the kids have finished college and 2 are now in graduate degree programs. Should Christian parents send their children to a public school? What a great question and I would love to hear your comments. But first, I would direct your atttention to the following article.

After you finish reading I would love to hear your comments. BTW, I personally think Christian parents should not let their kids go through the public system. More on that later...

2005-11-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.