F-Troop: The Fressel Family

All year long we've waited . . .

2008-06-05T09:43:00.004-04:00

Here's a preview of Luke's big day. Enjoy the video.

Brady Soccer Pictures

2008-05-28T16:07:00.002-04:00

Here's a picture of Brady's soccer team taken by one of the dads (Ken Fema). We're very thankful for the time and patience of his coaches this season. Thanks Brad and Mark!

Mom's Big Day

2008-03-09T22:39:00.000-04:00

She's finally retired . . . for now, at least! We enjoyed a small office party on my mom's last offical day of work at the church. She retired on February 29th. Scott, you better get that extra room built on your house. I think mom will be splitting her time now between Michigan and South Carolina. Congratulations, Mom!

Brady's Day with the Tigers

2008-03-09T22:24:00.000-04:00

Recently the Detroit Tigers took some of their players on the road to meet some of the fans. Their first stop was in Dearborn at the Henry Ford. We ran over there and got there in time to see the guys and hear them talk about the upcoming season. On the way out Brady got interviewed by Matt Shephard from WWJ Newsradio and we even caught up with the Tigers' manager. Brady was pretty pumped!

Marcia's Big Day!

2007-12-07T00:16:00.000-05:00

Marcia finally joined the "over the hill" club on Sunday - she turned 40! We welcomed her to the club with a terrific dinner on Saturday night at Longhorn Steak House, breakfast in bed (thanks to the good folks at McDonald's) on Sunday morning, and a dinner and cake/ice cream with family on Sunday (along with some other surprises!) afternoon and evening. Someone even brought over an inflatable moose to greet us when we got home!

Marcia is more beautiful today than ever!

Here we go . . . ready or not!

2007-09-06T22:50:00.000-04:00

Last Monday Danielle and Brady headed back to school - can you tell how excited they are to be back in school? Danielle is in 8th grade and Brady is in 4th - WOW!

We are a blessed family to have such a great church and school to help us train our children. Each year I am especially thankful for the godly teachers in our school. I'm especially thankful for my mother's commitment to enroll Tim and I in Inter-City nearly 30 years ago. I still can't believe that she drove us all the way from Walled Lake to Allen Park to attend school here. I can't imagine how different my life (e.g. I met Marcia at Inter-City) would be if she hadn't made that commitment. My children are reaping the blessing of her choice so many years ago!

It really hit me last Tuesday at about 12:20 when Marcia and I were walking home after we dropped Luke off for his first day of school - we're getting old! For the first time in 12 years we have an "empty nest" for several hours. It was so strange to not have kids here at the house - really strange. Luke had a great day with Mrs. Hubbard. She's awesome!

Brady Gets Blobbed!

2007-09-06T22:07:00.000-04:00

Here's a great video clip from our Family Camp last month (thank you Kay Manville for getting this on tape!). I don't think Brady did the Blob again after this one - but this sure was worth it. Enjoy!

Taking the Word to the Street

2007-09-01T09:57:00.001-04:00

Here's a picture of our ministry team after a day of distributing doorhangers for an upcoming sermon series at Crossway Baptist Church. It was a great opportunity to assist the Brocks. We have one more full day of ministry here in Bakersfield. We'll wrap up on Sunday and then head home. Thanks for praying for us as we're here. We've been learning a lot about church planting - and, hopefully, serving the Brocks by encouraging and assisting them.

Trying to Win Ben Stein's Money

2007-08-31T10:55:00.000-04:00

I was hard up for some cash at the airport on Wednesday and came across Ben Stein. He didn't have any money for me, though. He didn't have any eye drops either.

Bakersfield Ministry Trip #1

2007-08-30T10:16:00.000-04:00

I have the opportunity to minister with a group of adults for the next few days in Bakersfield, CA. We travelled here to, prayerfully, encourage and assist Mark and Charity Brock as they seek to plant Crossway Baptist Church (http://www.crosswaybaptist.org/). We also want to learn more about church planting and God's plan for biblical missions.

Independence Day Festivities #1

2007-07-05T17:51:00.000-04:00

What better way to celebrate our country than to take in an All-American pastime like baseball? We had a great time at the game with Tracy's family, eating lots of junk food (we did our part to support the ballpark economy), and laughing together. And, oh yeah, there was a game going on too. Tigers beat Cleveland 6-4, with a few amazing catches thrown in just to keep it interesting. And to top it all off - a great fireworks show to end the night! (not as good as IC's, of course).

A Trophy of Grace

2007-06-29T00:48:00.000-04:00

One week ago today I had the privilege to preach the funeral service for one of our church members, Margaret McFadden. I had the opportunity to have a front-row seat to watch the McFaddens face this trial together. I can’t tell you how each member of the family – Margaret, Gary, Kevin and Kelley – had a profound influence on me as I saw their faith in God and faithfulness to Him and each other. In an attempt to honor Margaret and encourage you, I share the following with you from my comments last week . . .

I know that this day is the day you dreaded since Margaret was first diagnosed with cancer last August. It’s a day of great sadness because you will never get to see Margaret again in this life. You’ve lost your wife, mother, sister, family member and friend – and we grieve with you today.

But as we fix our eyes of faith on the truth of God’s Word, we understand that this is not a day of defeat! Because of what God had done in Margaret’s life, I tell each of you here, today we celebrate victory!

When Paul, under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, wrote, therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2Cor 5:6-8), he told us exactly what happened in Margaret’s life on Monday night after she breathed her last breath – her next breath was “at home with the Lord.” She’s been transported from the land of the dying to the land of the living; from the realm of sin, sickness and suffering to the realm of pure, rich and unending joy – in the presence of God – now that is something to celebrate!

But you say, Tracy, we prayed that this day wouldn’t come – or wouldn’t come this soon. It seemed just three weeks ago that God was going to give Margaret a lot longer time to be with us – and now she’s gone. Why did God take her to home to heaven so soon? To be honest with you, I don’t know. Why would God choose to take Margaret, Gary and their family through the trial of the past year when it seemed her life was so full – nearing retirement, kids grown and serving God, husband eager travel and spend the rest of their lives together? Though we don’t understand all the mind of God in these things, we do, as Kevin so well reminded us, trust God completely for these things and know that His way is best.

I want you to know, though, based on God’s Word, God was up to something in Margaret’s life – especially these last ten months. He was making Margaret a trophy of His grace.

Do you have any trophies at your house? We have a few – soccer, baseball, hockey and even a bowling trophy or two! What is the purpose of a trophy? It is a symbol of an accomplishment for the one who has it. We don’t worship the trophy (in fact, the trophies we have a rather inexpensive and cheaply made) in itself. Rather, when we see a trophy we honor the person who holds the trophy.

God’s words, taken from Ephesians 1:4-6, tell us in love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. You see, that’s what God was doing in Margaret’s life – making her a trophy of His grace.

When she was born on February 23, 1948, God’s plan for her was the same as it is for each believer – to display through her the glory of His grace. This goal was not altered by cancer this past year. In fact, it was accomplished through it – until when on Monday night, God said to Margaret, “Come on home.” And now, she will for the rest of our lives serve us as a trophy of God’s grace.

The Grace of God: His kindness towards those who are hopeless and helpless.

Simply put, God’s grace is His kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless.

In Paul’s words, God’s grace is that God “has blessed [Christians] with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Eph 1:3)

Understand, though, that grace is undeserved – it is God’s kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless. Grace recognizes that Christians deserve nothing and yet, get everything. God’s kindness is shown in a general way to all creation and it is shown in a special way to all who are His children.

Christians are trophies of God’s grace because God’s grace is displayed in their lives.

You say, how was God making Margaret into a trophy of His grace? She, along with all believers, became a trophy of God’s grace by God displaying His grace in her life.

Christians are saved by God’s Grace.

Each of us here today must realize that we are truly hopeless in and of ourselves. We don’t deserve God’s kindness. In fact, the very next chapter of God’s Word shows us our natural condition.

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (Eph 2:1-3)

We are born sinners. We are spiritually dead and are disobedient to God (v. 1-2). Because of our sin, we face God’s wrath. (v 3) In this condition there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. No amount of good things – good deeds, giving money to the poor, church attendance – can gain favor with God.

Regarding this, God’s Word says, now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Rom 4:4-5)

To be saved then, you must recognize your hopeless condition – and turn to the One who can save you.

The first two words of Eph 2:4 are “but God”. God took the initiative to remedy of our hopeless condition – by His grace.

In the kindness of God, He sent His Son to pay the penalty of sin we deserve. You see, sin must be punished. In Jesus’ coming to earth, living a sinless life and being put to death to face God’s wrath for our sins, he paid the price for my sin and yours.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly for one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:6-8)

Now, each of us faces a decision. In what will we trust to obtain eternal life? Will we trust in our own good deeds or in Christ’s finished work on the cross? To have eternal life, you must repent of our sins and trust Christ’s finished work alone.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)

If you acknowledge your sinfulness and understand that you are unable to save yourself, turn from your sin and call out to God in faith, trusting Christ’s payment for your sin, and ask God to save you today. That’s what Margaret did many years ago. God saved her and made her a trophy of His grace. He will do the same for you.

Christians are sustained by God’s Grace.

The Christian’s life of faith requires great effort. The trials of living in a sin-cursed world seem overwhelming at times. We wonder how we will ever face another day. And yet, it is God’s grace which sustains us. His kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless is His grace. He sustains those who are helpless with His guidance and His strength.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:23-26)

When you face times of uncertainty and don’t know what do to you can always turn to the Lord and through the truth of His Word, He will sustain you with His guidance.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Is 40:28-31)

You don’t have to face this life alone! If you are a Christian, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can ask God to for the grace we need to meet the challenges of life: therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16)

Margaret would be the first to tell you that she didn’t think she some sort of a super-Christian. She was just a regular person. But in the battle with cancer she faced, she became a trophy of God’s grace in displaying how God sustains those who simply trust Him.

Christians are trophies of God’s grace because God’s grace is ministered through their lives.

Paul reminds us in Eph 4:29 to be careful how we speak - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. In giving us this warning, he says that our speech can “give grace to those who hear.”

Christians become the ministers of grace. That is, through our speech and life of encouragement, we become a conduit for God’s enabling and encouraging grace.

When we display God’s grace in our lives and communicate it to others, God uses us to enable others to live a life of faith.

For the rest of my life, Margaret McFadden, as a trophy of God’s grace, will minister to me. Her quiet, steady life of faith-filled commitment, even in the most difficult circumstances of physical suffering, will speak of God’s grace to me.

She is a trophy of God’s grace!

My friend, what are you trusting in today for your salvation? You can’t work for heaven and you cannot merit eternal life. You must turn from your sin and trust in Christ alone – God’s grace alone for your salvation. If today’s funeral were to be for you, would you be in heaven today? You can know for sure if you will respond to God’s offer of salvation in repentance and faith. I know that I would love to speak with you following this funeral service if you have more questions. I know the McFaddens would be honored to do the same. Trust him today.

Christian, are you facing difficulties and pressures? God promises to sustain you by His grace. Come to him and ask Him to help you. Believe His Word and walk in it – even if you don’t know all the answers. He will strengthen and guide you. Then, as you learn of God’s grace, minister it to others. You don’t have to stand in a pulpit like this one. Wherever you are, simply testify of God’s work and show your commitment to Him. You’ll never know the influence God will give you as you simply minister His grace.

Last One . . .

2007-06-27T22:12:00.000-04:00

I am thankful to the Lord to be called to serve Him among such a great group of believers here at Inter-City Baptist Church!

More Pictures

2007-06-27T22:08:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more pictures of some of the nearly 100 volunteers who severed our congregation and guests on Sunday PM.

Patriotic Sunday 2007

2007-06-27T22:04:00.000-04:00

We had a great outdoor service on Sunday night - along with a great time of fellowship and refreshments capped off by a terrific fireworks display. It seemed that God brought more guests to our service this year than we've ever had before. In fact, at the beginning of the service, we had to jump into plan "B" with our parking lot staff due to our facing an overflow of cars! It was a great problem to have.

The choir and orchestra did a great job and Pastor Doran preached a great gospel message. I pray that God will save folks as they heard the gospel.

Here are some pictures, thanks to Dale Folks and Andy Peterson, from Sunday PM.

Friends from India

2007-05-22T21:58:00.000-04:00

We had the opportunity to have Sunday dinner with our friends, Santhosh and Sophie
George last weekend. We put out a last minute notice to the folks in our Sunday School
class to see if anyone wanted to join us for dinner. We had nearly 40 people! Our plan was to do a picnic lunch but, in true Michigan form, the weather went from very nice before church to rather cold following church so we had to go inside. Anyway, please pray for the Georges as they left for Colorado today and will travel back to India next Monday.

A Spring Storm and Fire

2007-05-17T10:20:00.000-04:00

Tuesday evening turned out to be quite eventful in our neighborhood. A gust of wind from a pretty strong storm knocked down a tree in my neighbor (Ben's) yard. It blew the tree onto his garage and then knocked down a power line. The power line actually was cut when it fell. One half of the power line was lying behind our house. The other half landed on another neighbor's garage - and that started a fire. Needless to say it was quite crazy around here for the night. Here's some pictures . . .

2007-05-01T00:07:00.000-04:00

Brady and his class spent the day on Friday at Greenfield Village - the "One Room School House" in particular. I got to spend an hour or so with the kids at the end of the day. The kids looked so great with all the "old-fashioned" clothes. Mrs. Miller looked so authentic with her outfit that quite a few Greenfield Village guests kept asking her for directions and instructions - thinking she worked in the village.

Luke's Big Day Party

2007-04-22T23:05:00.000-04:00

Luke's "Friends" Birthday Party - finally! Luke had five of his friends over to our house for his birthday party on Saturday. With vacations and various family plans we'd been unable to have it sooner. In fact, for a while Luke thought he was turning "6" when he had this party since it had been so long since he turned "5" on March 26. Here's some pictures from the party.

A Day at the Beach

2007-04-04T11:09:00.000-04:00

Recently, Marcia and the kids got to travel to North Carolina for several days. Here's some pictures from their trip.

Brady's Program

2007-03-22T13:08:00.000-04:00

Brady's Spring school program was Tuesday night. As usual, he was the star of the show - wouldn't you agree?. His cousin, Drew, came in a close second to Brady. In keeping with our tradition, the REAL highlight of the evening was the hot fudge cake at Big Boy's following the program! Here's a few pics.

Faith, Family, Friends and Forty

2007-02-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a big day - I turned the big 4-oh! I can't believe I'm a "fortysomething"! Yikes!

I've been thinking about turning forty for several weeks now. As the big day approached, I spent some time evaluating what the Lord has taught me about Himself and myself in recent years. Since January 2005 the Lord has graciously been breaking me of my self-centeredness and the pervasive presence of pride in my life. Every day, it seems, the Lord points out another area where I need to change. For a guy whose first thoughts have centered on myself and my "rightness", it has become painfully clear how wrong I have been. The first forty years of my life have been so much about self! I pray the second forty (if Jesus doesn't come back before then and if God gives me that long to live) will center on knowing God and serving others! At forty, I'm thankful for God's gracious gifts to me: my faith, my family and my friends!

I've included some pictures of these gifts!

Back for another attempt at this blogging thing!

2007-02-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

Here we go again . . . we’d love to keep you updated on the sometimes bizarre but always busy happenings of our “F-Troop”. Marcia and I have not always done a great job of calling and writing to our family and friends. Maybe with the help of my tech savvy daughter, Danielle, our blog can be a way for us to stay in touch. We’d love to stay up with your family and we do our best to help you be informed on ours.

Here’s a great quote from Cotton Mather that one of my co-workers passed along to me yesterday. Though you’ll have to read it carefully, I think you’ll find it quite convicting – and helpful in getting a clear perspective on what truly matters in this life – and the next!

"But the contemplation of DEATH shall be the FIRST point of the Wisdom that my Advice must lead you to . . . Do this, that you may do nothing like Living in Vain. Place yourself in the Circumstances of a Dying Person; your Breath failing, your Throat rattling, your Eyes with a dim Cloud, and your Hands with a damp Sweat upon them, and your Weeping Friends no longer able to retain you with them: And then entertain such Sentiments of this World, and of the Work to be done in this World, that such a View must inspire you withal."