What I Noticed About My Mom

Posted on by purpleheartvet


I was blessed to have a mom that spent a ton of time with me when I was a kid. Not only did she spend time on the sidelines at all of my activities, she also allowed me to be a part of her life as well. Looking back on my childhood here are a few things I remember:

1. Mom had a good arm
In a family of all-boys we spent a lot of time in the yard throwing a ball back and forth. Whenever I needed someone to throw to, Mom was always there to fire the ball right back…with some speed and accuracy. I don’t remember what kind of purse she carried or what brand of shoes she wore, but I do know that she could throw a ball better than most kid’s dads. The best part wasn’t even that she could, it was that she would…anytime we asked.

2. Mom had huge heart
My parents never had a large salary, they have been in ministry since I was born. But even without the extra money I still watched as my mom would feed anyone and everyone that would say yes to a lunch or dinner invitation. Friends, church visitors, Virginia Tech quarterbacks, and even the random guy that walked up and down our road all frequented our house for mom’s special Sunday lunch of roast, carrots and potatoes. Oreo delight for dessert was a favorite for everyone.

My mom learned this way of life from her mom, who has given away just about every penny she ever earned. Looking back, I don’t remember the exact annual income we had as a family but I do remember this: We sure had a lot more fun giving than we ever did receiving.

3. Mom had open arms
I don’t remember one moment in my lifetime when I have needed my mom and she wasn’t there. (Even when I had a nurse call from the hospital I was in after being blown up in Iraq, mom was there to answer the phone.) Like most moms, she was there to drive us wherever we needed to go, but she was also there every time we needed to come home. She has always been the one I could go to about anything – and the good part was, about 99% of the time I could count on her to take my side. I can only imagine how hectic her life must have been being a pastor’s wife and mom to three boys. The truth is, it never once felt like mom was busy, she was always just there…right where we needed her to be.

4. Mom had a big mouth
She still does too…sorry mom. 😔

She was quick to tell us all the reasons the girl we were talking to just wasn’t a good choice. She was always very persuasive when she found out about trouble we had gotten into, always ending with, “Just be glad I found out and not your Dad.”

Mom talked a lot.

She talked about Jesus. She told us that putting our trust in Him was the best decision we could ever make.

She talked about church. Despite the fact that she had been in ministry and seen the good and bad, she still told us how important it was for us to have a church family in our lives.

She talked about our future. She encouraged us to dream big and never settle for anything in life. She told us that God made us unique and that there were things in life that we were made to accomplish. She told us so often we still believe it.

She talked about Heaven. She told us that things on this earth really aren’t that important and that one day we are all going to die. She often said, “What will it matter in Eternity?” She not only pointed out the things that wouldn’t matter, she also took the time to teach us the things that would.

I know as a kid there are many things I should have noticed about my mom that I probably missed. I never recognized a new haircut or dress, or congratulated her on an accomplishment at work.

I’m sure I missed plenty, but I think Mom made sure I noticed the important things.

Author Image AndrewAndrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Assistant Director of Rooftop Missions, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.

Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.

Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.

He has also owns and operates a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia.

Should Christians Always Give In Secret?

Posted on by purpleheartvet

Anyone who has read the first four verses of Mathew chapter six knows that the Bible clearly tells us not to announce in a prideful way when and how we give to others or the church. It even goes so far as to say that we shouldn’t let our left hand know what our right hand is doing when it comes to giving to those that need it. Most people I know follow these verses to the letter, and quietly bless many lives and ministries around them. I personally think we may be messing up, however.  Continue reading Should Christians Always Give In Secret?

To The Pastor Looking To Drop Us 

Posted on by purpleheartvet

 

This week has been without a doubt one of the most amazing of my life. I am currently in India, spending time with the staff and 76 orphans at the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home. We have laughed together, cried together and spent many hours planning for the future. I have sat down in a leprosy colony discussing our partnership and how we can do more to help those suffering from that awful disease. I have held 2 little girls whose parents died of AIDS and I loved them in spite of the virus that the girls also carry. I have been able to tell all of these precious children just how much Jesus loves them and that His love is one that will never forsake them. And then I woke up to this: 

“Our church feels that your focus has changed from that which was presented here years ago and we have many other missionary endeavors that God is leading us to pursue. We have sent our final check for the remainder of 2016. We do wish you God’s continued blessings on the work.” 

And just like that, the pastor had dropped us. 

This wasn’t the first letter I have received like this and I am sure it won’t be the last. Here is what I would like to say to the pastor looking to drop us though…

1. Our focus has changed and we will continue to adapt to the needs and opportunities God places in our lives. 



While our focus may change, our mission has not and will not. Our goal is still and always will be to share the Gospel to the unreached, to start churches, train leaders and show the love of Christ to every single person that we possibly can. 

2. If you are looking for a reason to drop us, you will find it. 

We will never agree on every single thing. You will see something at some point that will upset you. We are human. There will be pictures of me in shorts…because it gets hot in India and Cuba. There will be drums and dancing because that is a major part of other cultures. I will have a beard, quite simply because I want one. This stuff might sound silly to some, but all of the things above are reasons pastors gave for not giving to our ministry anymore. Yeah..seriously. 

3. Understand that you really don’t have a clue. 

I spent 11 years on staff at a local church. I saw the videos, took the missionaries out to eat and occasionally read the updates that came in from around the world. Looking back, I had no idea what each of these missionaries faced on a daily basis and in reality you do not either. I have been in missions for one year and my mind has been blown at some of the experiences I have faced. Plans can be made but “Plan A-D usually get thrown out pretty quickly. World politics, local governments, weather, family, currency exchange, war, disease and more all impact what we do on a daily basis. Sometimes our focus HAS to change. 

To the pastors, churches and individuals that continue to support us in spite of our mistakes, failures and shortcomings…Thank You. You will never know just how encouraging you are to our families and just how much that encouragement is needed at times. We do not take you for granted and are honored that we can partner together to spread the Gospel across the world. Jesus promised us that He would be the same yesterday, today and forever. He didn’t say however that our methods for spreading the Gospel were to be as well. Right now we are in Cuba, India and the Dominican Republic…but that may change. There are refugees that need to be saved, war torn countries that need the love of Christ and many persecuted Christians that need our support. God may change our focus to these places in the future and I pray that you will join us as we seek to glorify Him in all that we do. That is my single greatest goal every single day…I just happen to wear shorts and have a beard.  

Andrew Smith

Assistant Director of Rooftop Missions 

*Nothing that I will ever write will be without mistakes and this blog post is no different. After receiving feedback, here are a few things I would like to clear up. 

1. The picture is not of a baptism. I was helping our orphans with their showers. Things aren’t always how you perceive them to be. 

2. I believe that churches can support whoever they want to. My issue is when a pastor feels like his standards are God’s standards. Dropping a missionary is a big deal and the reasons should be biblical and clearly communicated to the missionary or organization. Someone with a pastor’s heart will cherish this opportunity to help someone grow, not ignore their calls after sending them a letter. 

3. Pastors do have a “clue” about missions, just not a full understanding. I tried to use myself as an example here hoping that you would see where I was coming from…many of you missed the point. 

2015 in Review

Posted on by purpleheartvet

Do you ever get asked the question, “What have you been up to lately?” Whether it is someone who is genuinely interested or just a person making conversation, it opens a door for us to describe how we have been spending our time. This article is a look back at our first year serving with Rooftop Missions. In short, I want to share with you what I have been up to in 2015.  Continue reading 2015 in Review

Is Your Life Significant? 

Posted on by purpleheartvet

Many times we confuse success with significance. We spend so much time trying to reach the goals in front of us and very little time thinking about why we have those goals in the first place. 

Merriam-Webster defines being Significant in these 3 ways:

1. Having meaning

Does your life mean something to you? Do you think you are on this earth for a purpose? If so, then you probably want to live a certain way and accomplish specific things while you are alive. What goals have you set to make this happen? 

2. Having or likely to have influence or effect  

A focus on success is usually based on selfish motives. A focus on significance realizes that our lives can and should have a positive influence on those around us. Do you take the responsibility of influence seriously? Do you purposefully grow your level of influence? 

3. Important 

Everyone wants to feel important. All of us want our lives to be ones that are wanted, needed and valued. The question we have to ask is, “What makes my life valuable?” Are we content with the value of our life being based on what we can offer an employer, or do we really believe there are other ways to add value to the world? 

A significant life will not happen by accident. Just like being successful takes focused decisions over a long period of time, significance requires us to shoot for a specific target. 

Over the past few years, I have watched my children grow from babies to the nine, seven and three-year olds that they are today. I have missed many days that I will never get back. As a dad, I want to make a difference in their lives. I know it is my job to discipline, teach, love and praise them. These things don’t happen automatically though. 

I also want to be the best husband that I can be. I want my wife to feel loved, appreciated and valued, but again, these things don’t happen by accident. 

Our lives will never be significant unless we are willing to live in a very intentional way. Our goals must be clear, our time managed and our attention focused on the things that truly matter. 

-Andrew Smith

*If you are interested in living an Intentional Life, then check out the link below. John Maxwell’s new book, Intentional Living is now available and it comes with a special 30 day Challenge! 

http://clicks.johnmaxwell.com/aff_c?offer_id=9&aff_id=163 

 
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
He has also owns and operates a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia.

http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/asmith

http://www.facebook.com/thepurpleheartvet 

Who is Most Valuable to You? 

Posted on by purpleheartvet

Around 5th grade was the first time that I began to notice the different parts of a team for the first time. I watched as Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to some thrilling wins on the basketball court. While some may argue this point, to me it was easy to see that he was by far the most valuable player in the NBA at that time. I could not imagine the Bulls being successful without him. 

Over the years I have been blessed to be a part of many amazing teams. From high school and college basketball to my days in Fallujah with 10th Mountain Division, I have watched certain individuals step up and play a critical role in our team’s success.  

Even now as I serve with Rooftop Missions I can clearly see how we each play a different part in reaching our goals. Matt, the founder of Rooftop, sets a vision in front of us and encourages us daily to do the things necessary to make it happen. Eric, our Director of Communications, captures critical video and photographs on foreign soil and then gets the final cut on our social media pages in a way that only he can do. 

But none of these people are Most Valuable to me and my life. 
It became very obvious to me awhile back just who makes my life the best that it can be. She is my best friend, encourager and supporter. She is the only one who has made the commitment to spend her entire life loving me and staying by my side. She is my wife. 

When I think about who is “Most Valuable” to me, it really isn’t even close. My wife has been there during the fun moments, but also for the dark ones too. She knows more about me than I would like and she doesn’t even hold it against me. Each day, she is the one that I come home to. She is the one that is affected most by my decisions. She is the one who is always willing to talk and when necessary ask the tough questions. 

As you go through this life and the career that you have chosen, your attention will be pulled in many different directions. You will be tempted to focus on titles, salary, goals, possessions and other people. In the midst of all of this, please do not lose focus on the one that has agreed to stay beside you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. 

Take the time to remember who is Most Valuable to you and then treat them like they truly are just that. 

-Andrew Smith


Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.


Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.


Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
He has also owns a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia. 

Go Ahead, Don’t Share. 

Posted on by purpleheartvet

  
Each time I visit a foreign country, the same things always happens. I almost immediately find myself surrounded by kids. It could be because of what I am carrying…usually my iPhone or a football. It could be because I am tall and white. No matter the reason, I love it when I find myself surrounded by new friends. 

In these moments, I always react the same way. I desperately search for something to share with them. Sometimes it is candy, other times a selfie or maybe a song from my phone. 

But the main reason that I travel thousands of miles is to share with them the greatest gift that was ever shared with me. In some way, shape or form, I give them the Gospel. I share with them the love that Jesus has for each and everyone of us. 

We are able to do this because many people have given selflessly to make it happen. People just like you. As we grow we will need more resources to share with our new friends around the world, some who don’t have parents or beds to call their own. 

So I ask, will you share? 

Has God blessed you enough that you can find $10 a month to share and impact lives all across the world. 

Go ahead, don’t share. But know that you are missing out. My greatest joy in life usually comes when I give what I have to someone that needs it the most…whether it is a hug, a smile or something as simple as a dollar. 

Click below to start sharing today! http://www.RooftopMissions.com/Join

-Andrew Smith/Director of Rooftop Missions

*Whether it is through Rooftop or another organization, I pray that you will decide to share your blessings with others today. 

**Are you already on the Rooftop Team? If so, feel free to share this link with your friends and family. 

About the author: 

Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team. http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/asmith

Director of Rooftop Missions http://www.rooftoomissions.com 
Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. 

Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED. 
Purple Heart Recipient
Mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families. 

Small Business Owner-Yellow Dawg Striping of Southwest Virginia.