\A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.\

On June 12th, at the Shrine Auditorium, the Los Angeles Church paid special tribute and honor to our dear brother, Al Baird, who will be turning 65 years old on June 21st.   We are so deeply grateful for Al, who has served as a faithful and spiritual shepherd of the Los Angeles Church since December, 1992.   At the presentation, a bronze eagle was given from the church and Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) was read:

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

This was not a retirement farewell because Al has no thoughts of retirement.  In fact, following the presentation, Al was given the opportunity to share a few thoughts with us.  He read from the passage in Acts 2 that says, \In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.\ (Acts 2:17 NIV)   He shared with us several quotes on dreams, beginning with this one:  \A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.\

Al noted that it is God\'s will that we continue to dream as we get older, not live with regrets.  This passage clearly teaches that God\'s Spirit gives us the power to dream.  He shared that he is looking forward to this age in his life to dream more Kingdom dreams and challenged all of us to do the same. 

It is so inspiring to see what the Holy Spirit is doing through men like Al Baird as they mature in the Lord.  At an age when most men are thinking of retiring, we are thankful that Al\'s dreams include powerfully shepherding us here in Los Angeles for years to come!