Happy Feet

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things?” Romans 10:15

One of the fun things about being a Pop-pop is getting to take your grandkids to the movies. Our kids love to go to the movies, and I think the popcorn and soda are as much of the fun as the actual movie.

Two of our favorite movies were Happy Feet 1 and 2.  If you missed it, go rent it. The story is about a unique little penguin that was quite different from all the other penguins – he had the ability to dance and sing – and was just a joyful chap despite the many misfortunes and challenges in his life.

During my 18 years as President/CEO of America’s Keswick, I have been blessed to meet hundreds of men who have graduated from the Colony of Mercy, our residential addiction recovery program for men. I am privileged to see God at work in their lives and love to hear their stories.

Shortly after coming to America’s Keswick, I met James and Rochelle Getz. James came to America’s Keswick needing to find answers to his addictions and he did – the only answer – Christ living His life through James and setting him free to be the man Christ wanted him to be.

James and Rochelle, Matt and Gina

James a gifted musician, loved to lead worship – enthusiastic worship. And he indeed was nicknamed – “Happy Feet.” It was hard for him to stand still whenever he was worshiping.

This summer James and Rochelle attend their summer week at America’s Keswick and I loved watching James worshiping his great God with hands raised in the air, and doing a little movement thing with his feet. Nothing showy or distracting – just James caught up in loving his Lord and Savior, the One who set him free.

Later on in the summer, James and Rochelle were on campus of the graduation of their grandson, Matt, from his 8 month pastoral covenant. I called James and Rochelle on the platform to stand with Matt and Gina. It was obvious that even walking was hard for James – but what a thrill to have him join his grandson, Matt – two trophies of God’s grace.

This past week Rochelle came home and found James in his favorite chair. Sometime after lunch James closed his eyes on this side of heaven and opened them in the presence of His Savior. As word reached our grads, man after man commented on the fact that old “Happy Feet” was dancing in the presence of His Savior. Quite a picture of a life transformed and one that was willing to worship His Savior with his all. Thanks, Lord, for the life and legacy of our dear friend, James Getz – AKA “Happy Feet.” – Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Song of Solomon 1-8

Think About This: There is more healing joy in five minutes of worship than there is in five nights of revelry. A .W. Tozer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT