{"id":7882,"date":"2026-01-28T14:11:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:11:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=7882"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:11:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:11:45","slug":"when-i-dont-feel-gods-lovingkindness-2-2-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=7882","title":{"rendered":"(The Everlasting Way) Celebrating with Joy – In Memory of a Friend"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been nine years since Steve passed into his heavenly home. I\u2019d like to repost a blog that was posted three years ago (with a few tweaks). His story is worth telling over and over again.<\/p>\n

It\u00a0happened so suddenly. One morning in January 2017, he never woke up. The news sent ripples through the faith community and at the corporate offices he\u2019d recently retired from. We were all in shock. Fittingly, an enlarged heart contributed to his death.<\/p>\n

A few days later, they granted me the privilege of saying a few words at his life celebration. I asked the hundreds gathered for a show of hands for those who\u2019d dined with Steve. Hands shot up everywhere.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKeep your hands up if he insisted on paying the bill.\u201d I said.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t see one hand go down.<\/p>\n

Steve was that kind of person. If he felt he could help you in any way, he was all in. Loving others in the same mind-blowing way Christ had loved him. [1]<\/p>\n

Even though he was a few years younger than me, I considered him a mentor, especially in leadership and business. He had a keen mind and rose quickly in his career to the upper executive level in a large corporation. This is where I met him.<\/p>\n

Steve excelled at work, but he never took his eye off the loftier aspects of God\u2019s kingdom. [2] He listened well as he talked with you, praying for insight as to how he could add fuel to your passions and gifts.<\/p>\n

Being careful never to cheat the company, he\u2019d use breakfasts, lunches, and breaks to meet with folks who seemed to have spiritual interests.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

He and I often met at Arby\u2019s or Cracker Barrel near the office. During one of these meals, I first experienced his touchdown signal. I don\u2019t remember the exact circumstances, but I\u2019ll always remember my excitement when he suddenly raised his hands and yelled \u201ctouchdown\u201d at my answer to one of his coaching questions.<\/p>\n

When he saw folks moving in what he felt was their \u201csweet spot\u201d and making significant advancement in their faith goals, this was a touchdown. And he would not pass it by without joyously celebrating it with you.<\/p>\n

I cannot overstate Steve\u2019s impact on me, and I believe many others who knew him also experienced this blessing.<\/p>\n

Following are a few things I learned from him.<\/p>\n

Savor the Sauce<\/span><\/h3>\n

God was Steve\u2019s highest joy. This was a belief that God developed over the course of his life, as he matured in his relationship with Jesus. Steve was always aware of how easy it is for idols to creep into our lives, but as time went on, and as his surrender deepened, his freedom in Christ grew.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With God at the center of his affections, Steve lived life with gusto. He was a gifted photographer who loved capturing adventures on film, especially with his family.<\/p>\n

He sought to be present and to savor life\u2019s moments. When we ate together, he loved to slather whatever he ordered with a lot of sauce. I saw this as an example of the exuberance in which he lived. Savor life’s moments. \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n

Defer to Others<\/span><\/h4>\n

I watched Steve, time after time, live out the following two verses.<\/p>\n

Do nothing from selfishness or\u00a0empty conceit, but with humility of mind\u00a0regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.\u00a0(Philippians 2:3-4<\/strong>).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

When you were with Steve, you could tell by the questions he\u2019d ask, and the ways he invested in your life that he really cared. He was always asking God for ways to love you and build you up in Christ. Some ways were so extravagant they could only have overflowed from the heart of God.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Learn a Person\u2019s Passions and Gifts<\/span><\/h4>\n

Steve was a master at asking probing questions. When he was with you, he listened intently to you and to God. Steve wanted to discover what he would call your \u201csweet spot\u201d. He desired to be a catalyst for you in something that activated your passions and gifts. When he sensed your heart was coming alive about something, he would encourage you in it. In these cases, Steve partnered with you to add fuel to God\u2019s flame in your life.<\/p>\n

Maximize Your Influence by Investing in Leaders<\/span><\/h4>\n

Steve was a leader of leaders. His priority was to invest in people who would lead others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He was involved in several leadership development programs and made a tremendous impact among executive teams wherever we went.<\/p>\n

From one executive at Steve\u2019s workplace when asked for one or two ways Steve encouraged him in his faith: \u201cTake quiet time alone to commune with God on a daily basis. Feel comfortable about speaking faithfully at work. You never know when you might plant a seed. Set individual faith goals and make them right sized. Bigger than a first down and smaller than winning the game. Make them like a touchdown and celebrate accomplishing your faith goal with joy.\u201d KEITH<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Be Extraordinarily Generous<\/span><\/h3>\n

Steve\u2019s generosity stands out most to me. He loved to give, especially when his giving would encourage you in your \u201csweet spot\u201d.<\/p>\n

And he didn\u2019t just give financially. He\u2019d also give his time, skills, and possessions; whatever he could give to advance the kingdom or bring you joy.<\/p>\n

Steve didn\u2019t just give in ways that would have a wide impact. I was told he carried a glove box full of meal cards for folks he\u2019d come across who were in need.<\/p>\n

Living Out Your Faith in the Workplace<\/span><\/h3>\n

In his later years, Steve created an excellent video series on living out your faith in the workplace.<\/p>\n

Check it out:<\/p>\n

Living Out Your Faith in the Workplace<\/a><\/p>\n

Prayer<\/h3>\n

Lord, thank You so much for Steve\u2019s life and for his friendship. You made him intelligent and generous. Thank You for using him in my life and in so many others.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank You for how he savored and enjoyed life.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank You for how he looked out for the interests of others and invested in their\u00a0passions and gifts.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank You that You made him a leader of leaders who had a tremendous impact on folks at the executive level.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank You also that he cared about ordinary folks and loved being a blessing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you for giving him a generous heart.<\/em><\/p>\n

Amen<\/em><\/p>\n

Reflections<\/span><\/h3>\n

A verse his son Jesse often heard him quote: Let the peace of Christ\u00a0rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and\u00a0be thankful. Let the word of\u00a0Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing\u00a0one another with psalms and\u00a0hymns\u00a0and spiritual songs,\u00a0singing\u00a0with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed,\u00a0do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Colossians 3:1)<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By reviewing SVF’s life again, I have new inspiration to allow God’s love to flow through me to every person He brings my way. And to radically seek the Kingdom of God above all else.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thank You Steve!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

[1] John 15:9-12<\/p>\n

[2] Matthew 6:33<\/p>\n

Note: <\/strong>Unless otherwise noted, all referenced Scripture is from the NASB 1995 version of the Bible.<\/p>\n

Other posts in our Everlasting Way Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Learning How to Overcome Emotional Numbness<\/a><\/p>\n

Embracing God\u2019s Amazing Love<\/a><\/p>\n

Are we More Like Batman or Spider-Man<\/a><\/p>\n

Transforming Awareness: The Power of God\u2019s Love<\/a><\/p>\n

Minding Your Busyness<\/a><\/p>\n

Our Deepest Longings Filled<\/a><\/p>\n

Rules Don’t Rule<\/a><\/p>\n

Mice in the Sock Drawer<\/a><\/p>\n

Turning Gainers into Drainers<\/a><\/p>\n

Until the Darkness Fades<\/a><\/p>\n

Courage Rising<\/a><\/p>\n

Recovering<\/a><\/p>\n

Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Subscribe to get email notifications of new posts. We post a few times a month. Thank you for reading.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
Robby Buck<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Nonfiction books by the Author:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This collection of devotionals chronicles a heartfelt journey from a life of striving and self-reliance to one of growing surrender and trust in God.<\/p>\n

Through personal stories of family struggles, cancer, grief, and unexpected trials, the devotions show that true, unshakeable joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from the constant, loving presence of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an invitation to learn to let go of our burdens and find growing peace in God\u2019s greater story.<\/p>\n

Finding Joy in Life\u2019s Moments<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn\u2019t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God\u2019s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It\u2019s not just a good idea, it\u2019s vital to our journey as human beings.\u00a0Rhythms of Joy<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Novels by the Author:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for?\u00a0\u00a0Beyond Time<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowingly set off a series of events which uncovers a plot to wipe out a whole family.\u00a0Hope Remains<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Please Check out the\u00a0\u00a0Cola City Podcast<\/a>\u00a0. Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been nine years since Steve passed into his heavenly home. I\u2019d like to repost a blog that was posted three years ago (with a few tweaks). His story is worth telling over and over again.<\/p>\n

It\u00a0happened so suddenly. One morning in January 2017, he never woke up. The news sent ripples through the faith community and at the corporate offices he\u2019d recently retired from. We were all in shock. Fittingly, an enlarged heart contributed to his death.<\/p>\n

A few days later, they granted me the privilege of saying a few words at his life celebration. I asked the hundreds gathered for a show of hands for those who\u2019d dined with Steve. Hands shot up everywhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your hands up if he insisted on paying the bill.\u201d I said.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t see one hand go down.<\/p>\n

Steve was that kind of person. If he felt he could help you in any way, he was all in. Loving others in the same mind-blowing way Christ had loved him. [1]<\/p>\n

Even though he was a few years younger than me, I considered him a mentor, especially in leadership and business. He had a keen mind and rose quickly in his career to the upper executive level in a large corporation. This is where I met him.<\/p>\n

Steve excelled at work, but he never took his eye off the loftier aspects of God\u2019s kingdom. [2] He listened well as he talked with you, praying for insight as to how he could add fuel to your passions and gifts.<\/p>\n

Being careful never to cheat the company, he\u2019d use breakfasts, lunches, and breaks to meet with folks who seemed to have spiritual interests.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

He and I often met at Arby\u2019s or Cracker Barrel near the office. During one of these meals, I first experienced his touchdown signal. I don\u2019t remember the exact circumstances, but I\u2019ll always remember my excitement when he suddenly raised his hands and yelled \u201ctouchdown\u201d at my answer to one of his coaching questions.<\/p>\n

When he saw folks moving in what he felt was their \u201csweet spot\u201d and making significant advancement in their faith goals, this was a touchdown. And he would not pass it by without joyously celebrating it with you.<\/p>\n

I cannot overstate Steve\u2019s impact on me, and I believe many others who knew him also experienced this blessing.<\/p>\n

Following are a few things I learned from him.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4472,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2812,2810],"tags":[2782,2786,2813,2806,2781,2783,2790,2789,2775,2780,2805,686,2804,2798,2803,509,633,1565,703,2800,2809,271,7,2776,2807,2296,2779,2814,2784,2797,2796,2791,2799,2816,2792,470,2788,3560,2808,2793,2778,2777,3559,2787,2785],"class_list":["post-7882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrating-the-life-of-a-friend","category-photo-by-jesse-von-fange-jvf","tag-arbys","tag-coaching-question","tag-cola-city-podcast","tag-colossians-315-17","tag-company","tag-cracker-barrell","tag-enjoy","tag-enjoy-life","tag-enlarged-heart","tag-executive","tag-extraordinary-generous","tag-faith","tag-generous","tag-gifts","tag-giving","tag-god","tag-gods-creation","tag-gods-glory","tag-influence","tag-invest-in-leaders","tag-jesse","tag-john-159-12","tag-joy","tag-life-celebration","tag-living-out-your-faith-in-the-workplace","tag-matthew-633","tag-mentor","tag-midlands-of-south-carolina","tag-office","tag-passions","tag-philippians-23-7","tag-photographer","tag-probing-questions","tag-reach-every-man-woman-and-child","tag-sauce","tag-savor","tag-savor-life","tag-savor-the-sauce","tag-sharon","tag-slather","tag-steve","tag-steve-von-fange","tag-svf","tag-sweet-spot","tag-touchdown"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7882","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7882"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7882\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7900,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7882\/revisions\/7900"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}