The Grace Place

Whether you’re here on purpose or you accidently Googled your way to my poor attempt at orgainizing words, I hope you’ll join me for a cup of coffee and take some words with you when you depart. The words are free, but those that are arranged correctly might cost you an illusion or two. I know I’ve paid dearly for them, but what I got in return…well, it’s been well worth it. If you need to vent that’s also okay! Sometimes we find the answers we need in the questions and rantings we express. The Bottom Line Is, I’m glad you’re here.

My home of origin is South Louisiana, so I’m sure you won’t be surprised that my name is Louis Hubert (Fr. Hue-bear) Bartet (Fr. Bar-Tay). I spent some time in the Marine Corps and I must admit it was one of the better experiences of my life. Later, I partied my way through a few years at Southeastern Louisiana State University in Hammond, and then went on to try my wings in the civilian world. In my searching, God found me and turned me around and inside out.

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It has been my pleasure (most of the time) to pastor the same congregation since 1976. Although I’ve been a pastor for more than 33 years there are days when I feel as though I’m just getting started. Although the journey has been rough at times, I’ve had some good companions along the way. My wife, six daughters and thirteen grandchildren have challenged me, changed me and companioned me. They have been and are a gift from God to moi.

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Why am I trying my hand at blogging? Discipline? Interaction? Do I believe my thoughts and views will change the world? Nah! Actually, a friend made me realize that many of our thoughts are lost because we do not record them somewhere. This would seem to suggest that words are one of the most valuable gifts we can give to those we love.  Those three little words, I LOVE YOU, when spoken from the heart can light up an otherwise dark day. We all have the same words, but, like the notes in a song, we arrange them differently. All of this suggested to me that blogging might be an interesting way to hold onto some of my musings and give them away at the same time. I’m not foolish enough to believe that anyone but my family, friends and a few misdireted Googlers will take the time to journey through my journaling. Whoever you are and however you got here, please know that you are welcome to join me in this endeavor and to leave some words for me to enjoy or think about.

I make no claim to knowing all the answers, but I do know the One who is the answer. What I have learned from Him and His people has changed my life and helped me in ways I cannot explain. At one point in my life I asked Him to take away the emotional pain that was killing me. Instead of taking away my pain, He showed me that the key to the the relief I longed for was in letting go of what was causing my pain. It was and is these kinds of encounters with God that makes me hunger to know Him more. He has proven Himself to be my best Friend!

Blessings,
Lou