Yesterday was a mish-mash of good and bad in my little world. I received an email from the coach of the team my son was going to play on notifying us that he had lost a couple of players and had decided to do something else with his son leaving us high and dry in the baseball world. A couple of us that remain are scrambling to keep a team together so our kids can play but feel like it's too little time to get anything done. My son just laughed when he heard the news but I can't help but believe he feels the same disappointment his mother and I do. He worked hard to make a team and then it just vanishes. It may be a good learning experience for him but he's just 11 and can wait to learn about disappointment a little longer.
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I had a friend come up to speak to our youth group last night. Tyler Bullock is a "kid" I've known since he was 6 who is now playing professional baseball as the AA level in the Atlanta Braves organization. It's neat to see someone grow up, to succeed in what they want to do and see them stay grounded in what God wants for them. Tyler had some good points for the kids to think about last night and I appreciate him being willing to share his story and his message about keeping God first in his life.
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Jaci Isham was baptized after church last night. What a highlight for a parent and a great way to end the evening at church. I'm happy and proud for Jaci, another great kid.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bush's Last Stand
I took time to watch the State of the Union speech last night being that it is Bush's last one. I'm always amazed - and saddened - to see the President make a point that half the people stand up and cheer for and half remain seated and give the appearance they are bored to death. When our political leaders resort to junior high tactics, I get the feeling we are not on the right track as a country. I do enjoy hearing the President recite his past victories and his hope for things to come but looking at many of the faces in the audience, I know much of it will only be verbal dreams with no realization.
Add the drama between Obama and Hillary and now we have Mitt and McCain taking potshots at each other and it's just a sad environment we have to vote in. Why do the candidates think we want to vote on them based on the negative things they can point out about the other candidate instead of the positive things they think they will bring to the office?
It's just sad.
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We had a great Bible class Sunday morning discussing spiritual warfare and the demons that are constantly trying to attack us. The discussion, like others before it, remind me how futile I often spend my time trying to solve all my problems instead of calling on a supernatural being who wants to help me, wants to protect me and wants to defeat those demons for me. I can't find a supernatural battle but God can yet day after day, I often find myself flailing about and forgetting to call on my Lord. I just paused to pray for God's help and protection for today for me and for you. I need Him and I believe He will protect me.
Add the drama between Obama and Hillary and now we have Mitt and McCain taking potshots at each other and it's just a sad environment we have to vote in. Why do the candidates think we want to vote on them based on the negative things they can point out about the other candidate instead of the positive things they think they will bring to the office?
It's just sad.
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We had a great Bible class Sunday morning discussing spiritual warfare and the demons that are constantly trying to attack us. The discussion, like others before it, remind me how futile I often spend my time trying to solve all my problems instead of calling on a supernatural being who wants to help me, wants to protect me and wants to defeat those demons for me. I can't find a supernatural battle but God can yet day after day, I often find myself flailing about and forgetting to call on my Lord. I just paused to pray for God's help and protection for today for me and for you. I need Him and I believe He will protect me.
Monday, January 28, 2008
A Disappointing Ending
My basketball coaching career came to a disappointing end with a loss and my team not making the playoffs this year. I have spent the weekend replaying the year in my head with lots of what-if's going through my head. What if I would have done this differently? What if I had done that differently?
My mantra through these how ever many years has always been to teach fundamentals and let each boy play as much as possible and I feel like I remained true to that effort. I hope I helped each one develop a love for the game that I have enjoyed for so long and, if they decide to continue playing, have equipped them with some skills that will carry them forward. Even more, I hope I have had a hand in equipping them with skills that will carry them through their lives.
Donny, my brother-in-law and friend, has helped me coach the boys teams and I appreciate the opportunity to do that with him and have both my son and nephew on the same team.
Now I get to move into a phase of being the armchair coach making me much smarter than the actual coach. I will miss working with the different kids but it's also nice to be able to focus on one child. My daughter has been running cross country the last two years and it's not bad going to a meet and being able to focus on her (not that I would ever be caught coaching a running event). I think I will enjoy that opportunity with my son now (and hope he does too).
I know there will be other milestone events with both my kids that will end up being difficult to deal with. In the meantime, I will miss this part of my life but keep moving forward looking to enjoy every waking second I can with both of them.
My mantra through these how ever many years has always been to teach fundamentals and let each boy play as much as possible and I feel like I remained true to that effort. I hope I helped each one develop a love for the game that I have enjoyed for so long and, if they decide to continue playing, have equipped them with some skills that will carry them forward. Even more, I hope I have had a hand in equipping them with skills that will carry them through their lives.
Donny, my brother-in-law and friend, has helped me coach the boys teams and I appreciate the opportunity to do that with him and have both my son and nephew on the same team.
Now I get to move into a phase of being the armchair coach making me much smarter than the actual coach. I will miss working with the different kids but it's also nice to be able to focus on one child. My daughter has been running cross country the last two years and it's not bad going to a meet and being able to focus on her (not that I would ever be caught coaching a running event). I think I will enjoy that opportunity with my son now (and hope he does too).
I know there will be other milestone events with both my kids that will end up being difficult to deal with. In the meantime, I will miss this part of my life but keep moving forward looking to enjoy every waking second I can with both of them.
Friday, January 25, 2008
No Ice
The big winter event didn't turn out so big after all. Maybe we will get another chance at an ice storm later this year. In the meantime, it's supposed to be 60 tomorrow. That's crazy.
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I was thinking last night how different the newscast would be right now if the Cowboys were in the Super Bowl. The sports segment last night seemed like an after-thought.
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How about Baylor and A&M going FIVE extra periods in their basketball game the other night? Some of those guys looked like they could barely walk off the court when it was over. I'm happy for Baylor to be making some good news with their basketball program and hope their coach and players get rewarded somehow for the adversity they have come through the last 4 years.
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That's it. It's Friday and my brain is mush this morning. Have a great day and remember that God loves you.
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I was thinking last night how different the newscast would be right now if the Cowboys were in the Super Bowl. The sports segment last night seemed like an after-thought.
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How about Baylor and A&M going FIVE extra periods in their basketball game the other night? Some of those guys looked like they could barely walk off the court when it was over. I'm happy for Baylor to be making some good news with their basketball program and hope their coach and players get rewarded somehow for the adversity they have come through the last 4 years.
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That's it. It's Friday and my brain is mush this morning. Have a great day and remember that God loves you.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Knowing God
I was in a great class last night discussing how to know God. I have long had an intellectual understanding of God but for many years, I didn't strive to know Him. Over the past few years, I have really wanted to know God. I think that desire has come with my increased awareness of His grace.
When I went through periods where I asked for forgiveness but didn't feel worthy of accepting it, I didn't want an intimate relationship with God. As I have learned to accept His mercy, to let it cover me, to have joy in the comfort of His forgiveness, I have yearned to know God very personally. In some ways, it's still a scary proposition (because it will require more changes in me) but I know it will lead me to more peace, more joy and more comfort.
I do want to know God. I want to seek Him and I want to surrender my life to him. It's not an easy thing for me. The question was raised last night, what does surrender mean? One of the thoughts I had was that it meant to quit fighting against something. I suppose that's the way I feel at times - that I'm fighting against God for changes He wants in my life. I need to quit the fight against God and join the battle against sin, against Satan.
I want to know God, I just need to start acting on that desire.
When I went through periods where I asked for forgiveness but didn't feel worthy of accepting it, I didn't want an intimate relationship with God. As I have learned to accept His mercy, to let it cover me, to have joy in the comfort of His forgiveness, I have yearned to know God very personally. In some ways, it's still a scary proposition (because it will require more changes in me) but I know it will lead me to more peace, more joy and more comfort.
I do want to know God. I want to seek Him and I want to surrender my life to him. It's not an easy thing for me. The question was raised last night, what does surrender mean? One of the thoughts I had was that it meant to quit fighting against something. I suppose that's the way I feel at times - that I'm fighting against God for changes He wants in my life. I need to quit the fight against God and join the battle against sin, against Satan.
I want to know God, I just need to start acting on that desire.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Things Change
Talking to my son last night, I realized this Saturday could possibly be my last time to coach him in a sports activity. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It's a phase of life that is changing like so many have and so many more will but the realization that this phase is over makes me a bit sad.
One of the great joys I've had in my life is working with so many kids over the years. They have brought me many surprises and lots of joy. I will miss the opportunity to build relationships with them but appreciate the time I have had. It will be neat to watch them continue to grow and change.
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We went to the Ft. Worth rodeo the other night and had great seats and a fun time but I was ready to go about half way through the night. I remember when my wife and I went to the rodeo 5 or more times a year when we were first married and I remember how much we enjoyed it. Not anymore.
That said, Stock Show cinnamon rolls are still one of the top-3 I've ever had.
One of the great joys I've had in my life is working with so many kids over the years. They have brought me many surprises and lots of joy. I will miss the opportunity to build relationships with them but appreciate the time I have had. It will be neat to watch them continue to grow and change.
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We went to the Ft. Worth rodeo the other night and had great seats and a fun time but I was ready to go about half way through the night. I remember when my wife and I went to the rodeo 5 or more times a year when we were first married and I remember how much we enjoyed it. Not anymore.
That said, Stock Show cinnamon rolls are still one of the top-3 I've ever had.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Where Did It Go?
Time. It's zooming past me the last few days and I don't seem in control of it. I need more hours in my day to do all the things that are coming my way but I seem to be in the same position of many people I know.
My mom told me the story of asking her butcher one time, "how do you manage it when you have so many people in line?" His response was simple and provoking, "I just help one person at a time."
I've learned there is only so much I can do and I'll just do what I can and start over the next day on what remains. It may not be the best way to handle it but it helps keep my stress manageable most of the time and I get to enjoy the time I spend with people.
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I didn't see the Democrats debate but the snippets I saw this morning seemed like the battle is on. The comments between Clinton and Obama seem to be personal and very pointed. It will make the election process interesting to watch but I still can't get excited about any candidate.
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Last Sunday was my first time to be at church in about 4 weeks. Between the holidays, business travel and my little preaching gig, I've been gone and it was so good to be back. There is a familiarity with "home" but it was more than that, it was being in the presence of God with people I truly love. I already look forward to the next time we will be together.
My mom told me the story of asking her butcher one time, "how do you manage it when you have so many people in line?" His response was simple and provoking, "I just help one person at a time."
I've learned there is only so much I can do and I'll just do what I can and start over the next day on what remains. It may not be the best way to handle it but it helps keep my stress manageable most of the time and I get to enjoy the time I spend with people.
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I didn't see the Democrats debate but the snippets I saw this morning seemed like the battle is on. The comments between Clinton and Obama seem to be personal and very pointed. It will make the election process interesting to watch but I still can't get excited about any candidate.
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Last Sunday was my first time to be at church in about 4 weeks. Between the holidays, business travel and my little preaching gig, I've been gone and it was so good to be back. There is a familiarity with "home" but it was more than that, it was being in the presence of God with people I truly love. I already look forward to the next time we will be together.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Running Late
It's one of those mornings where I got out of my regular routine and can't get caught up with where I need to be. For those of you who prefer to read this earlier in the morning, my apologies.
My daughter went to Winterfest over the weekend with several members of the youth group. She loves it and really looks forward to it. They get to stay up late and are surrounded by a very large group of kids. I picked my daughter up around midnight Saturday night and she was excited but tired. I asked her what the theme was and her response was "it doesn't matter what we wear to church." I just laughed knowing it wasn't the best time to dig deeper but on the way to church Sunday morning with her and my son in the car, I asked her the question again and it offered an opportunity to discuss the true meaning of the lesson. When we were done, I think we all agreed that the topic was more along the lines of our focus needing to be on the inside, not the outside. If our heart isn't right, an Armani suit nor tattered rags can cover the real problem.
As Christians, we need to remember that the beauty of our buildings nor the beauty of our congregants can outshine the beauty of Christ. Our church may have a mismash of people wearing suits, jeans or shorts but all people need to see are our hearts. If they can see our hearts, we can help them find Christ but until they see our hearts, until the know we care, they won't see Jesus.
It was a great lesson that was presented to my daughter and many others and I pray that those kids will take it to school, to the playgrounds, to the malls, to their text messages and they will use their hearts to make the biggest difference in how people see them.
My daughter went to Winterfest over the weekend with several members of the youth group. She loves it and really looks forward to it. They get to stay up late and are surrounded by a very large group of kids. I picked my daughter up around midnight Saturday night and she was excited but tired. I asked her what the theme was and her response was "it doesn't matter what we wear to church." I just laughed knowing it wasn't the best time to dig deeper but on the way to church Sunday morning with her and my son in the car, I asked her the question again and it offered an opportunity to discuss the true meaning of the lesson. When we were done, I think we all agreed that the topic was more along the lines of our focus needing to be on the inside, not the outside. If our heart isn't right, an Armani suit nor tattered rags can cover the real problem.
As Christians, we need to remember that the beauty of our buildings nor the beauty of our congregants can outshine the beauty of Christ. Our church may have a mismash of people wearing suits, jeans or shorts but all people need to see are our hearts. If they can see our hearts, we can help them find Christ but until they see our hearts, until the know we care, they won't see Jesus.
It was a great lesson that was presented to my daughter and many others and I pray that those kids will take it to school, to the playgrounds, to the malls, to their text messages and they will use their hearts to make the biggest difference in how people see them.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
It's Good To Be Home
Other than a small flight delay, it was a safe trip home and I am glad to be back with my family and in my usual setting. I was speaking with someone I met at the trade show who travels 40 weeks out of the year and I was thankful that is not something I have to do. It's good to get away from the office at times but more than a couple of days without family is not something I look forward to. All that to say, I was so glad to see my wife at the airport and my kids when I got home.
I met Eddie Gossage at the airport. In case you don't know, he's the guy who runs Texas Motor Speedway. I introduced myself and told him my wife had become a big NASCAR fan and I think he's a fan of my wife now. He was very nice and, as a life long Packer fan, excited about both the upcoming NASCAR season and the run the Packers are making this year.
New York was certainly excited about the Giants. It seemed like I saw more talk about the Giants and more players being interviewed than I do with the Cowboys.
It's going to be a hectic few days trying to get caught up so I'm off to try to figure out what I need to do next. Have a great day!
I met Eddie Gossage at the airport. In case you don't know, he's the guy who runs Texas Motor Speedway. I introduced myself and told him my wife had become a big NASCAR fan and I think he's a fan of my wife now. He was very nice and, as a life long Packer fan, excited about both the upcoming NASCAR season and the run the Packers are making this year.
New York was certainly excited about the Giants. It seemed like I saw more talk about the Giants and more players being interviewed than I do with the Cowboys.
It's going to be a hectic few days trying to get caught up so I'm off to try to figure out what I need to do next. Have a great day!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ewwwwwwww
Several bad things are happening all at once. It's 4:20 in the morning here in NYC and I've been awake for an hour. That's not good.
The TV news program that is on at the moment is showing some of the bad American Idol auditions. They are bad.
A UFO sighting in Stephenville? I think that's what I heard on the news today.
My hotel is a block away from the Ed Sullivan Theater where the David Letterman show is done. I walked over last night just to say I'd been there. I walked down Broadway and it's not what I thought it would be like but Times Square is sort of neat. There are so many video billboards, it seems like it is daytime with all the lights.
The office building across the street leaves most of the lights on all night. I wonder how much electricity that wastes? I'm on the 42nd floor and all I can see are offices across the way.
The skyline here is crazy. I'd like to come back when I could do some sightseeing but I would not want to live here. Give me some space in Texas.
I got a $5 Starbucks card from one of the vendors at the show. I went to a Starbucks (it seems there is one every other block) and what typically costs $3.50 in Decatur is $5.50 here. I think the value of a $5 Starbucks card is that I get to use it more than once at home.
I think I'll try to get a couple of hours of sleep now. I look forward to sleeping at my house later tonight.
The TV news program that is on at the moment is showing some of the bad American Idol auditions. They are bad.
A UFO sighting in Stephenville? I think that's what I heard on the news today.
My hotel is a block away from the Ed Sullivan Theater where the David Letterman show is done. I walked over last night just to say I'd been there. I walked down Broadway and it's not what I thought it would be like but Times Square is sort of neat. There are so many video billboards, it seems like it is daytime with all the lights.
The office building across the street leaves most of the lights on all night. I wonder how much electricity that wastes? I'm on the 42nd floor and all I can see are offices across the way.
The skyline here is crazy. I'd like to come back when I could do some sightseeing but I would not want to live here. Give me some space in Texas.
I got a $5 Starbucks card from one of the vendors at the show. I went to a Starbucks (it seems there is one every other block) and what typically costs $3.50 in Decatur is $5.50 here. I think the value of a $5 Starbucks card is that I get to use it more than once at home.
I think I'll try to get a couple of hours of sleep now. I look forward to sleeping at my house later tonight.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
One and Done
It was a disappointing end to a fun season for the Cowboys. I don't know whether to be happy for the 13 wins or upset about the playoff loss to the Giants. I'm not much of a pro football fan anymore so I guess I'm not too happy or upset other than I don't really care to watch many other games. I'll be cheering for San Diego to go the rest of the way and if they lose, I don't know that I'll even watch the over-hyped bowl. On the bright side, college basketball is in full swing.
It's cold and rainy in New York City. I know that because last night I made a quick jaunt through Times Square in the rain. Tonight, I decided to stay in and stay warm. My feet were already tired after cruising through a huge trade show all day so staying in and getting a little work done was OK.
Elvis is still alive. Yep, he was at the trade show posing with a pink Cadillac and singing. Too bad my mom isn't here.
I've got another day of trade show walking tomorrow and hopefully a brief sightseeing tour Wednesday morning before heading back. I'm really tired of hotels and airports - especially airports. It will be nice to be back in Decatur, Texas, at home with my wife and children.
It's cold and rainy in New York City. I know that because last night I made a quick jaunt through Times Square in the rain. Tonight, I decided to stay in and stay warm. My feet were already tired after cruising through a huge trade show all day so staying in and getting a little work done was OK.
Elvis is still alive. Yep, he was at the trade show posing with a pink Cadillac and singing. Too bad my mom isn't here.
I've got another day of trade show walking tomorrow and hopefully a brief sightseeing tour Wednesday morning before heading back. I'm really tired of hotels and airports - especially airports. It will be nice to be back in Decatur, Texas, at home with my wife and children.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Going Home
I'm headed home tomorrow. It's been a fast trip and just two sleeps in a foreign land. I'm ready to get there and hug my wife and children.
I may have mentioned that my rental is a Ford Focus. It's a small car and the lights don't come on and go off automatically. The headlights of the trucks behind me shine right on the rear view mirror and it drives me nuts. I can't wait to get back in my truck.
Eating lunch today, I looked at the window and was gazing at the snow capped Rockies. What an awesome sight. In my mind, seeing the mountains here always makes me think I'm getting a small preview of Heaven.
I'm a Board Member for an industry association and we met today. One of the topics was where to hold the annual conference in 2009. Three cities in Colorado were all targeted with Breckenridge being the leading contender. Several of the bored members were suggesting places like New Orleans, Lexington and some place in Minnesota. Do they not all realize that the Blue River flows through Breckenridge and provides some excellent trout fishing? What more could they ask for?
I've got to go to bed. I'm up early for a meeting and I don't like up early.
I may have mentioned that my rental is a Ford Focus. It's a small car and the lights don't come on and go off automatically. The headlights of the trucks behind me shine right on the rear view mirror and it drives me nuts. I can't wait to get back in my truck.
Eating lunch today, I looked at the window and was gazing at the snow capped Rockies. What an awesome sight. In my mind, seeing the mountains here always makes me think I'm getting a small preview of Heaven.
I'm a Board Member for an industry association and we met today. One of the topics was where to hold the annual conference in 2009. Three cities in Colorado were all targeted with Breckenridge being the leading contender. Several of the bored members were suggesting places like New Orleans, Lexington and some place in Minnesota. Do they not all realize that the Blue River flows through Breckenridge and provides some excellent trout fishing? What more could they ask for?
I've got to go to bed. I'm up early for a meeting and I don't like up early.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Let It Snow, Let It Snow...
I arrived in Denver, Colorado today to a 32 degree temperature and big snowflakes falling. It was really pretty but not so great to drive in. Tonight, I've seen road-graders and bulldozers out on the streets moving snow and the rent car looks like I drove through a mud hole.
I got to the rental car place and they lady says, "I can't find your reservation but we do have a compact available." I laughed and then realized she was serious so I'm cruising the Rockies in a Ford Focus. I'm glad it's just me.
I go home Friday night and leave Sunday morning for New York City. I wish my family was traveling with me. I look forward to seeing NYC (I've never been there) but it won't be as much fun by myself. My daughter was going to come on this trip so we could eat at one of my favorite restaurants that serves LOTS of boiled shrimp but she had UIL competition. I tried to get my wife to go to NYC with me but she has this strange desire to be at home with the kids (what's up with women - going all maternal? Just kidding, I'm thankful she has that desire).
I'll try to blog some but it will probably be sporadic. Thanks for checking in and I'll catch up with you when I can.
I got to the rental car place and they lady says, "I can't find your reservation but we do have a compact available." I laughed and then realized she was serious so I'm cruising the Rockies in a Ford Focus. I'm glad it's just me.
I go home Friday night and leave Sunday morning for New York City. I wish my family was traveling with me. I look forward to seeing NYC (I've never been there) but it won't be as much fun by myself. My daughter was going to come on this trip so we could eat at one of my favorite restaurants that serves LOTS of boiled shrimp but she had UIL competition. I tried to get my wife to go to NYC with me but she has this strange desire to be at home with the kids (what's up with women - going all maternal? Just kidding, I'm thankful she has that desire).
I'll try to blog some but it will probably be sporadic. Thanks for checking in and I'll catch up with you when I can.
Monday, January 07, 2008
The Dad Sermon
This past Sunday, my sermon came from a conversation I had not too long ago with an unmarried friend who has never had children. We were talking about work and life and I expressed one of the benefits of my job was being close by to attend anything my children were doing. My friend couldn't understand why that seemed so important; what it would hurt if I wasn't around for everything. Then I relayed a story and when I was done he said, "I get it, that truly makes sense."
The story occurred when I was 16 or 17, a punk kid who knew more than most people, certainly my parents. I was in the backyard sitting on a picnic table and my dad came out in the yard. For whatever reason, I started asking him why he didn't make as much money as another Allstate agent in town, one who lived in a bigger house and was on TV commercials at the time. I remember my dad's response so well. He said he could make that much money if he wanted to work the way the other man did, spending his days, nights and weekends selling insurance. And then came the words that hit me right in the heart..."I could do that but I want to be home to be available if you ever need me." I don't remember saying anything else.
That sentence has bounced around in my head for years and as I have matured and realized my parents are pretty smart and I'm not quite the Einstein I mistook myself for, I realize those words that came from my father came from THE Father. I appreciate my dad because we can say "I love you" and hug when we see each other and when we leave each other but there may be nothing else my dad has ever said that was more God-like to me than "I want to be available if you ever need me."
That's the beauty of our God, the Father. He is always available when we need Him. He is always present, always waiting for our cry, our call for help. He's always ready to bear our burdens, pick us up and encourage us through our trials. The Father is always available.
I love my dad because of so many things but nothing more than the fact that he was always available to me. Thank you Dad.
The story occurred when I was 16 or 17, a punk kid who knew more than most people, certainly my parents. I was in the backyard sitting on a picnic table and my dad came out in the yard. For whatever reason, I started asking him why he didn't make as much money as another Allstate agent in town, one who lived in a bigger house and was on TV commercials at the time. I remember my dad's response so well. He said he could make that much money if he wanted to work the way the other man did, spending his days, nights and weekends selling insurance. And then came the words that hit me right in the heart..."I could do that but I want to be home to be available if you ever need me." I don't remember saying anything else.
That sentence has bounced around in my head for years and as I have matured and realized my parents are pretty smart and I'm not quite the Einstein I mistook myself for, I realize those words that came from my father came from THE Father. I appreciate my dad because we can say "I love you" and hug when we see each other and when we leave each other but there may be nothing else my dad has ever said that was more God-like to me than "I want to be available if you ever need me."
That's the beauty of our God, the Father. He is always available when we need Him. He is always present, always waiting for our cry, our call for help. He's always ready to bear our burdens, pick us up and encourage us through our trials. The Father is always available.
I love my dad because of so many things but nothing more than the fact that he was always available to me. Thank you Dad.
The Politics Machine
Iowa's over and I was surprised by the results. New Hampshire is tomorrow and I wonder what the media will be saying on Wednesday. Huckabee's margin of victory surprised me and Hillary coming in 3rd surprised me. Huckabee isn't one who gives me much confidence with his demeanor and Obama really scares me. Why do Iowa and New Hampshire have so much influence in the process? Why doesn't everyone vote at one time as is done in the general election?
I'll be keeping an eye on New Hampshire tomorrow before and after watching Decatur take on Argyle (#3 in the state right now). Go Eagles?
I finished my preaching tour yesterday. It was fun and so beneficial. If nothing else, I spent some time in the Word that opened my eyes and my heart to some things God wanted me to hear. I plan to write about my sermon later this week but have to get busy today.
I'll be keeping an eye on New Hampshire tomorrow before and after watching Decatur take on Argyle (#3 in the state right now). Go Eagles?
I finished my preaching tour yesterday. It was fun and so beneficial. If nothing else, I spent some time in the Word that opened my eyes and my heart to some things God wanted me to hear. I plan to write about my sermon later this week but have to get busy today.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Growth
I was reading an article about church growth last night and wondering what the hubbub was all about. I guess I question it because I've often thought of church growth simply as a growth in numbers. Today, that is an idea that irritates me. We are a counting society; we want to know how many and how much. Maybe it's because it is so much easier to quantify a body in a seat rather than a life in action.
I was reading a summary of another book the came out with a new "buzzword" to me but one I might like. You may have heard the terms "reaching the unchurched" or "seeker-sensitive service." The new one on me was that we become "sinner-sensitive churches." The idea was that we realize we are all sinners, not better than the next person who walks in the door, and minister that way. Does it matter if the next person who walks in has a drinking problem, drug problem, gambling problem or pride problem? Not if we are sinner-sensitive, not if we realize those are the people Jesus was drawn to, not if we realize we are no different.
I've got a lot of things bouncing around in my head and 2008 might be the year I really start to think out loud more. I may use this blog as my sounding board for myself, not looking for arguments or support, simply a place to write down my ideas and begin to unscramble them in an attempt to find who God wants me to be, what God wants me to be doing. While many of the things going on in my feeble noggin' are counter to what I'm used to, I don't hold negative ideas about what I or the church have done in the past. I only want to look forward, to find where God might lead me and others to change the world. A part of that change starts with me.
I was reading a summary of another book the came out with a new "buzzword" to me but one I might like. You may have heard the terms "reaching the unchurched" or "seeker-sensitive service." The new one on me was that we become "sinner-sensitive churches." The idea was that we realize we are all sinners, not better than the next person who walks in the door, and minister that way. Does it matter if the next person who walks in has a drinking problem, drug problem, gambling problem or pride problem? Not if we are sinner-sensitive, not if we realize those are the people Jesus was drawn to, not if we realize we are no different.
I've got a lot of things bouncing around in my head and 2008 might be the year I really start to think out loud more. I may use this blog as my sounding board for myself, not looking for arguments or support, simply a place to write down my ideas and begin to unscramble them in an attempt to find who God wants me to be, what God wants me to be doing. While many of the things going on in my feeble noggin' are counter to what I'm used to, I don't hold negative ideas about what I or the church have done in the past. I only want to look forward, to find where God might lead me and others to change the world. A part of that change starts with me.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Happy New Year
It's 2008, can you believe it? Time continues to speed by and I want it so desperately to slow down but it doesn't listen to me.
Since I last posted, I celebrated Christmas with my family, got some cool stuff that I really don't need but plan to enjoy anyway, saw my favorite basketball tournament (ranked by Sports Illustrated as one of the top-5 holiday tournaments in the country) had a birthday and was the preacher for a little church in Denton. The Cowboys limped into the playoffs and I won my fantasy football league even though I was the 7th seed going in. How's that for excitement?
I enjoyed my preaching gig and preach this Sunday also. It's not something I am equipped to do on a regular basis and I'm certainly not qualified to deliver a message like many preachers do every week (Rick Ross comes to mind) but it gets me into God's word and causes me to spend more time thinking about Him and what He tells us and wants for us. My sermon last week and this week are things that have been on my heart and mind lately which makes it easier because I've been developing thoughts over time.
Last week, I talked about the paralyzed man who was brought to Jesus by 4 friends. They couldn't get in the house where Jesus was speaking so they carried him to the roof, dug a hole and lowered him to the floor. Can you imagine the faith and hope they had to do all of that? Then when Jesus sees the man, he tells the paralyzed man who has been carried by friends that his sins are forgiven. Wow! I wonder what the paralyzed man thought. Was he ecstatic to be forgiven of his sins? Was he confused because he came to be healed?
The story resonates with me because I place myself in the story and I think I would come to Jesus to be healed of my infirmity (diabetes) and if Jesus said I was forgiven of my sins, I wonder if my reply wouldn't be "thanks, but what about my diabetes." I get so caught up in wanting what I want or think I need that I forgot a greater gift has been given to me through Jesus. In 2008, I will continue to ask God for things but I want to do so much, much, much more thoughtful of what has already been given to me, forgiveness of sins. What a beautiful gift that I too often overlook. What a beautiful gift that I want to begin to celebrate.
Since I last posted, I celebrated Christmas with my family, got some cool stuff that I really don't need but plan to enjoy anyway, saw my favorite basketball tournament (ranked by Sports Illustrated as one of the top-5 holiday tournaments in the country) had a birthday and was the preacher for a little church in Denton. The Cowboys limped into the playoffs and I won my fantasy football league even though I was the 7th seed going in. How's that for excitement?
I enjoyed my preaching gig and preach this Sunday also. It's not something I am equipped to do on a regular basis and I'm certainly not qualified to deliver a message like many preachers do every week (Rick Ross comes to mind) but it gets me into God's word and causes me to spend more time thinking about Him and what He tells us and wants for us. My sermon last week and this week are things that have been on my heart and mind lately which makes it easier because I've been developing thoughts over time.
Last week, I talked about the paralyzed man who was brought to Jesus by 4 friends. They couldn't get in the house where Jesus was speaking so they carried him to the roof, dug a hole and lowered him to the floor. Can you imagine the faith and hope they had to do all of that? Then when Jesus sees the man, he tells the paralyzed man who has been carried by friends that his sins are forgiven. Wow! I wonder what the paralyzed man thought. Was he ecstatic to be forgiven of his sins? Was he confused because he came to be healed?
The story resonates with me because I place myself in the story and I think I would come to Jesus to be healed of my infirmity (diabetes) and if Jesus said I was forgiven of my sins, I wonder if my reply wouldn't be "thanks, but what about my diabetes." I get so caught up in wanting what I want or think I need that I forgot a greater gift has been given to me through Jesus. In 2008, I will continue to ask God for things but I want to do so much, much, much more thoughtful of what has already been given to me, forgiveness of sins. What a beautiful gift that I too often overlook. What a beautiful gift that I want to begin to celebrate.
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