Starbucks...and such...OVERKILL (on my part)? Oh...I said too much!

I'm not 100% sure who is the author of the thoughts on the thoughts on Starbucks coffee cups. Perhaps it's made it's way into your inbox. It blasts them for a couple of pretty "out there" quotes. Quotes that while not graphic in their language are bad enough that I won't give them a reprint here. I've seen some quotes that I don't like on my Starbucks and a few that I really do like. But the piece I'm referring to calls on us to boycott Starbucks based on these. Now, boycotting Starbucks would not be a problem for me. While I like the comortable enviorment, coffee doesn't get me going and there are plenty of other good places for study. In a typical week I'll usually spend a part of one or two days studying in a Starbucks...so I have no reason to defend them. Here's a response to a friend on the suggestion of boycotting them - I invite your thoughts and comments:

- I have never thought Starbucks was a Christian place. I know they have used some quotes on those cups from people who are people of faith as well. This sort of thing always provides me a lot of thought.

After Melanie's brother, Tim, was killed by a drunk driver. For sometime I would not eat at a place that sold alcohol or shop any grocery that sold beer or liquor...then I added tobacco to the list -but finally I decided that this was making no difference. I mean, how far should I take it? Should I not read a magazine that has a beer ad in it, should I not watch a show that has a beer sponsor...and if so, should I not shop in a grocery store that sells magazines that have beer ads in them...then if I go there should I not go to stores that the owners buy beer even if they don't sell it there - my business provides the money to the owners or managers for them to buy such.And if I'm really a Christian should I so support say a denominationalist who takes the profits from products I buy at his business and makes contributions to his church which teaches false doctrine. And even say I decide I should not do that so I only buy from businesses owned by Christians who do not sell beer or tobacco or magazines that advertise them. What about the employees? If they are not all Christians then I am buying products that provide income through the business where they get the income to give to or buy products that are against my Christian faith. And let's say the business only employees Christians. I then must investigate every product they sell - and the people who own the businesses that make those products. What if they also own say like Coke - a side business that produces alcohol. And what about the roads I drive on, highly financed by the proceeds of "sin taxes". If I drive on them and enjoy the experience then could not one say that if strectched far enough I am encourageing people to drink by enjoyng the drive on a road that their use of alcohol helped create?

Or what if the owners of the businesses of ... well, you get the point. It's just hard to know.

Christians are to be in the world and not of the world. What a challenge. All that said, I have boycotted some businesses before, some on purpose, some just by a decision not to take my business there anymore. And given the opportunity I buy first from Christians (even if I might have to pay a little more). I try to frequent places that if I know have a high moral standard offer what I'm looking for (But even this is difficult. For while Target is by nature much more likely to support liberal causes than Walmart - both do and support things I object to). For instance I like Chick-Fil-A for a lot of reasons (the world's best sweet tea, great chicken sandwichs, and they don't open on Sunday's to encourage their employees to go to church) but I can't vouch for the spirituality or practices of Cathy Truitt who owns Chick-Fil-A. Must I investigate his every investment before going to his resturant or can I simply say I like going there for what I know of his standards and morality?

As you see, I could go on a while about all of this (already have).

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to boycott Starbucks - but if I did I'd have to leave here now!

How To Make Your Life Count

Just finished a great little book today. It is by Dennis Jones, President of Heritage Christian University. It is a very quick, very enjoyable, very inspiring read. It's one that is hard to put down. Dennis takes eight principles and styles them around the theme of building a meaningful life. It has some very excellent principles for both individuals as well as churches. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this good book.

I feel sure I'll borrow his section on "gifts".

A couple of quick quotes from the book:

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away.” anonymous

“How much better it is to have fewer classes with better teachers than to have a large number of classes taught by boring, half-interested teachers. A gifted teacher can make the word of God what it truly is – exciting and interesting, capturing our thoughts and hearts.”

“A leader does not sit around and wait for someone else to do what needs to be done. A leader sees a job and takes action to get it accomplished.”

For Preachers Only...

I'm finishing up a new book but I can't wait to blog it. It will go on my top 10 list! It's a pretty short book - about 200 pages. BUT WOW. Now, you "non-preaching" types probably wouldn't benefit from it but it is rather dramatic in it's effect. My brother has read more books on preaching than anyone I know. I try to read several a year. I want to improve and be better and one way is to read and learn.



Those of you who have heard my attempts at preaching much at all know that I have advocated that any sermon I preach should have at LEAST 5 points. Preferably 7! For many reasons I've followed that pattern.



The book is titled "Communicating For A Change" and is by Andy Stanley (that's Charles Stanley's son) and Lane Jones. Stanley pushes strongly for ONE POINT sermons. And he about has me convinced. He also has some fascinating "outlining" concepts. I may not change my style but I have been VERY challenged and learned a lot. I'd encourage any preacher to investigate it. It will challenge your thinking.

I found the book online for about $10.00.


ADDED TWO HOURS LATER: OK enough jabs on me and number of points! :) One ex-frustrated listeners referenced my 7-22 point sermons. Another thought I always had one for each letter of the alphabet! :) Thanks...funny, none of those folks was bold enough to post their comments! :) Bring 'em on! :)

Home...Blogging from Hamilton...

From as much a home as I know:

Home...Hamilton...the words are a little synamous in my mind! I lived there for 14 years - 4 as a child while my dad preached there, 10 as the blessed minister of the Hamilton church. It's longer than anywhere I've ever lived in my life! Both my sons were baptized in that city. They hired a young kid (how foolish on their part but what a blessing it was to me), aged 24 to work with one of the best known churches in North Alabama and one of the strongest small town churches in our brotherhood. They were patient with me and better to me than I ever deserved. I've always been proud to say that I was associated with the Hamilton Church of Christ. Hamilton is where Maywood Christian Camp is - I've been a part of Maywood longer than any other continual influence in my life. I've served as a camper, worker, dish washer, counselor, director and now board member at that place. I got my first "real" kiss there and I first held Melanie's hand there.

Hamilton: It is home! If I died today it's where I'd want to be buried. And now I consider an honor to be back. This week I'm preaching a meeting there. And, it's been like being at home.

My first year with the church was my hardest of ministry. Comparisons, problems, leadership, all were constant frustrations. I made so many mistakes but they loved me anyway and took me into their hearts and for that this place will always have a special place in my heart. When I'm here it's like I am in my element - it seems I know everyone and have ties special ties with everyone here. I have fought back the tears every time I've stood up to preach this week. I love these people...this place.

That's the blessing of ministry. Being a part of people's lives in the highs and lows, funerals and wedding, disasters and victories. Over a lifetime. A lifetime. A common lifetime.

I don't think I could ever move back - as Melanie says, "we're at a different place in our lives and things would be different now." I'm sure she's right but I still get homesick now and then.

Ted Burlseon is the wonderful, godly man who now occupies this pulpit. And they love he and his wife Karen here. Our lives have intersected with Ted's often through the years. His son Doug worked along side me at Granny White and Melanie and I grew to love he and Kristie. His son David was roommates for a year with my two sons at FHU. And now we share this bond. Ted's maturity, wisdom and experience are leading a renewal in this congregation and I thrill with him and them.

None of this is to imply that I didn't love GW. Moving to Nashville was a blessing to every one of us and I don't regret that for a moment and working with Granny White - well, it's Granny White! What more could I say - what a place. And now to be at Spring Meadows - I have never enjoyed a work more than I am enjoying this one. What is happening there is unbelievable and I am growing to love that place more and more every day. It is Hamiltonish. The energy, life, vitality and spirit of Spring Meadows is unlike anything I've ever seen. The unity and direction, the vision and love - what more could I say? Each are special and have a piece of my heart.

I simply must say - God is good!

END NOTE: Our Andrew worked with this church last summer and is slated to be back this summer. I don't know of any other church that has been good enough to allow three generations from the same family to minister with them.

The Court Verdict

I felt honored to know Matt and consider his dad, uncle and granddad heroes of the faith. When a mutual friend called and told me that Dan had asked him to come to sit with him during the trial but that he couldn't make the trip alone and asked that I make the trip with him - I did so joyfully but reluctantly. I have a number of thoughts and comments on the injustice that I feel the trial was - several friends of mine have written about the trial more effectively than I could but the note that follows from someone I do not know I think says some powerful things worth your consideration. It is from The Tennessean:

Friday, 04/20/07
Verdict in Winkler case can't make up for family's lossBy TRUMAN BEAN
Tennessee Voices
"With the jury's verdict of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Matthew Winkler, a few important concerns need to be brought forth.
I have known Dan and Diane Winkler, Matthew's parents, through his tenure as the main pulpit minister at Crieve Hall Church of Christ (where we are members) for a decade in the '90s and early 2000s. Their sons, Daniel and Jacob along with their newly formed families and ever-new additions, were members also. Matthew visited during his college years as a student, eventually visiting with Mary as his dating partner, fiancée, wife, and mother to their children.
I have watched this family grow from five plus one spouse to five plus three spouses and a litter of beautiful grandchildren.
Dan's preaching throughout his Crieve Hall tenure was flavored with numerous family stories, of fun and sadness, successes and failures and all things in between. Dan maintained a respect for God's inspired scripture, teaching its admonitions on the importance of family and the self-sacrifice needed by BOTH husbands/fathers and wives/mothers in order to fulfill its purpose of a nurturing and fruitful environment for all.
I benefited from this emphasis, as a newly married neophyte, sleepwalking toward parenthood, needing direction to help me be the husband Kimberly deserves and the parent our children deserve.
With that said, my heart now aches for the pain that Dan and Diane, the children of Matthew and Mary and the brothers, Daniel and Jacob, are having to endure.
Hearing the news of their son's murder a year ago, I know they have had to dealt with the natural grieving process of a loss of a close loved one, the unnatural grief caused by the loss of a child, the most cruel realization that his killer was one he and they held most dear, enduring one's faith being attacked as a backward cult-like faction and finally having their child's reputation dragged through the mire of character assassination without restraint and accountability.
Dan and Diane have truly endured the trials that only Job could understand and empathize with. They have maintained a model of Christ-like living, exhibiting dignity, restraint, poise, and grace throughout this media-driven madness. They have showed the love for their son by being respectful and graceful to his accused killer.
There are no winners now that that the jury has announced its decision, only losers. Guilt or innocence did not bring back the father to three bewildered children, whose memories of their father will soon begin to fade prematurely. Guilt or innocence did not erase the deed that Mary has admitted to doing. Guilt or innocence did not wash away the accusations on Matthew's character. And finally, guilt or innocence did not bring back the warm embrace of the grieving mother, earnestly desiring to hold the life that she brought into this world.
The decision of voluntary manslaughter does not undo the harm done, but justice demanded that a verdict be rendered for all the wrongs done to the most innocent — both man's attempt in its decision today and God's final judgment in the eternal realm."

Please pray for all involved.

If you don't like good news don't read this...

Sunday was another banner day for Spring Meadows. Another "record regular" Sunday attendance wise - we had 203 present. I have been saying for a few weeks that some Sunday soon we'd pop up over that 200 mark...and we did it Sunday! That night 133 returned and among other things heard about exciting work that Steven is doing in Costa Rica and prayed for some missionaries (Andrew and Natalie Hayes) we are helping send to Cambodia. Our total contribution was near $9000. We recognized deacons for several specific areas. BUT ALL OF THAT, THOUGH EXCITING PALES IN COMPARISON to the one baptism we had. We welcome Haley Paul to our growing family (see previous post)! Thanks for all your prayers for the work here - it is the prayers of others and the blessings of God that is making great things happen here! I know most of the readers here want to know this.

The Gospel Still Works...

If I remember correctly: Sue met her on a visit to the doctor and invited her to a Friend Day. You know how that works, but this time the invitation was accepted. Claudia came and found "her" church that day. She heard the gospel time and again and after a few months was baptised into Christ. Yesterday her 16 year old daughter, Haley, came forward and God added her to His church. Claudia's husband is now attending with her. The story is not over. You never know what a simple invitation will do. Remember our next Friend Day at Spring Meadows is May 6 - it could be a day your friend could remember for eternity. God is good.

More...

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20 ESV).

Ever thought about that verse in relationship to your life, to your family, to the church? If all that is happening in these venues is what you expect, you must not be expecting enough. If nothing is happening, then you must not be asking enough. Think about it. MORE. Dream more, ask more, imagine more...believe more! What more is God doing in the realms of your life? "Don't limit God" - He can always do more!

So many of you have assured me of your constant prayers for the Spring Meadows church and so many of you ask about it all. So an encouraging update seems due: Last week we set "normal" records all around. Our Sunday morning crowd was 187, Sunday Bible school 156, Sunday night 149 and Wednesday night 116 - all records. Then today (April 8) we had 241 present - a new all time high. God certainly has blessed this work - "Easter Sunday" last year 78 were present.

The names of nine prospective deacons and their respective areas were presented to the church...it could have been 20 or more but we weren't going for numbers in this attempt but trying to buttress some specific areas where we needed servant leadership.

On May 6 we are planning a spring picnic "at the property" and hope to have a BIG announcement soon about that day.

Thank you all...but most of all praise our Father, He is doing great things here...more than we could ask or imagine.

As a friend asks - need I say more?

The All Name Hall of Fame.

Names: The report this morning said that new research has revealed that children as young as 12 months who do not respond to their name may be autistic. Names - they mean something to us don't they.

Names: With apologies to Shake sphere "a rose by any other name" might be as sweet but if you asked me to come smell a skunk I'd probably think you'd lost it.

Names: I was blessed with a good name. I've not always kept it up but hope that when the balance is done I will pass on a name still healthy to my sons.

Names: My mom's family has several folks in the "all name hall of fame": There's Inez, and Woollen, and Joleen, and Bervie, and Rey. She has an uncle named Pub and dad has one who goes by Pie, or is it the other way around.

Names: Biblically God seems to think names are important. He named Adam, changed Jacob's name, and Abram's. Saul became Paul and Joses became Barnabas.

Names: Then there's name calling. And for anyone who believes names are not significant imagine crying one of the names of derision you've heard for some societal group in a crowded theater.

Names: Some say the name on the front of the building means nothing - they don't know what they are saying. Names are significant. I would not name a church trying to give glory to God after some man, or doctrine. The name can lie - it may claim to belong to Christ but really not, so a name can deceive, but it also reveals.

Names: Your name and mine. How we behave, what we say and do is significant for someday the Lord will call our name and judge us. Take care of it.

Edited and butchered...

Jump in a time machine with me for a few lines:

March, 1988...I had been writing bulletin articles for roughly 5 years - what an impressive resume for a writer :).

An issue came along that I had a lot of passion about and I wrote three articles and submitted them to Words of Truth, a paper of some renown in Alabama. A few weeks went by and I got a very nice letter from the editor of the paper stating they were going to run my article and that I might want to look over their format for submissions information which was enclosed. For the next few weeks I couldn't wait for the little paper to come out, I'd rush to the mailbox. The anticipation was almost too much. Then it arrived! I saw my name on the front page - wow! I called Melanie, Missie, Jeff, mom, dad, my elders, the fellow who read our water meter - everyone I could think of...I'm sure I bragged and I'm sure it was ungodly and I'm sure I sounded like someone who had had an article published for the first time in their life. But all that was true, so what else should I have sounded like? In the enclosed letter the editor of the paper encouraged me to continue writing that "writing makes a precise man" - of something that some famous dead guy had said.

THEN I finally actually looked at my article. "They" changed it, edited it, butchered it1 Actually they had taken the first paragraph out (it was one of my favorites) and done some serious (and I'm sure now) and helpful editing. Oh I was mad. I did not want to be edited...changed,...butchered...I wrote it how I wrote it...I liked the way it sounded...those are my words, I birthed them (as if I ever had an original thought - but just in case I did I didn't want anyone messing with them!).

That was over a million words ago in my writing life. Early on Melanie and I had some pretty serious unscheduled discussions when she would try to edit me. For years I fought every suggested change regardless of the authority or credibility of said changers. I would run kicking and screaming to defend every period, comma, and dangling participle! I would refuse some changes - "they can edit but its still my writing so I don't have to take all their suggestions." "That may be correct but this how I'd say it...", I'd defend.

In February my son Philip had his fist work published. His is two chapters in an excellent new book called "Boys to Men". Earlier this week he got around to actually reading the chapters as they appear. Here is the text message he send me: "I'm reading that book I wrote for...wish I could have detarded this thing. They totally butchered some of my stuff."

What's that saying about apples and trees? :)

To this day, I hate being edited. But I have learned that a good and careful editor is a writer's best friend. At GW my stuff would be edited by the very best. Typically least four sets of eyes would check it before it went to press. And those eyes were the best of the best. I used to joke that I would always read my article after it was printed to see what I said. I need serious help when it comes to writing. I make up words, create my own rules of grammar, suspend the ones I don't like and am a SLOW learner.

Yes, I hate being edited - but I sure miss my editors! They always made me look better than I are - oops :).

A fascinating article...

I've been blogging nearly a year and have never posted anything written from another website...so when I tell you that you need to read this article forwarded to me by my friend Phil Ellenburg. It is very well done:

We live in the land of biblical idiots: Public school courses that promote Bible literacy can enhance our civic life.
By Stephen Prothero, STEPHEN PROTHERO is chairman of the religion department at Boston University and the author of "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know -- and Doesn't."March 14, 2007

ALTHOUGH THE 110th Congress has brought to Capitol Hill 43 Jews, two Buddhists and a Muslim — Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), who took his oath of office on Thomas Jefferson's Koran — Washington remains a disproportionately Christian town. More than 90% of federal legislators call themselves Christians, making Congress more Christian than the United States itself. The president is an evangelical Protestant. Catholics enjoy a majority on the Supreme Court. Biblical references — from the Jericho Road to the golden rule to the promised land — permeate political speech. Yet U.S. citizens know almost nothing about the Bible. Although most regard it as the word of God, few read it anymore. Even evangelicals from the Bible Belt seem more focused on loving Jesus than on learning what he had to say.

In a religious literacy quiz I have administered to undergraduates for the last two years, students tell me that Moses was blinded on the road to Damascus and that Paul led the Israelites on their exodus out of Egypt. Surveys that are more scientific have found that only one out of three U.S. citizens is able to name the four Gospels, and one out of 10 think that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife. No wonder pollster George Gallup has concluded that the United States is "a nation of biblical illiterates."

Biblical illiteracy is not just a religious problem. It is a civic problem with political consequences. How can citizens participate... for the complete article (and you'll want to read it al) click this link: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-prothero14mar14,0,5385607.story?coll=la-opinion-rightrail

Share YOUR thoughts on this article with our community...

Take a survey win a car...

Somebody somewhere will win a Saturn at some point but not on this site and not from this survey. :) But don't you think a preacher in Spring Hill ought to drive a Saturn? :) Come on, take the survey anyway!

So I speak Saturday at the really well put together and attended Youth Rally at Lomax Crossroads in Hohenwald. I suppose it's a sign of my age that three of the last six youth rallies I've spoken in it has been to the parents! And that's what I'm doing this year. But it is still an honor to be on this good program. My college roommate Van booked me for a meeting there nearly ten years ago - then he moved on a few months before the meeting. Since I've been back there several times and they hired our first Preaching Intern at Granny White, David Salisbury. David's done a bang up job there.

This year I am to speak on how our children bless our lives and how we bless the lives of our children. Here's where you come in:


1. How have your children blessed your life?


2. How have you blessed there lives? What are some specific things you've done to bring you closer to them so you could bless their lives (family traditions, special times, child specific activities, etc.)?


Forward this url to your friends...
http://www2.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=22303730&postID=4682826800978984269

THANKS...and if you win a Sky somewhere will you at least let me drive it once?

Start punching...edit, correct, etc....

We’ve tried to come up with a way to define this wonderful place and the awesome things happening here. Please take just a moment to see into the heart of this church. What do you see?
…Openess to the Will of God as revealed in the Word of God. That is really the starting place if you want to get your finger on the pulse of thing happening here (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We are trying to be Bible People (James 1:22-25). It is our goal to reproduce New Testament Christianity in the 21st Century. We are open to the Will of God as revealed in the Word of God. We are also open to welcoming new people to the Family here.
….Oneness it is our goal to blend this body of Christians together as a close family: For there to be an obvious love and oneness on our fellowship (John 13:35; Ephesians 4:3-7).
…Outreach. It doesn’t long take to see that the Spring Hill area is experiencing tremendous growth. You are a part of that growth. As we drive up and down the roads of this unique place we wonder do these folks know Christ (Philippians 3:8-10)? We want you to know that HERE you are wanted and welcomed.
…Opportunities. We believe that God has given each person abilities that will only bring their highest joy when used for Him in His service (Matthew 25; 1 Corinthians 12). We want to aid every member of this Family here to find those gifts and use them in powerful and meaningful ways.
But try as we may, it is impossible to describe the spirit that IS Spring Meadows. Words cannot describe what you have to come feel and experience yourself. A warm welcome awaits you as soon as you walk through the doors! Home is where the heart is and you will find loving hearts here.
From our Family to you, Welcome to Spring Hill! What are you doing this Sunday? Why not make a stop that could change your life? We would be delighted to see you at 9:00 for worship – We’ll meet you at the door!

Better Questions...

Some questions followed by what I think might be better questions:

Why does evil exist? When I look at the self-serving, possession driven, me first culture I wonder more – Why does good exist? We are more prone to evil than good.
Why would a loving God send someone to hell (apart from the fact that he won’t – they will send themselves there) a better question might be how could a just God allow a human in heaven?
Why have I been given the opportunity to know God? But it might be better for me to ask why I seem content to let others be lost?
Why does the church sometimes lose the spirit of worship? But I'd rather ask why I don't spend every waking moment in praise and honor of God? How has the beauty of creation, the assurance of salvation, the wonder of life, and the promise of eternal life been lost in the mundane?
How can some people be ugly and dismissive of people around them? Rather ask: Why don't I spend my words encouraging, building up and guiding people closer to God?

Hope these don't sound cynical (that wasn't the intent) - just some thoughts...NOW, what are your better questions? I wait to hear. Post and let others read...

Over Coffee and e-mail...

Several months back over e-mail and coffee my friend Trent Wheeler and I worked on an exciting project. We'd both noticed how many people and small groups get together at coffee houses to study and discuss the scriptures. So we thought we might do some good providing a series of study guides that could be used either individually or in small groups. For that setting or any other for that matter. We outlined several titles...right before commitment date I bailed out. We both felt that with the work of Spring Meadows and helping get it started and my other obligations I best not commit further. He was kind and understanding and he went forward. I was excited a couple of weeks ago to hear that his first study guide would be coming out shorting. Well, shortly has become now as he showed me the first edition Sunday. I will be reading it over the next couple of days and look forward to writing a review. He has (as he always does) done a magnificent job and produced a very, very attractive product. I'm a little sad I didn't jump on board with him - but he's offered me an opportunity to write one of these anyway. I'll be honored to sometime. Anyway, I hope you'll get a few of these and consider them. You can find out more at www.coffeehousestudies.com. Or you can just order a few copies at: http://stores.ebay.com/Coffeehouse-Publications.

I wish Trent the very best in this endeavor.

DONE WITH DILIGENCE...

What do you do with diligence: Keep up with you favorite TV show, purchase and read your read your favorite author's newest work, get 9 hours of sleep, eat, nothing?

The Bible would tell us that some things are to be done with diligence:

Leaders are to lead with diligence - Romans 12:8.
We are to be diligent in our service to the Lord: Romans 12:11.
We are to give with diligence - 2 Corinthians 8.
Widows are to diligently follow every good work - 1 Timothy 5:10.
We are to give diligence in our commitment to the study of God's Word and thereby present ourselves to God -2 Timothy 2:15.
We are to diligently serve to enter Heaven - Hebrews 4:11.
We are to continue to the end of our lives with diligence, not quiting near the finish line - Hebrews 6:11.
We are to diligently seek God - Hebrews 11:6.
We are to pursue a growing faith with diligence - 2 Peter 1:5-10.


Its Monday, the day we are often tempted to sluff through to just get by, but you are better than that. You've got God in your corner! And you've got 24 hours in this day - live it with diligence! God will bless you.

The Church That I Grew Up In....

Pay attention now ‘cause I don’t want you to miss this. I know in advance that I’m going to anger some people who’s sport of choice is “church bashing” but I’m willing to risk it. I’ve been wondering about something: Where is this unloving, mean spirited, judgmental, harsh congregation that all the liberals and malcontents grew up in is. I’ve been around hundreds of congregations in my lifetime and I’ve not found it yet. Yes, to be honest, I’ve met some real hardheads but never have I seen a congregation with more than 5 or 10% of it being folks who are mean and uncaring.

The church I grew up in had people like Bunny and Betty who every Wednesday night provided juice and cookies for the little kids – sort of a mini-VBS every week (no cookies ever taste as good as those did). There was Pope (yes, that was his name) and his Sister Jaton (to this day I don’t know her first name) who sang as if God was the only one listening (and ain’t that about all that matters). Then there was Brother King, an ancient elder who knew the name of every child who walked in the door. There was James – an ex-biker turned off of marijuana and onto the Lord. And then there was this neat song leader, pre-praise song days – but when he led, you wanted to follow. There were Bo and Henry and Bubba (of course there was Bubba – it was Alabama) – young married couples who loved life and lived it right! There was this preacher, who backed up what he said with the Bible and smiled even when scolding you (I listened closely, after all he was my dad). What was taught was that we were to do right because it was right to do right and wrong to do wrong. Right was what was in God's Word. I don't remember a lot of talk about condemning others but I do remember a lot about how I was expected to live as a Christian - serve, obey, love, teach others. Doing wrong was doing things either not in the Bible or things the Bible condemned. There was John who taught he teen class – we gave him fits (I remember the Wednesday night that while he was trying to teach Alan showed off his talents of standing on his head in the back of the classroom) – but he was patient with us. Then there were friends, Jeff, Alan, Chuck, Keith, Timmy, Mike and Andy (not to mention the girls - none of whom would give me the time of day – see I told you there was the five percent). This was pre-youth minister days - we didn’t think you had to have one to get together and do good or have fun – so we just did! There was Steve and Bill and Hiawatha and Tony (how’d an Indian get in Alabama) men who loved going to foreign countries to tell other people about what Christ had done for them. There was Rick and Marylyn who just loved everybody – and everybody loved them back. I could go on (and on and on), but I think you get the point. I’m sure there were problems and must have been big, bad, ugly, hairy ones (we had 200 people leave one time) but I didn’t know it. These were God’s People! And I learned of Christ and God and learned the Bible with these people (plus a lot of other neat stuff). I learned about struggling with sin and forgiveness. I learned what encouragement was.

So don’t talk bad about MY FAMILY – I’ll fight you!!!

Be careful and think twice before you “throw Her under the bus”: The church is the bride of Christ, the House of God, it was in the mind of God before the ages began. It is that for which Christ shed His blood. It will be around until the trumpet is blown and time ends – for time to really begin! I’d be leery of speaking bad of the Lord’s Body!

And that church still exists - it is all over the world. It is anywhere people take seriously God's Word and following it because they love Him. You can find the church I grew up in today. When you find it - the name of Christ will be prominately displayed and the Spriit of Christ will be proudly demonstrated - and you'll have found a good thing!

Sunday you have the blessed opportunity of meeting with His People – I know there are some bad eggs out there – but how ‘bout, just this once, ignore them! Enjoy the holy privilege of being among the Saints. The church!

IT'S NOT ALL EASY...

It's one of those nights I seem to have a lot to blog about. So, let's start with a couple of announcements (thanks for coming today and especially welcome to our guests - please fill out - oops that's another sort of announcement).

I got a phone call Wednesday afternoon and my old friend Lennie Hargett had died. Lennie was an elder at Hamilton when I moved to work with the church there. He helped hire me and gave me the break of my life. He loved mom and dad and when I wasn't dad it disappointed him (me too :)) so our first few years were frankly rather rough. It was me, I was too immature to respect the authority he had over me. Eventually we grew to a mutual respect and finally to love each other. Last time I saw him we gave each other a big loving hug. He and his family are special to me. I'll leave out early tomorrow morning (Friday) to preach his funeral. It is a special little life "we" preachers get to imbibe of - when I got word Wednesday I called his daughter Jennie - the first thing she said was: "I knew you'd call." To know and love to be known and loved...to minister through life to people...to be a part of their highs, their lows...their lives, this is ministry.

I'll leave the funeral for a board meeting for HCU and then return for a very special day Sunday at Spring Meadows. We will be installing (I don't like that word - sounds like our speaker system was broken and we had to install a new one)/ordaining (not my favorite either sounds too much like apostle stuff to me-who am I do ordain anyone)/recognizing (maybe better but still we know them already and if they were already recognized as elders why are we doing it) - so call it what you will, maybe affirming our first eldership. Steve, Carl, Monte, Bud and Tom have much to offer. Once again God has blessed this young church more than we imagined and more than we deserve. These guys as a group were affirmed by over 96% of the participants. That's unheard of in this day. It is good. But it is just another step of beginning for us. Thanks to all who pray for us.

Now for a rough draft of a blogticle (blog article):

It’s not all easy!

He had the spirit of God. His book is probably the best selling book of all time, he wrote most of the book of Psalms that has comforted, calming and challenged millions of people. He was a war hero. His wealth would make you look like a pauper. The image of his masculine physic is considered the gold standard for any man. And, he ruled his nation for 40 years! He was a king. King David. Man, he had it made didn’t he.
See him there on the throne, opulent wealth, adoring fans, sweet background music, slaves and subjects…He had it easy didn’t he.

Well, go back a little and look at what might have been had this young man determined to look on the gloomy side, if he’d decided to only consider the bad breaks – bad break, yeah, he had them.
Dad treated him like the runt of the liter
His lowly job as a shepherd caused him to encounter both a viscous lion and bear (talk about a bad day at the office).
His first wife betrayed him.
His predecessor on the throne used him for javelin practice.
He had a Judas of a son who betrayed him.

You, see, so much of our success depends on what we choose to look at and what we do with what we got. So stop complaining, comparing and "what if" ing and get out there and do, live, fight, advance...yes, all in faith.

So much depends on what we look at … and who we look to! Long before David had other bow before him and call him lord, he had himself bowed and called Him Lord! Long before the maidens of the land lauded him with the pop culture lyrics of their day - he had spent his hours writing songs that would endure the years to His Ruler.

What do you look at...who do you look to?

MOMS AND DEATH ROW...

OK, just being honest here - it used to bug me to read all the quotes from presidents and world leaders in every field who talked about the influence of their moms. I thought it was something of a conspiracy created by either moms or Hallmark or politicians to make them look more "normal (now, there's an interesting thought - normal politicians :)).

I understand it. As long as you have a mom, you have a fan. You can say and do anything and she will love you. I'm sure I'm just slow but that thought never smacked me in the head till the very day my mom died. I knew I'd love something special but I suppose it struck me seriously when I realized I'd lost "my fan". I have supporters, people who love me (and my share that hate me too), people who go out of their way to help me, and folks who admire my abilities. I have a wife I'd die for, two sons who know my love for them, a daughter-in-law who I couldn't be prouder of, a father who gave me a name that I can take anywhere and know it is pure, a sister who thinks I'm more talented than I am, a brother who is my best friend (put that in there just for you Missie), nieces and nephews who are going to change the world, church relations both past and present who have made my "working" life pure joy...but I only had one real fan!

You be a murderer on death row and she'll say: "He was always a good boy..."

A fan...someone behind you...we need more fans in the world. There are plenty of people who will upset your apple cart. Even more who could care less about what is happening in your life. But how many encouraging, truly out of the way, I love you with all my heart and am proud of you, encouraging words are spoken? You and I both know that people have enough sorrow, problems and trouble in life already, enough to keep them worried and solemn and sad. Most folks don't need somebody else to "keep them humble." They need someone to lift them up!

So, who will you be a fan of today? Who will you go out of your way to tell today how much you think of them, the work they are doing, the life they are living, the perseverance they are exhibiting? Who? GO TO IT AND DO IT NOW!

Did you? I know you read this and wanted to – wanted to do something neat and nice and encouraging – a word or note...a deed or quote. One more chance…DO IT NOW! When you do - giving freely, openly and lovingly - you'll make a friend for eternity. DO IT NOW!

Please Respond...I'm waiting :)

I entered the land of "blogville" about six months ago and have enjoyed the opportunity to post on a wide variety of subjects and thoughts. It's a good way to keep up with my crazy life and personally provides a good outlet for me to think out loud.

Over these months about 30 or so readers have posted at one time or another. In addition to the responses you see, I'd say roughly 50 others have commented through personal e-mails. I appreciate them all but I want to challenge you all to respond often. Why?

1. I can know you read it. That actually helps. It's like talking to a radio mich without ever knowing anyone out there is listening :)

2. Others can read your thoughts. Go ahead, rant, complain, protest, agree, disagree, add to my thoughts, get mad and throw something (but remember it's your monitor you'll bust!)! You surely have something you can add and I'd like to hear it. Your thinking spurs my thinking and the thinking of others.


So...I'll just sit here and wait to hear from you :). But if you decide not to...I guess that's OK too :).