A moose hunt?

I’m not exactly sure where or how to start this post – but it has been brewing for I’d say 25 years – so nobody take it too personally. I don’t react strongly to a lot of things (people purposely excluding others, anyone talking bad about my Lord’s church), but I have an instant “knee-jerk reflex” to negative anonymous letters (and now posts). It goes back a long way but the posts of the last several days have precipitated this specific post.

I appreciate all the comments. As I said, I was not happy about the decision to no longer allow people to post without going to the trouble of signing in. Some have given me fodder to mull over in my little brain: Especially opposing views. There were some very sensible comments some I agree with and some I don’t. But since the posters were anonymous I can’t respond to them personally to clarify prior to my response and I since I don’t know them I have no history from which to evaluate their intent, thereby setting the tone of my response.

One poster friend said: “I don't see what the problem with someone wanting to remain anonymous would be...what's the big deal?” Good question:

Every church I’ve ever worked with has had a sniper anonymous letter writer who sadistically and systematically did harm to the progress of the church. I meet with hundreds of preachers and church leaders every year. One “circle” group I meet with has had no subject over the last 10 years that has come up as often as the subject of anonymous letters. I’ve seen guys quit, I’ve seen grown, mature men cry, I’ve seen Satan work through negative anonymous letters. I know of NOTHING more “de-sailing”! Those who choose to work this way make themselves tools of the devil – I’m sure often unintentionally, but they are verbal terrorist blowing the heart out of others. I do not and I will not read anonymous letters. They present problems and offer no opportunity to solve them. I’ve NEVER read one that was accurate. In our culture unsigned letters speak of notes from terrorist (like the Unabomber) or kidnappers. I can’t communicate how hurtful such behavior is more clearly. Even as a result of one of the anonymous posts yesterday I had a call from a discouraged saint who was at the point of tears.

One of the many problems is it forces the reader judge and jump to opinions: See I have a sneaking suspicion that moose is an unhappy person who wants others to share in their misery – but I don’t know for all I know is what they wrote…Of the sort that they think they MUST find something wrong – something bad – something to worry about and they won’t be happy till everyone else is as miserable than they are. Now, none of that may be true but I can’t know as long as he/she hides. I wonder as I think about them: What do you have to fear? Do you not believe your statements enough to stand behind them? Is it not truth? And then I consider these questions: What if it is someone just wanting to cause dissention? What if it is the same person? The two posters could be one with different sign in names. I have an uncle who used to do that in chat rooms – show up as two people and ask himself the questions he thought should be asked and then answer them himself. What if the poster is just lying?

Now I want to address a few things in the comments section said by Any Nonny Moose and lightweight. I’d rather not address them openly but they by remaining anonymous give me no other forum through which to address them.

“what was posted was not harmful to SM in any way” I disagree. I think that which paints the Body of Christ in a bad light is harmful. See, the fact is, all we have to do is to start polluting the water for the spirit of this place to be besmirched.

“it showed an opposing view to the "everythings perfect" attitude that is in many of the comments on this blog.” Folks, I admit problems – yes I do (and we have some) – but I choose to see the very best-I love the church! Some refuse to see good happening – they find the cloud in every silver lining, they focus on the thorn and ignore the rose. Can we do and be better. Was what the original poster said of any merit – it was. And I have addressed it. And will further – but to get on and say things that may or may not be accurate serves no purpose. What did you hope to accomplish – “wowho…I convinced someone that not everything is perfect about the church. I slapped some sense of reality and discouragement into their silly little happy heads!” Well…good for you – aren’t you something? I know that sounds harsh…sorry. It’s how it strikes me and since I don’t know who you are I can’t check out what your intent was.

“that is the truth. it was not directly harmful or mean to Dale. in fact, he was not even mentioned” I do believe this is wrong. The original poster actually accused me of belittling or making fun of a person in front of the whole church on a Sunday (that is not the exact words but that’s how it came across to me and I can’t check it out). The fact is I did make a joke in the direction of that person – the two of us kid all the time – like I do with Tom on the length of his prayers and Kenny on being cheap and Eric on leading every song in the book every Sunday – and none of these guys take it wrong. In fact they hit back. It’s good natured bantering. You see – there is a degree of truth in each of them - the point of the barb is I love them anyway – in fact enough to totally overlook it. My friend Jerrie Barber says there is two ways to know if your “joke” has been offensive – 1. Are they laughing and 2. Check it out with them. So just to be sure, I did. . I wrote the guy that I was supposedly rude to and he said I have not been and that he too enjoys the kidding back and forth. If you could see the e-mail barbs we’ve sent to each other the last year you’d know. I love him and he loves me! Again, I don’t like being cast in a bad light (who does) but that was not the issue. I thought the post made THE LORD’S CHURCH look bad. I won’t knowingly allow that on this blog!

“Yo should check your comments guys, you defend something you have not idea about.” That’s mighty bold of you “moose” anonymously attacking people who are willing to sign their names. Also, what’s bad about coming to someone’s aid who you love. Why wouldn’t you? And further I don’t know that anyone (other than me) condemned the poster. How could we – we don’t know who it is!!!!!

“be careful about name calling” I would agree.

“I would ask Dale allow anonymous comments and deeal with the conversations as they come. if someone say something offensive, remove it. but don't remove comments just because they disagree with you.” I’m leaning this way. Of course it would be subjective. And I have not removed comments, ever, just because they disagreed with me. In fact I’ve only removed two comments of the 500 or so that have been made over the last year.

“one last statement about anymous comments and that is that when you dont allow them, you really only allow for people who will only speak about you in a positive way and agree with you. you can call them what you want but they are seen as sycophants.” This is a very fatalistic way to view life. You perhaps (but I don’t know you) reveal something about yourself. What you are saying in essence is that every statement not made anonymously is a lie.- what a miserable way to view life. I think unsigned comments lend themselves much more readily to lies. And I think it could be that by that very statement you are saying revealing that when you talk to someone face to face or in letter (when you sign your name) you are always telling lies.

Now to lightweight:
I think your comments are excellent. I mean that. I even agree with you. I’ve seen people who should be mature mistreat fellow Christians and it sickens me too. But by not signing your name I feel you harm your credibility for many of the reasons stated above. I also would rather you go to the people involved and at least try (I know it’s difficult and rarely successful) to help them grow and let them know they have hurt others. Thanks for your obvious tender heart in your approach but I do think you’d be more successful if you just tired the Matthew manner.

Now for a few other general comments in this now way to long epistle:

I would think that anything that could in any way be viewed as negative toward another or that if spoken plainly would hurt someone’s feelings is inappropriate. I suspicion most who post anonymous would too – else they’d sign their name. The text says we are to only speak that which is useful.

Knowing who it is helps me to know how to respond – I talk differently to my dad than my sons. I talk differently to a new Christian than one who should be mature (Hebrews 5).

I’d rather talk to you one on one than in a public forum on matters that could lead to negative contention. In other words if you have a problem with me come to me. I am not shocked when someone disagrees with me and I am often in the wrong. In fact if you listen to me preach for three or four years and never disagree I have to wonder a little.

When posting what I say can be misunderstood and what others comment may be as well. When you sign your name it gives the chance to clarify and/or correct. To deal with it. Anonymously you can twist what I say all out of context and I don’t know if you are just being mean or if we are just misunderstanding each other.

Wow this got long – I hope what I’ve said has been said in love – I’ve tried to make it that way. I know I was a little tough on moose – sorry. What I said I said not to start a fight but to make all consider what is said.

You can now reply and be as ugly as you want to be cause I don’t know who is saying it!

Remember this is "The Blog That Binds" it is not designed to bring people down but to lift them up. There's plenty in life to bring us down without Christians contributing to it.

Oh yes, one other thing. If I know who you are, regardless of your comments I will try to love you!

And let me do emphasize one last thing again: I will not allow my blog to run down my family or my Family!

Hmmmm....????

I made a decision tonight -it is not one that I am happy at all about but it is one I feel called upon to enact. Since I began blogging I have allowed Open Comments. At times there have been comments I have disagreed with and that is fine. There were two that were very harsh toward me directly -and while they hurt (sorry my skin still isn't that thick) I allowed them without comment. But today someone posted some thing that I believe were not necessary, that I do not believe to be totally true and that cast (in my opinion) the church in a bad light. And I don't take lightly to people criticizing the Lord's Bride or my Family whom I love.

The problem is that it is anonymous and that I do not know who or how to contact the person who said those things. I would like a chance to interact with them (and still would - they know my contact info -I don't know theirs). I like for anyone to be able to post but I see no way to respond when someone won't post their name and own up to their comments. See, one could say anything, claim anything, stretch truth or outright lie under the anonymity of the Internet.

I just don't believe there is good that comes from anonymous letters or postings. It leaves you wondering, it makes everyone a suspect and they usually hurt. I like the way a dear friend puts it - "I don't read anonymous letters unless they have money in them." To say it very frankly - they dishearten, discourage and take the wind out of my sails! They leave me with a sick feeling in my stomach for days and I become preoccupied with how to "fix" whatever it is but feel useless in trying to do so.

So, while I hate to do it, for now I'll go to where you have to log in to post - but any and all can still e-mail me. I know it takes a moment, but please register - and post - it's free and I want to hear from people who read these blogs.

I love open talk, even if it is sometimes critical - I've learned some of my most valued lessons from open criticism I do think people need to own up to their comments. So let me ask: Should I allow anonymous comments and leave them all? Should I delete the ones I think are inappropriate? Or should I just not allow them at all? TAKE THE POLL NEXT DOOR...

New blogsite launched today...here's the first post...

(This new blog will live at http://how-why.today.com/ or http://dalejenkins3.blogspot.com/):

I know - some of you are why’ers, some how’ers and some just what’ers.. So? Are you a "what" person, a "why" person? or maybe just a "how" person. This blog spot will be for "why, how and what " people. (I know you think I've lost it so I better 'plain myself).
A lot of folks don't want to know "why" something is as it is they just want to know what. “What” people: You don’t really care why, “Just tell me what must be done and I'll do it." That's my Melanie. I'm more of a "why" guy. Some of you, like me, delve deeply into the “why” question - you want to know, almost must know “why” before you will invest time or talent, much less treasure into an activity. ("Why'd you do it that way? Why do you want to do this? Why don't you do it this way? etc.). And then there are the "how" folks - "How'd you do that?" You want to be told plainly how it’s all done. Well, this is a blog for all of you, the How'ers, Who'ers and Why'ers, this is your source. As God continues to bless the Spring Meadows Church of Christ I get a lot of questions. We'll try to answer those here. Why are you doing this and why this way? How'd you do that? What all are you up to and what's next?
As most who would be reading this site know we (Melanie and I) began working with the infant Spring Meadows church about a year ago. It’s been a wild ride. We have been so blessed and the work has gone so well. I thank all of you for your prayers.
Some of you want to know why: why did a new congregation start in Spring Hill? Why did you decide to leave Granny White and go to a place where the auditorium was smaller than most of the classrooms at GW? Why are you all doing what you are doing how you are doing it? Why do you all do a mid-week prayer service?
Others want to know how: how’d you all outgrow two buildings and are struggling to get into your third? how do you do your Bible classes? how are things different there?
One of our cornerstones at Spring Meadows is that we strive to be totally open. So we'll try to practice that on this blog too. That means we’ll answer any question and that we’ll share any method. God has been good to us and that is why the work has prospered. All glory and credit go to Him alone. This is a practical site in which we will give some of the logistics, thought process behind and methods that have been incorporated at the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. Yes, I'll entertain questions on this spot. Just post them or e-mail me privately (dale@smcoc.net) and I'll give it my most honest and best shot.
I'll walk you through various processes - what’s, how's and why's of them - what we learned and what we might do differently if we had a chance to do it again. And you can post your ideas, thoughts or how you might suggest it all could be improved on.
One of the first meetings I was in at Spring Meadows one of the men spoke up on a matter and said: "people are watching what we are doing." And we've found they are - most have been very, very gracious. We know of at least one other congregation that is trying to get a jump start that has contacted us on a number of matters when it comes to starting a new congregation.
With as much humility as we can muster we say God has really watched over, had His hand on, BLESSED the Spring Meadows church. I suppose with all the "righteous" people who have continually let us know that they are praying for us all the time, it's not surprising. We'd have to work hard to mess up all those prayers. We are humbled and thankful. Please keep 'em coming.
Ask anything. Make your own suggestions. Share it with others. Welcome to Straight from the Spring - the Spring Meadows Story.

Why Do You Wait?

"Why do you wait dear brother, oh why do you tarry so long. The Savior is waiting to give you, a place in His sanctified home..." Remember that strong old song?

I'm sure it's not a new question, in fact I've heard it for years myself, but it came up again recently. When a person decides they want to be baptized shouldn't they do it immediately?

I remember years ago when I'd direct camp invariably we'd have at least one child who would come to camp knowing that they were going to be baptized there. They'd decided a month or two earlier and wanted to be baptized at camp. On the other hand we'd have a child who would want to be baptized at camp and when we'd call their parents (a wise practice that we learned to do from someone who is wiser than I), and the parent would encourage the child to wait until they got home or later in the week when they could get there.

I'm told that used to people would wait in much the same way until a Gospel Meeting. Which in a rather ironic way would explain why Gospel Meeting in many places are not as effective as they were at one time. Camps have become the modern Gospel Meetings.

BUT: In the Bible it seems that baptism always came immediately upon the acceptance of Jesus as God's Son, or the recognition of sin in one's life. In Acts 2 it was both - they realized that "this same Jesus" was God's Son and that they had with "wicked hands...crucified and slain" Him. In Acts 16 the jail keeper was baptized "the same hour of the night". In Acts 8 the nobleman from Ethiopia was immersed, it appears, as soon as he saw water, after having Christ preached to him.

BUT: Believing what I believe (and I imagine most who follow this blog) about baptism and the significant step that it is - that is believing what the scriptures teach (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; etc) - we've said it is the most important decision we make in life. And that day is the most important day of the person being baptized life. So would you missed the most important day of your child's life? And that question might raise a couple of more: Is a child ready to make such a decision - we don't send 10 year old's out into the world with cars, guns or wedding licenses. LaGard railed on this "green house" effect in "Radical Restoration". While LaGard made some very valid points, how do you sit a child in services of the church for week after week and have them hear lesson after lesson of how important baptism is from people holding the Word of God and telling you this is what God wants for your life and that without it a person will be lost and expect them not to want to be baptized. By the time I was 10 years old I'd heard the plan of salvation from the pulpit at services roughly 2000 times. The "age of accountability" - well, that's another blog for another day - one friend jokingly says that if the child's feet can't touch the bottom of the baptistery then they're too young! There's a lot you can do to help assure your child is prepared when they are ready to become a Christian (including my favorite of having them write a paper about why they want to be baptized - saving that paper for them to read later if the question should come up if they were ready), but the bottom line might be that when they are ready there isn't much you could do to keep them from it or convincing them to wait!

Another issue might be the "helicopter parents" of today. There are parents who think that their child will be warped if they (the parents) miss any event of their child's life! I sometimes wonder if that is more warping than the other. Trust me parents, be there if you can...but if you miss one T-ball game or social your child can still eventually function as an adult!!

The other question: Is that really the most important day? In a sense, yes. But isn't that mentality the same that leads people to think that if they've been put under the water they are fine and no need to really continue to grow? Wouldn't it perhaps be more important to teach that every day after that day becomes increasingly more significant. It is our attempt at faithful living for and faithful loving of God coupled with His grace that is required?

So would you wait? Would you be upset if your child didn't wait for a time you could be there (I heard of one parent who demanded the preacher baptize her little boy a second time because she wasn't there)? I've got a lot more thoughts on all of this but I'd like to hear yours...

DON'T WASTE BLOOD...

Sunday while partaking of the Lord's Supper something struck me. The reading was on Jesus blood being shed for us. I had a very small cut on my thumb last week and it bled...maybe a drop or three. I don't like giving my blood. Even a couple of drops.

I give blood but it better be for a good cause and it better not be wasted. Wish I'd kept up with how many times I've donated blood. How many pints/gallons I've given. I'm not a needle guy and once I fainted getting up too quickly from the "bloodletting" but I've continued to donate. And I certainly like the feeling that it gives me when I've given. But I don't want it wasted.

As Americans we are conditioned to believe that in a disaster we need to give blood. Truth is that is the time we probably need to least give blood. Only 5% of eligible donors give blood but in time of disaster there is such a "glut" so to speak that we can't even handle all the blood given. Blood has a "shelf life" of about 42 days. When 9/11 occurred literally 10's of thousands of gallons of blood could never be used - estimates are as high as 300,000 units that had to be discarded.

The Department of Health and Human Services actually wrote a statement asked that Americans stop giving and come back in 3 or 4 months. Because of the politics involved that statement was never released. When it came to light that blood had been wasted many Americans were outraged so much so that a slump in donations followed from which blood donor organizations are still reeling.

I don't waste my blood. But of much more value is the blood of Christ. One who turns on His sacrifice (Acts 20:28) and counts His blood as insignificant is in serious danger (please read Hebrews 10:26-31). When you forsake the services of the church, when you do not use the gifts he has given you for His work, when you speak evil of His church and His people...you are throwing away the blood of Christ. When you commune with Him and His Family you are a partaker of His blood which in turn flows through you.

Don't waste blood - especially His.

READ THIS BEFORE YOU VOTE!!!

The voting is over - I don't know who, if anyone, stuffed the ballots but we had 316 total votes. That's not too shabby. I never anticipated as many entries as we had and while one of the proposed titles clearly came out on top there were several that got a lot of votes. So here's what's next. This week I will post the top six vote getter's (six because that is how many got 10 votes or more). You will be able to vote one time and only one time. I want your comments. I want to hear WHY you think the name your propose would be the best. I'd recommend you read the comments before you vote. Find out who is saying what about their favorite name. Your choices are:



1. THE VISION or VISION 20:20 - Between these two names there were 119 votes. The obvious field favorite. VISION is part of our "tag" line "Spring Meadows Church of Christ - A Place of Vision" and if we went with the 20:20 part it could denote Acts 20:20 - "Daily and from house to house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."



2. FIELDS OF GOLD: I'm not sure who nominated this one but it has gotten a very large number of votes (62). Meadows - Fields of Gold. I see the connection.



3. The Millennium Falcon - I know who suggested this one - I don't think they were serious and it is possible THEY PERSONALLY voted for it 51 times. Not sure what the connection would be - but if it wins it...no.



4. OUR CHURCH BULLETIN: Plain, simple....not exactly what we are known for, but it was a top five vote getter.



5. SPRINGBOARD: This one came from outside the our congregation but I like the concept. Our bulletin as something to "Spring" us forward.



6. PIZZA ANYONE: I also know who nominated this one. Pretty unique. It would keep folks on their heels and people might read it just out of curiosity. It comes from a sermon I preached early on here I titled "What do you want on your pizza?" Again, if it won it would be like us to come up with something that "out of the box".

There were other suggestions including: NO LIMITS! or LIMITLESS (I liked that one a lot too - a write in campaign for it could sway us. It is again another of those Spring Meadows sayings that has taken root). Spring Meadows Minutes and Foresight were also suggested.



OK, we really need to hear your voice on this one. Let us know what you think. We will be open for the next week on this one.

NEW SERIES

BEGINNING SUNDAY!

The Polls are Open...Let the Voting Begin!

Folks it's time to vote now! There are a full 22 potential names to choose from. Take your time and choose carefully. There are several REALLY good possibilities out there.

NOTICE: You can vote more than one time (I think a couple of folks figured that out on the last poll - we had 327 votes cast and while I wish that many people visited my blog in a week - I doubt it. We had some ESV/NIV loving folks in a friendly joust stuffing the "ballot boxes" :).

If you want to vote for two or three DIFFERENT ONES - you can't really decide which you like the most - go ahead. But please restrain yourself from voting multiple times for the same name.

If the voting is close between two or three names, we may have a runoff between those. Tell others and get them to vote. The more the merrier.

You do need to know that we may not take the "top" vote getter. i.e. if Jason's "Pizza Anyone" wins (yes, Jason, I figured out it was you!) - it may not be the new name for our bulletin (Not that that would be a good name - I'm just saying).

So...VOTE NOW. We will close the voting next Friday.

Ma Bell...

So I did what I've been threatening to do for 3 or 4 years now...I cancelled my home phone service! Yippee! I remember as a young family how frustrated we would get with the monopoly that was South Central Bell. They had us. As a minister I thought I had to have phone service. If the phone rang, 2, 3 in the morning I would answer it on the first ring - "of course I'm up" (In theory that was true - I had to get up to answer the phone). And there was no option except Bell. I think it was my first experience with hatred :)! She was the big bad wolf, the ogre, the big bad witch, the great evil one...perhaps those digits in our phone numbers are the mark of the beast...

Caller ID was a wonderful step. I could actually "decide" who I wanted to talk to and who I didn't...but with my sickness (not sure what the scientific name is :)), I still answer 95% of the calls. I always envied Mel, how she could let it ring and not even care. If they really need me, they'll call back.

Then (picture the clouds opening and music coming to a crescendo) a little light from heaven filled my soul - the cell phone was born! I loved it. I had one when they weighed more than my laptop and had to be cared in an almost backpack looking contraption.

But I still had "Ma Bell" (if you know that term you're dating yourself) with a noose around my neck. I'd advise young couples to not even have a home phone, just a cell phone.

A few weeks ago we were cutting expenses and getting ready to move (we hope anyway) and I casually mentioned something about cutting off the phone. Melanie (my wonderful, unpredictable wife) agreed that one was no longer needed.

So today (Wednesday), I called the modern Ma - now South Central Bell and proudly told the lady I wanted to cancel my service. She said, we will be happy to suspend it for you. "No, it's time to cancel". She spent the next 10 minutes trying to talk sense into my head. Trying to "talk me down". As if what in the world will someone do without a home phone. Ah, it felt nice to say "no" about 10 times! I was polite but full of joy as each time I refused her obvious "logic" as to why and how I could do something different other than cancel. It was a waste of time - I don't need them anymore. My cell phone is about all I use anymore and Melanie with hers. The dragon has been slain, the serpent sent to the sea, the giant's head cut off, the beast has been banished!

But it all got me to thinking. I've tried talking sense into people's heads before. People leaving the Lord's church, people making unwise decisions for themselves, their family, their future. But I wonder it it's not like with my conversation with "Ma". If the heart is already made up our efforts to force a change probably won't make a difference. So our real effort might be to try preventative medicine with people - help them avoid reaching the point where they don't care. If they ever fall out of love with the Lord, His church, their spouse ... it is next to impossible to win them back (See Revelation 3 and Hebrews 6).

Bye-bye Ma Bell - I don't think I'll miss you. (ERIC - change our directory info :)).

Two for one...

TWO POSTS IN ONE:
1. We plan on cutting off accepting potential names for our bulletin Thursday morning and that afternoon posting another poll for all to vote on their favorite. This is big stuff - "The Hamilton Herald" as well as Granny White's "AIM" were both named roughly 50 years ago. So let's do well with this. I've gotten nearly 50 responses so far (not all had recommendations for a name), so get yours in soon.

2. "The Blog That Binds" welcomes a new, sister blog - "101 Good Words" It can be found at http://dalejenkins2.blogspot.com/



OK, here's the premise...we hear and read thousands of words each day: good words, bad words; words we wish we hadn't heard. This blog will be about giving you a good word. In fact exactly 101 good, uplifting, encouraging, positive words per post. They may be faith-building, or reporting. They may be about a positive program of work. It's a quick read, it'll take you a minute or two tops to read . I invite your thoughts-we'll occasionally share the thoughts of others . Visit often! If you'd like to be notified of new posts, contact dale@edge.net! That's 101 words - enjoy!

Name our bulletin contest...

I LOVE CHURCH BULLETINS...
The best of them keep us up to date...let us inside a little even if we are not there...give a congregation a personal touch and a personality...tell us the good stuff.

I’m sort of a church bulletin aficionado. When I first started preaching I thought that was a great place to get material, articles, ideas, and just to keep up with our brotherhood. So I wrote the 10 largest congregations in every state and then every congregation of over 400 members. When I would be speaking somewhere or on vacation or traveling I would carve out about an hour and call churches in that area and request to receive their bulletin or newsletter. At one time I used to get over 350 bulletins a week. Of course I didn’t read every word of every one but I would scan each one for ideas and over time I learned which ones typically had good stuff in them. I had several favorites (other than one’s written by family members, who’s I naturally enjoyed). I only knew the man by reputation and didn’t know a single member there but I would read Brother Jim Bill’s every week – what a writer! And then there was Paul Roger’s in Centerville – another favorite. Then there were some that the design and graphics were fabulous.

I’ve been editing a church publication now for 25 years. There was the Kossuth News, The Informer at Eva, also The Informer at Hamilton Crossroads in South Alabama, The Hamilton Herald in Hamilton, of course AIM at Granny White and finally our little bulletin here at Spring Meadows.

BUT our bulletin doesn’t have a name. So here’s your chance. What would you name our bulletin? Be creative. Have fun with it. Give me two or three of your best suggestions. I’ll pick some from there and we’ll take a poll.

The winners will get a free online subscription to our bulletin :) at http://www.smcoc.net/

I HOPE WE GET A LOT OF SUGGESTIONS. You can post anonymously.

Log in and fire away!

EPIC!

If you only read one book this year---my, if you only read one book the rest of your life! WOW! "EPIC - The Story God Is Telling" is stupendous. I’ve read hundreds-try to read 65 a year.

I most always read with a highlighter and pen in my hand. Marking, making notes, agreeing, arguing. When I find a quote I like I put a "star" out beside it. If it a real good quote I put 2 "stars". If I think I may use it sometime I will put 3 "stars". 4 and 5 "star" quotes rarely come along. In 25 years of reading this was I've NEVER a six star quote before now! I think in this book I put 3.

This is a book that men will enjoy (most every man I know would thrill at this one). I don’t know how women will respond to this but every man NEEDS to read this! WOW.

I want to buy a copy for everyone I know!!! You can find it pretty inexpensive on Amazon BUT you may want to spend a couple of extra dollars and go buy it NOW. And you will read it - you will not want to put it down. It is a short read - you'll be most upset because this tremendous story ends too soon. A small format and about 100 brief pages.

EPIC has the potential to help you understand what God is doing in your life. It is a story - a powerful one at that.

I must say EPIC is a grand book.

IMHO - Good stuff...

Just some random thoughts that I've collected in a file over the last year or so that seem "blog-worthy"- what are some of your favs - sign in and add on!

My Favorite Sermon – People can change. The easy thing is to give up – write them off…but the God thing is to keep on.

Everybody has the ability to invite somebody

Nobody visits by mistake

The 3rd largest unchurched nation in the world is America

Where’s your list - who are your trying to influence for the Lord?

If we weren’t here tomorrow would the community notice?

Ask around: “Do you know where the (Insert your congregation's name here) church is?” People cannot visit a place the don’t know exist!

Only one opportunity to make a good first impression. We must always be friendly, we must always greet people warmly -the one that gives us only one chance may be the one that needs the Lord the most that day!

Hit them from every angle we can - word of mouth, publicity, advertising, door-knocking, warmth!

Is your congregation a place where people want to bring their friends? If not, why not? Change it or find a place you can bring your friends to. If you can't bring your friends where you worship how are you ever going to lead them to the Lord's church? If you don't believe in it why would you ever expect your friends to.

Don't limit God! He is able to do incredibly more than you can ask or even imagine. Now imagine - then add to that! God will always stay one step ahead of you! I don't think I know of a more amazing thought.

The future is as bright as the promises of God.

I loved Trae because he always believed the best was yet to be!

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!