10 Predictions for 2009

Here are my top 10 predictions for 2009

#1 - Perry Ryan and Charles Penn will both get hair plugs but only one of them will be successful - you'll have to wait and see which one.

#2 - Nell Anne will dye her hair jet black and get an eye brow pierced so she can reach out to the "raver" crowd.

#3 - Dan Waits will only work 75 hours a week instead of his usual 86.

#4 - Melody Scott will finally have enough of my stories about her and I will preach one weekend with a black eye!

#5 - Valerie will take in more stray cats and be labeled the "cat lady" in her neighborhood.

#6 - Andrew Gill will find Jesus and abandon the Louisville Cardinals.

#7 - Robert Smith will publish his first book - The Power of the Pause.

#8 - Tina King will invent a new thing that will revolutionize the church cleaning world - the 8 day week and the 30 hour day!

#9 - Sandi Froelich will confess that she has been secretly using peachtree again instead of quick books.

#10 - Justin Boyd and Miranda will find out they are pregnant with triplets... doing their part for church growth... hey isn't that what a "grow pastor" is supposed to do?

Christmas Update

Hey all - thanks to a neighbor of my in laws with unsecured wireless I can check my e-mail and post a blog. Thanks Jeffrey (whoever you are).... :)

This has been one awesome Christmas season for us. Busy as usual but great.

On Christmas eve I picked up my brother Mark and we headed to church for the Christmas Eve service. He was actually doing pretty well. Most of you know he has paranoid schizophrenia. So you never know what you're going to get. Thankfully we had a good time. He still suffers terribly but seemed to be a little bit more of "himself" than I have seen in a while. The service was awesome - lots of folks hung around afterward for coffee, hot chocolate and "goodies".

On Christmas Day I got up early and started cooking - YES I DID MOST OF THE COOKING! I fixed dressing with mushrooms, pecans, onions and of course I used broth from the giblets. I pealed and cooked potatoes and made home made mashed potatoes, I cooked the green beans and deep fried the turkey. Other folks brought some other goodies - but hey this is my blog so it's about me. Suffice it to say we had a feast.

Then we opened gifts... (actually we opened some before everyone got there) - I think everyone was pleased with what they received I know I was... the biggies for me were a new set of gouges for my lathe and a new drill press - Melody is the BOMB! Jon was pleased with his new guitar strap (a really nice hand made one that should last him for years, and a couple of gift cards to guitar center - he wants a new pedal). Nina was thrilled with her new Lee Middleton doll and an ipod. And everyone seemed to enjoy the new wii game system - it's a blast! And of course I did not get Melody anything with a cord... but I did get here some things that were shiney and smelly!

But after dinner the fun began! The princess (our grand daughter) was in the house! Man, a three year old can make things fun. She was saying things like, "I love it" and "I've always wanted one of these". And then she got on the wii. She was playing the bowling game - what a thrill to watch.

Well the next day we hit the road - we drove some nine hours to NW Illinois to visit with Melody's folks. In so many ways they are more than in-laws to me. Much more like parents. I have been so blessed with them for 30 years now. Not sure how many more years we will have them - but we know we will have them for eternity, if not here.

We did go see the movie Seven Pounds... A MUST SEE! But be warned - bring some tissues - lots of them.

We will be heading back home tomorrow and I can't wait. I love coming up here - but I love where I live. I can't wait to go pick up my drill press at Sears and try out my new "toys". I also can't wait to see Jon, Beth, Dale and Abigail. They all stayed in KY this year. It's hard to believe that the days are gone when all the kids make this trip with us. But Nina is a joy and someday she will not make the trip either - so we're just enjoying the time we have.

I hope you all had as great a Christmas as I have had. God bless you all.

What Child is This?

I found this clip on Youtube - it is just awesome! Enjoy... Merry Christmas

Transparency

I had a ton of people come up to me or e-mail me and tell me how much they appreciate my transparency. I thought I'd write about it. I have tried to be transparent for a long time and I think I generally am. I guess I have pretty much been a "here I am, take it or leave it" kind of guy most of my life", but then I got into "the ministry".

I was just amazed at how many people have tried to force me into some "preacher model". You know - the guy who stands up front and looks like he is closer to God than anyone else in the room. The guy who doesn't get real - he just gets religious! I could tell you horror stories of people trying to make me change. But I was blessed by some incredible models and some pivotal things in my earlier years.

#1 - I grew up poor. Not always, but there were times when we had it pretty rough. I can remember a local church bringing us "Christmas" one year. I guess we were somebody's "share the joy project". Although I was pretty young - I still remember the hot wheel track I played with for hours.

#2 - I remember having to use food stamps. Melody and I were the proud parents of a baby girl (Beth) and the economy of the early 80's was in the tank. We got food stamps for 3 months. I can remember going to the next town to shop so I would not run into anyone I knew.

#3 - I worked in the public sector at a Carpet Mill in Dalton Ga for about three years. I know 1st hand what most people have to face every day. I have not forgotten what it's like in the real world.

#4 - I have failed miserably a number of times. And while I was blessed to learn from them - I have also never tried to cover them up. I really am a huge monument to God's grace.

#5 - I literally get sick when I see men and women of God who I know good and well have "issues" just like me and everyone else, who publicly act like they have it all together.

#6 - I read God's word and see it filled with the stories of great men and women of God who had real struggles, real failures, real hurts, and real forgiveness.

I want to live my life helping people see God's grace - what better way can I do this than show them the grace I myself have found. And in my thinking this only happens when we are transparent.

So, thanks for the kudos - but I'm just doing what I was encouraged to do years ago. I'm just preaching what I know. I don't know much - but I do know this. Where sin abounds - God's grace abounds more.

Thank you Jesus for loving me. I'm still amazed every day that I get to share what you have done for me with others. Lord, help me not blow it!

I GOT SPAMMED!

UGGGHHHH!

A big thanks to Andrew for giving me a quick "heads up". Evidently some meathead posted a comment that was a link to some porn site... (I took his word for it and just deleted it).

I also set it up so you have to do the "word verification" thing - sorry about that.

Oh well, such is life.

Have a great day and SPAMMERS - STAY OFF MY BLOG!!!!!

Random thoughts

OK - I've been really, really busy so I've been remiss in blogging - sorry about that - :)

So here are just some random thoughts ....

1 - I'm pumped about this weeks sermon - we're talking about forgiving yourself - getting past the past.

2 - I'm working on a funeral sermon for a suicide victim - How do you make sense of something so senseless?

3 - I'm excited about some new woodworking projects... I love my lathe!

4 - Christmas is just 7 days away - The kids and the "princess" will be at the house - I love being a dad, a husband, and a grandpa!

5 - It's nice that my sewer is not plugged now - uggghhh - thanks Donnie and Dale!

6 - Only 83 more days till granddaughter #2 is born - at least that's what the Doctor is telling Beth.

7 - I'm thrilled that I get to help folks remember that Jesus is really what Christmas is about!

Good stuff from Perry Noble

One of the blogs I try to read every day is Perry Noble's. Over the last few days he has posted a great four part article. "Four arguments you just can't win" I think anyone in church leadership would benefit from reading them - so here are the links....

#1

#2

#3

#4

Have a great weekend!

Why I don't like cats.

Here is just one example of why I don't like cats.....

Who are you working for?

My wife loves the movie Dave (OK - I like it too). It's about a guy who looks like the president and then when the president has a stroke he steps in to help the power brokers stay in power. It stars Kevin Klein and Sigourney Weaver (what a strange name). Anyway at one point in the movie he makes a speech and tells how "he had forgotten who he was hired to work for and that it was a temp job at that".

So how often do we forget the same thing? As a pastor there is a constant temptation to forget who you work for. I don't work for the one who praises everything I do or for the critic who constantly wants me to do things differently. I work for God.

I don't work for me either. When I slip into that mold I wind up seeking the praise of men instead of pleasing God. And believe me - those things are more often than not mutually exclusive.

So what about you? As a Christ follower - you work for God. More specifically we all are to work with God - but you know what I mean. Are you finding yourself working for others? Are you looking around to see who's watching? When you praise are you singing to the crowd or to an "audience of one"?

Dave got it right! He understood he worked for the people (as a president should). And he realized too that it was only temporary. You and I have a temp job too. It will only last a few years - let's all make sure we get the job done right!

Let's remember who we work for.

101 Class

OK - it's 7:35 AM on a Saturday morning and I'm up and pumped! Today I get to teach my 101 class. That's the class I teach for folks who are new to HCC. It will go from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (give or take - and depending on the Cat's schedule - LOL) It will be comprised of folks who are considering becoming members or have recently joined. I love this class. It's long, and I still have to preach tonight and tomorrow - but I love it. Here's some reasons why.

I get to know some folks that I would otherwise not get to given our size congregation.

I spend a few hours with people that are excted about being a part of something.

I get to share our vision - I love doing that!

I get to answer questions and this helps me make sure we're still on track.

I get to have donuts - MIKE'S DONUTS - and they are awesome!

I get to tell our story - how we got here in just 11 years.

I get to to tell folks about my family.

I get to tell folks about Jesus.

If you've never taken this class - why not sign up next time - I'd love to see you too.

This kicked my butt!

There are many times when I read God's word that it really just hits me in the mouth! This is one such verse.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Mat 6:14-15 (NIV)

Wow! Being the fallen being that I am this smacked me in the face. And I got to thinking about just how well do I forgive? And then I realize as a minister I have this professional level of forgiveness - but is it real? Here's what I mean. As a pastor I "have to be forgiving" - at least on the surface. I don't have the luxury of unloading on people who tick me off. I don't have the luxury of publicly holding grudges. I don't have the luxury of ignoring people who I might really want to.

But what about the "real me" - not the guy on the stage - but the guy in the mirror? How well am I doing there? To be honest I really do try to be forgiving. And most of the time I do pretty well. But there have been times when I hung on way too long. There have been people that have hurt me deeply and I have given in to the wicked side in me that wants them to suffer for what they have done. Of course I'm willing to let God handle the suffering all I ask is that I get a front row seat so I can see it. Yes, that's sick.

As I have been working on this new series - Christmas is Forgiving - it brought this thought again to me. Just how much like Jesus am I when it comes to forgiving others. While the easy answer is - I'm doing great. But then I wonder.

What about you?

Be careful who you hang up on!

Most of you reading this have probably signed up on a "no call list" so people you don't know, selling stuff you don't want, can't call you at supper time. I did as soon as it came out.

But still I get a call once in a while - usually from political or non-profit organizations. And sometimes I'll give them a hearing and sometimes I just politely tell them I'm tapped out. But what happens when you get the really persistent ones? You know the ones who say, "I understand you can't afford $1,000.00 a week pledge - but what about $500.00 a week? No - how about $2.00? Can we count on you for anything? Etc. Etc. Etc.

Well - call me rude - but sometimes I actually hang up on them. Yes, I said it - I hang up.

Well this morning I'm reading Yahoo news and I read this really funny story about a US Representative (R) who hung up on our President Elect. And she did it twice because she thought it was a prank call. You can read the story here if you like... It is funny.

So here's something to think about.

How often do we hang up on God? How many times does he want to talk with us and we hang up? An issue comes up in life and we blow it off as just the normal junk of life and don't pray about it, while God is waiting to talk to us about it. How many times do we let other things "beep in" on our line when we should not take that call but stay connected with our Heavenly Father? Have we ever been guilty of putting Jesus on some "no call" list?

Be careful who you hang up on!

Weekend Update

Wow what a great weekend - here's a recap.

Thursday - slept in, watched football - had dinner w/ the family (including Beth, Dale, and Abigail) - we were celebrating Beth's 27th birthday - seems like yesterday Melody and I were two clueless kids putting our new born in the car and thinking, "what do we do now?" Thursday was a great day!

Friday - slept in - headed to my brother's house in Flemingsburg (our annual Thanksgiving get together with his family). Pigged out - I MEAN PIGGED OUT! Headed home a little before midnight and heard what seemed like a UK pre-game on the radio. What's up with a Midnight tip-off? Anyway listened to the first half on the way back to G-town. Tried to get the 2nd half on TV - Yes it was on - but not on a channel I get - so I went up into my office and listened on the computer - pretty cool. And they found a way to win - GO CATS!

Saturday - slept in (I see a pattern here - sweeet!). Watched some football in the afternoon and grazed on left overs. About 6:30 Tim King came over to watch the UK - TN game - Rodney Quinton joined us about 7:00 (A huge Tennessee fan). It got ugly! Thought I'd have to kill him! At 10:30 watched the UK - WV game - I think they are making progress - I also think Michael Porter needs to hang it up as a point guard!

Sunday - slept in (till 9:00) - went to the 10:45 service, saw my birthday girl (Beth) singing in the praise team - cried a little - enjoyed a great message by Paul Curtis. Went to Golden Coral with the family. Came home intending to nap a little and wound up making a hospital call with my wife. And then went shopping.

All in all - a great weekend - hope yours was just as good.

The people's choice.

There's a lot of talk about "the people's choice".

You have the People's choice awards for TV, movies, and music.

You have the people's choice in politics - that's why Barack Obama is our President Elect - he was the "people's choice"

And in many ways the "people's choice" is a great thing. But in some ways it can be a bad thing.

While I can't give all the details right now, we are nearing the end of our search for a "Grow Pastor" - and this whole "people's choice" idea came into the discussion.

We were blessed - I mean BIG TIME blessed with a number of incredible candidates. But one in particular may not have been the "people's choice" in some circles. His experience was not as much as some others. The size of church he minister's in was not as large as some. And in some ways he did not seem like the logical first choice. But that was all about the "people's choice".

But there was an even bigger factor playing in the process. For weeks some of us have been gathering for prayer at 6:15 on Tuesday mornings (uggghhhh). Many of you have joined us in praying for this yet unknown staff person - thanks so much!

And God really showed up. When all was said and done his Spirit was making it clear to all of us that one particular person was the right choice.

During the discussion I brought up David, the young shepherd boy. While the people's choice for king had been Saul - he was clearly not God's man. David was because he was a man after God's own heart. And that's what we were looking for. God's man, not Dean's man, or the elder's man". And barring some unforeseen issue we have found him!

IS GOD AWESOME OR WHAT!

103 to 111

103 to 111

Some of you may not know what this means - but if you are a Ky Wildcat fan you do. That's the final score of the KY - VMI game last Friday. And Ky posted the lower number.

So how does a team like Kentucky score 103 points and lose? Simple, you let the other team score at will. Kentucky has long been known as a defensive team - but not on Friday night.

So what about the church? How can we score so many points and still lose? Here's what I mean. We can see a lot of folks come to Christ and yet not see life change. I've been talking about this in the Seek-Grow-Serve-Love series. If you have not been listening check it out.

This weekend I will be talking about love and it's interesting that Paul says some pretty strong things about this in 1 Corinthians 13. Sounds a whole lot like the Kentucky team - they scored big but still lost.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Cor 13:1-3 (NIV)

Let's make sure we get this "love" thing right - we don't want to score a ton and still lose the game!

Weekend Update

Wow - what a great weekend! Busy but great!

The marriage retreat was just awesome. 37 couples took time from their busy schedules to work on their marriage. GREAT JOB GANG! Ed and Jera Laurel are amazing - they led the retreat and man they hit it out of the park. I think everyone had a great time - I know I did.

Saturday night and Sunday we had some awesome services. Damon and Jason (along with Brandon and Nell Anne) did a great acoustic set that really set the tone for people to hear God's word. I really felt like the sermon on Serving was spot on. I generally just aim at myself and man did I get beat up. Sometimes I don't do well with this serving thing. But studying again the servanthood of Jesus was awesome.

No - I did not get to go after Bambi's daddy - I did however get a nice nap and then watched some football.

Keep the church in prayer this week. We have two more "Grow Pastor" candidates coming in and hope to be able to make an offer after this weekend. I can't wait! God is just rocking this place right now!

Busy Weekend!

Wow - I have a busy schedule this weekend - but it's all good!

Friday night and Sat (till early afternoon) - Melody and I will be joining a bunch of other couples from HCC for a Marriage Retreat. Why do they call it a retreat? I want my marriage to advance - oh well - I'll save that for another day.

The weekend's message is about Jesus being a Servant - We'll be looking at Jesus washing the feet of a bunch of MEAT HEADS! Take some time and read John 13:1-17. Chew on it, let it speak to you. And ask yourself the question - if Jesus did this for the disciples - how am I to apply that to my life?

Sunday afternoon I'll probably go try to shoot Bambi's daddy - OK - I'll admit I'm a bit of a caveman - but I love deer and it's time to put the meat on the table.

I hope to see you this weekend - if not have a great one!

Oh, Melody is excited that it might snow! I love her - but she's a little crazy!

I love my blackberry!

I've been learning how to use my blackberry phone. Man it's cool. I've been texting folks, sending e-mails to let folks know my number will be changing. Getting e-mails while away from the computer is the bomb! And the best part - not one single dropped call yet. Even driving by the golf course or creek!

And yes, Randy and Jon (you know who you are!) I'm even thinking of the spiritual application in it.

Why is it that we as people of the 21st century want to be connected 24/7 to everybody - but don't have the same passion to be connected to God 24/7? And why is it that so many times we seem to have "dropped calls" when it comes to our connection with God... HINT: THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON GOD'S END!

There - chew on that for a while - I have been.

A new number - uggghhh

Here's a pic of my new phone - it's a cool Blackberry Curve.

Now here's the deal - I bit the bullet and got a "family plan" for our cell phones. I've been dodging it for some time. Long story short - I wound up having to get a new number - DON'T ASK! Anyway - now I have to make contact with hundreds of people and tell them my old numbers will no longer work.

For those interested here is my new number - 502-316-1851 - and now I can read texts w/out having to pay 20 cents each time.

And then I got to thinking about this in spiritual terms. We are doing this series about discipleship and it dawned on me - when it comes to me being like Christ - what "numbers" in my life need to be changing as well?

Maybe there are some folks in my life that don't need to be "in my five" anymore. People that have too much negative influence on me.

Maybe there are some others that need to be added. Some people that God wants me to be an influence on.

And of course I need to have God on speed dial - I need to spend tons of time talking with Him - and the cool thing is that there are no "roaming charges"!

In the Christian life there are times when I need to be changing my number - what about you?

Guest Blog - Nell Anne Gossett

Guest Blogger - Nell Anne Gossett

A few days ago I walked into Southside Elementary to pick up my granddaughter from school. Since it was a lovely fall day and I was early, I sat outside on one of the benches.

A group of young children walked out of the school toward the flagpole. They were discussing which one of them was going to get to lower the flag and who would fold it. It was obvious that the daily job of caring for the American Flag was a privilege they had earned.

As they began, a grandfather walked up with a preschooler perched on his shoulders. The little one said, "Hey Pa Pa, Look!" The grandfather took the little guy off his shoulders and began a simple explanation about taking care of the American Flag and it's importance.

While the children worked on their task, the grandfather stood at attention and placed his hand over his heart. After studying hi papa for a few moments, and trying to decide which hand to place over his chest, the little boy did too. As the school children finished, the grandfather said, "Boys, you did a fine job." Pointing to the top of the flagpole, he said, "You know, the top of the flag pole is called a truck. How about that?" He then picked up his grandchild, placed him on his shoulders and went on into the school.

For all the teacher, parents, and Papa's who teach and reinforce the importance of patriotism and respect ... thank you. For all the veterans who gave us those freedoms thank you! God bless America.

What now?

Last night history was made in America and a lot of it was really good news.

As a country we have gone from the days where a black man had to sit in the back of the bus to a African American sitting at the most powerful desk in America (maybe the world).

We have elected our 44th president - and that alone is a blessing.

We have once again seen the democratic process work - whether we agree or disagree with the results we need to be grateful for the system.

We have reason to praise the Lord. I know some reading this will be "down in the dumps" today. But I have to ask why? Do we believe that our going into a private booth and writing down a name is really all this is about? Have we forgotten that it is God Himself who set's leaders in place?

(Rom 13:1 NIV) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

This is not to say we don't challenge them if we feel they are wrong. And it may call for times of social injustice when the rule contradicts God's law. But it is clear in Scripture that God has a hand in such matters.

And make no mistake about this... Barack Obama is our President elect because God has ordained it.

So what do we need to do now?

Pray. Pray for him and his family. Pray for the newly elected officials that will join in him governing this great country. Pray for this country - we have some serious issues. Pray that God will use this new administration to bring this nation back to Himself. It may be through revival or tribulation. Pray that God be glorified.

A Proud Dad!

Today is a great day in America. It is a day we get to exercise our right to freely choose who will serve for the next four years as our President.

But for me it's a great day for another reason. It is the first time my son Jon was old enough to participate in the Presidential election. He is 21 and while he has voted in the past - he was not old enough in 04 to vote for this office.

I'm proud of you son!

GO VOTE!

Warning - PG 13.

OK - the title may be a little bit scary - so here's the deal - I'm going to give some straight talk and use some straight language - also keep in mind I deal with a lot of men one on one ... so for the ladies reading this - please do not be offended. If you are squeamish - just don't read this one.

In our culture we have a lot of people who want to "live off the government tit". Hey - I warned you. But you understand exactly what that phrase means. It speaks to the "entitlement" attitude that is pervasive in our culture. If I get hurt in an accident - I deserve to be a millionaire. If there is some handout - I deserve to be at the head of the line. I deserve to own a home - even if I can't really afford it. The list goes on.

But sadly - this mentality carries over to the church. I'll come to your church if you meet my needs. I'll keep coming until a new church offers some new and exciting program - so you better treat me right. I'll give my money if I like the music. I'll serve if it's cool and does not make me uncomfortable.

In our men's breakfast this morning someone said, "Too many People are trying to live off Dean's tit." OK - that's not a picture you ever wanted to have! But do you understand what it means? Sure you do - there are many, many people that are satisfied to get their spiritual food from me and me alone.

But there are some problems with that.

#1 It's simply not enough - I could never give you enough "milk" to sustain your spiritual life.

#2 It's not balanced - the weekend services are hard. I have the responsibility of giving salty food to the seeker so they get a thirst for God. I give milk to the infant Christian so they can mature, and I want to give some meat to the more mature Christ followers to help them grow stronger. It is very seldom (if ever) that all three can be done in any one weekend.

#3 The biggest problem is that it's just not Biblical. As believers we are called to be self-feeders. We are all called to not only feed ourselves but feed others.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (KJV)

All of us as taxpayers are tired of so many people wanting to "live off the government tit".... It's time we as believers get past "living off the preacher's tit" as well.

It's time to take off the bib and put on an apron!

The Start of Something Big!

Hey all - keep the elders, me, and the church in special prayer this week and for the next few weeks. Dan and I have been conducting phone interviews this week with prospective "Grow Pastors". This is a new position that we will be filling very soon. This will be a part of the whole - "Seek-Grow-Serve-Love" system.

For those that may not know - Seek-Grow-Love-Serve is our new purpose statement. We feel strongly that it is our job to help every person we come in contact with to take one step closer in their walk with Jesus. I will be preaching for the next four weeks on this topic. So make sure you are there or catch it on our web site.

Anyway - we have interviewed nine and have the last three today. Our plan is to whittle this down to three or four and then have a second round of interviews. And man, I AM PUMPED! The candidates that we are talking with are outstanding. I MEAN AMAZINGLY OUTSTANDING. Our challenge will not be to pick a good one. It will be to pick the right one from among so many phenomenal choices.

Pray that God makes this clear. This is a huge turning point for our church.

At least somebody is making money!

I read Yahoo news every day (several times on some days). I watch the morning and evening news. Sometimes in my office I have Fox news in the background. I'm not sure this is a good thing but it does help keep me current. It also is infuriating sometimes - LIKE TODAY!

In the news today Exxon-Mobile's profits were posted for the 3rd quarter. Poor souls are struggling right now. Their profits for the last quarter were a mere 14.83 Billion Dollars. This is what that looks like - $14,830,000,000.00.

It is also noted that not only is this yet another record for the oil company - but a record for any US Company ever! The article shared how the profit was driven by the higher crude prices and the fact they were given a pass on much of the fine they were supposed to pay for the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

So lets all say a big hooray for these folks... They hit the mother load. And I'm so glad I could help every time I filled my tank. And I sure hope they don't suffer too much with the falling price of crude.

CAN SOMEBODY SAY THERE'S SOME GOUGING GOING ON!

OK - I have to stop now... my fingers are wanting me to type some bad words and I have to bandage my hand - I hurt it when I punched the screen on my computer!

UUUUGGGGGHHHHH!

Challenge Flag

Challenge Flag - Guest Blog from Brett Oliver

I love college football. For me a fall afternoon or evening tailgating with friends and family followed by cheering on the Wildcats is what a Saturday was made for.

I got to thinking about the challenge flag in football. You know, the flag a head coach can throw when he wants to challenge the call made on the field. The officials are still in charge of the game, but they aren't perfect and sometimes video replay shows a mistake. The officials recognize that part of the game and rules and allow the coaches to request this review (sometimes "requested" more aggressively and loudly than others!) and challenge their decision.

It got me thinking - who do I have that I allow to throw a challenge flag on me? Who in my life has permission to question a decision or behavior that might prove wrong or not Christ-like? Like the challenge flag, the opportunities for a brother or sister in Christ to challenge me need to be limited. We've all experienced the friend who tells us everything we're doing wrong and never encourages us - we turn a deaf ear to them - even if they sometimes speak the truth. We need those in our life that understand the balance between challenge / rebuke and encouragement.

the challenge flag reminds me that it needs to be done respectfully. The flag may be thrown toward the official in emotion. But the review process is orderly and respected. When we challenge someone is our response orderly and respectful? I need those in my life with the challenge flag and they need the permission to throw them on me.

I encourage each of you to allow those challenge flags to be thrown in your life.

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

We in the body of Christ need each other to keep us on track. Who in your life has the permission to throw the challenge flag? Be sure and let them know soon.

Brett Oliver

Just so you know - this is not me!

This was just too funny....

What a weekend!

Normally when I talk about the weekend I'm talking about what went on at Harmony Christian Church and I guess I am now in some fashion.

The weekend started on Friday night with a Volunteer Appreciation Banquet - wow - what a great time to celebrate with a bunch of folks that make HCC such a great place...

Then Saturday and Sunday 21 of us went on our first every men's golf trip. We went to Dale Hollow State Resort and had a ball. I can honestly say it was the most beautiful golf course I have ever seen. I can also say it kicked my butt! I did not know any one person could lose that many golf balls!

The highlight for me was hiking Sunday morning to a cave that Dave Parrish had found several years ago. We went up there before we played on Sunday and had church in the mouth of it with an incredible view of a ravine. It was breathtaking. Note to self -don't eat so many biscuits before hiking in the hills!

We're already talking about doing this again next year... I can't wait....

What I hate about E-mail.

OK - here's the promised 2nd part... please feel free to add your comments as well.... This is what I hate about E-Mail.

I hate Spam - uggghhhh!

I hate Forwards - (you know the one's you have to open three pages or more to get the message - guess what - after one page I just hit delete... and for some people - I hit delete immediately.

I hate it when people I don't even know take shots at me or the church via an e-mail with an address that does not let me know who they are.... I don't mind people's remarks (good or bad) - but they need to at least sign their name!

Did I mention I hate SPAM!

I hate it when people don't look at the distribution list and send me stuff that I already have because I was on the same list!

I hate to change my e-mail address... what a pain!

I hate it when others change their e-mail address... not quite as bad - but still a pain.

OK - let's hear your comments too.

What I love about E-Mail

This is going to be a two-part post. The first part is "What I love about E-Mail" - the next part will be "What I hate about E-mail". So here goes - and this is not an exhaustive list - but it would be great to hear your additions to the list....

I love how it as a very effective way of communication.

I love to get pics of new borns (even though they aren't as cute as my grand daugher)

I love to get sermon ideas.

I love to get pics of big fish and monster bucks (deer)

I love to not have to be on the phone with long winded people (at least some long winded people).

I love to send little notes to my wife and get them back too!

I love a good joke.

I love how it eliminates some meetings.

I love of how it can be used for evangelism and discipleship.

OK - add to the list!

40 resumes and counting!

Wow - some of you know this and for some it's news - but we are in the process of hiring a "grow pastor" (minister of discipleship). And boy am I excited about it. Right now we have 40 resumes and expect more to come in the next couple of days.

So here's the deal - PRAY! And PRAY SOME MORE!

We have received some unbelievable resumes and I mean that in a really good way. Now the hard work begins. Dan and I will whittle the list down to 10 (give or take) and then do a bunch of phone interviews. At that time we'll hopefully be able to narrow it down to 2 or 3. Then more interviews with more folks being involved. And then we will be able to issue an invitation for someone to join our staff.

It is exciting, challenging, and a bit overwhelming. But it is amazing to see the caliber of individuals God is bringing to us. But we don't want a good one - we want the best one - and that's the one God has picked out already.

So like I said, PRAY, and then PRAY SOME MORE!

What will we trust?

It's no secret that our economy is in a mess right now. With a 700 Billion dollar bail out, and the stock market riding a roller coaster of up and down swings. I checked into my retirement account the other day and found out I've lost over 35% of it.

And I've had a number of people tell me how worried they are. But should they be? I don't think so. Consider the following verses.

Did I set my heart on making big money or worship at the bank? Did I boast about my wealth, show off because I was well off? Was I ever so awed by the sun's brilliance and moved by the moon's beauty that I let myself be seduced by them and worship them on the sly? If so, I would have deserved the worst of punishments, for I would be betraying God Himself. (Job 31:24-28, Message)

Clearly we get it that worshiping the sun or moon is idolatry - but Job puts trusting in our bank accounts right there with it.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, KJV)

The context of this passage is about worrying about what we will eat, what we will wear, and where we will live. And Jesus makes it clear - He's got us covered - no matter what happens on Wall Street!

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7, NIV)

Money is power in today's world, as much as horses and chariots were in David's day... so what are we trusting in?

Some times your heart just aches.

The picture I've posted is of Tim Schindler and his newly adopted daughter - as a matter of fact they are still in China getting her - if you want some interesting reading - check out his wife's blog - it's amazing as she chronicles their journey.

But that's not the prayer request. Actually I have a couple. We just got back from Chicago and while we were there we visited with my wife's parents who live a couple hours west of there. Their health is not good and every time we go we have the painful reminder that it could be our last visit with either one of them.

On top of that Melody's dearest friend had a heart attack a few weeks back and it doesn't look good. Her heart is only functioning about 20%. Her husband is not much better with his own health. They have two boys - one 16 and one 12. They have asked us to be their God Parents and take them as our own if something were to happen.

It is a HUGE responsibility to accept such a challenge and we are really praying about it. But as I have been reading Tim's blog - I feel a tug to step up on this request. But it's hard - very hard.

And I ache for the pain my wife is going through right now. Please keep her in your prayers - me too.

Heading to the Windy City

It seems like yesterday I was 18 years old and driving into Chicago for the first time. I was an incoming Freshman at Moody Bible Institute (MBI). A lot happened in my life there. I met some life long friends on the 3rd floor of Culbertson Hall. I gained an incredible love of learning. I got to experience some of the great culture and cuisine of Chicago. And I met the most wonderful young woman in the world. And while I can't really call her young any more - for 30 years she has been by my side.

Well tomorrow (Thursday) we are making the trip again. We're taking Jon to check out MBI. He's considering attending there too. We will get there early enough to check out some of the cuisine - Gino's here we come! And I might even catch a late night #1. A #1 is a hamburger, fries and shake from this place called "Mr G's". It's right down the street from Moody and the reason I went from 175 to 210 pounds in just two years. My mouth is watering right now.

Please keep us in prayer as we travel and pray with Jon about his college selection. This is a big deal. Also because I will be away from my computer for a few days, I will not be blogging. I will give an update when I get back.

Guilty by association

Guilty by association - just doesn't sound good does it. In our political process we hear about Obama's association with Bill Ayers, and we hear about McCain's past ties with the Charles Keating. And yes I think it matters. But what about our associations? Are we "guilty by association too"?

In the last two sermons I talked about how important our friends are. We asked the questions: Who are they? Who's are they? Where are they taking us? I have been guilty by association. I have hung around the wrong people at times. Listened to the wrong advice. Made the wrong choices - and many times it was because I was with the wrong people.

But I am glad to say I am "guilty by association" with a really great bunch of folks at Harmony. We are in the process of doing staff evaluations. And having looked at them initially I am just ecstatic. We are so blessed with a great staff. A REALLY GREAT STAFF!

And as we are taking resumes right now for yet another staff person it's easy to see that others want to be "guilty by association" with them too.

You and I are going to have associations - let's make sure that when we are "guilty by association" - that it's a good thing not a bad thing.

My friend David

Many of you know my friend David Parrish - he really is a great guy. When we moved to G-town waiting for our house to be finished he let us live in his double-wide trailer out at Parrish Lakes. And over the years he has helped me with a lot of things.

When I finished John's room in the basement he checked my wiring job to make sure I didn't burn down the house. He's helped me tons with my woodworking skills and loaned me some really nice tools from time to time. He's been a consistent golf coach over the last 11 years and seen my game improve dramatically. He's helped me over the years develop the golf league into a wonderful outreach. I've even got to fish with him once or twice at Victoria Estates (although his wife is a lot better than he is).

Over the years I have grown to love Dave and Gloria a lot. We have a kindred spirit. And while we don't go out as couples as much as I'd like we have always enjoyed our time together.

Well today Dave showed me something else. Something I'd only seen on TV - Today Dave got a hole-in-one on the 10th hole at Ducker's Lake. It was amazing and I was so glad I got to share that moment with him - and now with you.

But as exciting as that is... I have seen Dave and Gloria pour their lives into those of hurting people. You see Dave and Gloria met in a divorce recovery class, they fell in love and married. Now together they are taking what they have learned and sharing it with others.

David may have gotten his first hole-in-one today - but he's using his life to help make broken people "whole" again. And that's a much better accomplishment.

God bless you my friend.

Let's try this again.

If you have not read my previous post - read it now... What can the church learn from the political campaigns?

Now let me seed this discussion a bit...

In a political campaign - the candidate knows what they want to accomplish.... and while the church claims to... do they really? A clear vision is critical.

In a political campaign they continually share the vision - elect so-and-so. The church struggles because many don't really know what the vision really is.

In a political campaign - there may be differences in the primary - but once they get past the convention everyone is on the same page. Consider how Joe Biden relentlessly attacked Barack Obama before and now is his VP (and on the same page)... We in the church will have differences of opinion - but must pull together to get the "real job" done.

Now it's your turn. What can we learn from this process?

So here's the deal - I borrowed this idea from the guys over at swerve - but it's good stuff...

Given the non stop coverage of the presidential race and to be honest the most interesting race between two VP candidates I can ever remember they posed a very interesting question. And I want to pose it here...

What can the church learn from the political campaigns?

And here's the ground rules. I'm not interested in who you are supporting, or about who you would really like to see win or lose. I'm interested in the process. Here's why. Each election dollars are spent, volunteers are mobilized, causes are promoted, decisions are made. So please step up and give your thoughts... again - NO PROMOTING ANYONE! Just toss around some ideas of how from this process we could learn some things that might work in the church.

Think about it... the politicians do all this because they feel it is effective in getting people to support their cause. We certainly have a greater cause so what could we be doing better or not at all?

I can't wait to read your comments.

What's inside?

Did you know that I'm going to be a grandpa again? OK - I know you did - but I just love saying it! And here is the latest pic... Isn't she adorable? Clearly SHE has her grandpa's good looks!

An ultrasound is an incredible thing.... an ultrasound uses sound waves to paint a picture. It can show stuff on the inside without having to actually go inside to see it. Pretty technical explanation right?

With an ultrasound (or sonogram) the sex of baby can be determined and even some birth defects can be found in early stages... it's truly an amazing thing.

But what if we could have a spiritual ultrasound? What would it show about us? Oh sure we all look a certain way on the outside - but what are we really like on the inside? Well God's word tells us that while other people can only see the outside (the part we let them see)... God Himself looks at the heart (the inside).

Now I can portray a certain image to you - but is that really the truth? You can act a certain way around church folks - but what are you really like at work or home? We could all benefit from a "spiritual ultrasound". And God has given us one. When we read His word and listen to His spirit - it reveals the truth about each of us. And while it will not determine the sex of a fetus - it will show some defects within each of us. And yes we all have them.

But it is only then that we can deal with them. It's when we really know the "guts" of the issue that we can be honest and let God help us work on them.

So let me challenge each of you to let God give you a sonogram. I'll do the same.

Are we making the wrong people rich?

No doubt you have been watching to see what will happen on Capital Hill and on Wall Street. The thought that a bunch of Wall Street rich dudes will get bailed out is really ticking a lot of folks off - including me. But of course this got me thinking...

Who are we making rich? Who are you making rich? Who in my life am I making rich? And I'm not talking about money.

We each have something to offer. You could call it the currency of life. It might be money, it might be time, it might be talents. And every day we spend some of those commodities somewhere. So in a sense we are taking what is ours to invest and putting it somewhere... So where are we putting it. Who is getting our best and becoming richer for it? Who are we making rich?

Am I investing time with my kids or someone else?

Am I spending more on my wife than on me?

Am I using my talents to bring people to Jesus or just to make me look good?

Am I giving any time to God?

Am I faithful in being generous?

Am I using my God given talents for God's glory?

Who are you making rich?

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Cor 8:1-2 (NIV)

Weekend Update

What a great weekend!

Great weekend at church - three baptisms and a couple of folks made HCC their home church... It was awesome seeing folks come forward for prayer. And my neighbor visited - she just recently lost her husband and it was awesome seeing folks rally around her.

And what about Blaine - man he did an awesome job sharing the work being done in Uganda. I am so proud of our folks for the love they have for others.... Great job guys and Great job God!

Tim and Amy Schindler visited on Sat night - Tim is the youth minister at G-town baptist - keep them in prayer - they leave a week from Thursday for China. They are adoping a beautiful little girl.

Also Frank and Brenda Howell were with us at the 10:45. They are former members who moved away about 7 years ago. They live in Jeffersonville IN - it was great showing them the building and catching up.

Oh yea, another cool thing happened. A young man stopped by about 8:00 from Crossroads - it seems their drummer forgot his sticks and they needed to borrow some. Keep crossroads in your prayers - this is a great work and lives in G-town will be touched for eternity. Glad we could help.

On another front - Vols lose again! USC gets spanked! Cards tank again! And what about those Gators! Oh yea, UK goes 4-0 - still not in the top 25 but getting closer (both polls have them ranked at 28).

Let me say it again - GO SEE FIREPROOF!

Fireproof - AWESOME!

Wow! And that doesn't even touch it. My wife and I went to see Fireproof last night. This is an absolute must see for every couple. I mean a MUST SEE!

The story is about a fireman (Kirk Cameron) who is a hero at work - but losing his marriage. When his wife tells him she's through he finally get's it. He goes through a 40 day exercise to win her back. At the beginning he just goes through the motions, but eventually he realizes that he cannot do this alone. He needs to let God do it.

There are so many scenes I have seen played out. She is surrounded by friends who encourage her to bail. She is courted by a nice guy who "gets her". He let's his anger almost derail the process.

I cried. I cried a lot. Some of the tears were caused by the painful memories of seeing friends marriages crash and burn before my eyes. But most of them were tears of sadness for the times the story was about me. I was that guy at one time. I was the guy "saving the world" but neglecting my wife. I am in tears now as I think of how my wife stayed the course when I gave her every reason to bail.

The key line is "You never leave your partner behind, especially in a fire".

So many times I've seen it... and it's heart breaking.

See the movie, and don't see it alone. Take people with you. This will be the catalyst for saving marriages. Maybe yours.

Here's the link again to the movie.

Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Prov 127:1 (NLT)

As some of you know - Friday night is my "Date Night". Tonight Melody and I are going to see the movie Fireproof.

This movie is about a Fireman (Kirk Cameron) who is a hero at work but loosing his marriage at home.

I've been excited about this movie and how we can use it to help others find hope in troubled marriages. I'll post an update later.

You should really check out the movie at their web site.

Bail Out

So let me see if I have this right. If I don't pay my bills but take the cash to Keeneland trying to hit it big but loose it all instead - somebody will call a meeting of a bunch of elected officials and tell all my neighbors that they are going to take their money and bail me out. But of course when I go back to Keeneland trying to hit it big again and win all my money back I will give it to the same officials and they will in turn pay back my neighbors.

Yes, that's what the 700 billion dollar bail out sounded like to me - REALLY NICE PLAN.

But then I got to thinking about this from a spiritual perspective. Lets see how this same scenario works.

As a church and as believers God has entrusted us with "spiritual" treasures. But when we don't use them for His glory it's like going to Keeneland and wasting it. And for what purpose - we're trying to hit it big. We want to be successful on our terms. We want our pound of flesh when we've been hurt instead of being forgiving. We want someone else to risk telling our neighbors about Jesus.

And just like our US economy there is coming a pay day.

Maybe someone will come along and bail us out too... but I doubt it.

15 Million Dollars $$$$

I got to thinking - what could I do with 15 million dollars?

I could buy 3,750,500 ProV1 golf balls.

I could buy groceries for my family till the year 4314

I could buy a new Triton Bass Boat TR21 each day till the beginning of October 2009

I could sponsor 500,000 children for one month through feed the children or I could sponsor 41,666 for a whole year.

I could pay off Harmony's debt 4 times over.

I could pay for 4 years of college at Cincinnati Christian University for 178 students.

Or I could pay for the political commercials for Barack Obama and John McCain for ONE DAY!

Maybe it's just me - but with thousands of homes still uninhabitable in Louisiana and Alabama and now more in Texas wouldn't that be a little bit better use of 15 million A DAY!

With millions dying of AIDS in Africa wouldn't it be nice to maybe have a few less political adds and maybe come up with a cure?

And instead of putting America even farther in debt bailing out greedy investment companies - maybe some of the money could come from the campaign coffers.

Maybe it's just me.

Awesome Weekend!

Wow - what a great weekend.

The praise team rocked! Man are we blessed with some talented, hardworking musicians.

Two young people were baptized - PTL!

People liked the tie dye and the tricked out pants - thanks David Wegner (my new tailor).

And tonight I slipped in on "Girlfriends Unlimited" - it was a group of about 150 women getting together to launch some incredible Bible studies and build relationships. What an awesome program. Wanda Miller can BRING IT! And what can I say about my wonderful wife. She has worked so hard with a group of other dedicated ladies to make this an awesome thing. AND IT WAS! Great job baby!

I also got to see my two oldest helping lead the worship for the event... I'm so proud of them both! And babies - you look so cute with that little belly! You are daddy's girl!

Oh yea - the Vols got spanked again - way to go Gators!

Making phone calls

I'm sitting in my office with the Ryder Cup on the TV and I'm making phone calls. I make A LOT of phone calls and I get A LOT of phone calls.

The calls I'm making now are really great calls. I'm calling people that are interested in being members at Harmony. I love making these calls!

And I get to make these calls because some other great folks have already made phone calls. You see when new folks come to church we have a group of volunteers that contact them first. Many times before I touch base with someone they have gotten a number of contacts from others first. Great job!

But there is room for more - we are really having a lot of folks try out Harmony and we need even more folks willing to get on the phone and welcome them. If you'd like to try that let Dan know.

Like I said, "I've been making phone calls" - sure some of them were on me talking to someone's voice mail, one was a guy traveling in Eastern KY with a bad signal, but several were actual people exciting about finding Harmony. Folks chomping at the bit to get involved. People setting up times to be baptized or join the the church.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my job!

A day at the Ryder Cup

My friend Steve Settles and I went to Valhalla Golf Club today. It was the third practice day for the Ryder Cup. For those non-golf enthusiasts - IT'S A BIG HONKIN' DEAL! For those who know golf - you know how great this was. This was one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities.

We only got to follow around the US team as both teams (US and European) only played nine holes today... but it was great. Man can these guys hit a golf ball!

The guy swinging the driver is JB Holmes - a Ky native - and the ball he hit went at least 375 yards - maybe more! These dudes make it look so easy.

The Ryder Cup is only played every other year and the US team is way behind in the win column - so everyone is hoping they can do well this year. They will sorely miss Tiger Woods though.



Thanks Steve for a great day! Makes me want to play golf - but then on the other hand seeing how well those guys play makes eBay look good too.... LOL