Phil Michelson is the #2 player in the world in golf. And I have to say - I love/hate to watch him. He really seems like a class act, but his game is frustrating. He can be awesome or awful. On the other hand I am bad or awful. He has a reputation as a "choker". He can be heading into the final round with a 5 shot lead and then blow it. He is addicted to his driver when a 3 wood would serve him better. But at the end of the day he is still ranked #2 in the world behind Tiger Woods.
And while he may choke at times on the golf course - he's not choking where it counts the most. He is a strong family man with a beautiful wife and three children. And from the outside looking in it appears he has his priorities right. That is why today he suspended his play in the PGA indefinitely. His wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. You can read the story here if you would like.
So many times celebrities are paraded before us and while they have tremendous successes in their field they are often incredible losers in life. It's nice to see that in the things that matter most Phil Michelson gets it. I pray that all goes well with his wife's treatments. That is much more important than golf!
I don't often talk about my mom. There are a number of reasons - the main one being it is painful. My mom had an incredible battle with mental illness. I still struggle with my brother's mental problems and I have to fight not to blame that on my mom too. Through no fault of her own she was simply not a nurturing person. I think that the survival skills she had to develop in her own childhood made her hard and defensive.
My mom did have some incredible attributes however. She was a voracious reader. She loved God. She worshiped the ground my dad walked on. She would literally fight hell for her three boys. While she had few close friends, she was loyal to them with a vengeance.
But with tomorrow being mothers day I wish I could see here again. She has been gone for nearly 10 years now. And to be honest - I'm not sure I would like to see her as she was. But I'd really like to see her as she is now. She is no longer in the pain of loneliness and mental anguish that she carried most of her life. She would no longer be worried about Mark. She would have cast aside the "stuff of life" that made her sometimes difficult. The corruptible has been replaced with incorruptible. She is now the full blown version of what her savior intended for her to be.
I have not said it in a very long time - so I want to say it here. I love you mom. You gave me life. You really had no greater joy than to see you kids following Jesus. You gave me the best you had. While I have felt many times that it was not enough. I have found that in God's economy it was.
I guess the truth is if I could see you again just the way you were, I really would probably jump at the chance. Even if it meant we would would disagree about something. I do love you. And I know you WILL have a great Mother's Day - because you are having yet another Mother's Day in heaven. One day we will celebrate it together before the throne.
Wow - what a weekend! Simply fabulous weather and packed full of stuff!
Friday - Melody and I went to the Rolex (it's a horse thing - where horses walk funny - I don't get it - but I was surrounded by a bunch of people who do - it was fun).
Saturday - Mowed the grass - had an awesome service Sat night - a young lady was baptized - I never get tired of that!
Sunday - Two more great services - one more baptism, a couple of folks transferred their membership - and several others responded in some awesome ways.
We have had 12 straight services where people responded to Jesus!
First weekend w/out Nell Anne - We miss her - but the team rocked - so many stepped up and we got 'R done - and done well! Thanks team!
Total attendance - 1208!
Sunday after church - grilled steaks - Sunday evening grilled a pork loin - yum yum!
Can't wait to see what God is going to do this week!
Sunday night I came home, sat in my chair and cried (OK - maybe just a little teary).
It started Sunday morning - last service for Nell Anne, very nice recognition after church, lots of hugs, tears, and "good lucks". Also some friends from 100 years ago (my own youth group days) were in for the afternoon. Then I get the text message. Dan (our Exec Pastor) writes - "we need to get together for a very important meeting - 5:30?" Oh, great! What could be going on that requires an emergency meeting on Sunday afternoon? Who's had an affair? Who is resigning? Who is in crisis? UGGGGHHHHH!
Then I get to the restaurant where we are to meet... and I see them - a bunch of people that have one singular connection - me. There are folks from the staff, all my family, including my brother Joe, and my friends from the past (with some extras now). My wife had pulled it off! She surprised me with a 50th B-day party. She had to wait till 2 weeks after the fact to do it.
There was cake (I had only a bite - not very carb friendly), I got lots of hugs, some gag gifts and some really nice ones too. People said some nice things about me. And then it was over. I went home, watched a little TV and then it happened - I started to cry. It was just Melody and me and I told her - "nobody should be blessed this much".
As I looked back over the last 50 years, mostly the last 35 I realized how God had brought so many people into my life. Melba (Wilson) Mastin was there - she and her late husband were youth sponsors. Tom and Jimmy were there - my two closest friends from the past who have been there ever since. My brother. My wife, children, grandchildren and son-in-law. All who make my life rich. My life team - guys you just don't know what you mean to me! My staff and an Elder. My golf buddies, the list just goes on.
And so I just sat there and wiped away the tears. And it dawned on my. I'm not just in tears because I'm blessed. I'm in tears becasue I KNOW I'm blessed. And that is perhaps the biggest blessing of all.
OK - where's the kleenex? I need them again! And it's a good thing. No it's a great thing!
Talk about a roller coaster week! Have you ever had one of those weeks where it's just up and down every day (even moment by moment). Well that's been my week.
The weekend was just awesome, celebrating the resurrection with the largest crowd I've ever preached to, seeing men, women and children respond, even a baptism - wow!
Then we go public with Nell Anne's resignation - and while I had been able to deal with it for a few weeks personally - others were in the initial shock stage - so there was some comforting and encouraging.
Tuesday in my life team (and the other half - we split a year ago) - we see two men accept Christ - AWESOME - this is why we do Lifeteams!
- Wednesday we get the disturbing news that some punk kid has been messing with my baby - and yes for a moment I was ready to get a gun! We survived the drama and trauma and with Connie Morse's help saw it dealt with professionally and effectively - its all good and some valuable lessons learned.
In the midst of all this - there was some infighting trying to rear its ugly head. Good people on both sides of a tough issue - and the Devil in the middle trying to get everyone side tracked. FOLKS - THE DEVIL IS REALLY "PISSED" RIGHT NOW - SO WATCH AND PRAY! But it all worked out - humility ruled the day, there were some "sit down face to face" meetings that I think honored Jesus and helped everyone! For those who know what I'm talking about - YOU GUYS ROCK! For those who don't - just learn this - don't battle via e-mail, facebook, or blogs... if you have an issue with a brother or sister - go to them personally.
Then I get to sit down with Mike (a guy who is going to be baptized this weekend) and watch him receive Christ by faith!
Thursday I take a couple hours to play golf - get about 100 phone calls and e-mails and just post a horrible score - 96 - ugghhhh. No problems - just folks trying to show love for Nell Anne.
But now it's Mel-O-Day (formerly known as Friday) and I get to spend it with my honey, Melody - hence the name change.
And through all of this, I'm reminded of maybe my favorite verse -"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," (Eph 3:20 NIV)
Folks - I just can't wait to see what God is going to do this next week! Wow!
Most of you got this news through our e-mail blast. Nell Anne Gossett will be leaving our staff.
She has been an incredible asset to Harmony for the last six years. When she joined our staff it was in a part time postion when we were running about 250. Today six years later we are averaging over 1100. In the last six years she has championed many changes. We now have an incredibly strong and talented group of people who help lead us in worship each week. She has assembled other incredibly talented people who help with graphics, audio/visual, and set designs. She has been with us through two major building campaigns (one a relocation).
When Nell Anne joined us it was because God was leading her to be a part of Harmony. She now feels that what she was called to do is done. Nell Anne loves a challenge and that is what she has had for the last six years. A challenge that she was always willing to roll up her sleeves and get at. Now is the time for her to move on to new ones. I, for one can't wait to see what that will be!
Please be praying for her, Wayne and their family as they transition into this new time in their lives. Also pray for Harmony as we seek God's direction in filling this position. The other leaders and I have no doubt that God has the right person already prepared to jump in and build on the great foundation that has been laid.
This Sunday will be her last weekend with us. We will be having a reception for her after the 10:45 service. Come tell her how much you love her as only Harmony folks can do.
Wow - Amazing - Unbelievable - Incredible - etc. etc. etc !!!!!
The weekend was simply amazing. Getting to celebrate the resurrection is always awesome - but this weekend was "off the chart". Here are some highlights.
- Awesome worship set - the band and praise team rocked the house and exalted Jesus Christ!
- We had people respond to Christ at all three services!
- Volunteers - what can I say? You all were amazing! I mean AMAZING!
- Staff - I love you all - you are such a joy to serve with!
- Cardboard testimonies were strong!
- 2294 in total attendance - Outstanding, and a mere glimpse of what we will be seeing in the future!
A big thanks to Emily Kouns - she posted this video on Facebook - I wanted to share it. Have a very blessed weekend celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
OK - I warned you! I'm not sure what is the most disturbing here... that goofy outfit, the obvious messed up lip synching? Or the fact this is a church service? But it got me thinking. How often are we guilty of lip synching?
I think it's way too easy for us in the Christian community to simply give in to "church speak" without any real substance in our lives. We say we love Jesus - but do our actions back that up? Are we really living for Him? We say we want to see people come to know God's love - but then just hang out with folks who already know it. Folks - we will never win people we don't have a relationship with!
Certainly the world knows something just "smells funny" when they see us just go through our religious movements without seeing any real change in our lives. It's our version of "lip synching".
This weekend we challenged everyone to seek God in finding at least one person outside of Christ and then allow God to use us to win them for God's glory. Let me give you (and me) a warning - lip synching will not work - EVER! It's one thing to go out and sign our names to the "big one" - it's quite another to break out of our comfort zones and really connect with someone who is lost.
Several Years ago two up and coming stars saw their careers crash and burn because they got busted lip synching. Don't let what happened to Milli Vanilli happen to you! It's not just us who will pay the price!
No Jason Brown, I'm not telling you! OK - that's an inside joke that I'm going to let you in on. Jason Brown, is a preacher friend of mine who's parents attend Harmony. He has been wearing me out on Facebook wondering what's going to happen this weekend. I keep telling him he'll just have to wait like everyone else!
But Jason is not the only one asking - and I'm not the only one being asked - all the staff is being asked - what's the buzz? What's the big surprise? Are we launching a new service? Are we going to buy another Wal-Mart? Are we finally getting a good preacher? OK - let me give you a hint - No to all those suggestions and many others I have heard.
But I do want to clue you in a little bit. Come Saturday or Sunday (or both) expecting something unexpected! Imagine you are at Rupp Arena, the Cats have just won the NCAA tournament (I know for some this might be a stretch right now), the place is packed, and everyone is waiting the arrival of the team. They are coming into the arena on a big bus. They finally get there, and as they are filing off the bus their names are blaring over the sound system. Just how excited would the Big Blue Nation be? And what if you could be right there?
Well we are going to issue a challenge this weekend that is so big - and the expectation so high that you will either think we have lost our minds or you will just pass out! OK, you may not pass out - but we will have smelling sauce on hand. But my prayer is that you say wow - what if? What if we really did see this happen? What if what is being proposed is actually the reality a year from now? What if what God is doing at Harmony is bigger news than John Calipari coming to Lexington? What if it's so big that we know without a doubt that it's a God thing?
Well, Jason Brown you'll just have to wait, but like I said, "you are welcome to come out on Saturday night and be with us." And everyone else is welcome too. You really don't want to miss this!
242 / +1.8 / 23 (weight today / +/- since last post / total loss)
OK - I'm back - well sort of - still recovering! But what a great trip.
Sunny and warm for 6 days - 83-90 degrees but windy! 20-30 mph everyday - tough to fish on Istokpoga with that wind. We did fish three days and caught fish every day on the lake. Decided to go to the Everglades (to fish the canals). Tons of fish and the wind was manageable in the canals. We caught 60 one day, 150 another day, and 350 the last day. Yes 350 bass! Biggest was about 3.5 lbs.
Last day it was storming in the morning and the weather report for the afternoon was 30 mph winds -so we loaded up and drove home.
All in all a fantastic trip. Thanks for the prayers for safety - it was a very good trip - but I'm glad to be home and pumped about this weekend and next - EASTER!
And hey - I basically stayed true to the diet and did not gain any weight! Sweet! Still got a ways to go - but I'm getting there.
Oh, the guy in the picture told me to say "hi to all my friends"....
OK - I don't have much on my brain except my trip south.... So here are some stats about Lake Istokpoga.
Lake Istokpoga, at 27,692 acres, is the fifth largest lake in the state of Florida. The lake is generally shallow, averaging only 4 to 6 feet in depth. The major tributaries to Lake Istokpoga are Josephine Creek and Arbuckle Creek, which are located in the northwest and north areas of the Lake, respectively. Water is discharged from the Lake through two major outlets: the Istokpoga canal that flows to the Kissimmee River and the S-68 Canal that flows through a series of canals to both Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. A reduction of high lake levels has provided the catalyst for development around shores of the Lake, including agriculture (citrus and caldium farms), pasture land, residential and commercial establishments. Many areas adjacent to the Lake that once flooded seasonally or infrequently are now drained. The lake is treasured by local residents for its recreational and scenic qualities. It is also an important regional resource that is being studied as part of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP).
It is 914.95 miles from my house and should take about 14.66 hours travel time to get there.
We will be leaving about 2:00 Sunday afternoon. We will drive all night, fish all day and then collapse!
OK - I'm a little bummed - UK will play tonight in the opening round of the NIT (National Invitational Tournament). I've heard the jokes (hey I've even told some of them). NIT = Not In Tournament. The other day I heard one - NIT = we need a new coach Not In Texas! Being in the NIT says volumes. It says there are 64 teams better than you (maybe more). It says you didn't make the grade. It's winning Miss Congeniality in the Miss America Pageant.
There are the usual suspects in the NIT - but Kentucky is not among that number. Many teams play all season just to get there, the Cats don't. They play for the big dance. They play for March Madness and the Final Four.
But I wonder how often the church is like the NIT. Many are satisfied to play for the consolation tournament. Many are too afraid to do things different so they too could go to the dance! Far too many are content to stay in the no-name conferences that do the same-old same-old never seeing lives changed. This is not just happening in churches - it is happening in entire denominations, and sadly in many individual lives. People and churches who want to play the game in a sub par way - hoping for their bid in the "also ran" tournament.
There is greatness in Kentucky - Patterson and Meeks are simply phenomenal - but they were surrounded by too many NIT level players. I hope they return next year. I hope Billy G gets it together next year. I hope we find a point guard next year. But all that's just a game. There's really nothing for me to lose in this...but some team pride.
Not so the game God has called us to play, the race we are supposed to win... listen to the words of Paul.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Cor 9:24-27 (NIV)
"I'm just saying"... Have you caught yourself saying that? I have. It's one of those phrases that catches on and then gets used to death! And I will likely do it myself, but it got me thinking. What are we just saying? WARNING RANT COMING!
So what are we saying? I get really ticked when I hear people say "Oh my God!", I even see people text it (OMG)." Excuse me - I can understand using the Lord's name in vain slipping out (not an excuse here) -but give me a break. When you are at the key board or keypad on your phone - you have to put in those letters! So I ask people once in a while if they are praying or just using the Lord's name in vain? Come on people!
The "F" bomb - you just gotta love it when that one is dropped. Of course in my line of work most people don't use it around me... but I see it in texts, on MySpace and Facebook. I have recently dropped two "friends" from my Facebook list for a proliferation of the "F"bomb. Again - this is something someone took the time to type in! My daughter even warned her friends not to cuss while texting her - because I would block thier numbers if I saw it.
But how does, "I'm just saying" line up with how I'm living? Are we saying we are Christ followers but all the while more like casual spectators? Are we saying that Jesus Christ is #1 in our lives - but the evidence proves he is way down the list? Are we saying that we trust him - but act like the sky is falling everytime one of life's little surprises shows up?
"I'm just saying" will run it's course, but what about what we are actually saying? Let me put it this way. If how we are living is not lining up with what we are saying we need to change how we are living. If we are not willing to change that - then we need to just SHUT IT! I'm just saying.....
240/ - 3.8 / 25 (today's weight / loss since last post/ total loss)
OK - I took the plunge and registered on Facebook - Wow! It has been amazing. I am up to 220 friends. I was previously on MySpace - but found it a total waste of time and pretty much a cesspool. I had only gotten on it to keep up with my son and his friends... that was down right disturbing (not my son - but some of his friends).
But Facebook has already been a great minstry tool for me. I have been able to finally put some more name to some faces. I have picked up little details about what is going on in folks lives (good and bad). And I have connected with some old friends (some from back in my high school days). I have been able to offer encouragement to folks that I would not have even known needed it.
Facebook is one of several sites in the whole "social networks"genre. It is designed to help people get and stay connected with others. I'm sure there are good and bad aspects to this... The good is that connections can be made.. the bad is that connections can be made... But as a venue it is in itself neutral.
But this whole "social networks" craze got me to thinking. What about God's "social network"? How does God want us to stay connected with him? The truth is God wants us to stay connected with him. And just like we have a variety of ways to stay connected with others (face to face, phone, text, Facebook, e-mail, etc) God has several "networks" we can plug into as well.
Here are some we need to really use. His word - it's like God's e-mail to us. Prayer - you could call it "spiritual texting" Fellowship with others in the body (much like facebook).
So how well are we connected in God's "social network"? And are we spending more time on Facebook than in Hisbook?
Busy weekend - Melody out of town Fri - Sun scrapping thing at Gen. Butler State Park.... she had a good time with some "issues" - but what event does not have some glitches.
Saturday - went to Lebanon Junction (south of Louisville on I-65). I participated in the funeral for Norma Jackson. She was my secretary at North Bullitt Christian Church. I led a prayer and was a pall bearer. I've never been a pall bearer before - it is a sobering experience. It was really good to hook up with some old friends from our days in Louisville. Wow - some of those folks are getting old!
Sunday - went to the 9:00 service - worship was awesome and Andrew Gill rocked the house. Great message on forgiveness. Our youth are so blessed to have a guy like him leading... check out the sermon on our website.
Sunday afternoon - Tim King, Nina and I went to the Bass Pro Shop - we were there with like 10,000 of our closest friends... Man was it crowded.. but we had fun. Got to check out some new fishing stuff and saw them feed the fish in the big tank. Man I want to get a hold on that 12 pound large mouth they have in there!
Time with Nina - Nina has been going through a rough spot - but we had some great talks this weekend - she is such a wonderful young lady. I loved the time with just us.
Sunday afternoon - when we got home - Melody had just gotten there... sweet! My baby is back home. We had some great conversation about her trip, our life, our daughter and stuff in general.
OH - WE ALSO WENT OVER AND SAW HAYDEN! The new grandbaby is rocking our world! And Abigail never ceases to amaze us.
Wow - I can't believe it - she is finally here.... My new granddaughter arrived Monday afternoon at 12:02 PM - she weighed 7'2" and was 19 inches long - she still has no name... LOL Mom, Dad, sister, and baby are all doing well. If you want to whole story check out Beth's Blog.
So my wife sends me this e-mail about aluminum foil - and here's the deal. Did you know they have little tabs on the end of the box that you can push in to lock in the roll? That keeps the roll from coming out when you pull out X amount of foil. Guess what - they have the same thing on other types of stuff too. Like Saran Wrap, even the "cheapo stuff" - I checked!
Who hasn't tried to pull out some foil or plastic wrap only to have the roll come out of the box, hit the floor and roll away. And can you explain this to me - how it will easily unroll going across the floor - but when you need just so much to cover a dish it fights you tooth and nail? That's another post!
Anyway - I got to thinking. How often is my life like that? How many times have I tried to do something only to have something jump out of the box and take off on it's own? Attempt a new ministry only to see it unravel. Come up with a creative idea only to find out that while it was creative - it was also unfruitful. I wonder if I have the tabs pushed in to keep the roll in place?
So what tabs does God have in place to keep me centered? Keep the stuff in the box that needs to stay there, while letting out what needs to be let out? And what about you?
All you have to do to make the foil stay put is push in the little tabs - it's that simple. So where is God wanting to push in the tabs in your life? Are you letting Him do it? Or would you rather go free wheeling where ever you want to?
243.2 / -1.9 / 21.8 (Today's weight / loss since last post / total loss)
I've been having an ongoing discussion with Dan and Justin about vision (with others chiming in occasionally). Here are some things that I've been thinking about.
1 - When it comes to vision, make sure it's God's not just the latest and greatest idea from another church or leader. You don't want to wind "up a Willow Creek without a Bill Hybils". Don't make the mistake of seeing how God's vision for a sister church is working and assume it will work for you.
2 - When it comes to Vision the biggest mistake we can make is putting it out there and then not following through with it. And this takes tenacity - you have to stay the course. God's vision will always call for change, change is hard and will always be resisted. But if it's God's vision you MUST STAY THE COURSE. If it's not God's vision why would we do it anyway? If it is God's vision why would we try anything else?
3 - Beware of distractions! I have made the mistake many times of saying yes to a good idea without considering the distractions to the true vision this new thing creates. Distractions can also come from well meaning, God loving people. "Did you hear what they are doing at "1st church"? Or "I read this guys blog - this is something we have to do". Wow, there's this great new book! While all of this can be good - it can also be distracting. When I find myself spending more time reading blogs than God's word something is wrong!
4 - Another temptation is to get caught up in the creative process and forget what the main thing is. I love being creative, I am surrounded by creative people, and I serve a creative God. God desires to be glorified in our creativity! But there is the temptation in trying to come up with something so cool that we loose sight of the message we are trying to get out or the vision we are following. While people may be attracted by the "wow factor" they will only be changed by God's vision being lived out in their lives.
5- The flip side of #4 is the danger of #5 - Not allowing God's inspiration of creativity to come out as we follow the vision. God deserves the very best we have to offer. God has brought certain people to our church - we need to utilize the gifts these people have for His Glory. And that means we must be creative! We just don't need to let the tail wag the dog.
6 - The last one (at least for now) is huge - it is the temptation to seek God's vision in the wrong places. God's vision will only come through time with God. Time in His word, on our knees, away from the table (fasting), etc. And while we hunger for God's vision - it is way to easy to just Google the topic and see what's going on in other churches and let that be our guide. What we must do is seek God first for the Vision and then, and only then, gain insight and help as needed from others.
OK - I've got to clean my reading glasses - I'm not sure my vision is as clear as it should be - how's yours?
OK - it's unusual the I post more than once a day (usually every few days). But Brett Oliver sent me this story... it is awesome so I wanted to share it with you all.
OK - I'm brain dead - nothing especially insightful or challenging to blog about. So I'm going to post about something cool.
Most of you have heard about the Magic Jack. It's a little box that plugs into a USB port on your computer. You then plug a phone line into the box and you have phone service over your computer. We decided to kill our land line and go with just cell phones. But there was still a benefit to having a land line too. So I decided to try out the Magic Jack. We've been using it for about six weeks and it is great!
Here are the benefits I have found so far.
Cost - The initial cost is 39.00 and additional years are only 19.00. That's it. You pay 39.00 and get unlimited local and long distance.
Clarity - the clarity is good as long as you don't have someone downloading or doing anything that takes significant bandwidth.
Options - It comes with call waiting, caller ID, forwarding, etc (all at no additional cost.)
So if you are thinking about doing away with your home phone you may want to try this out. You will need to get a new number (and KY does offer local numbers in the 502 area code).
Note - you do have to have a high speed connection - cable, DSL, etc.
If you, like me are wanting to save some money - try it out. I did check with some of my more tech savvy friends and they highly recommended it.
243.8 / -3.2 / 21.2 (wt today / loss since last post / total loss) - Wooo Hooo a Superbowl rebound!
I hate turnovers - no not "apple turnovers" - I'm talking about turnovers in basketball. You know, that gut wrenching event that seems to happen 2 out of 3 times Kentucky's guards touch the ball. It is infuriating to watch. Seeing a team with several players in double figures losing games to teams they should beat. And not because they faced a superior opponent - but because they simply gave the ball away too many times!
I even thought of a remedy - Just throw the ball out of bounds and let the other team get it on the inbound. At least that way we would have a chance to steal it! UGGGGHHHHH!
But then how many turnovers do we have in life? How many times should we be winning the game but wind up losing because we simply give the "ball" away too many times. And how do we do that?
- We turn the ball over when we start trusting ourselves instead of the Holy Spirit. - We turn the ball over when we give in to our habits instead of giving them over to God. - We turn the ball over in our marriages when we neglect the most important people in the marriage, our partners. - We turn the ball over when we let the TV, Computer, and Video games raise our kids. - We turn the ball over when we are too afraid of being viewed as intolerant to tell a friend they are in eternal danger without Christ.
You see, in basketball, a turnover is usually caused by a player not paying attention. Not paying attention to a couple basic rules of the game - You can't win if you don't score, and you can't score if you don't have the ball.
God has put the ball in your court - what will you do with it? Will you score or simply turn it over?
247 / +2 / 18 - I was bad - too many Superbowl snacks (especially hot wings!)
I read something called "Monday Morning Insight" almost every Monday - if not on Monday I read it later in the week. It is a collection of news and blog listings compiled weekly by Todd Rhodes. You may want to check it out and subscribe.
So I'm reading it and come across this article in Ethics Daily - it blew my mind! Here is a part of it... take the time to read the rest of it too.
The guy telling this story is a Pastor and his daughter is a server at a Chili's restaurant - You're not going to believe this.
"A group of six church-goers came in the other night after their evening services and sat down, not in her area but in another server's. When the girl came to greet them and take their drink order, one of them said, "We want to tell you up front that we will not be tipping you tonight because..... "
Are you ready?
"... we do not believe in people working on Sunday."
The rest of the story is amazing - but wow this got my dander up.
My wife and I both have worked in the food service industry. I know full well the reputation the "church crowd" has in restaurants. Most servers simply hate to wait on church people and here is why. And this is first hand experience.
- They are often rude (can you believe that?) - They hog up a table forever in "fellowship" - They have a reputation of being demanding. - And the worst thing - they are notoriously cheap - often leaving no tip at all. - And I've personally seen this one - leaving a gospel tract without a tip!
So here's the game plan. When you go on Sunday (or any other day) ask how Jesus would treat these people? He would love them right? How can we show them we love them? After all they are having to give up their weekend to work. And they have a predetermined negative view of the "church crowd".
- So be nice - I mean really nice, polite, patient, complimentary, encouraging, and grateful. - Make them want you to be the one sitting in their station next time. - Tip - and I mean tip generously. They are making a living serving you. Show them that not only do you care about the service they give - but more than that you care about them! - Do the math! It is customary to tip at least 15% - anything less is considered cheap. Why not help lighten their load a bit by being a little extravagant here? Give them 20-30% and you can easily do this by simply drinking water that is free and pass on the Soda Pop. - If you don't have enough money to tip - go to McDonald's or somewhere where tipping is not customary.
I know - there are some out there that think the extablishment should just pay them more - and maybe they should, but they don't and most likely won't. That's the system live with it or eat at home!
But if you just insist on being cheap - please for heaven's sake don't even give a hint that you know me if you see me there or have any association with Harmony. Enough people are going to hell because of hypocritical Christians who preach love but don't live it. We don't need the bad press!
I read Yahoo news pretty much every day (often several times a day). Well, today I read something that hit me wrong - I'm guessing it will you to.
Exxon-Mobil just posted their year end profits for 2008. Well there's good news and bad news. The bad news is that their 4th quarter profits were down 33% from the 4th quarter in 2007 (Not to worry - it wasn't a loss - just not as much profit). Now the "good news" - their annual profit was a record breaking 45.2 Billion. Poor souls broke their own record of 40.6 Billion in 2007!
It's just nice to know that while we are facing enormous lay offs, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and various other economy woes we call all pitch in and help out a "brother".
So every time you fill up and wonder why the price at the pump is going up while the price of sweet crude is going down just smile and feel good. You and I are doing our part to help Exxon Mobil maintain the standard of living they so deserve.
OK - I've vented - now I have to go fill up my truck and PUKE!
OK - I've been remiss. I have not posted for a couple of days and I really don't have much right now to blog about. I'm sure something will pop up later and I'll blog about it.
So for now - I'm still alive and well and as you can see by the numbers I have picked up a couple more ounces - uggghhh. Still not working on the treadmill - and it shows!
245.7 / + .7 / 19.3 - Not bad for a weekend in Pigeon Forge!
OK - I wanted to write about our weekend - I planned and executed a romantic weekend for my wife - and boy did she need it. Lot's going on in our world right now. So I'll just list some high points - OK - Not all the High Points - ;)
1 - The destination was a surprise (Pigeon Forge) - she knew we were going, just not where.
2 - The drive down was amazing - just spending a few un-interrupted hours with her was awesome!
3 - Shopping with her. When we got there I gave her a couple hundred bucks with clear instructions - she could not buy anything for anyone but her! And I was willing to go anywhere she wanted and and look at anything she wanted to see - THIS WAS HER WEEKEND and all I wanted was to share it with her. So that meant we went to a number of Christmas stores, a couple of pottery type places and we went shopping for a purse - she wound up getting two! And yes men I stayed with her all the way. Although she did wander off a couple of times - but I found her!
4 - We stayed at a Quality Inn with both a jacuzzi and fire place - can I get an ooo-la-la? It was awesome. We even took a break Saturday afternoon just long enough to see the 2nd half of the UK - Ala game - GO CATS!
5 - We ate at the Applewood Family Restaurant (light #0 in Pigeon Forge or is it Sevierville?) Whatever - that's where I gained the .7 pounds - could have been 7 pounds! It was phenomenal!
6 - Sunday afternoon we visited a number of shops and galleries in the Arts and Crafts community in Gatlinburg - Wow! About 2/3 of the places we went past were closed - not sure if it was because it was Sunday or winter hours or the economy. But we still had a blast!
7 - And one of the coolest things was we got to use our AARP card! Yep - Melody has been dodging getting hers for over a year but I insisted. Well they came in this past week and we got 10% at the hotel. SWEET! That's why I married an older woman! Some of you may not know this - but I'm not old enough to get the AARP card yet (at least not till April). But I'm all about getting that Sr discount wherever I can!
So guys - get off your butt and do something romantic for your wife - and ladies - feel free to share this blog with your man!
And baby - thanks for a great weekend and I love you most - "I'm just sayin'".
OK - not much to say - I'm getting ready to head out of town for the weekend with my wonderful wife! I can't wait. We're going to an undisclosed place (it's a surprise for her). We will be back Sunday afternoon - SO DON'T CALL!
OK - I'm mad - I mean really mad! I've had two conversations in less than an hour with guys who's marriages are in various stages of divorce. God says, "he hates divorce" and I know why. It just sucks big time!
Folks pray! Pray for you own families. Pray for your neighbors families. Pray for your co-workers families. Pray for my family. Pray for the staff's family. Just pray for every family you can think of. The Devil is alive and well and he's kicking butt and taking names!
Man, I'm telling you - I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my face after hearing the pain these guys are going through - and I'm sure their wives are too.
Please keep us in prayer as we prepare for our next series at church - it's about relationships (and that includes marriage)... and boy do we need it... But more than that we need to heed it!
OK - I've got some really bad words going through my head - so I better stop.
First, let me say how proud I am to be an American today. Seeing the first African-American become president brought tears to my eyes. And while I don't share all his political views (even disagreeing strongly with some) - I do celebrate the American system of democracy. I thought his speech was spectacular and I thought Rick Warren rocked! As to the other guy who prayed - not so much.... ???
But I do have a question - Why is Barack Obama referred to as an African-American? He is 1/2 black and 1/2 white? Why not a Caucasian-American? Or better yet - why not just an American? Why are some people labeled Asian-American, or Mexican-American? Now to be sure African-American is much better than some labels that have been used in the past - but it's still a label.
And what about our Christian labels? What benefit is there in being labeled a Baptist, Lutheran or Methodist? Don't these labels only show our differences instead of celebrating our common faith? Even in the Christian church where many pride themselves on "the name". Some say, "we don't claim to be the only Christians - just Christians only". And yet the differences quickly find a way to surface often overshadowing the commonality.
And what about us at HCC? Our uniqueness as individuals if unchecked has a way of helping pride to get in the way of true unity. Some might feel that their particular part of the ministry is better than someone elses? Folks that's a big pile of crap! God gave everyone one of us different gifts - but only one purpose. But when the tail (the gifts) wag the dog (the purpose)... we have a mighty wierd looking dog!
Consider this - Jesus' last prayer with his disciples was a prayer for unity. What a mess we have made of that one!
Now before you are tempted to throw something my way. I did not say, nor will I say, as some propose that we toss out doctrine for the cause of unity - but we would certainly do well to make clear distinctions between essential doctrine and preference.
I'm Dean Scott - I'm not a Baptist-Christian, not a Methodist-Christian, and I'm not even a Christian Church-Christian. I'm just a Christ follower (Christian) and that's more than enough to keep me quite busy.
OK - I'm really letting you in on who I am and who I can be.
Preface - Nothing bad is happening, I'm not leaving HCC, and I don't have cancer. But for a about a week I've felt like the Devil had my number. Something was discussed with me last week and it was done in love and in the right tone - I really mean that. But it hit me wrong for some reason. In the discussion I mentioned concerns and thought that was that. But a couple of days later I hadn't let it go. As a matter of fact I was starting to be consumed by it.
So much so that I decided to fast concerning the issue. So for the last four days I have been fasting. I didn't tell anyone - not even Melody. Now I'm not writing about this to promote me in any way - I know what a "meathead" I can be. But I think I've learned some things.
I thought the discussion was the big issue. I think now the big issue was me. I don't see myself as a prideful person - but then who would - right? But as I was praying and seeking God and trying to fight off the "crap" going through my head it dawned on me. Is this a legitimate concern? I concluded that it was - but my emotional reaction was ridiculous and Satan was using it big time. I'm still not sure it was pride or ego or what - but I know full well it wasn't something from God.
I was reminded yet again of the truth of Ephesians 6:12-13 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
I am surrounded by people right now that are facing similar struggles, several on our staff are feeling the attacks daily. And to them and anyone reading this... don't forget - we need to put on the full armor - not just bits and pieces of it.
The Bible tells us some things will not be resolved without prayer and fasting - I highly recommend that we all take that advice.
Life Without Limbs organization is an organization founded in 2005 by Nick Vujicic. This man was born without arms or legs. He faced unbelievable struggles yet found grace in God and a call to turn his human limitations over to the power of our God who knows no limits. He speaks all around the world about faith and the impact that faith in God can have on the world.
Don't feel sorry for this guy - He gets it! So the next time you are tempted to give excuses why you can't do something God is leading you to do - maybe dig this out and watch it again. And then get off your butt and do it!
249 / 1.6 / 16 - So far so good - thanks for your prayers and encouragement!
What a game! Last night I watched the Cats play the Vols. Or should I say I watched Jodi Meeks play the Vols. The dude was unconscious! The kid is phenomenal and even has his own web site! (But then who doesn't right?)
Anyway - last night the Cats beat the Vols 90-72 IN KNOXVILLE!!! You gotta love that. I even got to watch the game with Rodney Quinton (Pez) - He's a huge UT fan and for the first time in a long time he was speechless, probably because he didn't want to cuss in front of the preacher.
But the real show was Meeks. He hit 10 threes (setting a new team record) and ultimately scored 54 point breaking Dan Issel's mark of 53 set back in 1970. A record many thought might never be broken.
During the game Pez mentioned someone's shared opinion that UK only had 2 division 1 players (he credited Andrew Gill with this remark - I didn't check that out - but I'm sure if it's not the case he'll respond - LOL) Anyway at the end of the day UK beat the Vols with only one division 1 player. I guess that's all you need to win in Rocky Top. Nobody likes overkill right?
OK - enough gloating - what I think may be lost in this incredible feat is that Meeks hit every one of his 14 free throws. And in the game of life (including the spiritual life) you'll have days when you have a chance to hit the long range bombs and when you do it's awesome. But day to day, week after week, month after month - it's not the 3-point shots that make you a winner - it's hitting the free throws.
Here are some free throws we need to hit consistently. Time with God every day in prayer and the word. Acts of love and kindness to friends and starngers alike. Daily taking inventory of the junk in our lives that we need to deal with. Being faithful in the little things not just looking to make the miracle shots.
What an amazing weekend! PTL! WOW! AWESOME! AMAZING! etc, etc, etc......
Have I mentioned lately how much I love Harmony! It's no secret that I love my job - I really do... but sometimes it's just over the top! This weekend was like that.
First, we blew the doors off Saturday night with 319 in attendance! And I did something I've never done before - I did the Texas Two Step - ON STAGE - with someone who was not my wife! You'll just have to watch the video to see it and know why.
Sunday was even better - I danced with a man! Again, you'll just have to watch the video. But thanks Joey Jones for showing me how to do the two-step at the 9:00 service. And a big thanks to Susan Dummer for helping me out at 10:45 - she danced the two-step like only a Texan can do it.... and for her benefit - "Go Aggies" and thanks for Billy G!
Our overall attendance was 1268 and we had one transfer and after church we had a baptism! I love doing that! Then the greatest blessing of all. After church a friend of mine named Pat came up and said he wanted to get baptized too and wondered if I could find the time? Well DUH - Of course I could! So at 3:00 in the afternoon I met him and his son and two other friends and we got 'R done!
Now here's the best part - I have been working with Pat for a couple of years and he's been a joy to watch in the journey. He had tons of questions and was really honest about his doubts - but God is not afraid of our questions and our doubts don't bother Him either as long as we're serious about wanting to know. Pat was and now he's made the step. I was blessed to see it!
The Cafe continues to be a "hot spot"... Folks are coming earlier to hang out and don't know how to leave once church is over. Man, I love that! Saturday night I even told some how to turn out the lights when they leave. It's like every service is a family reunion and I really think that's what God had in mind when he started this whole thing we call the church. Maybe that's why it's so often called in the Bible a family.
OK - the good, the bad and the ugly. The good - I've been sticking to the diet, the bad I have not been hitting the treadmill, the ugly - well here it is... 254.8 / +1.1 / 10.2 (today's weight / loss since last post / total loss).
Now for the sermonette (sorry Jon) - so what's the deal?
I not only did not lose any weight in the last couple of days - I actually gained a pound. Well there are some obvious and maybe not so obvious reasons. The obvious - I have not been exercising and I have been eating a little too late in the evening - even though I'm eating within Adkins parameters.
The not so obvious - There are likely some uncounted carbs slipping in somewhere, simple body chemistry and metabolism can be a factor - I may wake up tomorrow having dropped 2-3 pounds. I also know that the first week on a low-carb diet gives you the greatest short term results - but they are slower after that.
So what are the spiritual applications here? Well the obvious - if you don't exercise spiritually (living you life under the direction of the Spirit) you will not be progressing in your walk with Christ (no matter how much you may be learning). If you are putting junk into your life - you will see junk coming out of it too.
The not so obvious - spiritual growth is not always visible (at least not day to day). While growth can and should be ongoing there are times when it really looks like you are making progress and other times when it seems you are not. But if you stay the course seeking God and His will every day there will be an overall growth.
So I'm encouraged - I know what I'm doing, and I know what I need to do... I also know that as irritated as I was to post these numbers today - I'm glad for the encouragement and accountability this gives me.
So thanks for the continued support.
Monday, January 5, 2009
253.7 / 3.9 / 11.3 (weight today / loss since last post / total loss)
I read a number of blogs (not too many). One that I read pretty religiously is Perry Noble's. In this post from the weekend he made an interesting statement. He wrote, "If a churches goal is to keep the Christian happy ... then God probably isn't happy!" What a line!
I got to thinking - what does a church do to make Christians happy that may not be in line with God's plan?
They focus on a style that appeals to the "churched" not the lost, or even one that honors God. (This might be music, preaching, building use, staff selection, etc.)
They have an inward look instead of an outward viewpoint. They may not say it but - but they are driven by what "we need", not by what it takes to reach the lost, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to a suffering community and world.
They avoid the real tough "life issues" in preaching and teaching, so they can focus on theology (not that solid theology is not important). The result is overstuffed, inactive, Biblically literate spiritual couch potatoes.
They spend a lot of time and energy trying to make unhappy sheep comfortable. Their leaders and pastors must spend tons of time "putting out fires" and pampering members. Someone is going to have to explain to me someday why we need to invite people to their own church!
Churches that are trying to make Christians happy are driven by popular opinion so there is no need to rely on the Spirit. But Churches trying to please God are constantly praying and seeking God's direction because they know that "their ways are not God's ways" automatically.
OK - this is not an exhaustive list - but it's a start...
Oh, and one other thing - I AM SO GLAD TO BE A PART OF A CHURCH THAT IS NOT LIKE THIS! May the Lord keep us focusing on Him and not US!
OK - I'm putting it out there! I need to do something about my weight! I just jumped on the scale and tipped it at 265! Yes, you can officially call me "fat boy", "tubby", or "the great one". Now to be fair I did pig out A LOT over the last few days with Christmas and New Years festivities so the it might be more like 260 (that's so much better isn't it?)
I even went onto one of those sites that calculates your ideal body weight. When I put in the numbers the computer crashed! Just kidding - but here is what it told me - Ideal weight range 170-187 lbs (77.3-85 kg.). It even did the math for me telling me I was overweight by 73 lbs (33 kg.) And then it even suggested that I may wish to consult with my physician for medical help!
Add to this that recently my Doctor put me on some cholesterol meds and seemed concerned about my "sugar" levels - he was not amused when I just informed him that I'm a sweet kind of guy.
So here's the plan - I get on and stay on a low carb regimen. This will help lose the weight and have the added benefit of being in line with a diabetic diet. (I don't have diabetes yet - but am heading there fast). Should help lower the cholesterol too. It has in the past.
And I need accountability. That's where the blog comes in. I am going to post the numbers every time I post a blog. They will be in this format: weight / total loss / loss or gain since last post. It will look like this (265 / 0 / 0). If I had lost 2 pounds since the last post it would look like this (263 / 2 / 2).
I may even post some other related things - like how long I hit the treadmill, etc.
You don't need to reply to any of this, but you are welcome to. I just need to know there are folks out there I'm "reporting too".
You can pray with me about this too.
This is not just a health issue - it is also an issue of honoring God. I have clearly not been doing this when it comes to my own body.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV)
242 / +2.6 / 23 - "I've been a bad boy".....
