Quote Of The Day

"As the sailor locates his position on the sea by "shooting" the sun, so we may get our moral bearings by looking at God. We must begin with God. We are right when, and only when, we stand in a right position relative to God, and we are wrong so far and so long as we stand in any other position." - A.W. Tozer

Pray All The Time

I am sorry that I did not blog last Friday, but I was subbing for the High School and I did not have a way to get on a computer. I tried to no avail.

The reason my blog is late today is because I was subbing for a half day this morning in Music Theory, Ear Training and Music History. It was fun because I know a thing or two about those subjects!

I then directed the music this afternoon for the funeral of Hurston Hallmark here in the auditorium. We had a good number of singers arrive for the service. The singing sounded great!

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I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of my faves on television and movies: Don Knotts. His characters will forever stay in my mind-Barney Fife and Mr Furley among the top.

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If you have not read Jim Gardner's blog, please do. It shares an email from the secretary in Hot Springs Village about a great leader in the church over there. Jeff Bearden and his family are going through a tough time right now. Please keep them and the church family in your prayers.

While we are on the subject of prayers, I ask that you keep my Mom and Dad in your prayers. Lift them up and place them in the arms of our Father in Heaven.

Also, my brother-in-law and sister are going trough some struggles. Please take them to the throne room of God.

Today

Even though my dobber was a little down from the lack of teens and tweens responding to the Winter Youth Retreat that was to be this weekend, spirits have been lifted from a great meeting with Jim and Allan, my ministerial colleagues. We spent this morning in conversation and prayer. It is a great blessing to have the ability to pray with these energetic, passionate, Godly men! I look forward to more moments like that.

Elizabeth is Substituting again today. This time it is High School Girls Athletics. We have hit the ground running here in the community of Marble Falls. I am Subbing tomorrow for High School English. I can't wait!

This Sunday is the beginning of Marriage Matters Seminar by husband and wife team, Jerry and Lynn Jones. I expect great things and look forward to meeting more members of this community.

Useless Tidbit

Did you know...

'If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death.' - from the Book of Useless Knowledge

That is just a little bit of useless trivia I wanted to share!

Quote Of The Day

"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find him the rest of the day." - John Bunyan

Too Late

Yesterday, I was unable to blog because I mismanaged my time. What I thought would be the most opportune time turned out to be full of other conflicts.
Here is the layout of my day yesterday:

Our meeting with the Elders ran longer than I expected. It was a good meeting, though.

I grabbed a bite for lunch and brought it back to the office.

Some girls from the youth group called me to tell me that they were stranded at Storm's(a Sonic type restaurant) and needed a lift to another vehicle.

I met with Allan and Jim about the Winter High School Retreat coming up this weekend.

I left to be with Elizabeth and get ready to go...

To the Lady Stangs basketball game in Dripping Springs, which is about an hour away.

We had dinner afterwards with the Futrells, the Herringtons and Jeremy at El Charro.

Then we grabbed a couple of Blizzards from DQ on the way home.

I could have then picked up my laptop at the office on the way home, but decided to fill you in this morning.

How you like them apples?

Broken In

Today, Elizabeth and I took our transcripts over to the Marble Falls School District Central Offices and are officially on the Sub list. She will be subbing tomorrow at Colt Elementary.

We also had lunch with two very fine people of this family, Guy and Ruth Ann Nelson. They are excited about the future of the youth program. So am I!

I was pulled over by the police today as I was driving on a one way street going the opposite direction. Since I am a stranger in this foreign land, I was let off the hook with a verbal warning. I did not see the signs and it is only one way for a block or two. Very strange!

I have now officially been broken in to Texas!

Special Times

Today is a special day for some:

Elizabeth and I are spending some great time together today and tomorrow in the fair city of Austin. We are going to celebrate a tardy Valentine's Day by eating out, going to the mall, staying in a hotel and visiting the Bob Bullock Texas Museum of History. I can't wait!

Whitney S. is celebrating her birthday today. Happy Birthday!

Tori G. is, too. Happy Birthday!

And, last but not least, my sweet mom is celebrating her birthday.

I will never forget everything that you have done and continue to do for me, Mom. I love you for being there to talk with me through the years that I was the 'cute, little white blond headed boy that was into everything' through the years that I was not so cute and still into everything, the times that I was the little pesky brat, and the times that I thought I was too big for my britches. You were there through it all with the patience of Job.

Thank you for always being there to help me, talk with me, comfort me and put me in my place.

Thank you for the shared laughter, tears, joy and'Mom's Sermons.'

I love you for the spiritual insight you have given me and all the Godly wisdom that you passed down to me from Dee Dad, Gran and Granny Mac.

You will always have a huge place in my heart for being a mother with such a deep, rich faith and love. It runs so wide and so deep that you could do nothing else but pass it on to Misti and me.

I love you dearly and I hope that your day is a very special one.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Dropping Like Flies

Jim Gardner came in for a while this morning, but left because his flu is not yet gone. Our secretary is still out with her virus and Allan Stanglin's daughter, Valerie, is sick with the crud. Others in the family here have called with similar illnesses. Knock on wood, I have not gotten sick thus far.

My sweetheart arrived into town last night in time for a quick visit, grab a bite to eat for dinner and come to class to meet the youth group. I was so happy to see her finally arrive to be here with me! I love her so much. She is my life.

In class I thought it only apropos to teach about the love God calls us to have for Him, our Christian families and our enemies. The hard thing to understand or apply is that the same agape love is called for in each circumstance. To truly be followers of Jesus, we must have agape love for not only God, other believers and friends, but also for our enemies. We are called to deeply love, cherish and have full compassion on our enemies. Tough pill to swallow, huh?

The same agape love for all!

Wrap your minds around that for a while.

Strange Day

What a day! Jim Gardner is sick with the full blown flu. Our secretary, Ann, is home with a horrible virus. Our Associate Minister, Allan, is in class at the Austin Graduate School of Theology. I am it - the one man show answering calls, folding papers, mailing letters, prepping a class and hoping that none of those nasty viruses are hanging in the air around here. This day is very quiet and strange.

The good news is (not that I saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico) that my sweetie is en route as I type this blog. She and Grammy are about 115 miles outside of Dallas right about now. I can't wait to see my family!

That is all for now. Gotta get back to work.

Valentine's

Lonely days are gone. My sweetie's coming home! Elizabeth is driving down tomorrow with Grammy (Jim Gardner's mom, Sherry) our dog and cat, Peanut and Gabbi, our clothes and some books in tow. I am so excited to see my sweet pea!

I couldn't bear the loneliness anymore. We were going to wait on the carpet guys with no way of knowing exactly when they would get around to laying the living room floor, so I took matters into my own hands. I made some calls, asked a few favors and voila: She is coming tomorrow!! Happiness is an understatement at this moment!

Even though I was alone on Valentine's, my joy for her arrival is unbounded or unbridled or however you want to put it...

I feel like I am blabbering on like a schoolboy with a huge crush. I am just very excited to see the woman that completes my heart once again.

Blessed

God has blessed us all in the Marble Falls family with a great starting day. Yesterday was a moving day for me as I heard the Word broken forth in fresh and applicable ways, as I saw loving, concerned come forward for prayer and encouragement, as I got to strengthen my relationship with the youth and as we all fellowshiped together. I could not ask for a better Lord's Day. This family is indeed greatly blessed!

Lyrics Of The Day

"Father God
Just for today
Help me to walk
Your narrow way
Help me stand
When I might fall
Give me the strength
To hear Your call
May my steps be worship
May my thoughts be praise
May my words bring
Honor to Your name"

Would that this was our daily song/prayer to our God every day of our lives!

History of Texas

Last night, I tried to blog to no avail. The blogsite was down. I filled out a large blog and then it would not be posted or saved as a draft. So it was all for naught.

Now I will try to reiterate what I typed last night.

Yesterday, Jim, Allan and I spent the day bonding with one another at the Bob Bullock Texas Museum of History. What a great day of historical fact and fun! If you have not been to this museum, you should go out there and experience it for yourself. Even if you are not a Texan, you will feel the pride and passion of the Texas spirit.

Later last evening, I was able to be with the young couples of the congregation in the Valentines Bunco at the Clark's house. Even though I was without my sweetheart, Elizabeth, they let me join in the fun with another member who was without her spouse. What I thought would be a boring evening turned out to be a great, exciting night!

Tonight I traveled to Austin for the Weekend of Champions held by Prentice Meador and Westover Hills. A nice group of men from our family here were able to attend what I believe to be a great event for shaping and maturing men to be the Godly leaders that we are called to be.

I will finish up my thoughts on this tomorrow after the event has come to an end.

Sub Training

Wow, what a morning!! I went to visit one of our members, who also happens to be Colt Elementary Principal, John Shumacher, to get acquainted with him and the schools and I went right to work. John took me over to a Substitute training course that had just begun. I went in and sat through a 3 and a half hour presentation and filled out bunches of paperwork. The training course happens only 3 times a year (February, August and November) and I just so happened to come in on the right day. Wild, huh?!? I just about have everything I need to be a Sub. I am only waiting on my university transcript, then I will be getting out there with the youth like I did in AR.

As I prepare for this evening's class, I reminisce about the teens and tweens that I was blessed to work with in the Village. I miss them soooo much and I hope that they are doing great. I know that Mike, Marlon, John, Myron, Jim, Rob, Mitch, Jeff, Lance and Big John are providing the leadership that they need to grow spiritually. God bless you all as you continue to do His work!

Lyrics Of The Day

"Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all"

This morning I was able to sit in on my first official Elder/Minister meeting. I love to sit in with wise, God-loving men and soak up words of counsel and knowledge. It is also a treat to work alongside Jim Gardner once again and to get to know and glean insight from Allan Stanglin. I know that we will make a great team here in Marble Falls!

This afternoon, I will be sitting down with Allan to learn more about the youth composition and innerworkings. He will be handing over the reins, so to speak.

This evening, I am blessed to have dinner with the Stanglins and catch the Lady Mustangs battle it out on the basketball court.

My days here have been filled to the brim with breakfasts, lunches and dinners. But most of all companionship while my sweet wife finishes things up in Arkansas. I miss her so much.

Quote Of The Day

"We don't need to bring people to Christ; we need to bring Christ to them." - Jonathan McKee

Right To Work

I am tired right now. But it is a good, no great, tired. Yesterday, I was able to teach the 9-12 youth in the morning; lead the morning worship; eat with Care Group 1; lead some songs for the devotional at the Gateway Assisted Living Facility; sit in on my first Education Meeting; and I finally wrapped up the day at the Gardners' house for the youth Super Bowl Party/Devotional. Yesterday was a big day for me and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so excited to be here and to be used as a servant in God's Kingdom.

Everyone here has been so good to me. Maybe a little too good...my waist is expanding at a rapid rate!! Thank you for all the invites, meals, desserts, cards, calls and warm smiles. I have been truly blessed by all of you-my new family. May God continue to bless you as you seek His will.

New Friday Plans

There is a slight change in plans. I will be going out to the fine city of Austin with Jim, Mandy, Trae, Tori and our dear friend Tara Tate. It will be good to get together with the family and Tara, a friend that I have not seen for a long time.

Quiet Time

This morning is very quiet. Shelly Wenmohs and I are the only ones here this early in the morning. I am just excited to be here in a new office and spend some morning time in prayer with my God.

One of the many great things about our God is that He is always there to hear us. He waits patiently for our 'alone time' with Him. He loves us and will take care of our every need in His omniscient way.

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This evening, I am tempted to go see the Lady Mustangs play some B-Ball. I will report on the sport scene around here when I blog again.

God Is Good

I need to workout even harder and more frequently than ever! So many people here have already started bringing food and taking me out to eat. It is so nice since I am all alone, but my waist line could expand too fast if I don't keep it in check. Thank you all for your kindness and hospitality.

The youth group here is awesome!! On Monday, around 10 of the teens showed up at my office to welcome me and Elizabeth to our new home and to help us out with anything that we might need. They have been so helpful.

Wednesday evening I was given the opportunity to sit back while Allan Stanglin led the singing and Jim Gardner broke the bread to us. I also got to meet more teens, parents and chaperones. The teens were pumped up and excited about things to come. I guess it was that energy that propelled the huge beanbag fight and the showing off that got started after class. It is great to see their excitement and share their joy.

This morning, I met with Jim, Trae and 15 of the youth for a great breakfast at Super Taco, the breakfast of choice for many in Marble Falls. I am so happy to be warmly welcomed in this way. And I suspect that over these next few weeks, I will get to know them even better!

;I have been blessed with this new family and I pray that I can give to them the leadership that they deserve. To use a favorite phrase of Jim DuBose, I will say: God is good...All the time!

New Beginning

Where do I begin?

I am finally settled down in my new work for the Marble Falls church of Christ in Marble Falls, Texas. I am sorry for the lack of blogging. The computer in my office will not access the internet and I am using the other office computer. I also have been running around trying to get settled here in my new home.

Sunday morning was my last morning with the family in Hot Springs Village, AR. Thank you all for the potluck, nice words, money tree, prayers and send off. I am forever grateful for you all and your loving hearts. I miss you already!

That Sunday afternoon, Elizabeth and I drove out of town and headed toward Texas. We arrived around 12:20 at the home of Jim and Mandy Gardner. Thank you, Gardner Family, for putting us up for the night!

We awoke at 8:30 the next morning and got ready to move into our new place across from the church building. We unpacked the U-Haul into the house and my new office and took it back before lunch on Monday. We were able to eat at the Blue Bonnet Cafe (a celebrated, historic restaurant in this area). We both had a nice slice of pie for dessert. The rest of the day we spent getting my office in order.

Tuesday, we opened a bank account, joined the Marble Falls Athletic Club and looked the town over. I took my sweetie pie to the airport that afternoon to see her off and start my 2-3 weeks of bachelorhood. After that I spent 4 hours at Barnes & Noble, Borders and Best Buy to get my mind off of her leaving. It is very lonely here without my better half.

I will be back shortly to tell you all about the wonderful family here in Marble Falls.