Yesterday Was...

• Amazing because we had Terry Rush here as our 5th Sunday guest speaker. What a great man of God he is!!

• Powerful because God worked in the lives of Evelyn Hunt and Shirley Wallace through his almighty word.

• Moving because worship with 450+ in the same room has that sort of impact. Especially when singing the newer praise songs (wondering what kind of response you'll get) and hearing everyone sing out!!

• Sweet because the fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ always is.
  

I Will Miss Mama

There was a memorial service held for Sandy "Mama" Milligan this morning in the Village. I was able to attend. Sandy was a member at the VCOC where I began my career in full-time ministry. She was a small woman who packed a lot of strength and conviction in that little frame. I was blessed to know her and will miss her immensely. Please keep her husband, Johnny, and family in your thoughts and prayers.

True Success

Ralph Waldo Emerson defines success this way:

"To laugh often and much, to win respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Does that sum it up for you or do you have something you would like to add?

For First Time Students and Their Parents

"Its back to school time in central Arkansas. Wednesday morning thousands of students will be heading back to class. And for a new crop of kids it's their very first day and it can be a bit scary.

When you started school, maybe there were a words of wisdom you wish you heard from others whose footsteps you'd follow in. FOX16 caught up with some grade school students who gave us the top 10 things a kindergartner should know for the first day of school.

Number ten:
"Keep your grades up and study a lot," says Abby.

Number nine:
"Smile it's gonna be a good day," says Caitlyn.

Number eight:
"Recess is fun because I love the monkey bars," says Emi.

Number seven"
"Be brave and make new friends," says Peyton.

Number six:
"Be yourself and sit next to a smart kid," says Kelsi.

Number five:
"What should a kindergartner not do on their first day of school? Shove crayons up their nose," says Katelyn.

Number four:
"Find out what your teacher likes to eat and bring them a lot of that," says Micha.

Number three:
"Wipe down the wipeboards and be helpful," says Katelyn.

Number two:
"Listen to your teacher so you don't get in trouble," says Tommy.

And the number one thing a kindergartner should know for their first day of school:
"Don't sniff the glue, and don't eat it either," says Mackenzie and Ashton.

Don't be nervous, it's everyone's first day, so do your best to make some friends, and when the time comes, study."

-Jeremy Baker from Fox 16 News

School Daze

Since school has started back this wonderful day of August 19, 2009, I decided that I would resume my blog! Gone are the wild and woolly days of summer. And that is refreshing. Most refreshing! I have time on the days that I will not be substitute teaching at Bryant, Benton, CAC or any other school that will take me. I have time to breathe and finish up preparations for fall events. I will be back later today with a thought or two.