Contact Revisited

I was reading the other night and came across this passage that truly relates to the student mission work in Tulsa. It put into words every thought that has raced through my head about Contact and the great work that its members are doing. I simply cannot pass up the opportunity to share this with you, faithful reader.

"On these streets are spoken the tongues
of many lands and still we understand
what people are saying. Here some of
the refugees of the world have found a
safe place to lay their heads, cradle their
babies, and sell their wares from folding
tables and tiny stores. Here the dement-
ed can still wander in and out of our shops.
Here some places have been made for the
young and the old. Here the broken are
received and the sick healed. Here the
Gospel is being preached and here, faulted
as we are, with our own griefs heavily
upon us, we are bold to say that God calls
us his people and we know that his name is
God-with-them." (Elizabeth O'Connor)

Relevant

"Many people these days feel an absence in their lives, expressed as an acute desire for "something more," a spiritual home, a community of faith. But when they try to read the Bible they end up throwing it across the room. To me, this seems encouraging, a good place to start, a sign of real engagement with the God who is revealed in Scripture. Others find it easy to dismiss the Bible out of hand, as negative, vengeful, violent. I can only hope that they are rejecting the violence-as-entertainment of movies and television on the same grounds, and that they say a prayer every time they pick up a daily newspaper or turn on CNN. In the context of real life, the Bible seems refreshingly whole, an honest reflection on humanity in relation to the sacred and the profane. I can't learn enough about it, but I also have to trust what little I know, and proceed, in faith, to seek God there." - Kathleen Norris

Quote Of The Day

"In the deserts of the heart
Let the healing fountain start,
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise."
- W.H. Auden

Contact Pics

Here are some of the promised pictures of the amazing trip some teens took to work with the less fortunate in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am so proud of all the hard work that the youth put into this last week!

Withdrawal

As tired as I am and as raspy as my voice is (It never fails to go out-whether it be Summer Camp, VBS or Mission Trip my voice just packs up and heads south every time); I am having an unusual amount of withdrawal. With Camp, I had maybe a small period of loss, but this is quite a bit bigger than that ever was.

I miss Sweetwater, Contact and Park Plaza!

I miss being on the road with excited teens.

I miss gathering in a circle and processing what we learned while serving others in the name of the Lord.

I miss shooting hoops with Bones, Isaiah and Cameron.

I miss the enormously huge Brit doing DDR on PS2 and getting a Perfect score every time.

I miss Blair's deflated mattress and hidden sleeping bag and pillow.

I miss the singing!

I miss Big Chris: a 6'4'', 350 lb. 13 year old.

I miss the Russian children and families at Normandy.

Oh, there are too many things to count that I miss!

I am going through withdrawal. Help me!!

Memories: New and Old

This past week has been full of new adventures and rekindling old friendships.

I have been blessed to forge a bond between Blair and Melanie Gibson, the couple that formerly worked here ministering to the youth in Marble Falls. They are now in West Texas at a little place called Sweetwater. What great servant hearts these people are! Such examples of faith and love like these two are few and far between.

The MF group was able to work with such passionate people as Bob, Ron, Chris, Matt, and others that love our God at the Contact Church of Christ.

Aaron Loney was awesome for allowing us to stay in the youth room and young adult room at Park Plaza Church of Christ. What a great facility for students to get to know God and each other!

At the same time that we were getting to know new people in Tulsa, I was surprised to see old friends and acquaintances from the past. I was happy to work with Chris, the cousin of my Harding roommate Chad Joice, who is presently working with the Contact church in Tulsa.

The Office Manager of Park Plaza remembered me from when I was in elementary and middle school. He and his wife had worked at Green Country Christian Academy when I was a mere pipsqueak, I mean pupil.

When we were done with our work in Tulsa, Elizabeth and I were able to take some of the teens over to Shawkat's Deli and Grill-voted as Tulsa's number one Mediterranean restaurant. It was not really for the Hummus, Baba Gannouj, Tawook, Baklava or Gyros-even though they are oh so delicious. I knew the teens may not be so hot on the new flavors. The main reason that I took them is because my Uncle Taha and Aunt Connie are the owners of this great establishment on 41st and Sheridan. Some of the kids from Contact were treated to a great meal. Wow!! It was great to see them and my cousin Bud with his daughter again. And to partake of some good eats once more.

Great times in Tulsa!! Pics forthcoming.

A Glimmer of Hope

This blog is going to be brief because I am just plain pooped out.

We have had quite a week working with the young children and families that have been pushed to the outskirts of society. Kids whose parents beat them or neglect them. Parents who have painfully watched it all fade away as they battled addictions and lost. Grandparents who have undertaken the raising of grandchildren because the parents want no part in the lives of the child they birthed. The hurt and the longing of the poverty stricken inner city.

It has been such a joy to see their eyes come alive with appreciation and hope for a better tomorrow as they see and feel the love of Christ through the teens and adults that have worked so hard with them each day. Tears have come to my eyes on numerous occasions as I heard the young children ask if they could home with us.

Jesus has worked in and through the teens and adults of Sweetwater, Marble Falls and Tulsa. Praise be to God!!!

Homey G

What's up, dog?!? Peace out, Homey G! These are the phrases that my buddy Kyle B has told me to pass on to the blogger world. So there it is, Playas!

Anyway, I want you to know that our Sidewalk Church went better today than yesterday. We had more time to set up and get the young 'uns gathered together. We had more kids today. More kids that could focus on the singing, puppet show, crafts, games and lessons today. They were extremely excited at the end when we pulled out the Slip and Slide for the water games. Quite a few parents came from their apartments to join in. It was great to see the love and appreciation in their eyes as we showed them Jesus.

The Normandy Apartment Complex had a few Russian families and they were more than happy to share their language with the teens and sponsors. Being a lover of languages, I was excited.

Tonight, we take young children from the Contact Church to The Incredible Pizza Company to share more time with them and to fellowship.

Tulsa

I am truly sorry that I have not blogged since last Wednesday and before that it was sporadic, to say the least. I have been greatly distracted by preparations for yesterday and this week. Please forgive me. I know now that I must get on the ball!

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It is 4:26 and our first day working with the young Tulsa city kids is over. 10 of us made the trip for Tulsa, OK yesterday after morning worship service. With a train, 35W traffic and Ihop, we made it to our intended destination in 10 hours.

Here is a list of the culprits that have made the journey: Jasmine, Brian, David, Carina, KK, Kellie, Laura, Kyle, Elizabeth and Yours Truly.

This evening, we are going to hold a video scavenger hunt with the combined groups of Marble Falls and Sweetwater groups at the Woodland Hills Mall. Tireless energy!! We have had about 4 hours of sleep and we're still running on full steam. I have a feeling that we will have a bunch of weary, bleary eyed teens in the morning.

It was great to see and love on the young children today and watch the teens from Sweetwater and Marble Falls work with compassion and care.

I will keep you updated this week from wireless Net in Tulsa.

Tonight's Lesson

This is a former blog that I would like to reissue since it is my lesson to the students this evening:

"...what constitutes a hero. Is a hero someone that is impervious to pain? Someone that is super strong? Someone that is faster-than-a-speeding-bullet?

Well, those traits are more seen in comic book domain.

I am talking about a real, human hero. What is that person made of?

I sometimes think that we try to attribute comic book powers to real people. Even ourselves. When we try to be impervious, all-powerful we tend to shut out emotions. We close ourselves off from the possibility of being hurt or crushed by others. At the same time, we close ourselves off from being loved and embraced. We become our own burden.

Is that a hero? No! A hero is not afraid to take a chance, knowing that maybe they will fail. A hero gets back up after a hard fall and continues making the journey. A hero is not afraid to love openly and deeply. A hero will admit fault and say "I'm sorry." A hero will take care of those who can't take care of themselves. A hero is someone who has bruised and scabby knees from kneeling and looking to the Source for their true strength.

That is a hero."

Quote Of The Day

"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us; just as the roof of a sunhouse does not attract the sun because it is bright, but becomes bright because the sun shines on it." - C.S. Lewis

Our Beloved Preacher

It is with much pride that I present to you our beloved preacher man: Jim Gardner! We wound up with a grand VBS total of 169 so it was necessary for him to fulfill his part of the deal. I have never heard so many squeals of delight from so many kids and adults combined as the lights dimmed, the spotlight came on and Jim came out in full regalia to wave and perform the hula dance! his coconut top got a little sideways and needed adjustment every now and then. I think that is what he's doing in this pic. This is for everyone that has ever wanted to see the Gardner in hula attire.

Finally

Finally I am able to blog. Blogger has been having some technical difficulties for the past two days. Well, here it is now!

Here is a recap of the great Vacation Bible School that we have had this week in Marble Falls. SonTreasure Island is a place where the Son is always shining! Jennifer Burdett and Kate Schumacher are some great, hard working ladies. I am amazed at the caliber of this VBS. So many have worked so hard to bring this to fruition and it shows.

VBS Monday - 129

VBS Tuesday - 137

VBS Wednesday - 148

VBS Thursday - 150

VBS Friday - ?

It is gonna be so great to see Jim in the coconut top and grass skirt!! I can't wait!!

One Of The Wilson Brothers

While gassing up the van for the 6th grade Blessing this past Sunday evening, I looked over at the guy pumping gas next to me and realized that I was in the presence of Hollywood royalty-Luke Wilson.

As an admirer of many of his films (Legally Blonde, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Family Stone, Charlie's Angels and Rushmore), I walked over to him, shook his hand and talked to him for the length of time it takes a slow pump to fill the tank up to $ 70 dollars. We talked about golf, my ministry and the beautiful area of Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay.

What was cool is that he was really laid back and easygoing. For 6 or 7 minutes we shot the breeze. I asked him how he knew about the place and he told me that his family is from the Dallas area and that he frequently traveled from L.A. to relax and hit the greens down here in this beautiful place.

Elizabeth is really upset because she was not with me and he is one of her favorite actors. My Youth Group went nuts and asked me why I did not invite him to the devotional that night. I just don't know what I was thinking.

How many of you out there have seen or met somebody famous?

YEAH!!

137, Baby!! 8 more than yesterday. It is creeping up to the 160 mark. Jim, the coconuts and skirt are calling your name. Yeah!!

David, Thomas, Kellie and KK: I am glad to hear that you have gone over your script for tomorrow 20+ times!

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Last Sunday evening was a special time for all of the young children that have graduated into the 6th grade: Youth Group Territory. After being kidnapped and driven to a mysterious location a Blessing was held for the honored guests that included a talk about spiritual growth, the partaking of pizza, jumping into Kyle and Marti Futrell's pool for a swim and singing songs 'til the sun went down! It was a great night of beginnings for the newbies.

VBS

Today, we kicked off the first day of VBS: SonTreasure Island with a bang!! We had 129 in attendance ready to learn more about God and His love. This morning we learned that God's love is giving! I am happy that we are able to have som of the teens help out this week. I am also so proud of David G, Kellie U, Kara Kay S and Thomas G for performing in the plays this year! A special thanks to the leaders of the pack-Jennifer B and Kate S!! You have worked so hard and it really shows. Allan, you are cool! Jim, you will be in the grass skirt and coconuts before the week is over! I can't wait 'til tomorrow morning.

Lyrics For Every Day

"Are we teaching the truth in love?

Telling it like it is?

While holding pure motives

And showing that we care

Are we teaching the truth in love? " - Acapella

We are just blowing alot of hot air on others faces if we are not motivated by love. Whether it be with our family, friends, fellow churchgoers or those we barely know-we should make sure that our driving force in anything we say or do is love. Without it, the Apostle Paul writes, we are nothing more than a "resounding gong or clanging cymbal."

Quote Of The Day

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." - Mignon McGlaughlin

Mawage

Jeff Bearden's surgery went well!!! Thank you, God, for being the Omniscient Answerer of prayer!

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Now, let me finish my story from yesterday. Where did I leave off when Scott came by for lunch (which lasted quite a long time, by the way. We just kept talking and talking about everything under the sun - from the Nephilim of Genesis 6 to the Heffingtons of Marble Falls)?

Oh yes, now I remember!

We were at the Quarry Market. A great place, by the way. We decided to catch a movie. Then we traveled over to one of my favorite places-Borders. I could have been in there for hours but we both got hungry for dinner and decided to eat over at Joe's Crab Shack-a place that I knew about and had always wanted to try. Good food! Elizabeth had the Coconut Shrimp and I had the Louisiana Platter. We walked away with full bellies and a couple of T-Shirts.

Great times with a great woman by my side. I could not ask for anything more.

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Speaking of that great woman-Today is our anniversary.

As of 1:30 today, we will have spent 3 years in wedded bliss! In those 3 years, we have lived in 4 different houses, we have been given a Beta fish that did not live very long, we bought other fish that did not live very long (there must be something to that), we have been given 2 little animals: a Schnorkie (Schnauzer/Yorkie mix) we named Peanut and a kitty we named Gabbi(surprisingly, they have lived!) and made one big move from AR to TX.

I love Elizabeth with all my heart and look forward to what the next 3, 6, 9, 20, 30, 50 years bring with them as we travel through life as one.

Elizabeth, I can't wait for what the future holds with you and me walking side by side through this journey. You are my song and my heart. You truly do complete me. I hope that you are as happy today as I am. I pray continually that God will help us to grow ever closer as the days progress.

I am going to end this with some words of wisdom stolen from the Princess Bride:

"It’s wot bwings us togeder today.

It’s that bwessed awangement.

It’s that dweam wifin a dweam.

Mawage.

Tweasure your wuv."

First of all, I ask for your prayers for my Jeff Bearden, a friend both to me and Jim Gardner. He is in surgery as I type this. Please take a moment out of your day to lay his needs before god's throne.

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Yesterday, my sweetie and I were able to get away to the beautiful city of San Antonio. We went to the zoo and spent some quality time with the animals there. After 4 hours of birds, hippos, leopards, okapi and the like, we traveled to Quarry Market. What a cool place!!

OK! Gotta run. My friend, Scott, and I are going to lunch. He has arrived and is ready to spend time in fellowship. I will return with more of the story later...

Verse Of The Day

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

Quote Of The Day

"The most infuriating aspect of radical faith is its adamant refusal to be impressed with the obvious...and [its] steadfast adherence to an alternative reality: God reigns." - Daniel Smith-Christopher

New Pics

I am excited that I finally figured out how to post pictures on the Church website. Not all of the pictures are up yet, but if you would like go ahead and take a look at it.

Tan the Man

Every Monday through Wenesday, I get to spend around an hour and a half with Tanner W. We study together, talk about boxing, video games, music and basketball. I am with him right now as I type this blog. Great times!

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This evening in Meat Eaters, we will be honored with the presence of Jim and Helen Dobbs. Jim is going to share with us the life of Isaac. He is a genius and a great servant leader in God's kingdom. I look forward to tonight!

The Royal Telephone

Yesterday, Allan, Jim and I met together in Allan's office to prepare for an evening of singing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. We talked and reminisced about old favorites that are not in our new book. We looked at newer songs adored by the youth and many adults. We discussed the backdrop of history during the writing of many of these songs and how it has changed considerably. Then and there we decided to make it an evening of just those songs: old favorites that did not make the new book and new favorites that had not been included in the book.

One of the songs stood out to all of us, though. An old song that we came across in a compilation from 1947. We laughed so hard that we nearly cried. I would like to share some laughs with you today. Here it is-The Royal Telephone:

"Central's never 'busy', Always on the line
You may hear from heaven, Almost anytime;
'Tis a royal service, Free for one and all,
When you get in trouble, Give this royal line a call.

There will be no charges, Telephone is free,
It was built for service, Just for you and me;
There will be no waiting, On this royal line,
Telephone to glory, Always answers just in time.

Fail to get the answer, Satan's crossed your wire,
By some strong delusion, Or some base desire;
Take away obstructions, God is on the throne,
And you'll get the answer, Thru this royal telephone.

Carnal combinations, Cannot get control,
Of this line to glory, Anchored in the soul;
Storm and trials cannot, Disconnect the line,
Held in constant keeping By the Father's hand divine.

Chorus
Telephone to glory, O what joy divine!
I can feel the current, Moving on the line;
Built by God the Father, For His loved and own,
We may talk to Jesus, Thru this royal telephone."

Post a comment or email me with some other hymns that you find to be interesting or funny. I would like to read your thoughts on this!

Senior Banquet

Last night, 60+ friends and family members toasted and roasted this year's graduating seniors-David Barr, Mackenzie Lewis, Hannah Love and Kyle Smith. The night of irreverent honors took place in the Live Oak Room at the beautiful Balcones Springs camp and retreat center. After sufficiently filling ourselves with delicious fajitas catered by Balcones Springs, we had an evening full of fun.

We were blessed to have the multi talented Scott Payne as our entertainment. A great singer, songwriter and worship leader, Scott brought the house down with sweet songs followed by some crowd favorites. He even lead the audience in a rousing rendition of "It Is Well With My Soul." That started the banquet off with a blast.

Next came the roasts of the soon to be grads. Whew! No punches were pulled. I am so glad that I was not one of the roasted. The juniors and sophomores had a ball tearing into the guests of honor. Nothing was taboo. All bases were covered: From female underarm hair to Manly Weed Whacker School for Dummies. No holds barred!!

The night was not only about fun and games, though. At the end of the evening, there was a slideshow of the seniors-past and present-followed by some touching words of wisdom and love from the parents. Eyes were misty as, one by one, parents stood up and read from a letter that they had composed for their son or daughter.

The evening was a success. I pray God's blessing on each of these young men and women as they start this new lg of the journey.

MISC

I am having technical difficulties with posting pics on the website. It is not going as planned. Still trying!

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I had lunch today with Scott and Brent Payne. Scott is an extremely talented man who is on fire for the Lord. His singing and songwriting abilities are out of this world. His brother, Brent, a missionary in New Zealand, is here visiting with family. Scott has agreed to entertain (with both funny and sentimental songs) for the Senior Banquet tomorrow evening at the Balcones Springs' Live Oak Room. It is sure to be a night to remember. I will blog more on that later this week.

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This evening Elizabeth and I will be accompanying Jim and Mandy Gardner to celebrate their daughter Trae's 8th birthday! Grammy (Trae and Tori's Grandmother, Sherry) will be in attendance. It will be a great time of fun and fellowship.

Marble Falls High

I am subbing today for Coach Futrell (a great guy that I will blog about at a later date). His classes are very well behaved. Well, I say this but it may or may not be true. Subbing for HS is just a world away from MS. You see, at the MS, if the kids are not doing their work, it is evident. As a matter of fact, my blood pressure has risen while working with a certain 7th grade class! (Suffering short periods of high BP is just one of the many facets of my ministry!) HS is a different story. If they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, they are either too tired or too cool to make much spectacle of themselves. The difference here is night and day.

I write this with total humor and joy for there is nothing else I would rather do than get to know all of the young students in this community. I love the energy and excitement that youth brings with it! It is a great perk of the job. It helps me reminisce about my past and look forward to the day when I raise children of my own!

More blogging to come...

What?!?

What's up with Chris getting kicked off last night? I am in shock with the rest of the world out there! I think Taylor and Kat are great. I was so sure that Chris would be in the top three. Never did I think that Elliot would make it there, though. I am not saying he's no good. I just believe that Chris brought with him a breath of fresh air. And I still believe that his albums will sell hotter than the remaining 3. Wow! I am still reeling.

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Elizabeth and I will be helping out with a birthday party this coming Monday evening and, due to a large amount of requests, we will not be canceling our Meat Eaters meeting. Instead of meeting on Monday we will meet this Saturday evening at 5:00.

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Something happened Monday that kept returning and returning to my mind throughout the afternoon, the evening and well past the midnight hour. It bothered me. It riddled me with anxiety and frustration. In fact, it pressed on my heart and mind so much that I finally fell into bed at around 4:00 a.m.

This is not the first time something like this has happened to me and I am certain that it won't be the last, but I kept wondering why. Why do thoughts like this beset my walk with Jesus? I wanted to know what it's purpose was in my life as a follower of God. Where did it fall in my Christian journey?

Life is full of questions and struggles that hold us in their grip for long periods of time. That keep us up at odd hours of the night. That make us sad. That make us mad. That crush our spirits.

But some verses came to my heart and mind and set those emotions to rest. Verses that let me know that I am an unfinished product that is being shaped and molded to be a strong instrument for God by these events. He is not through with us yet! Here they are:

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way." - James 1:2-4

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." - I Peter 1:6-7

Intersection

My internet connection to my laptop has been repaired and is finally up and running. We're back in business! Sorry for the long hiatus.

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Last night 15 from the student ministry traveled to Intersection, an area-wide youth rally, held at the Westover Hills congregation in Austin. We spent the evening in praise and devotion to our God. Scott Baird led the worship for the night. It is awesome to hear 450 youth singing their hearts out to God. The speaker for the night was Scott Wood. he shared with us the difference between a life in Christ and a life without Him. He spoke of the pain and struggles he faced when trying to live for himself. Finally, he told of coming into a relationship with Jesus and how that totally changed his life. The devotional time was a great time for all of us to draw nearer to our Lord.

After we spent time in worship, we played Bingo and Let's Make A Deal. Two of our students walked away with a prize. Kylie Ann won 21 dollars and Natalie won the grand prize-a Fender guitar!

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This evening we will be discussing the life of Abraham, Sarah and Lot in our Meat Eaters study. Make sure that you come to eat - of food and the Word.

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I will be posting pics of devos, Meat Eaters and Intersection this week on our church website.

My Top Idol Picks

I am here to tell you that Chris, Katherine and Taylor are the top three American Idols. I know that each of them had a bad number tonight, but they all redeemed themselves with the other tune. Chris' rendition of Renegade, Katherine's You're Not The One For Me and Taylor's Something all had my utmost attention. They are truly the ones to beat. As for who should go home: Paris Bennett. Email me or post a comment with your picks for the top slots.

More

Here are the other pics that did not upload the first time. Man, have I been frustrated lately with the screwed up internet provider. That is part of the reason that I have not blogged very much in the past week. I can't get the blog out fast enough before it shuts down on me. AARGH!!! Oh well, maybe things will go back to normal or get better soon. Please let me have the patience to stand it.

Youth Pics

I realized over the weekend that I have not yet posted pics of my new youth group for you, dear viewer. Here are some shots of them hanging out, playing Assassin, Kiss & Tell and Red Rover. This a great group of students.

Quotes Of The Day

“Thomas Aquinas, who knew a great deal about education and a bit about motivation, once said that when you want to convert a person to your view, you go over to where he is standing, take him by the hand, and guide him. You don’t stand across the room and shout at him. You don’t order him to come over where you are. You start where he is and work from that position. He said that’s the only way to get people to budge.” – Alan Loy McGinnis

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"But if we are the body
Why aren’t His arms reaching?
Why aren’t His hands healing?
Why aren’t His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren’t His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way!" - Casting Crowns

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"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”
- Jesus

Quote Of The Day

"The word philadelphia means 'human affection, brotherly love.' It means being an affectionate friend. Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote a poem titled 'Youth and Age' with the line, 'Friendship is a sheltering tree.' That is a wonderful word picture. Friends are those whose lives are like branches. They provide shade, they provide refuge from the demanding, irritating, and searing rays of the hot sun. You can find comfort by them. you can find strength near them. They are tree-like in that they bear fruit that provides nourishment and encouragement. Isn't it interesting that when something occurs in your life and you are alone, you pick up the phone and call a friend? You want to connect with someone else. Few things are more lonely than going through a sudden test or joy and having no friend to call." - Charles Swindoll

Courage

One of my friends and former elders in the church, Rick Northen, recently traveled to Vietnam and took part in an illegal worship service. He and his wife, Gail, have decided to spread the word to those in Cambodia and surrounding areas that need to hear the message of Christ. I cannot even fathom not having the freedom to assemble and praise our God. Join me in prayer for these servants of God as they carry out the Great Commission.

Bereshith

Alright, so I was a bit audacious. I somehow thought that we could zip through Genesis chapters 1-11 in two hours at our Meat Eaters study last night. I prepared 7 pages of material to get us from Creation to the Tower of Babel in record time. I was pumped!

Needless to say, this did not happen. As we proceeded, I realized that there is just too much good, juicy stuff to pass by at a clip.

We got through chapter 3. That is as far as we could go in the alotted time. I guess you can say I learned my lesson.

I am still pumped, though! The excitement will not wear off. A great core group from the student ministry is eating this up every Monday night. There are 10-12 students that long to be deeper in the Word. I love it! Someone pinch me-I think I'm dreaming. I couldn't ask for more than this.

How are you when it comes to cracking open the Good Book? Are you what one might call a student? Or are you merely a casual observer? Know this-God wants you to want to know Him. He desires that you learn and grow from constant Scripture searching. He wants the intimate relationship that it inevitably brings.

The Nelson Family

Elizabeth and I were invited over this past Friday evening to the home of Guy and Ruth Ann Nelson to eat dinner and get to know the family. It was great! Not only were there beef ribs and sausages (my favorite!) hot off the grill for our dining pleasure, but we had a great time of getting acquainted with each other around the dinner table.

I wish that I had brought a camera, though. After we ate, we walked out in the back yard (about 4 acres), looked in at Jordan's living quarters, flew through the air on the swing and, best of all, wrestled with Gizmo the Goat. It was a little scary at first-watching this goat, horns and all, rear up, grunt and then come after you with head lowered. Elizabeth never quite mustered up the courage to wrestle with Gizmo. Matter of fact, she did not want to be anywhere near Gizmo. It was pretty funny!

At the end of the evening, we sat out on the back porch talking about everything. When darkness came, we went into the kitchen for some yummy Banana Pudding and more conversation. Nelson family, I want you to know that we had a great time!

I promise to post a pic of Gizmo in action soon.

Bitter Scroll

This blog is in correlation with the quote from yesterday and Wednesday the 5th. Reading the Bible is so important in the life of the Christian. And I don't mean only turning to the passages that are near and dear to us. I mean going there and beyond. Looking also at the passages that stretch us. The passages that maybe we don't yet comprehend. The good, the bad and the ugly must be given equal amounts of air time. We must allow ourselves to eat the full text without fear of the sour stomach to come. This is something that we don't do quite often enough. In his book, Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell sums it up:

"The ultimate display of our respect for the sacred words of God is that we are willing to wade in and struggle with the text-the good parts, the hard-to-understand parts, the parts we wish weren't there.

The rabbis even say a specific blessing when they don't understand a portion of the text. When it eludes them, when it makes no sense, they say a word of thanks to God because of the blessing that will be theirs someday. "Thank you, God, that at some point in the future, the lights are going to come on for me."

The rabbis have a metaphor for this wrestling with the text: The story of Jacob wrestling the angel in Genesis 32. He struggles, and it is exhausting and tiring, and in the end his hip is injured. It hurts. And he walks away limping.

Because when you wrestle with the text, you walk away limping.

And some people have no limp, because they haven't wrestled. But the ones limping have had an experience with the living God.

I think God knows what he's doing with the Bible. But the better question is, do we know what we're doing with the Bible?"

Quote Of The Day

"Reading, as it were, puts the solid food into our mouths, meditation chews it and breaks it down, prayer obtains the flavour of it and contemplation is the very sweetness that makes us glad and refreshes us." - Guigo the Second

Friends

My colleague, Jim Gardner, has returned from a nice visit in our old stomping grounds-the Village. He was able to spend some time with our friend, Jeff B, who is going through radiation and chemotherapy for cancer. Jim had a surprise ready for his visit with Jeff. Take a look at Jim's blog and see a pic of the two men together.

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Tonight is Pringle Party Night. Since there is no school tomorrow for the students of MFS, we will have a devotional followed by games and a movie. Everyone is asked to bring their own Pringles cans for munchies and, most especially, to help VBS. Don't worry, though. If you have not read this before tonight, there will be time for grabbing some Pringles cans and other food for chowing down.

Digging Deeper

Last night several eager students joined together with Elizabeth and me to dive deeper into God's Word. It was the beginning of a Monday night group of Bible students appropriately entitled Meat Eaters. Each night we will study a portion of the Bible more in-depth than a usual Sunday morning or Wednesday evening Bible class. There will be a time for study, devotion, contemplation, meditation and prayer. A small gathering of spongelike hearts and minds ready to soak up the precepts and promises of a loving Creator. Needless to say, this is a minister's dream!

What I thought would liberally be a small group of 6-7 turned out to be 12. We ate some pizza, sat in a huddle on the floor of the youth house and opened the Book for study! We began with a surface level overview of the entire Bible-it's authors, languages, dating, writing styles and overarching theme. It was successful in my eyes and I was glad to hear the positive feedback from the students.

I look forward to seeing these young disciples grow in the faith and mature spiritually as they continue, like Ezra, to devote themselves in study to the God's Word.

Quote Of The Day

"Those who believe they believe in God, but without passion in the heart, without anguish of mind, without uncertainty, without doubt, and even at times without despair, believe only in the idea of God, and not in God himself." - Madeleine L'Engle

Sunday In The Park With...

Last night, those in the student ministry had a nice time of devotion to our God. We read from Psalm 19 and spent time in our Father's beautiful creation. We packed up some meals, loaded the cooler down with drinks and headed over to Johnson Park to truly enjoy the handiwork of our Creator.

The weather could not have been more perfect. While some played touch and tackle football, others threw the frisbee. Still others decided it would be refreshing to smash cans on their heads. Crazy people!

We made friends with a young girl named McKayla who was out with her grandmother, Joyce, to spend some time on the monkeybars, playground and swings. We hope to see them again real soon.

The evening reminded me of how glad I am to be in this profession. I love to see and share in the unbridled energy and passion of youth.

Too Tired

Yesterday, I was in a bad mood for the better part of the day and I think I know why now. My sleeping cycle has been off for quite a while. I just can't go to sleep at night! No matter how I try, that 'reconciling peace that rest begets' will not wash over me. It leaves me in a funk for a long time.

Because I was so sleep deprived, I droned on and on in class last night and the students could feel that I just did not have it in me. Just one of those days, I guess. Sorry to put you through that.

Well, that was remedied today because I rested more today than I have since I have moved to the great state of Texas. I feel like a million bucks and I am ready to take on the world!! I am no longer too tired. How great that feels.

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Jim, I hope that you are having a blast back in our old stomping grounds. Say Hi to everyone for me and tell them that I miss them so much!

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Village youth, it is so great to hear from you through emails! Keep them coming. I miss you and pray to God for you to get a great new youth guy. How are thing in J'Ville, Fountain Lake and the Village? Also, if you start a new blog, let me know by commenting here or emailing me so that I can post you on this site.

Quote Of The Day (and then some)

"But caveat lector: we do not read the Bible in order to reduce our lives to what is convenient to us or manageable by us-we want to get in on the great invisibles of the Trinity, the soaring adorations of the angels, the quirky cragginess of the prophets, and...Jesus." - Eugene Peterson

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I can't wait for the benevolence pantry workers to get a great surprise this evening, thanks to the youth group!

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Yesterday was a big day for me. I started out by subbing for the Middle School (I had a really wild, unruly class and came really close to losing it, by the way). I then drove to the office and held a counseling session with a young student. Afterwards, I emptied out all of the pantry items that the youth had collected the Sunday night before. When I was ready to go home and veg in front of the tube, I went with my sweetie pie to the gym to lift and do cardio. I was worn out emotionally and physically by the time I got home. On top of all of that, I could not get any sleep last night. Maybe that is why I am in such a grumpy mood today. Seems like everything someone says to me is twisted up and taken the wrong way. Have you ever had a day like this?

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Some friends of mine (former and present students) are starting up their own blogs. When I have their addresses, I will post and link them.

Scavenging

Last night, we had a great time in devotion to God at the home of Chris and Julie Bridges. Thank you both for opening up your home and feeding us some of the best Sloppy Joes that I have ever tasted. In the words of Chris, it had a certain 'more-ish' taste!

After a great time of singing, David Griffin spoke to us from his heart about how we invest too much time in the things of this world and too little time working and reaching out in our true calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. He sharedwith us the lyrics of a song that spoke to this and pricked his heart to action. The question was raised "why not start now?' and that is just what we did! We split up into groups and went on a door to door scavenger hunt asking for unopened jars of peanut butter, cans of tuna, canned vegetables, etc. to provide for families in need. It was a blessing to see the arms of Christ's body reaching out through these young hearts! Thank you, David, for your timely message.

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My compadres are out of the office today catching the Texas Rangers season opener. I am here holding down the fort with our secretary, Ann.

The Griffin

One of the young men in my student ministry has started a blog. Check out the new blog from the sensational David Griffin. I will also add him to my links.

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Today was the first day that my wife and I subbed on the same campus. Ithought it was pretty cool to know that just down the hall a ways my wife was teaching Music Theory and Music History while I was teaching French I and II! I know, I know-little things make me happy. I just think it's cool. We do it again tomorrow, but this time we get to wear jeans!

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I gotta run. We are having an Elders/Ministers meeting in a few. I will be back soon.

You Might Be A Member Of The Church Of Christ IF...

This is just too humorous to pass up. Those of you that have been in the Church of Christ for a while will have quite a chuckle when you read this.

You Might Be A Member Of The Church Of Christ IF...

you know exactly what song I'm talking about when I ask you to turn to number 728b.

you could recite all the books of the Bible before you could even read them.

you know the first and third verse of nearly every song.

you actually know what a "ready recollection" is and have been thoroughly "guide-guard-and-directed" all your life. (If you're really a member, you know that "guide-guard-and-directed" must be followed by "and-bring-us-back-at-the-next-appointed-time.")

you can actually read shape notes.

you recognize any of these ministers by first name alone: Landon,Reuel, Prentice, Rubel, Norvel, Flavil, Furman or Batsell.

you think your chosen pew is "sacred" and no one else should sit in your spot.

you think the Bible questions on Jeopardy are way too easy.

you decide which Bible translation to use based on how Acts 2:38 reads.

you immediately reach for your wallet when you hear the phrase, "Now, separate and apart from the Lord's Supper"

you know all the words to all the verses of Trust and Obey.

you've ever ridden a JOY bus. (And, of course, you know that JOY stands for "Jesus" first, "Others" second and "Yourself" last.)

when you're happy and you know it, you clap your hands, stomp your feet and shout "Amen!"

you've ever wondered who Ebon Pinion was.

you've been to a wedding or a funeral where "the invitation" was offered.

you've stood for 13 verses of Just As I Am with the last stanza sung softly.

Brownie Points

Keep those emails coming. Boy, there are many highly literate people out there reading this blog. I had better step things up a notch! Arika, you are the winner with the first correct definition. I give to thee these much coveted brownie points.

Fun Bumper Sticker

Brownie Points to the first person that gives me the definition of this one. Ready? Here it is:

"Eschew Obfuscation."

What do you think?

Strawberry Fields Forever

I had a wonderful time at the youth ministry seminar this past Saturday morning. The topic was on point. I believe the speaker hit the nail on the head in that we need to reignite the passion in our ministry to youth. Even though they may not seem to care about anything, every teen and tween that we, as youth leaders, work with have a great passion for something. The key is for youth ministers and youth helpers to take that passion and direct it toward a deeper, fuller, more meaningful life in Jesus Christ.

It can happen! Here are some important things that I gleaned from The Core Seminar to remember when in the process of rekindling powerful passion in youth:

1) Anchor your ministry in the truth of scripture.
This is the most important. God'd Word is the only life manual we have. It cannot be
changed to fit our wants. We must never water down the Word while changing
methodologies of teaching it.

2) Be there in the community.
We must be willing to go to the schools, support the group in their various extracurricular
activities, be in their homes and truly be a part of their community.

3) Be willing to be uncomfortable.
Change is never easy for anybody. Neither is living a life of daily sacrifice. God never
intended for our walk in this life to be a rosy cakewalk full of health and wealth. He also
does not want us to get stuck in a rut doing things the way we like to do them. Being a
disciple of Christ is so much more than that. It is a daily death to ourselves and our
desires. Being uncomfortable stretches us and breaks us out of status-quo thinking.

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Saturday evening I went out to the Sweetberry Farm where a couple of the teens in my youth group work. I had a neat time watching them in action as they cut and reattached busted water lines. David and Josh were really cool for taking time out to show me around and help me pick some strawberries for my wife. I also was able to test the strawberry-pecan ice cream that they make on site. Thank you guys for everything. I will be back soon to pick, sing and shoot the breeze with my sweetie in tow.

Weekend

This weekend Elizabeth is away for a Spiritual Spa in Kerrville with other ladies from the congregation. I pray that it serves as a time for renewal and growth for all of them.

Tomorrow I leave for the fair city of Austin for a Youth Ministry Seminar/Workshop. It will help me further my education in working with teens and tweens. I look forward to my time tomorrow. I will tell you more when I return. I may even have my sweetie post a blog about her time.

Bruce Almighty

We talked last night in class about Bruce Almighty and his main problem. He blamed all of his pain and suffering on a distant, uncaring God. Before being schooled by God on the big picture, Bruce believed that God was either ignorant to the needs of his people or too immature to bring something better for the less fortunate. He blamed God.

Isn't that what we do sometimes? Blame God?

There is many a former Christian that has become so disenchanted with a God that caused or allowed all of the pain and suffering in this world, that they leave everything they grew up believing.

But is God really to blame?

I believe that the answer to that is a resounding NO! I believe that suffering comes from living in a fallen world. I submit to you that the world we see today and the world that God created are not the same.

Why?

Because a nasty little thing called sin entered the picture and changed the world.

Because humans are given the free will and many make horrible choices that hurt their fellow man.

Because Satan and his minions jump at every chance to see us miserable.

That's why.

God is here, though. He does look on to see how we are dealing with it all. And ultimately, He helps us and guides us through His son, Jesus Christ and His Spirit that indwells us. He always makes a way when there seems to be no way. He is so good at that!

A Javelina For Jim

Here is the pic of the Javelina that I blogged about earlier. Jim, here it is so you can stop picking on me!

What In The World Is A Javelina?

Have you ever heard of a Javelina? Me neither!

I first happened upon this strange creature when holding a devo at the home of Chris and Julie Bridges the Sunday evening before last. Not that I saw one close up, but I saw pictures and the cleaned out skull of one that had been hunted down by a member of the family. Turns out that the Bridges family are avid hunters and this peculiar Javelina is one of the animals on their list.

In further research, I found this: The word Javelina is Spanish for spear. They are so named for their spear-like teeth. Common in the southern Texas area, the Javelina can weigh up to 60 pounds. Besides being one of the ugliest creatures in the known world, they also have built-in musk/scent bags that emit a horrible odor. They are not of the pig family, though. Many believe them to be of the rodent persuasion. On top of all of that, they cannot see very well.

When Blogger will allow me, I will add a picture for those of you who have never seen one of these animals.

Quote Of The Day

"When we do what God wants us to do, we are blessed, we are spiritually healthy. God wants us to give a portion of our money to His work on earth. By setting aside money from every check, you are trusting God to provide. He wants you to get over that fear-that fear of trusting Him. It is a scary place, but that is where you have to go as a follower of Christ." - Donald Miller

The Emasculation of Jimmy

I have seen it creeping up ever closer. But, it hit me hard in the face Thursday evening. Elizabeth laid me down in the living room floor and gave me a facial (with complete exfoliant, moisturizer, mask, anti-wrinkle serum and scalp massage) with Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique playing softly in the background. As if that were not enough, I found myself later watching TLC's What Not To Underwear with her.

What has happened to me? Who am I? Where am I? Have I been abducted by aliens and transformed into a softer version of myself?

Well, I could not just sit back and let the change occur without a fight. So, the very next day I took Elizabeth to the gym and we hit it hard! We lifted heavy weights! We punched and kicked on the punching bag!! And we worked the speed bag over and over again!!! After that I felt back to my ole self again.

Who would have thought that this was in their future when they said I DO? The life of a married man is filled with strange and exciting new things. There is never a dull moment.

Motivational

Last night the girls were treated to a motivational/inspirational lesson from Llano native Laci Leifeste. She has recently been named Woman of the Year at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a privilege for the young ladies to learn of her struggles and ultimate triumphs through Jesus. Thank you, Laci, for coming to share with the girls and young ladies.

While they were talking about the common struggles that girls face, the young men and the boys sat in the small fellowship hall and discussed the predominant struggle that adolescent boys encounter. We were honest and frank in our approach to the subject. The time spent in prayer, song and devotion was special.

All in all, last night proved to be a great time to learn more about God's will for our lives when we face the trials of this journey.

Verse Of The Day

"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give all the wealth
of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned."
(Song of Solomon 8:6-7)

Sweet Pea Is Coming!

I leave this afternoon to pick up my sweet wife from the Austin airport. I am so happy that she is coming home today. I just don't think that we could take another day without. Ok, I will honor my friends request that I do not get too sappy. Oh, I just can't help it! My days and nights are not the same without her-they lack energy, color and the joy of seeing her sweet, smiling face. Where would I be without Elizabeth to comfort me when I am sad, encourage me when I am frustrated, pick me up when I am down and just make me feel great to be in marital bliss? I would be lost, that's where! I could go on, but I will save it to tell her when she flies in tonight.

Debt and Sweat

Last night the youth group met over at the home fo Chris and Julie Bridges for a devotional. (Thank you, Bridges family, for hosting!! Clayton, I hope you recover quickly from your surgery.) In our devotional, we looked at Matthew 6:19-24. In this passage, Jesus talks about where our true possessions and treasures, as Christians, should be. Not here on earth, but in heaven.

I told them briefly about how I used to spend, spend and then spend some more. How stuff (gadgets, gizmos, etc) seemed to take up my life all the while obstructing my view to what was really important: Jesus and His Kingdom! And at the same time how the monster of debt crept in. Scary thing, materialism is.

We looked at ways to remedy the desire to acquire stuff. Richard J. Foster has a lot to say about this in his chapter on simplicity from the great Christian Classic, Celebration of Discipline. Here are 5 points that I spoke on from that chapter:

"1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.

2. Develop a habit of giving things away.

3. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.

4. Look with a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes.

5. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God."

FCA and Bachelors

I spoke for the FCA today at the Marble Falls Middle School. I was able to talk to 3 different groups that came through during lunch time. Each group was composed of about 45 kids. Starting with 8th grade and ending up with 6th grade, I sure had my work cut out for me. I thought that my chances were slim in keeping their attention for 20 minutes while they ate lunch, but I was pleasantly surprised that they were all ears. God works in mysterious ways!!

I am so excited that I am able to be involved with the school system here. I love to be in the middle of community! The youth around here are looking for something to fill the void and they seem to be pretty receptive thus far.

Pray for ole lonesome me as Elizabeth is traveling back to AR with Mandy G and the girls. She will be checking the house back in the Village and spending some time with her mom in Conway. Looks like I am a bachelor once again. At least mine will be coming back on Tuesday. Jim will be alone 'til a week from this Sunday. Keep us in mind as we will be pretty lonely.

It's All About Perspective

Last night's class was for me as well as the youth group. We talked about the inevitability of
having bad days and what we could do when they came our way. One of the solutions was to look at examples in the Bible and how they dealt.

The first example was the prophet Ezekiel. Besides laying on his side for a ridiculous amount of time (430 days to be precise), God told him to eat bread baked over human excrement. God also took his wife and told him not to mourn her death. All of these were for symbolic reasons, but talk about having some bad days!!

We then talked about Job. Lost his wealth. Lost his health. His kids die. His wife tells him to 'curse God and die!' Really ugly, if you ask me.

But after all of that, what did these men do? Did they throw in the towel and turn their backs on God?

No! They continued to seek His will and lean on Him as their main source of strength.

Amazing.

I think we all can learn a lesson or two from these men of old. It really knocks me back into reality and I see that I don't have it so bad after all.

Life is pretty good to me.

If only I would do as they do and lean on my heavenly Father for strength and support, then I would rest assured in the knowledge that 'everything is going to work together for good with my life because I love Him and I am called to live in His will.' (Romans 8:28-loosely paraphrased)

Had A Bad Day

I thought it only appropriate to use Carlson's quote yesterday. For me as well as many others. Yesterday just turned out to be a frustrating day. Have you ever just wanted something to go one way and it completely did not? That was yesterday.

A few things at the office did not go the way I planned. And I thought that was the end of it.

My colleague's wife ran into some trouble with a very nasty DPS worker. Then I thought it was over.

I spoke with my sister over the phone. The whole family is worried about the future. They are struggling with change and a possible move.

But, when I talked to my wife on the phone, she was upset and near tears. I went home to talk with her and be there for her. Everything is okay. It was just a case of the blues.

Yesterday did not go the way I wanted. It did not go the way many wanted.

And I found myself constantly on the verge of losing my patience.

However, I picked up Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (And It's All Small Stuff) and began to read. The book hit home and helped me and my Sweetie deal and cope.

That brings me to some song lyrics that have been playing over and over in my head:

'God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works in ways
We cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way'

Quote Of The Day

"The quality of patience goes a long way toward your goal of creating a more peaceful and loving self. The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as you would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. You are easily annoyed, bothered and irritated. Patience adds a dimension of ease and acceptance to your life. It's essential for inner peace." - Richard Carlson

Saturday

Saturday morning, Elizabeth and I were able to help out with Track and Field over at the Marble Falls High School. We were originally slated, by the inimitable Coach Kyle Futrell, to be pickers but we wound up being hurdle-putter-outers/straighteners/picker-uppers (those being the technical terms-lol). We had a great time spending the morning there with the teens and other members of the church family helping out. It was fun to watch all of the different events: Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump and, of course, all the races.

After spending 3 and a half hours of watching young, lean and muscular bodies in action, we left feeling quite out of shape and in desperate need of strenuous exercise. We slapped on some workout clothes and headed for the gym. 4 chest exercises and 6 miles of cardio later we left in good spirits and a feeling of accomplishment.

Then, we headed over to the Youth House to clean it up in the aftermath of the Marriage Matters seminar. Housing 50+ kids each night made it look like a tornado had been through there.

I had such a great time with my sweetie all day Saturday! It was an awesome day!

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Brooklyn, Ruey and McKayla have already weighed in with their thoughts. The rest of you in the Village-How did the Youth Guy work out yesterday?

Back To Work

Well, here I am back in the office. I have been here all day, but have been busy with meetings and preparation for Sunday. I went to lunch with JimG and then drove over to the Post Office to send in my tax forms. Whew!! That is out of the way!

I feel a little better today, but I am still puny.

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This next segment is for those of you from the Village and surrounding areas.

How are you doing out there, Chae? I see that you have been checking in on my blogsite. I miss you. I hope that Harding University is treating you well.

Mike, Jeff and families: Please know that we all are praying fervently for you during this time of pain. We love you all.

McKayla and Ruey-hang in there. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. Hey, that should be a song...

Steph, I know that you and Jeffrey have made great friends in Iowa by now.

Courtney, I am praying for you and for Mimi Land.

All the rest of you, I really don't know how things are in your lives, but I keep you in my prayers. You can always email me.

Oh, I can't wait to know how the Youth Guy works out this weekend.

I love and miss you all and I hope that you are leaning on each other in this time of transition. Keep in touch.

I am sorry that the blogs have been small and few. I have been a little under the weather lately, all the while working this Marriage Matters seminar. Pretty much making sure that all of the 50+ children(ages starting at 2) were watched while the parents were in the auditorium. I was feeling so bad today that I took a 3 and a half hour nap when I got home from subbing at the school. I think I have the crud.

Thanks go out to all of those that signed up to help me. You will all be pleasantly rewarded. Berrilyn, you are a saint! Elizabeth and I could not have done it without you.

Speaking of the seminar, I want to say that Jerry and Lynn Jones are amazing people. They used just the right amount of facts, humor and Biblically based material while conveying the message of living in a marital relationship for a lifetime. Elizabeth and I were so happy to be a part of something great. Every night we would go home and talk about everything that we had learned that night. What a blessing this has been for all of us in this community!

I will blog again in the morning. I hope that I feel better than I do today.

Lyrics Of The Day

"Jesus, let us come to know You.
Let us see You face to face
Touch us, hold us,
Use us, mold us;
Only let us live in You.
Jesus, draw us ever nearer;
Hold us in Your loving arms.
Wrap us in Your gentle presence,
When the end comes, bring us home."

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.

Last Day

Today is my last full day to be here with my friends and family. Elizabeth and I have been going nonstop this last week trying to say our goodbyes, pack up, get the Uhaul, clean out and clean up my office and thank my colleagues for all they have done.

I have just today seen my Dad, Mother-In-Law and Sister-In-Law. We are going to spend some time together before I head out tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a big day. After class and worship, there will be a potluck and then we will say a final farewell and head down the road to Marble Falls, TX. There we will start a new work with a new youth group.

I love and will miss everyone in AR greatly!

Clean Up

Today is the designated office clean up and out before I leave. It is really a bittersweet day for me. I am really excited about beginning a new work and continuing a strong relationship with my friend Jim Gardner. At the same time I am sad to leave the family and youth I truly love and cherish in my heart.

I will be taking a group of 7-12 graders out to lunch today for the last time and I am praying that I will get through without bawling my eyes out. They don't know just how much they mean to me.

Keep me, Elizabeth and the family here in your thoughts and prayers.

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Thank you, Diane! Our talk this morning means a lot to me.

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Mama Milligan, hang in there. I will miss being able to talk with you every day. It was a joy to work with you. God bless you and Johnny.

Quote Of The Day

"[S]ome...think that God is a Wizard-of-Oz or Sistine-Chapel kind of being sitting at a location very remote from us. The universe is then presented as, chiefly, a vast empty space with a humanoid God and a few angels rattling around in it, while several billion human beings crawl through the tiny cosmic interval of human history on an oversized clod of dirt circling an insignificant star. Of such a "god" we can only say, "Good Riddance!" - Dallas Willard

Letting Go

Think you're in control? Think again. I can't stand it when someone thinks they are in control of others lives, let alone their own. I get mad at myself when I have the gall to believe that I am in control of others or myself. The hard truth of the matter is we are not in control of much in this life.

God is!

When we finally stop spinning around from the backlash that comes from our desperate attempts to do things our way, we will settle down and see that He, and He alone, is in control of everything.

He molds.
He shapes.
He leads.
He calls.
He guides.

Why? Because He is the only omniscient being and everything would just go to garbage otherwise. When we think we know best, we don't. Our heavenlyFather needs to be given the reins. Folks, it is so much better that way.

Salt Bowl

Yesterday, I was given the honor and privilege to lead 500+ teens and adult chaperones in worship. It was the first of many Salt Bowl Ministries formed by Northside church in Benton and Bryant church. 37 from the Village church drove over last night to the brand spanking new Northside Family Life Facility to worship and fellowship with other Central Arkansas teens and tweens. Mike Knappier spoke to us about the life of deditcated, celebratory Christians. The Sandstone drama team S.W.A.T. brought some great Christian skits and the singing groups Free Indeed and One Spirit put on an awesome concert. And, of course, Pizza was provided at the end. Here are some pics of the night.

Funny

Just a little something funny that most of us can relate to:

"Recently, I was diagnosed with A. A. A. D. D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide my car needs washing.

As I start toward the garage, I notice that there is mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only 1 check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. I see that the Coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need to be watered. I set the Coke down on the counter, and I discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:
----the car isn't washed,
----the bills aren't paid,
----there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter,
----the flowers don't have enough water,
----there is still only 1 check in my check book,
----I can't find the remote, ----I can't find my glasses,
----and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail."

Unforgivable?

Last night, we tackled a subject that is not only difficult for the teens in the group, but for me and many adults as well.

The forgiveness of sin.

More specifically, the forgiveness extended to abominable people. People that our society has written off or deemed beyond forgiveness. People like Jeffrey Dahmer whose sins/crimes include murder and cannibalism, to name a few.

The question posed was this: Can people like Dahmer, Hitler and Manson be offered the same forgiveness by God as you and I? After all, we are "normal" and they are not!

One of the teens spoke up with the right answer: Yes! He later followed up by stating that "people like that shouldn't be given" that same forgiveness.

Isn't that how we feel sometimes? Not everyone is as good as me or my friends. We should be offered something better. Our slate should be wiped fully clean while the others should still have tally sheets with some sins remaining. They don't deserve to be made white as snow!

Guess what, none of us do. The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We are all sinners in the same boat. God offers the same forgiveness to us all whether we cheat on a test or commit heinous crimes.

All we have to do is seek His offered forgiveness and do His will. Isn't that amazing?