Thanksgiving

A few weeks ago, I went to Tennessee to view a few Christmas shows. I am always amazed how the Country Music shows are unabashedly pro-America, pro-Christian and pro-family values. While there, I went to Cades Cove, parked my car and hiked a 5.2 strenuous miles hike to Abrams Falls. The fog had been extremely dense and the mist hovered over the water and ground the total time I was hiking. It was quiet and beautiful I thought of the song:"When You"re Worried and You Can't Sleep, County You blessings instead of sheep. My favorite version is recorded by Danna Kroll, the jazz musician. So today, amidst the adversity ad economic distress, count your blessings.

Dave

I Want to Be Just Like Dad

Tomorrow is Fathers Day. Forty percent of kids really have no father. Others do not know their father. Studies reveal that a father is far more important to the development of a child then many want to admit. Girls especially, gain much of their stability from observation of a good father as he interacts with her mother and other women. Out society seems to cast off fathers. Mothers Day card sales coninue to soar, but Fathers Day card sales are slowing. I guess the vast public realizes each person has a mother , but father?

To all fathers, remember you are a role model. Know your kids and take an interest in their lives. Love your wife.

An elderly woman was checking out of the grocery store. She remarked that she was buying a certain article for her husband of 50 years. The clerk responded saying, "I can't imagine living with someone for 50 years." The older woman said, "Perhaps you should not marry until you can live with the person for the rest of your life."

Stable homes are known to be a rock of stable societies. How's you marriage? Your family? Your functioning as a father? Happy Fathers Day.

Lessons from Kids

Ever think of kids as gurus? You know, Gurus are those who teach truths. Think about this. When was the last time yo really watched kids? Here are a few observations of truths we can learn from kids.

Total immersion. The are fully engaged in that which they are doing. No watching TV, working on a paper, talking to one another all at the same time. Watch their faces.

Total Concentration. That is all they are going to do. When they ask a question, they wait for answer. Of course if we don't answer, they will go on to something else, but while waiting, they are concentrating to hear your words.

New Perspective. They can come up with the darndest things. Often, they put together various things in ways we don't fathom. Take for instance prayer. They will pray for everything. My kids used to go on and on and on praying for this and that. Some of their prayers were mixtures of what they heard from us. Take for instance one example I read lately. "A little boy learned Jesus Loves Me while his father was away. Upon return, he prayed for breakfast "Jesus loves me this our toast'".

Ability to bounce back. 'Nuff said

Total Honesty and Expression.

Maybe you are like me. I multi-task to the extent I don't enjoy much and become more like a zombie. Think about it. (Kids observations based on the work of Tim Hansel) (Picture is of Eli Bullington, our recent great cousin).

Church Attendance

As a pastor, I am concerned about the spiritual welware of people. Many I know and observe do not attend church and are unconcerned about their relationship with God. The other day, I came across an interesting list of statistics from a 2007 Gallup Poll. I share it with you.

TOP THREE REASONS UNCHURCHED ADULTS DON'T ATTEND CHURCH
24% Don't agree with organized religion/what they preach .
21% Don't have time/don't get around to it.
16% Don't believe in going to church.

SITUATIONS THAT WOULD PROMPT REGULAR CHURCH ATTENDANCE
58% Felt it was time to return.
41% Friend invite.
25% Children invite.
25% Adult family member invite.
31% God calling me to attend.
35% People like me are there.

Food for thought and action.

God's Hands

This is a real picture, not Photoshopped. As you start a new week, remember "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." He will take care of you. Pass on to others the bleesings of His love.

American Idol

Did you see the final song on last Wednesday April 9? Shout to the Lord. What a blessing, Regardless of how we think, God is at work in this world and uses many avenues to get the message to us. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chXEraRnE4o

I saw these in my wife's garden. I believe these flowers to be a beautiful reminder that God is at work is this world. The news of the past week has not been the best. People continue to lose their jobs. Our government continues to bail out thoses who make decisions based on greed. You and I pay for it. People flock to politicians who promise the world but deliver little. Is your life better today than a year ago? Take time to consider your life and your future. God has a plan for you. He wants the best for us. Perhaps we need to focus on the basics of our lives and consider the greatness of His creation, the things of value such as love, family, health, and fun. God bless.

Spring Cleaning

The arrival of spring seems to bring to mind freshness and order. It's traditionally a time for a thorough cleaning. Air out the house! Move all the furniture and clean every corner.
While we're cleaning house we can freshen up and sort out our spiritual life as well. Discard unwanted habits that clutter the soul. Begin a practice that will enrich life on a daily basis. Start each day with a prayer, read from a devotional, relax with a quiet walk. The possibilities are endless.
How can we do these things? We can cleanse our souls and learn better practices at our house of worship. Our spirits will sparkle as we learn to trust in God's will for our lives.
Read Psalm 111 today.

Signs of Spring

I always enjoy the flowers and birds that accompany the arrival of spring. A pair of sparrows attracted my attention the other day. God provides so many wonderful things for our amazement and enjoyment.

Thought for You

I received the following from a great friend. I pass it along.

Shoes in church.
I showered and shaved............. I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, "Why must our soles touch?" It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: "Our Father"............. I thought, "This man with the shoes, has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!" "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said............... A quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering....... And what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft "clink" . As when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me......... To tears, and that's no lie. It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service...... As is the custom here. We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer....... I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess. But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest. He said, "My names' Charlie.......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend." There were tears in his eyes....... But he had a large, wide grin. "Let me explain," he said......... Wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest. "But I really do try................."To always look my best." "I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk. "But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain........... And I swallowed to hide my tears. As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight. "But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head. "Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part; "That the best of any man............"Is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought,................ This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I respect you, and truly cherish you.

Happy Easter

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. I was thingking how the people of that time reacted to His recurrection. The Roman military was doing their best to discredit the event. The Jewish leaders wanted to make sure that the story of His resurrection was squelched. But, the witnesses made sure the story was accurate and true because they bet their lives on the authenticity of the event. We are told He appeared to Peter, to the Apostles, to Thomas, to the 500, and Paul says He appeared to him on the road to Damascus. If one saw Jesus, we could blame it on a halluciation. But their were multiples and each who saw him told others and familites bore witness to the event down through the ages. Celebrate, Celebrate Jesus as the praise song reminds us. I encourage you to do the same.

Welcome

I am starting this blog to communicate things I observe and learn about the Christian faith and its application through the local church. As a pastor, I hope the members of our ongregation will interchange with me.