Yeah, Beer Ministry is not considered a 'real' minstry, but it has really been good lately!
The last few weeks, we have had 8-12 people show up.
While the original draw and conversation revolves around brewing beer, it usually becomes a great time of theological discussion and discipleship.
This has become a great forum to get to know members of our church as well as meet new folks in our community and get some unchurched guys in the loop.
We usually meet on Monday nights at my house, some weeks on Tuesday nights. Come join us for some great fellowship!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Humility?
NOT something I have much of. God is hammering me with it these days.
If you have read my previous posts, my fishing adventures held lots of opportunities this Fall. The biggest deal was leading the Angler fo the Year points going into the Championship a few weeks ago. I had a large lead that some described as a "lead pipe lock".
The Championship was held on one of my favorite lakes, at a time of year that I love. I was able to pre-fish plenty and was catching good fish. But after the event was over, the guy in 7th place for AOY passed me by. I finished 3rd or 4th for AOY. Once again missing my shot at the Southern Regionals in this trail.
Let's just say, I now know how Mac Brown of Texas felt Saturday night. His team was #1 in NCAA and had a real shot at the National Championship, but was beaten (ironically enough) by the #7 team in the country. Sounds famaliar.
In the past 10 years I have made the Regionals once. But have been in close contention several times, only to fall short, by a hair.
I mentioned previously that it just wasn't God's time before and maybe not this time either. Apparently not. It was very hard to deal with last weekend. I struggled with my pride. BUT, I have to back up and look at it from afar. It was not HIS plan, not now. My pride could not handle it, I guess.
Pride is a hard thing for all of us (especially Auburn fans these days). We live in a society where YOU are the most important thing. But, that is not what the Gospel tells us. God's love and will for me is the most important thing, and love for others, second.
Lord, help me become a more worthy adopted child. Help me to love you first and others second, me last. Thank you for loving me despite my short comings and pride !
If you have read my previous posts, my fishing adventures held lots of opportunities this Fall. The biggest deal was leading the Angler fo the Year points going into the Championship a few weeks ago. I had a large lead that some described as a "lead pipe lock".
The Championship was held on one of my favorite lakes, at a time of year that I love. I was able to pre-fish plenty and was catching good fish. But after the event was over, the guy in 7th place for AOY passed me by. I finished 3rd or 4th for AOY. Once again missing my shot at the Southern Regionals in this trail.
Let's just say, I now know how Mac Brown of Texas felt Saturday night. His team was #1 in NCAA and had a real shot at the National Championship, but was beaten (ironically enough) by the #7 team in the country. Sounds famaliar.
In the past 10 years I have made the Regionals once. But have been in close contention several times, only to fall short, by a hair.
I mentioned previously that it just wasn't God's time before and maybe not this time either. Apparently not. It was very hard to deal with last weekend. I struggled with my pride. BUT, I have to back up and look at it from afar. It was not HIS plan, not now. My pride could not handle it, I guess.
Pride is a hard thing for all of us (especially Auburn fans these days). We live in a society where YOU are the most important thing. But, that is not what the Gospel tells us. God's love and will for me is the most important thing, and love for others, second.
Lord, help me become a more worthy adopted child. Help me to love you first and others second, me last. Thank you for loving me despite my short comings and pride !
Monday, October 13, 2008
Back, for now.
It has been a busy week or so. The fishing "scramble" began on the 2nd when I left for LaGrange, GA for the Weekend Series southern regional. I fished that trail as a "co-angler", as in the guy in the back of the boat that has no say. I did not fair too well. I had never seen the lake before and dont really care if I ever see it again. Needless to say, did not get a check.
Drove home, spent the night, got up at 5 the next morning and drove 12 hours to Oklahoma. This was the Bass Club World Championship. Thirty four 6 man teams from all over the US and Canada competing for a $300,000 first place prize. Sounds great doesn't it? It is until you consider spending a week with 5 other strong willed egotistical anglers that stomp on eachothers feelings and pride.
As far as the fishing goes, I did okay, I pulled my weight for the most part. I left with the confidence I needed going into the State Championship which begins next week.
For now, I am spent phsyically, mentally and spiritually. It seems like I spent the whole week ignoring none-sense, consoling others that were stomped on, or fuming over NOT blowing up and cussing them all out.
But, where is the gospel? Why were my lips sealed? At least a few of these guys profess to be believers, I question that, but regardless I didn't do my part to show the gospel to them. At what point of sanctification does the Holy Spirit open you mouth and speak the truth to folks that are crying out for help? I fear that it will take a hot coal to the tongue to make me speak!
Lord help me be a shining light, and a loud voice to a dying world!
Drove home, spent the night, got up at 5 the next morning and drove 12 hours to Oklahoma. This was the Bass Club World Championship. Thirty four 6 man teams from all over the US and Canada competing for a $300,000 first place prize. Sounds great doesn't it? It is until you consider spending a week with 5 other strong willed egotistical anglers that stomp on eachothers feelings and pride.
As far as the fishing goes, I did okay, I pulled my weight for the most part. I left with the confidence I needed going into the State Championship which begins next week.
For now, I am spent phsyically, mentally and spiritually. It seems like I spent the whole week ignoring none-sense, consoling others that were stomped on, or fuming over NOT blowing up and cussing them all out.
But, where is the gospel? Why were my lips sealed? At least a few of these guys profess to be believers, I question that, but regardless I didn't do my part to show the gospel to them. At what point of sanctification does the Holy Spirit open you mouth and speak the truth to folks that are crying out for help? I fear that it will take a hot coal to the tongue to make me speak!
Lord help me be a shining light, and a loud voice to a dying world!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Back at it
I have really enjoyed the last 6 weeks. I banned myself from fishing during that time to spend more time with the fam, get work taken care of, and handle honey-do's at the house. Clay and I had a great weekend together in Boston, we went to Lake Burton with the Seabolts for a great weekend, and spent some time at the beach.
Now, its back to the grind. I am not complaining, I love fishing, but this year has really been a busy fishing season. I have had 40 days of tournament or prefishing days during the first half of the year! And it has been good for the most part. I am sitting in first place for Angler of the Year in the Alabama BASS Federation Nation, I made a few checks in the Bassmasters Weekend Angler Series, and qualified for the Bass Club World Championship Series National Champioship Tournament.
Now it gets serious. This weekend is the final divisional tournament for the Weekend Angler Series. If I do well I should make it to the Regional Championship which is the first week of October. For that event, I will be heading to West Point Lake in La Grange, GA on September 30th, coming home on October 4th, spend the night and get up the next morning and head to the Bass Club World Championship Series in Oklahoma. I will get back from there on October 11th or 12th. Then head to Neely Henry Lake for the Alabama Bass Federation Nation Championship October 20th-25th.
That is going to be chaotic at best. But, it's good experience and a great opportunity to cash some checks.
Wish me luck, I need it!
Now, its back to the grind. I am not complaining, I love fishing, but this year has really been a busy fishing season. I have had 40 days of tournament or prefishing days during the first half of the year! And it has been good for the most part. I am sitting in first place for Angler of the Year in the Alabama BASS Federation Nation, I made a few checks in the Bassmasters Weekend Angler Series, and qualified for the Bass Club World Championship Series National Champioship Tournament.
Now it gets serious. This weekend is the final divisional tournament for the Weekend Angler Series. If I do well I should make it to the Regional Championship which is the first week of October. For that event, I will be heading to West Point Lake in La Grange, GA on September 30th, coming home on October 4th, spend the night and get up the next morning and head to the Bass Club World Championship Series in Oklahoma. I will get back from there on October 11th or 12th. Then head to Neely Henry Lake for the Alabama Bass Federation Nation Championship October 20th-25th.
That is going to be chaotic at best. But, it's good experience and a great opportunity to cash some checks.
Wish me luck, I need it!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Butterfingers!
After a couple years and a whole lot of money, the boy has less metal in his mouth than before.
I know he is thrilled to get them off. It may be next month before they take off the lowers, but he is ready!
His first thing to eat after they all come off? Butterfingers! He never really ate Butterfingers much before the braces, but it's like Paul says about sin in Romans, "He wants what he cannot have".
Monday, August 4, 2008
Bah-stin
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So, my son is an avid Red Sox fan. A product of Play Station, he has been playing as the Red Sox since he got MLB 05. His dream for years has been to go to Boston to see the Red Sox play. For his birthday this year, he asked if we could go. Normally, that would be out of the question, but I have had SkyMiles accruing for several years and decided to check it out. As it turns out, I had enough to get us two tickets to Boston and pay for the hotel, too.
It was a real joy to make his dream come true. I think back to all the things my parents did just for me, and am so happy to do this for him.
We left Moody Thursday for Atlanta to spend the evening with our friends,the Seabolts, to be closer to our flight. For some reason, I agreed to a 7 AM flight out of Atlanta, that's Eastern! I won't go into all the details, but we went to bed at 1 AM Eastern and the alarm went off at 4:20 AM Friday morning (our bodies felt 3:20).
We arrived in Boston at 9:30 and got to see some of Boston, including Samuel Adams Brewery before gametime that night. We took a Trolley from Samuel Adams to Fenway, which was pretty cool.
Friday's game went 12 innings and the Bo Sox won 2 to 1, without Manny! We got our money's worth and then some! But, we were running on fumes after being up for 19+ hours!
We got to sleep in Saturday morning and walked the Freedom Trail. This is a walking tour of the historical sites of Boston. Pretty cool stuff. We saw the cemetary where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock are buried. We saw the meeting hall where the Boston Tea Party was planned, Harvard University and many other cool places. One of which was the Harpoon Brewery. I know, alot of beer stuff, but for a new homebrewer, it was pretty neat!
Do you know how the Ivy League got it's name? Originally there were 4 schools in that league, thus the Roman numerals IV. It had nothing to do with the Kudzu like greenary. Did you know that 1/3 of Boston's population is college students? With Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, MIT, UMASS and many other smaller colleges.
Saturday night's game was a Boston blow out, where the home team won 12-2.
Fenway is a great atmosphere for watching baseball, nothing like Atlanta. It's one giant party! The traditions are really cool, the songs, the chants, they love the game and their Red Sox. It's quite a scene.
Boston is my new favorite city. I have had the privilidge of visiting New York City, Philadelphia, D.C. and Baltimore in the last few years, and Boston beats them all. It's so clean, very historical, great mass transit and very pretty. Did I mention it never got above 80 degrees? Gametime was in the low 70's with a crisp breeze.
I highly recomend making this trip, if you get the chance. I would love to go back and spend more time, especially on the historical tours.
I will try to upload some pics later.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Beer Ministry
Yes, it has been a long running joke in churches, but it looks like it's happening here.
A few of us have gotten into the hobby of homebrewing. For folks that like to cook and like the taste of a handcrafted beer, it's a natural fit.
Evan, Brandon and I have been making home made beer for a month or so, now. We meet most every Tuesday night at my house and make the "wort".
The science of the process is fascinating to me and we have had a good time. We have completed a few batches and they have turned out very well.
It is a good time of fellowship with good friends and the conversation usually ends up on the gospel. We have had some "un-churched" friends over a time or two and I think we have made some progress.
Now we are talking about making this into a regular deal, inviting our churched and unchurched friends to fellowship and share the gospel.
So if you are not still tied to your Baptist up-bringing, come and join us for some "Froth and Fellowship ", "Beer and Brotherhood", "Suds and Sanctification", "Barley and Benevolence", "Grains and Grace", "Ale and Accountibility", I could go on!
PSA- This is NOT a Church sanctioned Ministry.
A few of us have gotten into the hobby of homebrewing. For folks that like to cook and like the taste of a handcrafted beer, it's a natural fit.
Evan, Brandon and I have been making home made beer for a month or so, now. We meet most every Tuesday night at my house and make the "wort".
The science of the process is fascinating to me and we have had a good time. We have completed a few batches and they have turned out very well.
It is a good time of fellowship with good friends and the conversation usually ends up on the gospel. We have had some "un-churched" friends over a time or two and I think we have made some progress.
Now we are talking about making this into a regular deal, inviting our churched and unchurched friends to fellowship and share the gospel.
So if you are not still tied to your Baptist up-bringing, come and join us for some "Froth and Fellowship ", "Beer and Brotherhood", "Suds and Sanctification", "Barley and Benevolence", "Grains and Grace", "Ale and Accountibility", I could go on!
PSA- This is NOT a Church sanctioned Ministry.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Fired Up!
You have probably figured out by now, but I am a Bass Fishing addict. I started fishing competitively in 1993. With early success, I had visions of fishing professionally one day. But after getting to know a few pros, I reallized that is not the life I want. Months away from home and family would never work for me.
But, fishing on the club level and higher was something I was interested in pursuing. I have been in Birmingham Bass Club since 1993 and have fished several higher trails since that time. I have had plenty of success at the Club level but have been itching to "prove" myself with the bigger boys.
In 2000, I made the Alabama Bass Federation State Team and fished the Southern Regionals with limited success. But, that was and still is a big deal to me. That was the first time I was able to take my family with me to a big tournament, and I think they really enjoyed it. We spent a week in Santee, South Carolina. I fished during the day while they got to take tours of the local sites and enjoyed the wining and dining of BASS.
Since then, I have been close to making the "Team" several times, but have come up a few fish short every time.
Last year, I had a run at making "Angler of the Year" with the Federation, but fell short once again. I fished as a"Co-Angler" in the BASS Weekend Angler Series and made it to the Nationals, but faltered again.
This year, I dedicated myself to fishing at a higher level. I have not fished much at the club lever. Rather, focusing on the "higher" level trails. The Alabama BASS Federation Nation was my focus. I haven't blown away the competition by any means, but I have fished consistantly all year. There are 5 tournaments in this trail. Four qualifying events in the Spring months, and the State Championship in October. After the 2nd Qualifier, I was in second place for Angler of the Year (AOY). After the 3rd event, I managed to pull out a lead for AOY by 8 slim points.
Last weekend was the 4th Qualifier on my weakest lake int he state. I fished harder for this event than I have for any other, but still did not do terribly well. But, as providence would have it, I finished well enough to stretch out my lead by 38 points. AOY.
After a little math, I realized that if the 2nd place guy for AOY were to win the State Championship, I would only need to finish in the top 38 to win AOY. I am so excited! The state championship is on one of my favorite lakes, and one of my favorite times of the year to fish! I have to like my odds of winning the top honor and getting back on the State Team.
But, there's always a but, I ALWAYS blow up at the Championship. In the last 10 years I have either led the tournament or been in the top 10 after the first day 5 times. Each time, I threw it all away on the second day of competition.
This year is different. I have approached this season a little differently. I now know that God will only allow things to happen that I can handle, one way or the other. Somehow, He has given me a peace about His sovereignty that I have not known in the past. IF it happens, it happens, His will has been done! He has shown me over the years, that if it is not His plan for whatever goal I have, it will NOT happen. That has been a huge change for me. Melissa reminds me all the time, "it's not about you", and it's not. All those years I was so close, it was not His timing,
Saturday morning, I actually prayed that He would provide me what I needed to do well in that event. I know, you think it's silly to pray about catching fish, and it may be, but I believe God is in control of every aspect of my life, not just the "Big" items. I told God that I would trust in Him and whatever happened, I would have peace that it was His will. After the weigh in, I was frustrated that I had not done better. But, I prayed and thanked God for what He had provided and thanked Him for giving me peace...... Then I had to repent for lying about the "peace" part. You ever laugh with God? It's pretty cool, He knew I was lying!
The crux of the story is that God has truely changed my life in so many ways. I now know that it's not about me, it's about what He wants for me. Perhaps, those yeras I didn't make it, He knew my pride couldn't handle the success. Hopefully, I can, now. Either way, if it happens, it is because He has ordained it; if not, it was not His time.
Lord, help me to see your hand in all areas of my life; help me to strive for your "Way" as much as I do for earthly endevors.
Thank you for all you do!
But, fishing on the club level and higher was something I was interested in pursuing. I have been in Birmingham Bass Club since 1993 and have fished several higher trails since that time. I have had plenty of success at the Club level but have been itching to "prove" myself with the bigger boys.
In 2000, I made the Alabama Bass Federation State Team and fished the Southern Regionals with limited success. But, that was and still is a big deal to me. That was the first time I was able to take my family with me to a big tournament, and I think they really enjoyed it. We spent a week in Santee, South Carolina. I fished during the day while they got to take tours of the local sites and enjoyed the wining and dining of BASS.
Since then, I have been close to making the "Team" several times, but have come up a few fish short every time.
Last year, I had a run at making "Angler of the Year" with the Federation, but fell short once again. I fished as a"Co-Angler" in the BASS Weekend Angler Series and made it to the Nationals, but faltered again.
This year, I dedicated myself to fishing at a higher level. I have not fished much at the club lever. Rather, focusing on the "higher" level trails. The Alabama BASS Federation Nation was my focus. I haven't blown away the competition by any means, but I have fished consistantly all year. There are 5 tournaments in this trail. Four qualifying events in the Spring months, and the State Championship in October. After the 2nd Qualifier, I was in second place for Angler of the Year (AOY). After the 3rd event, I managed to pull out a lead for AOY by 8 slim points.
Last weekend was the 4th Qualifier on my weakest lake int he state. I fished harder for this event than I have for any other, but still did not do terribly well. But, as providence would have it, I finished well enough to stretch out my lead by 38 points. AOY.
After a little math, I realized that if the 2nd place guy for AOY were to win the State Championship, I would only need to finish in the top 38 to win AOY. I am so excited! The state championship is on one of my favorite lakes, and one of my favorite times of the year to fish! I have to like my odds of winning the top honor and getting back on the State Team.
But, there's always a but, I ALWAYS blow up at the Championship. In the last 10 years I have either led the tournament or been in the top 10 after the first day 5 times. Each time, I threw it all away on the second day of competition.
This year is different. I have approached this season a little differently. I now know that God will only allow things to happen that I can handle, one way or the other. Somehow, He has given me a peace about His sovereignty that I have not known in the past. IF it happens, it happens, His will has been done! He has shown me over the years, that if it is not His plan for whatever goal I have, it will NOT happen. That has been a huge change for me. Melissa reminds me all the time, "it's not about you", and it's not. All those years I was so close, it was not His timing,
Saturday morning, I actually prayed that He would provide me what I needed to do well in that event. I know, you think it's silly to pray about catching fish, and it may be, but I believe God is in control of every aspect of my life, not just the "Big" items. I told God that I would trust in Him and whatever happened, I would have peace that it was His will. After the weigh in, I was frustrated that I had not done better. But, I prayed and thanked God for what He had provided and thanked Him for giving me peace...... Then I had to repent for lying about the "peace" part. You ever laugh with God? It's pretty cool, He knew I was lying!
The crux of the story is that God has truely changed my life in so many ways. I now know that it's not about me, it's about what He wants for me. Perhaps, those yeras I didn't make it, He knew my pride couldn't handle the success. Hopefully, I can, now. Either way, if it happens, it is because He has ordained it; if not, it was not His time.
Lord, help me to see your hand in all areas of my life; help me to strive for your "Way" as much as I do for earthly endevors.
Thank you for all you do!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Dad
We all tend to take our fathers for granted, I know I did. He was a very hard working, loving and caring man. I never really noticed much of that while he was alive because I was wrapped up in my own life and just thought that was how all dads were.
Now that I have a teenager (officially today, Happy Birthday Clay!), I can see his deeds more clearly.
I got the opportunity to fish with a Bass Guide on Lake Guntersville last weekend. He was a great guide, but also a very interesting man. He is a Child Advocacy Counselor with SBC. Definately a job you have to be called for. He deals with and helps children from very bad homes. Listening to his stories of children from homes where the dad killed the mom and left 7 children to an Aunt with two sons with rape and murder charges against them. Children that were sexually abused for years and held hostage in their own homes. Children that have never known a normal, God-fearing home life. What a difficult ministry this man has, but he has been called by God and he loves those kids. Everything he makes from guiding goes to help his 30 kids scattered about the country. He has housed many of them in his some while trying to help them. Soon he will be leaving his job and selling everything to move to Illinois to adopt the 7 children mentioned above. Truelly an incarnational missionary.
His stories made me shutter to think of the "real world" that is out there and all the horrible conditions many children grow up in. It is hard for me to imagine such conditions. Why? Because God blessed me with a great, God-fearing, stable family. A family that always loved, always supported, always showed me Christ.
Thanks Dad and Mom for my childhood and for protecting me from the "Enemy"! Lord, help me to be that Dad to my son, and that husband to my wife!
To learn more about Troy Jens: http://www.castingforcrowns.org
Now that I have a teenager (officially today, Happy Birthday Clay!), I can see his deeds more clearly.
I got the opportunity to fish with a Bass Guide on Lake Guntersville last weekend. He was a great guide, but also a very interesting man. He is a Child Advocacy Counselor with SBC. Definately a job you have to be called for. He deals with and helps children from very bad homes. Listening to his stories of children from homes where the dad killed the mom and left 7 children to an Aunt with two sons with rape and murder charges against them. Children that were sexually abused for years and held hostage in their own homes. Children that have never known a normal, God-fearing home life. What a difficult ministry this man has, but he has been called by God and he loves those kids. Everything he makes from guiding goes to help his 30 kids scattered about the country. He has housed many of them in his some while trying to help them. Soon he will be leaving his job and selling everything to move to Illinois to adopt the 7 children mentioned above. Truelly an incarnational missionary.
His stories made me shutter to think of the "real world" that is out there and all the horrible conditions many children grow up in. It is hard for me to imagine such conditions. Why? Because God blessed me with a great, God-fearing, stable family. A family that always loved, always supported, always showed me Christ.
Thanks Dad and Mom for my childhood and for protecting me from the "Enemy"! Lord, help me to be that Dad to my son, and that husband to my wife!
To learn more about Troy Jens: http://www.castingforcrowns.org
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Providence
Providence Defined
"The English term “providence” derives from the Latin providentia, which signifies “foresight.” Providence has to do with:
the Creator’s maintenance of the functional balance of the natural world;
the fulfillment of the divine purpose in the regulation of international affairs; and
God’s special operation in the lives of those who seek to do his will. "
I have pondered doing this blog for some time. It is a subject that has meant alot to me in the last several years, but it is hard to put into words, if you know me, you know that I am not eloquent by any means.
Through the years of struggling with my company's battles for money, fear of the future, uncertainty of direction, dissapointment in failure, I have come through it all because of one thing....Providence.
It has been along time coming and not an easy lesson, but it is so clear in hind-sight. I AM an Israelite. I ramble through the desert complaining about lack of food, and He gives me manna and quail. I complain about thirst and He gives me the dew of the morning or a spring out of a rock. Tomorrow I will complain about something else that I lack, because I forgot how He provided yesterday and the day before!
Not wanting to name names, but over the last few weeks, I have had two very close friends get to see God's hand in providing to their families in tough times, and they were so amazed. We should not be amazed, but rejoice and praise the one that provided it. Every part of our lives has been orchestrated since the beginning of time! Did you get that? All of it, not just the "really important stuff"! That means when you didn't get the car you were dying for, it was for a reason, God had another, more perfect plan for your life.
God has provided us all with so much. How often do we reflect on that and really thank Him for what we have? Now, reflect on what we give back to Him. Hmm, does it reflect our gratitude?
God has blessed me so much and I am very very gratefull. I have a great wife, son and family, a great church family, a good house, and strange boat, a company that HE alone has run for the last several years and has provided greatly for my family and the families of our employees. He has blessed me and He has made me to give to friends in need, and blessed me through that.
I have never been the compassionate type or even the type to be conisderate of others. It's just not in my make up, just ask my poor wife! God produces that in our lives and directs us to do things that are not of ourselves. Its not dew on the fleece, it's more like a thought you cannot forget, an urge you can't fight off, that's is how I believe God works in our lives.
I have learned so much about Stewardship the last few years in our church. How Godly men and women give graciously, and share so abundantly what God has given them. They do so discretely for one reason, it is not about them, it is about Him. I have also had the regretable posititon of seeing folks that never give, ever. To those I say, you forget God's promises, He will provide.
This is the whole reason I was reluctant to write this blog, I don't want to sound like a "name it, claim it" preacher, BUT, I challenge anyone reading this to start now, write your tithe check to your church (any church) for the full tithe before you write any other checks. Try this for a few months and tell me if God did not bless you and provide for your needs. I believe He will, and He does. If you are living beyond your means, that is a different story all together, I think Dave Ramsay suggests looking through your checkbook register to see where your heart is.
I dont know how I got from Providence to Stewardship, but they are truelly related. This blog is not intended to be for bragging or for condeming, just something that God has shown me over the years and I wish someone would have told me years ago. I hope it will help you as well.
Finally, there is nothing you have or do not have that God did not ordain or provide. Try to remember that the next time you don't get something you want, or something does not go your way. It's a hard thing, but when we start looking at life that way, I think we will have more peace during those times.
Preaching to myself,
Scott
"The English term “providence” derives from the Latin providentia, which signifies “foresight.” Providence has to do with:
the Creator’s maintenance of the functional balance of the natural world;
the fulfillment of the divine purpose in the regulation of international affairs; and
God’s special operation in the lives of those who seek to do his will. "
I have pondered doing this blog for some time. It is a subject that has meant alot to me in the last several years, but it is hard to put into words, if you know me, you know that I am not eloquent by any means.
Through the years of struggling with my company's battles for money, fear of the future, uncertainty of direction, dissapointment in failure, I have come through it all because of one thing....Providence.
It has been along time coming and not an easy lesson, but it is so clear in hind-sight. I AM an Israelite. I ramble through the desert complaining about lack of food, and He gives me manna and quail. I complain about thirst and He gives me the dew of the morning or a spring out of a rock. Tomorrow I will complain about something else that I lack, because I forgot how He provided yesterday and the day before!
Not wanting to name names, but over the last few weeks, I have had two very close friends get to see God's hand in providing to their families in tough times, and they were so amazed. We should not be amazed, but rejoice and praise the one that provided it. Every part of our lives has been orchestrated since the beginning of time! Did you get that? All of it, not just the "really important stuff"! That means when you didn't get the car you were dying for, it was for a reason, God had another, more perfect plan for your life.
God has provided us all with so much. How often do we reflect on that and really thank Him for what we have? Now, reflect on what we give back to Him. Hmm, does it reflect our gratitude?
God has blessed me so much and I am very very gratefull. I have a great wife, son and family, a great church family, a good house, and strange boat, a company that HE alone has run for the last several years and has provided greatly for my family and the families of our employees. He has blessed me and He has made me to give to friends in need, and blessed me through that.
I have never been the compassionate type or even the type to be conisderate of others. It's just not in my make up, just ask my poor wife! God produces that in our lives and directs us to do things that are not of ourselves. Its not dew on the fleece, it's more like a thought you cannot forget, an urge you can't fight off, that's is how I believe God works in our lives.
I have learned so much about Stewardship the last few years in our church. How Godly men and women give graciously, and share so abundantly what God has given them. They do so discretely for one reason, it is not about them, it is about Him. I have also had the regretable posititon of seeing folks that never give, ever. To those I say, you forget God's promises, He will provide.
This is the whole reason I was reluctant to write this blog, I don't want to sound like a "name it, claim it" preacher, BUT, I challenge anyone reading this to start now, write your tithe check to your church (any church) for the full tithe before you write any other checks. Try this for a few months and tell me if God did not bless you and provide for your needs. I believe He will, and He does. If you are living beyond your means, that is a different story all together, I think Dave Ramsay suggests looking through your checkbook register to see where your heart is.
I dont know how I got from Providence to Stewardship, but they are truelly related. This blog is not intended to be for bragging or for condeming, just something that God has shown me over the years and I wish someone would have told me years ago. I hope it will help you as well.
Finally, there is nothing you have or do not have that God did not ordain or provide. Try to remember that the next time you don't get something you want, or something does not go your way. It's a hard thing, but when we start looking at life that way, I think we will have more peace during those times.
Preaching to myself,
Scott
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
List
Everyone that blogs has a list. I have been thinking of topics...what I hate, what I love, pet peeves, etc. I wanted to step out a bit.
So here is a list of my favorite quotes from Jack Handey (no particular order)
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Rehab is for quitters.
Illiterate? Write today for free help.
What is another word for synonym?
Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.
When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges.
If a mute swears does his mother wash his hands out with soap?
Should vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."
Mom used to get offended when I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.
Children need encouragement. If a kid gets an answer right, tell him it was a lucky guess. That way he develops a good, lucky feeling.
If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid looking in a mirror, because I bet that will really throw you into a panic.
I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to eat ruffage!
When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my father did, not screaming in terror like his passengers.
A good man has few enemies. A ruthless man has none.
Save the whales! Collect the whole set
The quickest way to a man's heart is through his ribcage.
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda' neat.
Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day, but give him a case of dynamite and soon the village will be showered with mud and seaweed and unidentifiable chunks of fish.
I love it!
So here is a list of my favorite quotes from Jack Handey (no particular order)
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Rehab is for quitters.
Illiterate? Write today for free help.
What is another word for synonym?
Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.
When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges.
If a mute swears does his mother wash his hands out with soap?
Should vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."
Mom used to get offended when I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.
Children need encouragement. If a kid gets an answer right, tell him it was a lucky guess. That way he develops a good, lucky feeling.
If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid looking in a mirror, because I bet that will really throw you into a panic.
I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to eat ruffage!
When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my father did, not screaming in terror like his passengers.
A good man has few enemies. A ruthless man has none.
Save the whales! Collect the whole set
The quickest way to a man's heart is through his ribcage.
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda' neat.
Give a man a fish and you'll feed him for a day, but give him a case of dynamite and soon the village will be showered with mud and seaweed and unidentifiable chunks of fish.
I love it!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Whirlwind Week
Last week was such the whirlwind. Work was keeping me very busy, not to mention it was payroll week for the church staff, which is always exciting.
Back in November , when Lee and I were in South Carolina for the Weekend Angler Series National Championship, our club sent a 6 man team to the State Tournament to qualify for the Southern Regionals of the Bass Club World Championship Series. They needed an alernate for the team and I agreed to take that position. They qualified high enough for the Southern Regional Tournament, which was scheduled for last week at Lake Wheeler in Decatur.
At one point a month ago, it looked liked I was needed to fish this event, but everything seemed to work out for the original 6 men.
Then, Wednesday morning I got the call. Their 6th man backed out at the last minute. Keep in mind, the tournament was Thursday and Friday, this was 10 o'clock in the morning on Wednesday. There was no way I could make it. But as providence would have it, things worked out. Elizabeth got a crash course in doing CPC payroll, and Jeff and Nick took care of the rest. So by 2 o'clock I was headed North.
The first day of the tournament, our 6 man team was sitting in 8th place. They were taking the top 8 teams to the Nationals. We shared alot of info as a team that night and came up with our plan. Right or wrong we were in it to win it in the grass.
At the end of the competition, Birmingham Bass Club finished in 4th place. We got our entry fee back, plus some, and we are headed to the National Championship! Pretty huge, considering I was sitting in my office working one moring, and catching tons of fish the next two mornings!
God was good to us, for sure. Isn't it interesting how our plans are not necessarily what He has in plan for us. I do not like suprises, at all! But, He had a plan. I did not see this coming, but what a great opportunity? Did I mention the top prize for the winning team at the Nationals is $250,000? That would be nice, to say the least!
Back in November , when Lee and I were in South Carolina for the Weekend Angler Series National Championship, our club sent a 6 man team to the State Tournament to qualify for the Southern Regionals of the Bass Club World Championship Series. They needed an alernate for the team and I agreed to take that position. They qualified high enough for the Southern Regional Tournament, which was scheduled for last week at Lake Wheeler in Decatur.
At one point a month ago, it looked liked I was needed to fish this event, but everything seemed to work out for the original 6 men.
Then, Wednesday morning I got the call. Their 6th man backed out at the last minute. Keep in mind, the tournament was Thursday and Friday, this was 10 o'clock in the morning on Wednesday. There was no way I could make it. But as providence would have it, things worked out. Elizabeth got a crash course in doing CPC payroll, and Jeff and Nick took care of the rest. So by 2 o'clock I was headed North.
The first day of the tournament, our 6 man team was sitting in 8th place. They were taking the top 8 teams to the Nationals. We shared alot of info as a team that night and came up with our plan. Right or wrong we were in it to win it in the grass.
At the end of the competition, Birmingham Bass Club finished in 4th place. We got our entry fee back, plus some, and we are headed to the National Championship! Pretty huge, considering I was sitting in my office working one moring, and catching tons of fish the next two mornings!
God was good to us, for sure. Isn't it interesting how our plans are not necessarily what He has in plan for us. I do not like suprises, at all! But, He had a plan. I did not see this coming, but what a great opportunity? Did I mention the top prize for the winning team at the Nationals is $250,000? That would be nice, to say the least!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Lose, Lose, Lose
No, this has nothing to do with our baseball team, although that title would be fitting.
This is about losing friends, hair and fat. Nice Combo!
Yesterday my good friend Quinn busted out of Moody to pursue his education for the ministry. In the last year or so, Quinn has been a great friend and a blessing to me and the whole church family. He and Kim will be missed.
In honor of mountain man Quinn and his departure I shaved off my mountain man chin this morning, seemed like a good time to lose that. I look 15 years older, and meaner!
Thirdly, Burt and I have thrown down the gauntlet on fat. I'm not sure when the official start will be but we are going to see who can lose 10% of their body weight the quickest. (All this was decided over Milo's last week). Biggest loser! He said no holds barred, which is good cause I intend to cheat. Got the cheater pills already, been choking down greens and water, and if he starts beating me, I'm hitting the x-lax like a banshi! (just kidding, well maybe).
If you would like to join our contest, contact Burt or myself.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Bon Voyage Kim and Quinn
We hate to see them leave, but our friends Kim and Quinn are leaving us for RTS next week.
We will be having a party in their honor Friday Night at our house from 6 till ?. Everyone is welcome.
Email me for more info and directions.
We will be having a party in their honor Friday Night at our house from 6 till ?. Everyone is welcome.
Email me for more info and directions.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Season Maker!
I havent talked much about baseball this year, mostly because there is nothing good to talk about. We ARE the Bad News Bears.
Most of our games have ended with the Slaughter Rule in effect. We are bad. We can't catch, we can't hit, and we can't pitch. It's hard to win baseball games this way.
Clay has improved alot since the beginning of the season. He has reallized that his team won't win much, but he is trying to do his best, and that's all I could ever ask for.
Tonight was no different. We were getting our brains beat out, as usuall. Clay was 1 for 1 and had fielded flawlessly. He came up to bat with 0ne out and two runners on. I will let the video tell the rest.
Most of our games have ended with the Slaughter Rule in effect. We are bad. We can't catch, we can't hit, and we can't pitch. It's hard to win baseball games this way.
Clay has improved alot since the beginning of the season. He has reallized that his team won't win much, but he is trying to do his best, and that's all I could ever ask for.
Tonight was no different. We were getting our brains beat out, as usuall. Clay was 1 for 1 and had fielded flawlessly. He came up to bat with 0ne out and two runners on. I will let the video tell the rest.
Finally!
A check. After much time and effort this year, I finally managed to place well enough to get a check.
Fished Lake Wheeler in Decatur this past weekend for 3 days. Lee and I caught a ton of fish shallow Thursday and Friday fishing like I like ( shallow, dirty water with grass and bushes).
Once again, got paired out with someone fishing completely differently. This time, though, this guy was actually on fish, good ones. Unfortunately, I had to fish deep, clear water with light line and a little worm. Not my cup of tea, but if it works, do it.
I finished 3rd on the co-angler side with 3 fish weighing 8.44 and my partner won the boater side with 14.40.
Going to Lake Tuscaloosa this weekend for the BASS Federation in which I am in 3rd place for Angler of the Year. Unfortunately, this is a deeeeep clear lake which does not fit my style.
Here is the standings from the BASS Weekend Angler Series http://www.abaproam.com/results/7.pdf
Fished Lake Wheeler in Decatur this past weekend for 3 days. Lee and I caught a ton of fish shallow Thursday and Friday fishing like I like ( shallow, dirty water with grass and bushes).
Once again, got paired out with someone fishing completely differently. This time, though, this guy was actually on fish, good ones. Unfortunately, I had to fish deep, clear water with light line and a little worm. Not my cup of tea, but if it works, do it.
I finished 3rd on the co-angler side with 3 fish weighing 8.44 and my partner won the boater side with 14.40.
Going to Lake Tuscaloosa this weekend for the BASS Federation in which I am in 3rd place for Angler of the Year. Unfortunately, this is a deeeeep clear lake which does not fit my style.
Here is the standings from the BASS Weekend Angler Series http://www.abaproam.com/results/7.pdf
Monday, April 28, 2008
April Fishing
April is one of my favorite months to fish. The weather is great, the fish are moving up, and all is well in the world.
I haven't whacked them in any tournaments, yet, but maybe soon. So far I am in 2 place for angler of the year inthe Alabama BASS Federation Nation but I have a long way to go before the season is over.
Here are a few pictures of fish from this month. One is a monster bream and perhaps the largest bass I have ever caught, both caught Sunday afternoon in a farm pond in Shelby county (aka Cheater Pond). Lee, Hebert , Quinn and I had a fun time on the water and caught tons of fish. The spotted bass was about 4 pounds and caught at Twin Lakes.
Just being outdoors this time of year is cool. I have seen several bald eagles, turkeys, a fox. I caught a Bowfin (really odd looking pre-historic toothy fish), and 3 Pickerals (southern cousin to the Northern Pike), a few snakes and some gators too. Just a great time to be out in God's creation!Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Life and Death
After reading Matt D's Blog about his Dad, I started going through the memories I had during that same circumstacnce 10 years ago. My Dad was diagnosed with brain Cancer around 1996. After years of roller coaster emotions, we were told in 1998 that he didn't have much time to live.
We have a small but close family and we gathered the whole family and went to the beach for a long weekend. We laughed and cried and spent the weekend fellowshiping together as if it was our last time together.
Shortly after, his personality and demeanor changed. He was like a different person. He had always been kind and loving and fun to be around, but the cancer and/or the treatments had caused a sharp change.
He died in June of that year. For a short time my memories were of him as he was towards the end and how his body and mind had diminished. But I thank God for the time we had before then, the time at the beach is what I remember now, happy.
He was a believer and he KNEW his destination and that his affliction would be over soon. How gracious our God is for giving us peace during these times.
Pray for Matt, pray that his family will know this same peace during this time, that they will enjoy this time together and will remember the good times.
Remember we are only here to serve him for a short time, and we will spend eternity glorifying our Father in heaven, reunited with our loved ones.
Don't wait till a loved one is given a short time to live. I especially need to remember to love and laugh and enjoy my friends and family every moment, not only when the end is near.
We have a small but close family and we gathered the whole family and went to the beach for a long weekend. We laughed and cried and spent the weekend fellowshiping together as if it was our last time together.
Shortly after, his personality and demeanor changed. He was like a different person. He had always been kind and loving and fun to be around, but the cancer and/or the treatments had caused a sharp change.
He died in June of that year. For a short time my memories were of him as he was towards the end and how his body and mind had diminished. But I thank God for the time we had before then, the time at the beach is what I remember now, happy.
He was a believer and he KNEW his destination and that his affliction would be over soon. How gracious our God is for giving us peace during these times.
Pray for Matt, pray that his family will know this same peace during this time, that they will enjoy this time together and will remember the good times.
Remember we are only here to serve him for a short time, and we will spend eternity glorifying our Father in heaven, reunited with our loved ones.
Don't wait till a loved one is given a short time to live. I especially need to remember to love and laugh and enjoy my friends and family every moment, not only when the end is near.
Monday, March 31, 2008
NYC Video
Just playing with the video thing, see if it works. This was to show the hustle and bustle of Time Square.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
NYC Day #8
Day #8
I don’t know when I have been happier on this trip. It is 6:40 CDT and we are in good ole Bama.
Over the last day or so, I noticed the best seat in the bus was the back row that had 3 seats together (instead of 2). Boo and Justin have been occupying these seats the whole trip. Yesterday afternoon I started promising them I would remove them if I had to by midnight. At 10:45 we stopped at a rest area in Penn. And they got out for a break. This was my best chance! I slipped in unnoticed, and actually fell asleep before they got back. When they arrived, they whinned and cried, but a few well placed kicks on Boo and a body slam that put Justin on the floor made the point! I am a mean old man!
The Lunesta had already gone to work and I was out in a few minutes. I slept VERY well. Woke up to use the bathroom, and I felt sure it was 1:30 or 2:00 in the morning. One of the nearby kids was awake and I asked him what time it was, 5:50 he said! No way! Slept from 11:30 till 5:30, that is a victory! I hadn’t gotten that much sleep any night in the hotels. Tried to go back to sleep, but the bus started to slow to a stop, “what the heck”? Looked out the window and saw a state sign saying Alabama the beautiful!!!! WOW, we weren’t supposed to be home till Noon. We must have been busting a move last night. I am soooooo happy! I just can’t explain, I have dreaded last night’s leg of the journey the most.
Some random thoughts on this trip:
It is really good to be a man- average waiting line at bathrooms 3 minutes, for the girls it was 30 minutes
Sleep aids are good! No, great!
I hate waiting in lines!
I hate having a structured itinerary
Burt snores something awefull!
Most of these kids are really good kids
Bus drivers in NYC don’t make enough money
There is not enough money for me to live in NYC
Buses need power adapters for computers, WIFI would be a good idea.
Feeding BBQ to southerners in NYC on dress up night is not a good idea.
Digital cameras are too easy, we took over 500 pictures
MP3 players don’t get loud enough to drown out “Sweet Home Alabama” and “I’ve got friends in low places”.
Next time, claim the back seat from Day #1!
Or better, don't let there be a next time.....
I don’t know when I have been happier on this trip. It is 6:40 CDT and we are in good ole Bama.
Over the last day or so, I noticed the best seat in the bus was the back row that had 3 seats together (instead of 2). Boo and Justin have been occupying these seats the whole trip. Yesterday afternoon I started promising them I would remove them if I had to by midnight. At 10:45 we stopped at a rest area in Penn. And they got out for a break. This was my best chance! I slipped in unnoticed, and actually fell asleep before they got back. When they arrived, they whinned and cried, but a few well placed kicks on Boo and a body slam that put Justin on the floor made the point! I am a mean old man!
The Lunesta had already gone to work and I was out in a few minutes. I slept VERY well. Woke up to use the bathroom, and I felt sure it was 1:30 or 2:00 in the morning. One of the nearby kids was awake and I asked him what time it was, 5:50 he said! No way! Slept from 11:30 till 5:30, that is a victory! I hadn’t gotten that much sleep any night in the hotels. Tried to go back to sleep, but the bus started to slow to a stop, “what the heck”? Looked out the window and saw a state sign saying Alabama the beautiful!!!! WOW, we weren’t supposed to be home till Noon. We must have been busting a move last night. I am soooooo happy! I just can’t explain, I have dreaded last night’s leg of the journey the most.
Some random thoughts on this trip:
It is really good to be a man- average waiting line at bathrooms 3 minutes, for the girls it was 30 minutes
Sleep aids are good! No, great!
I hate waiting in lines!
I hate having a structured itinerary
Burt snores something awefull!
Most of these kids are really good kids
Bus drivers in NYC don’t make enough money
There is not enough money for me to live in NYC
Buses need power adapters for computers, WIFI would be a good idea.
Feeding BBQ to southerners in NYC on dress up night is not a good idea.
Digital cameras are too easy, we took over 500 pictures
MP3 players don’t get loud enough to drown out “Sweet Home Alabama” and “I’ve got friends in low places”.
Next time, claim the back seat from Day #1!
Or better, don't let there be a next time.....
Friday, March 21, 2008
NYC Day #7
Praise God, the last day! We loaded up the buses with our junk, and entered the big city for the last time. The traffic was the lightest we had seen, apparently New Yorkers actually take off for Good Friday. No line, no waiting at the Lincoln Tunnel!
Burt and I took the boys to Rockefeller center. We saw the outdoor ice rink, the NBC store, and got our 1.5 seconds of fame as we waved behind Al Roker as he did the weather. We were 3 rows back and you wouldn’t have seen us if you were looking. We got tickets for the “Top of the Rock”. Which is the observation deck of 30 Rock. Pretty cool view, I imagine it was almost as good as the Empire State Building. It is on the 76 floor and had an incredible view of the city.
Did the tour at Radio City, which was pretty neat. Got an inside look at how concerts and productions are done. A lot of history in this place, built in 1932and has been an entertainment staple of NYC ever since. Burt and I got our picture taken with a Rockette!
After the tour was over we had free time till our 2:00 reservation at Hard Rock Cafe. We checked out the Ed Sullivan Theater where late Night with David Letterman is filmed. He had to go by "Hello Deli" to see Rupert Jee, I had no idea who this was, but I am sure most of you do. See attached pic. We decided to take a chance and ride the subway. We boarded at 50th Street and rode up to 116th Street at Columbia University. Got off, took a few pics, and got right back on. Had a homeless guy slumped over in the seat across from us! Sad how many homeless “live” in that town.
Shopped our way back to Hard Rock picking up all the usual cheesey tourist stuff: snow globe, New York sweat shirts, knock off Pashmina scarfs, etc.
We are now on the highway in New Jersey beginning our long haul back to Moody-Burg. It is 4:40 EDT, and we are to drive all night and be back at the school by noon Saturday. UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHH. Bummed some Lunesta from Mom before we left home, hope that stuff is really good! Else I will be blogging more tonight!
Burt and I took the boys to Rockefeller center. We saw the outdoor ice rink, the NBC store, and got our 1.5 seconds of fame as we waved behind Al Roker as he did the weather. We were 3 rows back and you wouldn’t have seen us if you were looking. We got tickets for the “Top of the Rock”. Which is the observation deck of 30 Rock. Pretty cool view, I imagine it was almost as good as the Empire State Building. It is on the 76 floor and had an incredible view of the city.
Did the tour at Radio City, which was pretty neat. Got an inside look at how concerts and productions are done. A lot of history in this place, built in 1932and has been an entertainment staple of NYC ever since. Burt and I got our picture taken with a Rockette!
After the tour was over we had free time till our 2:00 reservation at Hard Rock Cafe. We checked out the Ed Sullivan Theater where late Night with David Letterman is filmed. He had to go by "Hello Deli" to see Rupert Jee, I had no idea who this was, but I am sure most of you do. See attached pic. We decided to take a chance and ride the subway. We boarded at 50th Street and rode up to 116th Street at Columbia University. Got off, took a few pics, and got right back on. Had a homeless guy slumped over in the seat across from us! Sad how many homeless “live” in that town.
Shopped our way back to Hard Rock picking up all the usual cheesey tourist stuff: snow globe, New York sweat shirts, knock off Pashmina scarfs, etc.
We are now on the highway in New Jersey beginning our long haul back to Moody-Burg. It is 4:40 EDT, and we are to drive all night and be back at the school by noon Saturday. UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHH. Bummed some Lunesta from Mom before we left home, hope that stuff is really good! Else I will be blogging more tonight!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
NYC Day #6
We headed to Ellis Island this morning to tour the museum there. We got off the bus at 9:30 and were told to catch the ferry to Ellis Island, eat lunch, catch the ferry to Liberty Island, then catch the ferry to Battery Park. Be at the bus no later than 12 sharp. The line for the ferry to Ellis was close to 400 people. Air temp. was 45, wind speed 30-40. Nice day to stand outside in a line. I haven’t mentioned this before, but at all the National Monuments, we were strip searched. Any potential terrorist targets seem to have this policy. We reached Ellis at 10:30, there was just as long of a line there to go to Liberty, so things were looking bleak for making Battery Park by 12:00. The word came from the guide that we were getting a time reprieve. So we checked out some of Ellis Island and had lunch. We were to be at the line for the Liberty ferry by 12:25. All were present and accounted for, except the ferry! Did I mention the wind? Long, long line and howling, frigid wind. At 1:40 our ferry arrived, but it was a much smaller boat already loaded to the hilt for Liberty. At the last moment the guide decided we were skipping Liberty Island and heading back to Battery Park on a different ferry. Unfortunately, 3 of our group had already boarded the ferry to Liberty! Nice, they got to grab a taxi for the restaurant we were to be at by 5:30.
So, we missed out on Lady Liberty, got a few pics from a distance. We made the 1 hour plus trip back to the hotel for an hour to get ready for the dress up night. Got a few winks in! Everyone gussied up and headed for Dallas BBQ in Manhattan. Whose idea was it to take a bunch of Bama rednecks to a BBQ joint in NYC, I don’t know. Dinner was decent, and we were off to Broadway to see The Lion King. Quite the production if you haven’t seen it. It’s hard to explain, but suffice it to say, a really neat show. We did get a chance to run around Time Square before the show, so several of us went to the ESPN Zone. Clay was in heaven! Picked up a few souvenirs then headed for the show.
Tomorrow is the last day! We get a decent amount of free time to do what we want. Not sure what we are doing, but it will be nice to go where we want and not be on such a tight schedule. I hope we go back to the Empire State Building!
I have been mostly complaining about the trip, but it has really been fine. It just seems like we spend much more time in lines or on the bus than actually seeing the sights. It’s all good. They are doing as good of a job as possible with such a task and so many people. It turns out that most the area is having their Spring Break right now, so all the attractions are packed.
Right now we are on the bus heading back to the hotel and have just come thru the Lincoln Tunnel. When you come out on the New Jersey side, you get an incredible view of Manhattan all lit up. It is truly amazing.
So, we missed out on Lady Liberty, got a few pics from a distance. We made the 1 hour plus trip back to the hotel for an hour to get ready for the dress up night. Got a few winks in! Everyone gussied up and headed for Dallas BBQ in Manhattan. Whose idea was it to take a bunch of Bama rednecks to a BBQ joint in NYC, I don’t know. Dinner was decent, and we were off to Broadway to see The Lion King. Quite the production if you haven’t seen it. It’s hard to explain, but suffice it to say, a really neat show. We did get a chance to run around Time Square before the show, so several of us went to the ESPN Zone. Clay was in heaven! Picked up a few souvenirs then headed for the show.
Tomorrow is the last day! We get a decent amount of free time to do what we want. Not sure what we are doing, but it will be nice to go where we want and not be on such a tight schedule. I hope we go back to the Empire State Building!
I have been mostly complaining about the trip, but it has really been fine. It just seems like we spend much more time in lines or on the bus than actually seeing the sights. It’s all good. They are doing as good of a job as possible with such a task and so many people. It turns out that most the area is having their Spring Break right now, so all the attractions are packed.
Right now we are on the bus heading back to the hotel and have just come thru the Lincoln Tunnel. When you come out on the New Jersey side, you get an incredible view of Manhattan all lit up. It is truly amazing.
NYC Day #5
Day #5 We headed back to the Big Apple and picked up our guide “Frances” for a whirlwind tour of Manhattan. We saw the buildings where many celebrities live including The Dakota where John Lennon was killed.
We visited Ground Zero to see where it all went down. It has changed a lot the last few years, as the first several floors of the Freedom Tower has already been built.
We had lunch at the world famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs. By far the best hot dog…ever!
We toured the Museum of natural History for an hour or so, looking for the world’s largest diamond, but never found it. It is allegedly worth $50 Million.
We ate dinner at Bubba Gump’s in Time Square. Unbelievable amount of humanity at Time Square. It was cold and nasty with wind and rain, still thousands of people hustling up and down the street. Fitting 170 of us inside Bubba Gump’s was a nice trick, too.
After dinner, we went to the Empire State Building. With the weather we had, it was zero visibility. Still very cool! You could barely make out the streets and buildings below. The wind was incredible, I guessed it was near 60 MPH, blowing mist and rain. I will try to upload some video when I get home. The wind currents were ripping around the building creating visible eddies…very cool!
Tomorrow we are off to Ellis and Liberty Island.
We toured the Museum of natural History for an hour or so, looking for the world’s largest diamond, but never found it. It is allegedly worth $50 Million.
We ate dinner at Bubba Gump’s in Time Square. Unbelievable amount of humanity at Time Square. It was cold and nasty with wind and rain, still thousands of people hustling up and down the street. Fitting 170 of us inside Bubba Gump’s was a nice trick, too.
After dinner, we went to the Empire State Building. With the weather we had, it was zero visibility. Still very cool! You could barely make out the streets and buildings below. The wind was incredible, I guessed it was near 60 MPH, blowing mist and rain. I will try to upload some video when I get home. The wind currents were ripping around the building creating visible eddies…very cool!
Tomorrow we are off to Ellis and Liberty Island.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
NYC Day #4
Day #4 we headed out of Lancaster. PA for Philadelphia. Not the cleanest city in the world. First stop was at the museum where “Rocky” ran the steps. So all 170 had to do it, chanting the “going strong now” chorus. I think it’s a law, I don’t know.
Got to tour the Independence Hall and learn some interesting facts about the constitution and the first Congress. Obama and Billary were in town yesterday, never saw them but Obama was a block away while we were there. BIG WHOOP!
Everyone was treated a Philly Cheese steak sandwich, also BIG WHOOP. It was in a food court of a mall, I guess that version of cheese steak would be similar to eating BBQ in Birmingham at Century Plaza, just not the REAL thing.
A short bus ride later, we were in the Big Apple. I wish I could have enjoyed the scenic skyline, but duty called. I had to send out 7 estimates and timesheets for the crew back home. Air card worked perfectly, pretty cool stuff. We had some free time to shop and tour China Town. Very crowded, very dirty. I am not much of a “haggler” so I didn’t score any great deals. BUT, I did find a hat that I have been wanting. It’s a Chris Sharp inspired Himalaya toboggan. It’s goofy but very warm and fits my “idiom”. Private joke!
Had dinner in a tiny Chinese Restaurant, which is a trick with 170 of us. Had to sit with a group of hens, won’t be doing that again. What a bunch of whiners, the food was bad, the service was bad, not enough food, what meat is this, etc.
Finished with dinner at 8 and got to wait for the bus on a busy East Broadway for 1 hour. The poor bus drivers have no where to park in NYC so they had to come a long way to get us. Much gnashing of teeth. A bunch of red neck teenagers blocking the sidewalk for a whole block is not something the locals appreciate. Did I mention Boo’s Grandma accosted a taxi driver that nearly hit one of our kids? Pretty funny, got to hear a classic Taxi driver bomb dropping tantrum.
God has definitely done a work in my life regarding patience. Somehow, the long waits, the loud kids, the lines at restaurants have not bothered me too much. 5 years ago, I would have had a stroke by now. Just going with the flow is not easy for me.
Back to the hotel by 10 for more work. Convinced Burt to take some Benadryl for his sinuses, did NOT help the snoring. Tomorrow is supposed to be a rainy cold day, fun!
Got to tour the Independence Hall and learn some interesting facts about the constitution and the first Congress. Obama and Billary were in town yesterday, never saw them but Obama was a block away while we were there. BIG WHOOP!
Everyone was treated a Philly Cheese steak sandwich, also BIG WHOOP. It was in a food court of a mall, I guess that version of cheese steak would be similar to eating BBQ in Birmingham at Century Plaza, just not the REAL thing.
A short bus ride later, we were in the Big Apple. I wish I could have enjoyed the scenic skyline, but duty called. I had to send out 7 estimates and timesheets for the crew back home. Air card worked perfectly, pretty cool stuff. We had some free time to shop and tour China Town. Very crowded, very dirty. I am not much of a “haggler” so I didn’t score any great deals. BUT, I did find a hat that I have been wanting. It’s a Chris Sharp inspired Himalaya toboggan. It’s goofy but very warm and fits my “idiom”. Private joke!
Had dinner in a tiny Chinese Restaurant, which is a trick with 170 of us. Had to sit with a group of hens, won’t be doing that again. What a bunch of whiners, the food was bad, the service was bad, not enough food, what meat is this, etc.
Finished with dinner at 8 and got to wait for the bus on a busy East Broadway for 1 hour. The poor bus drivers have no where to park in NYC so they had to come a long way to get us. Much gnashing of teeth. A bunch of red neck teenagers blocking the sidewalk for a whole block is not something the locals appreciate. Did I mention Boo’s Grandma accosted a taxi driver that nearly hit one of our kids? Pretty funny, got to hear a classic Taxi driver bomb dropping tantrum.
God has definitely done a work in my life regarding patience. Somehow, the long waits, the loud kids, the lines at restaurants have not bothered me too much. 5 years ago, I would have had a stroke by now. Just going with the flow is not easy for me.
Back to the hotel by 10 for more work. Convinced Burt to take some Benadryl for his sinuses, did NOT help the snoring. Tomorrow is supposed to be a rainy cold day, fun!
Monday, March 17, 2008
NYC Day #3
Okay, 2 Sominex + Dawg tired+ A.C. = Good night’s sleep!
Up at 6:00 this morning and had a humongous breakfast! Apparently apple pie is okay for breakfast, here (I’m good with that). I tried a local favorite that I had heard about called “Scrapple”. Not the best thing I have ever eaten, I was told its pig parts left over after they have gotten all they wanted for hot dogs and Vienna sausage, then fry it in butter!
Rode an hour or so to Gettysburg. It was neat seeing the place that changed our nation. The tour was a little brief for me, but interesting.
Spent the afternoon driving around Lancaster County gawking at the Amish. There is an entire industry here taking yahoos like ourselves around taking pictures of and learning about how different the Amish are. Yes, they have different values than we do. Yes, they are very strict on themselves. But, we all have our quirks and oddities, and WE don’t have tour buses driving through our neighborhoods. I think their deal is they like living in the past and they take pride in their lack of taking pride! They value depriving themselves of most everything we consider our right.
We ate dinner at a place called “Good and Plenty”, nuff said. They serve you platters of good wholesome food and shovel it faster than you can eat. Tried another local favorite called “Shoe Fly Pie”. Also, not the best thing I have ever had. Yana described it as Pecan Pie without the pecans. I am not sure that quite does it, it’s a crust with maple syrup poured in and sugar and flour doused over the top. The homemade Ice Cream made up for the funky flavor.
Day 3 a success; good night’s sleep, no one died, tried some new food, saw interesting sites.
2 Sominex already in the system, A.C. running, wish me luck!
NYC Day 2
News flash, Burt snores like a banshi! Got very little sleep last night. They claimed I snored also, but it’s hard to snore when you are not asleep. Note to self, 1 Sominex is not enough!The hotel last night was nice enough, but they don’t believe in air conditioning. The room was 76 degrees when we got there, had to leave the window open all night and it was still warmish this AM.
Got to see Natural Bridge for the first time, it was dark last night. Quite the hike down the gorge to see it. Pretty cool stuff. The hike back up took a little longer than expected, we missed Burt’s Palm Sunday sermonette. Sorry.
The replacement for Bus #3 arrived as promised, so we had a comfortable ride to Monticello. Quag number 3. Allegedly everytime they made this trip before, it was no line, no waiting at the historic home. Not so today. We arrived around 10 AM and were supposed to leave at 12. We arrived on time, but the lot was full of buses. Our luck. They gave us our tickets, time to be guided…1:10! Did I mention it was 10 something? No restaurant there, just an overpriced gift shop. Tooled around for nearly 3 hours before our tour. I have to say, that was my favorite stop so far. The home of Thomas Jefferson. The man stayed busy for sure. Declaration of Independence, congress, governor, secretary of state, vice president, and president twice. He was a farmer and inventor, not to mention an architectural genius. Lots of very unique designs and inventions.
Left Monticello for Lancaster, PA. Another long leg of our journey. Burt and I watched his favorite stupid movie “Airplane”. Lots of one liners there, too; “Yes, and don’t call me Shirley”, “I picked a bad week to stop sniffing glue”, Mrs. Cleaver saying “I speak jive”, and “It’s big and white, with a red stripe…kinda like a giant Tylenol”. If you haven’t seen it, you won’t get it.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
NYC Day #1
Tons o' fun so far! Had to be at the school at 5:45, left at 6:20. We lucked up and got a bus with the least amount of people out of the 4 buses we had. burt and I managed to get two seats each, so we didn't have to get too cozy.
Burt and I watched Monty Python's "Holy Grail" on the laptop, always a treat! "Bring out your dead!", "Very small rocks", "Come and see the violence inherent in the system", "I'm being repressed!", and so on.
BTW, Mom's Air Card worked very well. It's nice having an internet connection while running down the highway. Also nice checking the radar when you're driving in lightning and rain for 6 hours straight. We managed to stay right in the middle of the mess all the way to Virginia.
Did I mention we didnt have as many folks in our bus? Short lived. The newest bus in the fleet broke down and the remaining 3 buses had to take on the 47 passengers and luggage from bus #3! Yeah! Got to sit by a stranger, crampt up against the window for 2 hours. Then got moved to sit with another person I knew somewhat. Got to hear more than I wanted from her.
So, at this point we are 1 hour behind schedule.
We drag into Roanoke VA about 6 o'clock. I am sure the resturaunt would have preferred us getting there on schedule instead of their busiest time. You know they gotta love seeing 170 folks drop in at one time. Luckily it was a cafeteria, and we were in and out in about an hour.
Arrived at Natural Bridge Inn just before 8:00. I wont explain the luggage quag, but let me say this is a very old Inn with one very slow elevator. So 170 people had to lug their luggage up 6 flights of stairs. The men got to do theirs, the women's, and the girl's, also!
So far, everything about as expected. Loud obnoxious boys, squeeling chatty girls, crampt long bus rides.
The good news is the replacement bus is to be here in the AM. The other good news is our 14 hour ride today is the longest we will have till next Friday night, and I have mucho sedatives for that trip! I warned Burt, I am gonna start taking one sleeping pill per 30 minutes until I pass out. May need paramedics to wake me up in Moody next Saturday morning!
Burt and I watched Monty Python's "Holy Grail" on the laptop, always a treat! "Bring out your dead!", "Very small rocks", "Come and see the violence inherent in the system", "I'm being repressed!", and so on.
BTW, Mom's Air Card worked very well. It's nice having an internet connection while running down the highway. Also nice checking the radar when you're driving in lightning and rain for 6 hours straight. We managed to stay right in the middle of the mess all the way to Virginia.
Did I mention we didnt have as many folks in our bus? Short lived. The newest bus in the fleet broke down and the remaining 3 buses had to take on the 47 passengers and luggage from bus #3! Yeah! Got to sit by a stranger, crampt up against the window for 2 hours. Then got moved to sit with another person I knew somewhat. Got to hear more than I wanted from her.
So, at this point we are 1 hour behind schedule.
We drag into Roanoke VA about 6 o'clock. I am sure the resturaunt would have preferred us getting there on schedule instead of their busiest time. You know they gotta love seeing 170 folks drop in at one time. Luckily it was a cafeteria, and we were in and out in about an hour.
Arrived at Natural Bridge Inn just before 8:00. I wont explain the luggage quag, but let me say this is a very old Inn with one very slow elevator. So 170 people had to lug their luggage up 6 flights of stairs. The men got to do theirs, the women's, and the girl's, also!
So far, everything about as expected. Loud obnoxious boys, squeeling chatty girls, crampt long bus rides.
The good news is the replacement bus is to be here in the AM. The other good news is our 14 hour ride today is the longest we will have till next Friday night, and I have mucho sedatives for that trip! I warned Burt, I am gonna start taking one sleeping pill per 30 minutes until I pass out. May need paramedics to wake me up in Moody next Saturday morning!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
That's what I am talking about!
Took my future former friend Quinn to our neighborhood lake today. Spent a couple of good hours of fellowship and harping on eachother. The fishing really kind of stank till we headed back to the ramp. Happened to knock a big-un in the head!
Good day either way. She weighed about 7 pounds and was stuffed with eggs.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
More Fishing News
Had my second big tournament of the year this weekend. This time at Eufaula, AL.
Extremely diverse conditions this week. Left at 2:30 A.M. Thursday to get to the lake in time. It was pretty cold and foggy, had to run by GPS as I had less than 30 feet visibility.
The first placed I stopped, caught several nice fish and finished the day with a good catch. The high that day was around 80!
Woke up Friday morning to pouring rain, opted to roll over and wait it out. Did not catch near as many Friday, but saw lots of gators! Couldn't get a good close up, they were skiddish, but that's not a bad thing when you are in a boat that looks like a zebra! They give me strange looks, they may have been talking with their African cousins and found out how good zebra's taste!
Anyway, got paired with a local that hasn't fished a tournament in 3 years, and was just going for the ride. Well, he got more than he hoped for. The fish I found on Thursday was a 25 minute ride up the river in 25 MPH winds. We ran into a wall of rain as we neared our spot. Shortly after arrival, the rain turned to sideways snow. Always nice when fishing in March! Did I mention is was 80 degrees 2 days before? We only caught a few there and moved further up the river to a few other locations.
After catching a few more fish, we returned to our first spot. My partner had a 5 fish limit at this point and I had only 4. Within 5 minutes, I caught my 5th fish, then another fish that allowed me to cull a smaller fish. While unkoohing my fish, my partner said "get the net, big one!". He wasn't kidding, a beautiful 6 pounder.
Time to head back, we managed to stay out of the really rough water til we neared the launch site, we hit 3' white capped waves. Much like a riding a bull!
We had surmised my partner had a 15 to 16 pound limit and would probably get a decent check. We weighed in, and his sack weighed 17.63! He was in first place and had big fish thus far. Did I mention there were 173 very good anglers in this tournament? Pretty cool stuff. Unfortunately for him, a professional angler fishing the tournament came to the scales with 19 pounds and bumped my partner out of first place. Too bad for him, but still a great finish.
I finished somewhere in the top 20, which is good for me on this lake.
No more fishing for a few weeks, I get to go to NYC with Moody Jr. High for a week next week! Fired up about spending many hours on a bus trip with 200 teenagers! Outstanding!
Wish me luck!
Have any sedatives?
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Back to Fishing
Not all of my posts will be at the deeper end, some will be fishing related.
My first tournament of 2008 was interesting but disappointing.
My friend Lee and I left at dark:30 Thursday morning for Guntersville to begin our "pre-fishing" for the Bassmaster Weekend Angler Series held today. Haven't fished a tournament since December 8th, and haven't really fished at all since then.
Your going to heckle me about this, but I am way out of fishing "shape". Getting up at 3:30, on the water at daylight, off near dark, freezing cold, aching muscles. I hear you snickering! It's true, I have a real passion for fishing, especially tournament fishing, but it does take a physical toll (when your old and fat like me).
Do you remember the weather Thursday? Launched the boat at 19 degrees and Lee chose to run 12 miles up the river at 68 MPH. I don't know the formula for wind chill, but I can tell you that's pretty dang cold!
Slow day of fishing but what fish we caught were great quality. We had a 6 pounder and 3 in the 3 to 4 pound range.
Friday was much more pleasant! 37 degrees and raining! Caught more fish, but only two keepers. The good news was one bass was 5 pounds.
I am fishing this trail as a "Co-angler". That means that even though a have a perfectly good (yet odd) boat, I chose to fish this trail from the back of someone else's boat. Lee is the best fisherman I know, and I get to "practice" with him a few days before each tournament, in the attempt to learn some new stuff. The bad side to this is you get "paired" out with someone else for the tournament that you don't know, and you have to hope that he knows what he is doing.
For the second year in a row, this trail started at Guntersville and for the second year in a row I got "paired" with a guy that was on no fish! He had pre-fished alot and had found some great fish, but they all miraculously vanished today. Neither of us caught a keeper fish all day! The most beautiful day all week, and the fishing blew!
Oh well, just another chance at humility! God seems to have a pretty clear plan for me and my ego. Every time He lets me win a tournament or succeed in business, He backs it up with a gut check! Funny, He knows me pretty well! He knows my ego cannot stand too much success, and that is a good thing! Keeps me remembering who is in charge and what I am here for.
P.S.- someone needs to show me how to keep the lady readers from entering sarcastic comments on my posts. I have a feeling they are soon to come! Of course I fully expect the sarcism from Burt, Quinn and Malimar (however that is spelled).
My first tournament of 2008 was interesting but disappointing.
My friend Lee and I left at dark:30 Thursday morning for Guntersville to begin our "pre-fishing" for the Bassmaster Weekend Angler Series held today. Haven't fished a tournament since December 8th, and haven't really fished at all since then.
Your going to heckle me about this, but I am way out of fishing "shape". Getting up at 3:30, on the water at daylight, off near dark, freezing cold, aching muscles. I hear you snickering! It's true, I have a real passion for fishing, especially tournament fishing, but it does take a physical toll (when your old and fat like me).
Do you remember the weather Thursday? Launched the boat at 19 degrees and Lee chose to run 12 miles up the river at 68 MPH. I don't know the formula for wind chill, but I can tell you that's pretty dang cold!
Slow day of fishing but what fish we caught were great quality. We had a 6 pounder and 3 in the 3 to 4 pound range.
Friday was much more pleasant! 37 degrees and raining! Caught more fish, but only two keepers. The good news was one bass was 5 pounds.
I am fishing this trail as a "Co-angler". That means that even though a have a perfectly good (yet odd) boat, I chose to fish this trail from the back of someone else's boat. Lee is the best fisherman I know, and I get to "practice" with him a few days before each tournament, in the attempt to learn some new stuff. The bad side to this is you get "paired" out with someone else for the tournament that you don't know, and you have to hope that he knows what he is doing.
For the second year in a row, this trail started at Guntersville and for the second year in a row I got "paired" with a guy that was on no fish! He had pre-fished alot and had found some great fish, but they all miraculously vanished today. Neither of us caught a keeper fish all day! The most beautiful day all week, and the fishing blew!
Oh well, just another chance at humility! God seems to have a pretty clear plan for me and my ego. Every time He lets me win a tournament or succeed in business, He backs it up with a gut check! Funny, He knows me pretty well! He knows my ego cannot stand too much success, and that is a good thing! Keeps me remembering who is in charge and what I am here for.
P.S.- someone needs to show me how to keep the lady readers from entering sarcastic comments on my posts. I have a feeling they are soon to come! Of course I fully expect the sarcism from Burt, Quinn and Malimar (however that is spelled).
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Leeds Storm
This is my friend Jeremy's house, that metal debris was a roof from a building 5 blocks away. That old Pecan tree may have saved their lives, definately saved the house more damage.
Their upstairs window was "sucked" out of the house!
The rest of the roof that hit Jeremy's house
Building with doors "sucked" out
Leeds High School Ballfield
Please pray for the survivors and the families of the elderly woman that was killed. They all need some peace and rest.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Work day
Just a note. Thanks for all the folks that showed up Saturday and worked their tails off. We had a ton of junk to trash and general straightening up. We could not have gotten it done without you and I greatly appreciate the help.
We haven't always had good turn outs at these things, and I was concerned last week that we wouldn't get everything done, but I was wrong. Chrissy said she counted 41 people! That's awesome!
For those who couldn't make it, just wander about the buildings and look in closets and classrooms, no more junk, scattered debris, or mice infested furniture! Also, for those who couldn't make it, there will be a Exterior work day in March, so your pentence can be achieved then! ;)
Thanks again for all your hard work!
We haven't always had good turn outs at these things, and I was concerned last week that we wouldn't get everything done, but I was wrong. Chrissy said she counted 41 people! That's awesome!
For those who couldn't make it, just wander about the buildings and look in closets and classrooms, no more junk, scattered debris, or mice infested furniture! Also, for those who couldn't make it, there will be a Exterior work day in March, so your pentence can be achieved then! ;)
Thanks again for all your hard work!
For: God
When I first became a Deacon and started counting the offering after worship, I noticed one member always wrote in the "memo/for" line of the check "God". Not tithe, not offering, not missions, just God. At the time, I got a chuckle out of it. Then, after thinking about it for a while, I realized that is absolutely correct, that money is for God! Much of the time, we write that check and think it goes into a hole at the church, or consider it a fee for church membership. But no, it's not, it is simply returning to God a small portion of what he has given to us.
The fact is, all we have we has been given by God. Our salvation, families, time, talents, jobs, money, health, everything.
As Stewardship chairman, I get to see much of what it takes to do ministry. There are costs involved with most every aspect of ministry. More than just the obvious salaries, missions and utilities, there is curriculum for our children, mercy needs for our congregation, even pizza for starving workers at the work day. I used to get depressed writing my tithe check, considering that even though it was a true tithe, my little bit wouldn't even cover the water bill for that month. But that's not what we are paying for, we are not paying for anything. We are giving back to God in gratefulness for what He has blessed us with to help further the Kingdom. It is then used by the Session, Diaconate and staff to pay for bills that are incurred while furthering the Kingdom.
In our "2020 Vision" meeting last night, we learned about a more direct way we will have to further the Kingdom. Church planting is in our near future and a portion of our tithe dollars will be spent spreading the Gospel in other communities. Our time, talents and tithes will be needed in this effort.
It is an exciting time for our church family to grow and mature in our faith. Please prayerfully consider your position on tithing, consider what God has blessed you with, consider what you now spend your money on, and what good you can do for the Kingdom with your money. We all have debts, we all have things we would like to have, but how many of those things truly matter in the big picture compared to the eternal Glory of God?
So, I challenge myself and you, next time you get paid and are writing that tithe check, look at the "For" line at the bottom of the check and remember who it is truly for.
The fact is, all we have we has been given by God. Our salvation, families, time, talents, jobs, money, health, everything.
As Stewardship chairman, I get to see much of what it takes to do ministry. There are costs involved with most every aspect of ministry. More than just the obvious salaries, missions and utilities, there is curriculum for our children, mercy needs for our congregation, even pizza for starving workers at the work day. I used to get depressed writing my tithe check, considering that even though it was a true tithe, my little bit wouldn't even cover the water bill for that month. But that's not what we are paying for, we are not paying for anything. We are giving back to God in gratefulness for what He has blessed us with to help further the Kingdom. It is then used by the Session, Diaconate and staff to pay for bills that are incurred while furthering the Kingdom.
In our "2020 Vision" meeting last night, we learned about a more direct way we will have to further the Kingdom. Church planting is in our near future and a portion of our tithe dollars will be spent spreading the Gospel in other communities. Our time, talents and tithes will be needed in this effort.
It is an exciting time for our church family to grow and mature in our faith. Please prayerfully consider your position on tithing, consider what God has blessed you with, consider what you now spend your money on, and what good you can do for the Kingdom with your money. We all have debts, we all have things we would like to have, but how many of those things truly matter in the big picture compared to the eternal Glory of God?
So, I challenge myself and you, next time you get paid and are writing that tithe check, look at the "For" line at the bottom of the check and remember who it is truly for.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Grace revealed through Hope
So, I have entered Blog world a month or so after the fact, but there are things worth repeating regarding Hope.
You may not have felt this way that fatefull Sunday, but you were better off hearing everything all at once. I am sure it was alot to swallow at one time, but I think it was for the best.
The days and nights following our "discovery"were more than a struggle. What you went through in moments took days and weeks for me. Much like you, I went through doubt first, hoping against hope that I just missed something legitimate. Then great hurt when the truth was revealed. Then anger as more was revealed. Then rage as more came to light. Satan was playing me pretty well!
Then, my old friend and accountability slavemaster (Milton) slapped the gospel on me. After confiding in him about all that had occured, he took minutes, no seconds to reach a point I had not reached in days of struggling with this. He said, "Scott, she needs Jesus right now. Something is going on with her, and we weren't there for her". WOW! I hadn't even considered that! All I could think about was the wrong that had been done and the trust that had been betrayed. (Gospel smack down). Who am I to judge what she had done? What have I done and do every day that my Father is betrayed by? God has done much more for me than I had ever done for Hope, yet I betray Him all the time! Hmmm. One thing Milton said that broke me, he said that "no matter what she had done, when God looks down on her from heaven, He sees a sinner, but not just a sinner, but one with the ritgheous blood of His Son covering her." (Gospel smack down II)
Our very wise Session was extremely quick to see grace in this as well. Yes, they understood and considered the discipline side of things thoroughly, but their first concern was Hope. While that meeting with the Session was painfull, tearfull and very uncomfortable, I really wish that every member of CPC had been there. God's grace and mercy flowed out of those men in an unbelievable way. I saw grown men tear up over their own sin. I saw righteous men beg Hope for forgiveness for not seeing her pain and not hearing her cries for help. I saw wisdom and love flowing freely. God's grace and the Gospel was being laid out.
What you heard that Sunday was all of it at once. You got to feel the doubt, hurt, anger, rage, and mercy in a span of one hour. Be glad! Rejoice that the Elders in our church were and are being led by the hand of God. They led us in understanding of the situation, and understanding of the Gospel. I have always had a great appreciation of these men, but ever more so, now. And they will be the firsts to tell you, it is NOT of themselves, God was and is working through them.
What was told of the situation that morning was all that anyone needs to know. Details are not important. She has repented and is working towards complete restoration. And we are making changes to keep anything like this from happening again.
It has been over a month, now, but we need to remind ourselves everyday of just how sinful we are, yet how wonderfull of a Saviour we have!
That Sunday, Grace was revealed through Hope.
You may not have felt this way that fatefull Sunday, but you were better off hearing everything all at once. I am sure it was alot to swallow at one time, but I think it was for the best.
The days and nights following our "discovery"were more than a struggle. What you went through in moments took days and weeks for me. Much like you, I went through doubt first, hoping against hope that I just missed something legitimate. Then great hurt when the truth was revealed. Then anger as more was revealed. Then rage as more came to light. Satan was playing me pretty well!
Then, my old friend and accountability slavemaster (Milton) slapped the gospel on me. After confiding in him about all that had occured, he took minutes, no seconds to reach a point I had not reached in days of struggling with this. He said, "Scott, she needs Jesus right now. Something is going on with her, and we weren't there for her". WOW! I hadn't even considered that! All I could think about was the wrong that had been done and the trust that had been betrayed. (Gospel smack down). Who am I to judge what she had done? What have I done and do every day that my Father is betrayed by? God has done much more for me than I had ever done for Hope, yet I betray Him all the time! Hmmm. One thing Milton said that broke me, he said that "no matter what she had done, when God looks down on her from heaven, He sees a sinner, but not just a sinner, but one with the ritgheous blood of His Son covering her." (Gospel smack down II)
Our very wise Session was extremely quick to see grace in this as well. Yes, they understood and considered the discipline side of things thoroughly, but their first concern was Hope. While that meeting with the Session was painfull, tearfull and very uncomfortable, I really wish that every member of CPC had been there. God's grace and mercy flowed out of those men in an unbelievable way. I saw grown men tear up over their own sin. I saw righteous men beg Hope for forgiveness for not seeing her pain and not hearing her cries for help. I saw wisdom and love flowing freely. God's grace and the Gospel was being laid out.
What you heard that Sunday was all of it at once. You got to feel the doubt, hurt, anger, rage, and mercy in a span of one hour. Be glad! Rejoice that the Elders in our church were and are being led by the hand of God. They led us in understanding of the situation, and understanding of the Gospel. I have always had a great appreciation of these men, but ever more so, now. And they will be the firsts to tell you, it is NOT of themselves, God was and is working through them.
What was told of the situation that morning was all that anyone needs to know. Details are not important. She has repented and is working towards complete restoration. And we are making changes to keep anything like this from happening again.
It has been over a month, now, but we need to remind ourselves everyday of just how sinful we are, yet how wonderfull of a Saviour we have!
That Sunday, Grace was revealed through Hope.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Home Body
Is that synonymous with lazy? Since moving to this house nearly two years ago, things have changed.
I used to hit the road every morning before 7 and was lucky to get to my home office by 2, just in time to do paper work for several hours. I averaged over 40,000 miles per year on my truck.
Now, I find it hard to convince myself to leave. I have a great office that I can do pretty much everything. My project managers handle 75% of the projects we have going. The price of gas makes it easy to talk myself into staying put.
I have grown to love Moody, and rarely leave. I eat lunch with "The Boys" from CPC most days. It's just easy to stay here and when I leave, I seem to rush to get back.
The last month or so has been really nice as my fishing schedule was over in early December, and won't start again till early March. In 2007, I bit off more than I thought with my fishing. I fished one trail that had 4 tourneys in the Spring and one in the Fall, fished as a co-angler on another trail that was on Sunday's, but only had 4 tourneys (so I thought), and I was the tournament director in my bass club. The club had 7 tournaments, plus 12 meetings. In one of those trails, I was fortunate enough to make the Nation Championship. Unfortunately, I was gone for 7 days for this event. All in all, I had 22 tournament days and over 50 days of pre-fishing.
By the time it was over, I was DONE! Ready for a rest. So, for the last few months, I have been laaazy, and I am having a hard time motivating myself to get going.
Now, the "Season" is about to start over. After the Feb. 23rd work day at CPC, I have two out of town tournaments in a row. Time to get back after it, long cold days on the water, early mornings and a lot of driving.
Don't we get that way about a lot of things we need to do? Going to church for worship, learning and fellowship is something I enjoy. But, deep down, I just want to stay home and do nothing!
Burt wrote about this in his blog a few weeks ago. We find every excuse in the book to NOT go to church. It is something I want to do, and enjoy doing, but Adam (sin nature) tries very hard to keep me from going.
What about prayer? I am very quick to pray when I have needs, or wants, but how often do I really talk to my Father when things are good?
What about reading God's word? I read every morning (box checked!), but how often do I study His word?
I am a weak, lazy individual that needs and appreciates the "nudging" of the Holy Spirit.
I used to hit the road every morning before 7 and was lucky to get to my home office by 2, just in time to do paper work for several hours. I averaged over 40,000 miles per year on my truck.
Now, I find it hard to convince myself to leave. I have a great office that I can do pretty much everything. My project managers handle 75% of the projects we have going. The price of gas makes it easy to talk myself into staying put.
I have grown to love Moody, and rarely leave. I eat lunch with "The Boys" from CPC most days. It's just easy to stay here and when I leave, I seem to rush to get back.
The last month or so has been really nice as my fishing schedule was over in early December, and won't start again till early March. In 2007, I bit off more than I thought with my fishing. I fished one trail that had 4 tourneys in the Spring and one in the Fall, fished as a co-angler on another trail that was on Sunday's, but only had 4 tourneys (so I thought), and I was the tournament director in my bass club. The club had 7 tournaments, plus 12 meetings. In one of those trails, I was fortunate enough to make the Nation Championship. Unfortunately, I was gone for 7 days for this event. All in all, I had 22 tournament days and over 50 days of pre-fishing.
By the time it was over, I was DONE! Ready for a rest. So, for the last few months, I have been laaazy, and I am having a hard time motivating myself to get going.
Now, the "Season" is about to start over. After the Feb. 23rd work day at CPC, I have two out of town tournaments in a row. Time to get back after it, long cold days on the water, early mornings and a lot of driving.
Don't we get that way about a lot of things we need to do? Going to church for worship, learning and fellowship is something I enjoy. But, deep down, I just want to stay home and do nothing!
Burt wrote about this in his blog a few weeks ago. We find every excuse in the book to NOT go to church. It is something I want to do, and enjoy doing, but Adam (sin nature) tries very hard to keep me from going.
What about prayer? I am very quick to pray when I have needs, or wants, but how often do I really talk to my Father when things are good?
What about reading God's word? I read every morning (box checked!), but how often do I study His word?
I am a weak, lazy individual that needs and appreciates the "nudging" of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Jesus to the rescue
My brother sent me this video today, I believe it was from a youth conference.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5
What a cool job of presenting the gospel. Something we hear at our church very often is that we need to constantly preach the Gospel not only to our community and our homes, but to ourselves. This skit was a great reminder of how Jesus comes to our rescue even when we look to everything else in the world to give us "life".
Ephesians chapter 2 is the scripture I run to the most when I need to be reminded of who I was and who's I am. Not only did HE come after me when I was dead, but HE still drags me away from harmfull situations and lifestyles, now. How often do we still look to the world for assurance, "life" and peace? I would say we are looking the wrong direction!
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5
What a cool job of presenting the gospel. Something we hear at our church very often is that we need to constantly preach the Gospel not only to our community and our homes, but to ourselves. This skit was a great reminder of how Jesus comes to our rescue even when we look to everything else in the world to give us "life".
Ephesians chapter 2 is the scripture I run to the most when I need to be reminded of who I was and who's I am. Not only did HE come after me when I was dead, but HE still drags me away from harmfull situations and lifestyles, now. How often do we still look to the world for assurance, "life" and peace? I would say we are looking the wrong direction!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
First Post
My first foray into Blogger-central. I am not nearly as imaginative and interesting as most of you, hence the name of the blog. But I do have random thoughts that require you to answer the question, is this guy crazy or genius? You alone can decide.
More to come as the waves of random thoughts arrive.
More to come as the waves of random thoughts arrive.
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