R U a Waiter?

For those of you who are wondering if I survived my time of fasting the obvious answer is yes! I learned a few things about myself during my time of abstaining from food. I LOVE TO EAT! Now that was a revelation, wasn't it? It seems, at least for me anyway, that when I deny myself the things I like I will do about anything to come up with a way to get it. I begin to scheme and bargain with God to try to let me off the hook. When really all that God wants me to see is the hold certain things have on my life. One example of trying to bargain with God about fasting was I went back to the last meal and counted 24 hours and decided I could eat again at that time. Thankfully I continued until the next morning. Also thanks for your prayers! I told Deana I would be revisiting my time of fasting - I need it!
In my last post I mentioned the Scripture that talks about "waiting" on the Lord. What if Isaiah was talking about "waiting" on the Lord as in "waiting" on tables? What if the thing that brings us strength is working not sitting. We call the ones that take care of us at restaurants - waiters and waitresses. They are not sitting around doing nothing but are busy taking care of the needs of those customers that are eating at their assigned tables. So many people today seem content to just let someone else do all the work. The statistics say that 20% of the people in a church do 80% of the work. What could we accomplish for the Kingdom of God if 100% of the people were involved? WOW! What a thought!

To Fast or Not to Fast?

Yesterday I read a verse in Joel during my message. God is speaking to the people in Judah and He tells them "to come to Him with fasting, weeping and mourning". Well today I'm doing something that my body doesn't like very well- "fasting"! I know alot of people say you shouldn't say your fasting. I'm not bragging, in fact I need your prayers because it isn't what my body wants to do. I can remember my dad fasting for 21 days because he had a tough decision to make and he wanted to know God's will. 21 Days! Whew that's a long time! If you go back and read the Bible you will see alot of instances where people fasted and prayed for God to change their circumstances. Today we live in a instant society where we expect things to happen immediately. We've got microwaves that cut the time of preparing food down to a minimum. When we want to use our computer we expect our connection to be there immediately. To go back to Abraham, he waited 25 years for God's promise of a son to happen. Isaiah tells us if we wait upon the Lord He will give us strength. I could sure use some right now!

First Time

Tonight I get to experience something new. Most pastors I know have been a youth pastor at one time or another, but tonight will be my first time. It took me 11 years of pastoring before I had the opportunity to lead our youth. Did I plan on doing this? No, but things just happened to work out this way. Since I've been at NCC we've had 5 different youth leaders. The average length of time a youth pastor stays is 1.3 years, so it looks like we're right on the average. Deana will be working with me and I'm excited about that. She has so much energy and great ideas. If you think about us tonight please pray for us, because we will probably need it!

There are a lot of "FIRST TIME" events taking place this week. We as a nation have elected our first black president. We had a lady on a Republican ticket. Listening to the radio this morning on the way to work I got to hear some people excited about the events of yesterday and some not so excited. All I know is that the "Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses"(Dan. 4:17).

Election Day

Election Day 2008! I don't know about you but I will be glad when this is over. I don't know how many more commercials I could watch without throwing up. "I'm the best candidate because I accomplished this" or "I'm the one because of ________" ( you fill in the blank). I know I look at things very cynical sometimes but I'm trying to change. If you were President for one day what would you do? I would call every office and every organization that is under the federal government's authority and I would tell them that by the end of the day I expected their budgets to be cut in half. The wasteful spending of our government is ridiculous. If I could eliminate that I would feel like my one day as President would be successful! Honestly I know it's not that simple but when do we say "enough is enough". As you can probably tell I'm not a supporter of bigger or more government so you can use your imagination and determine how I voted. My neighbor, who is 7 years old told me he would vote for Obama because he was the one who was going to eliminate school. If you are looking for government to save you, you're looking in the wrong place!

Friday Humor

A little church humor for your Friday:( true stories)

This happened a couple of years ago but it is still funny. I always try to read our bullentin before I get in the service but on this particular day I didn't. I was reminding our congregation of what would be happening that week and I got to the ladies meeting and it read-" Ladies bring your thongs to the meeting this week and we will decorate them together." It seems that sandals are also called "thongs" but I had never heard that. I skipped over that announcement but at the service Sunday night we had a good laugh.

About 9 years ago we were meeting in a old VFW building here in Cartersville. The floors were hardwood and every sound just seemed to echo in the room. Anyway on this particular Sunday I was speaking on Lazarus and his death. I was at the end of my message and I had just a few more verses I was going to read. One of the older men went to cross his legs and he let go of some "gas". I tried to keep going so I looked down at my scripture to read the next verse and this is what I saw- Martha says to Jesus, "By now he stinks". Well you can just imagine the rest!

Hope you have a great day!

Mission

Last night we had the priviledge of having Dan Miller come and speak to our church. Dan is a missionary to Paraguay in South America. He is also from Canada. We have a couple from Canada that attend our church and they are the ones who introduced us to Dan. Just thought I would give you a little background about how a Canadian who lives in Paraguay got to Cartersville. Dan and his family have a camp in Paraguay where they have taken in abandoned children (if you noticed I said abandoned not orphaned). These children have been abandoned by their parents just because they didn't want them. Amazing, isn't it? I cannot imagine what could make someone do that. There is hope because of men and women like Dan who have given their life to make a difference in someone else's life. I have to admit it was not just a little bit challenging but a lot! One of the questions I've been wrestling with is- "what do I do that has eternal benefits? After all isn't that all that will matter? Paul tells us in the letter he wrote to the Corinthians that all our deeds will go through a fire and only the ones that survive will count. Jesus put it this way when He said that when you give, serve, love the least of these you are doing it to Me!

Power of Prayer

Where would you put prayer are your "what's important" list?

I would imagine you would say it's very important! Our church started a 30 day prayer leading up to the election next Tuesday. If you listen to most "christians" you would think that this is the end of the world. They talk about world events like we're helpless and hopeless. If we really believe in God and the power of prayer we wouldn't be scared or frightened but we would be joining together with other believers praying that God would intervene in our nation. Jesus said that where two or three were gathered together in His name, He would be right there with them. To get back to where I started and our prayer service, we have had a average of 6 people come to pray. These 6 people are the ones who come to every service we have at the church, so I'm not surprised. I was talking to a older man that attends another church and he was complaining that his pastor expected them to come to church and Wednesday night and just pray. His point was that he could do that at home. My question to him, "but would you?" I don't believe there is anything that we have as a option that is more powerful than our ability to call on God for His help! I hope you will remember that. God Bless!

Surprise!

Have you ever picked up the newspaper and seen your name in it doing something you didn't know you were supposed to do. I got to experience this surprise this morning. It seems I will be one of the speakers at a funeral tomorrow. Sometimes we get caught off guard and we struggle with the right words to say. At least I have time to prepare. As a pastor I have different ones come up and say things like, "I believe we need to start a food ministry". This really happened several years ago. I told the lady to go home and pray about it because if she wasn't prepared to commit a year of her life to the food ministry we were not going to start it. Should I tell you her response? Yes, I believe I will. She was hurt at me because she felt like I didn't trust her. But she did go home and pray about it and she came back and told me I was right. She realized she wanted me to start a food ministry. We all have good ideas but it seems we want someone else to do the work. So what is my point? My point is be prepared at all times but if you don't have the answer don't be afraid to take the time you need to get the right answer!

GO - BUT GOD.....

It's been a while since my last post and I could give you excuses but I'm sure you're not interested in them so I'll spare you. Every day our lives seem to be changing, don't you agree. Last Sunday I spoke on God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. If you want to read the story it's in Genesis 22. As I talked I began to feel a urgency in my spirit to ask the church what would God ask us to sacrifice in order for us to be tested? Before we go any further we need to establish "why" God would test us. God doesn't test us to watch us trip and fall but to deepen our capacity to obey Him and also to develop our character. He doesn't need to see "who" we are because He already knows that but "we" need to know who we really are! One observation I made last week is - as you read this story you don't see Abraham trying to reason with God and talk Him out of what He has asked Abraham to do. After God spoke to Abraham, we see the next verse tells us that Abraham got up early the next morning and set out to do what God had asked him to do. Wow! No arguing, no reasoning, no whining! Just complete dependence on God! Have I arrived at this place in my life? No, but I want to, don't you?

Are you really into church?

Bill is having internet trouble at church so I decided to surprise him by updating his blog. Many of you already know me as his wife, but I am so much more. I'm a mom, a bank employee, a sister, a daughter and a friend but mostly you know me as "the pastors wife".



Savoring a role as a pastor's wife, in past times has been, well, unsavory and is a hard pill to swallow. Sometimes I want to stick my head in the sand, but after 10 years I am getting used to the idea although the joy of the role eludes me from time to time. I have seen and heard almost every imaginable story and horror that families can live through and I have seen the joys. I wish I could say that for the most part the joys outweigh the tragedies but I can't.



It's strange. Most people you see only outside the church walls, but still refer to my husband as their "pastor". Some we have only seen in church maybe 5 times in 10 years. They need someone for the "marrying and the burying" and straightening out wayward children after they have allowed them to live as they wanted to with no spiritual example. I have actually heard this. " since my child___________isn't really into church anymore, we are not going to be coming". Sent via email to Bill. We were blindsided by this as this person had just commited to an important role in our church. His children were "ruling the proverbial roost" in his home and he just couldn't take the pressure. These children are 14 and 9. This is not so much about church than it is about an example to lead. This is tragic. We all need to be an example and help our children learn commitment, responsibility and loyalty from us. Afterall, eternity is at stake and we as parents can do nothing about it on the other side, so we must do all we can here.

Go forth and lead,

Deana

“A good example is the best sermon.”
Benjamin Franklin

Walking by Faith

I wanted to share with you an experience Deana and I had today. We went to lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants (if you noticed I said one of our favorite) and for the 2nd time we got to hear some interesting conversation from the booth next to ours. Evidently this lady that was talking was in the mortgage loan business and she was telling her friend about a lady that had come to see her about a loan. Well she began to ask her questions to find out if she qualified for the loan or not. Naturally she wanted to know if the lady had the ability to pay this loan back or not so she asked her if she had a job. The lady told her," no, but she was a christian and God was going to bless her with the house, with this loan officer's help or someone else's." As you know I've been speaking on faith the last few weeks, I need to get this lady to come and share with us on walking by faith, not really. I believe the problem with this scenario is if God told her He was going to give her this house that is one thing- He can do it! But to go and demand a loan on a property that she has no way to pay back is entirely wrong. The loan officer said, I believe she's been watching too much christian tv. I've been using Abraham as our case study in our study on faith. One thing I have noticed, he didn't go around telling everyone that he was blessed of God. No, everywhere he went it seems he left with more than he arrived with. God's blessing seemed to follow him all the days of his life. I stole that last part from David's psalm. I'm a Christian but I shouldn't have to tell people, they should be able to tell just by being around me. What do you think?

All is Well that ends in a WELL!

I'm excited today because tomorrow I will be going to the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. Last year was my first experience at the conference and I loved it. The music was amazing (if you like the bass thumping, ear ringing type of music, which I do). I am probably the only 47 year old whose son tells him to turn down the volume. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the music and the great speakers. I think the best part of the conference is the challenge that God seems to lay on my heart. How can you take this excitement back home to Cartersville? I'm not talking about the services as much as I am the service! That may not have made sense but the main focus is to give you ideas on how to share God's love in our neighborhoods. Here again, it's not what you say but what you do! Our church started collecting money last year to build a well in Rwanda(Africa) and a couple of weeks ago I announced to our church that we had reached our goal of $3000.00. We are not a large church but I am excited about this accomplishment because we didn't give up. We have always gave to missionaries to take the Gospel to the corners of this world but in building a well we will give life in a practical way and they also get to hear about Jesus! How can you help? I know you were asking that question. We believe this will be the first of many wells that we will be a part of, so if you will like to be apart of the next one let us know.

Annie/ Super Dog

I was walking my dog last Saturday night when I heard someone coming up behind me. I looked around and I saw a little girl riding a bike. As she got closer I could hear her sobbing and I asked her if she was alright? Her response was, "I didn't know it was so dark out here". I introduced her to my "killer dog", Annie ( that name just brings fear to your mind ) and I told her we would walk with her to her house. I can only imagine how she felt the minute she made it to her house. The part that stuck with me was what she said, " I didn't know it was so dark". I believe there a lot of people that are saying the same thing this morning. They can't believe how dark it is. But the great part of this story is there is One who is walking right with us and He said He would never leave us. Believe me, He carries alot more power than Annie does. It amazed me to see how just having someone with her calmed this little girl's fear and knowing I have someone with me all the time should comfort me and calm my fears. Guess what? It does!!

Just one more thought - Look up in the sky, It's a bird! No, it's a plane! No, it's Super Dog! During the day she sleeps 20 hours but when she's awaken she becomes Super Dog! Don't you feel safer now?

Running on Empty

I heard an interesting report yesterday on the radio about our current gas shortage. They said the shortage would continue as long as everyone kept topping off their gas tank. We seem to have a fear of running out of gas. I see a spiritual example in this. I know that may surprise you if you've read any of these blogs! How many people do you know that are as concerned with their spiritual gas tanks as they are with their car's gas tank? I would imagine if we had a way to gauge how much of God we had in us, the light would be bright signaling were empty. Looking at the pumps the other day when I stopped to get gas most cars seemed to have 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank of gas left. Alot of people, let me rephrase that, alot of Christians will go weeks and even months without praying or reading their Bible or even attending church. They don't see a need for those things but let something happen in their lives and the first thing out of their mouths is "why did God let this happen?" God is saying, "Oh do I know you?" Make a commitment today to spend time with God and then when trouble comes you will be prepared!

God will Provide

I had to go to the doctor this morning to have some lab work done. I know you wish you could have started your morning with so much fun but just me and 10 other people were lucky enough! Anyway, I went into the waiting room and there sat a old friend I hadn't seen in a year or so. We talked a while as we waited for our turn. It turns out that he may lose his job in a week if something doesn't happen. He was telling me how nervous and upset his wife was. I know the feeling. Deana finds out next week if she will still be working. A lady yesterday told me that her family was at the point of losing everything and I mean everything. I was just wondering if I had depressed you enough? Honestly that is not my intent! Here's my point and I think King David said it best in Psalms 37:25- "I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread." God will provide in every situation. Although it may not be like we want it. The title of Psalms 37 is "Rest in the Lord". I believe that is the best advice I can give. The 2nd thing we need to do is pray one for another because we need the support to help each other stand. Pray but also put legs to our prayers and do for each other. If you have the means to help someone then do it!

FAITH

Sunday I started a new series on faith with Abraham being our example. It is amazing to see someone walk by faith in Jesus. Growing up I had a great example of walking by faith - my parents. They packed up everything they owned in a few suitcases and moved to Israel to be messengers of the Good News that Jesus gave us. I look back now and wonder how they did it. The whole thing comes down to trusting God. Trusting that when He said, "He would never leave or forsake us", He meant it! One of the points of the talk on Sunday was a quote I read by Mark Batterson out of his book- "Wild Goose Chase". "Faith isn't logical. But it isn't illogical either. It doesn't ignore reality; it just adds God into the equation." In our lives we put a ceiling on what we think God can do. But God told Abraham to look at the stars and count them and his descendants would be as many as the stars. Not that big of a deal (you might be saying). It was a big deal seeing Abraham was old and his wife wasn't able to have any children. But the Bible says that Abraham was absolutely convinced that God would do what He said He would do! ABSOLUTELY!!! What a great word. No room for doubt- just FAITH! In your life has God promised you something and you just shrugged it off as impossible? Maybe it's time to shake off our doubt and put our faith in God and see what He can accomplish in us!

Special Becomes Routine

I know it's been a while since I've written anything but I had the opportunity to take a little vacation last week. It was nice to get away from the routines and just relax for a few days and believe me I did! I'm amazed every time I get to the beach and watch the waves come up on the shore. It reminds me of what an awesome God we serve. If you lived in Florida and drove up to Tennessee and into the mountains it would be the same experience- WOW! I guess we get so used to the things around us we take them for granted. I was talking to a friend the other day and she begin to talk about her marriages. She had divorced her 2nd husband a year or two ago. She looked off in space and she said, "I should've stayed married to my 1st husband". I guess what I'm trying to get at is the fact we take the every day good things for granted until they are gone. Then and only then do we realize what was there. Stop and look around you and truly appreciate what you have. Today so many people were tuned in to the news waiting and wondering what was going to happen to the economy. It's true everything we've worked for all our lives could be gone tomorrow but there are a lot of things no one can ever take from you- your love, your peace, your faith. So hang on, help is on the way!!

Just to let you know I still believe in the "DAWGS" as well as the Falcons! They'll bounce back and be better next game. By the way I am proud of myself for the self-control I had Saturday night during the 1st half of the game. Nothing was broken although I thought I was going to have to ask Josh to leave. He reminds me of myself at his age when it comes to football.

Tough Times

I don't know about you but everywhere I go people are talking about the economy. Since Deana is in the banking business, I wake each morning to these tv personalities telling us what we need to do. Then if that was bad enough it seems like everyone is laying off workers or threating to. It could really get scary, couldn't it? It would be nice if I was writing the answers to all these problems but I'll go ahead and tell you, " I'm not". I guess you can click out of this now,huh? If you stayed this is what I would like for you to hear today, "It came to pass!" That is my favorite beginning in the Bible because just like it says it came to pass. It didn't come to stay, it passed on by. This "to" will pass! No matter how bleak it looks we know that it is just a bump in the road. I remember the time when my boss called me in his office and told me to get my things they were letting me go( FIRED in other words). I don't know about you but "let go" sounded better than "fired". Anyway, I felt like my life was over ! I mean OVER!! I drove around several hours before I went home trying to think how I was going to tell Deana. I got home and I already had a message from another business offering me a job! Here's the truth, I would not be where I am today if they had not let me go. It is true what Paul says in Romans that all things work for the good! I know times are tough and may get tougher but look and see how God will use these times to stretch us and open new doors!

President vs Jesus

I've been following the presidential race that we are in the middle of. I've enjoyed parts of the race so far, but I've also grown tired of the empty promises that both candidates have made. Sometimes we as Americans believe that whoever gets elected will solve all our problems and get our country on the right track. I hate to bust your bubble but no one will be able to accomplish this feat by him or herself. I was just thinking, if believers in Jesus believed in the power of Jesus as much as we believe in the power of our president what could be accomplished? I don't know if you are familiar with the scripture where Jesus tells His followers that greater things than He had done they would do. That really doesn't sound like the church today, does it? We've fallen into the trap that government is the answer to all our problems and if I get in trouble then our leaders are supposed to come and get me. Where did the the idea of personal responsibility GO? Or the fact that our help comes from above as David tells us in the Bible! I know I sound like I'm preaching today - that may be because I am! Honestly if I make a bad decision I don't need to look for someone to blame, all I need to do is find the closest mirror and I can look the problem eye-to-eye. I challenge you to put your trust in the One who can actually help you. His name is Jesus!!

Monday's Thoughts

It's been a very busy week and especially the weekend but honestly I feel so refreshed this morning. That's amazing to me!! It might have been the chest bump I did with Paul yesterday in church. I was speaking about when Jesus sent 72 disciples out to speak and heal the sick and cast out demons. They came back and reported all that had happened! The Bible says that Jesus rejoiced with them. We think of that statement in light of how we see church- quiet, reverent. But I believe He acted a lot like college football fans last Saturday when their team scored the winning touchdown. I believe He danced, gave some high fives, and maybe a chest bump or two!!
Why? Because Jesus was overjoyed at what God had been able to do thru these disciples of His. I read a quote ( I can't remember where I read it- sorry) "there is no limit to what we can accomplish if we don't care who gets the credit." Awesome!! Jesus didn't look at His disciples and tell them, " Don't you realize this is my ministry and no one needs to do these miracles but me?" No, He rejoiced at what they had seen and done. So what's your point? Well the way I see it, at work, home or play if we work together so much more could get accomplished. Try it - you might actually like it!

Remember

If I asked you what you were doing 7 years ago today, you could probably tell me. There are certain times in our lives that we never forget. Growing up my mom would talk about the day that JFK was shot and what she was doing. I know what I was doing on September 11th, 2001. I had gone to Gainesville to a conference on Monday and was scheduled to stay for two more days. That night Deana called and she extremely sick so I packed my things and headed home. The next morning when I turned on the tv the first plane had struck the trade center. Wow! I remember the anchor on the news saying our country would never be the same. No truer statement had ever been spoken. In the Old Testament in the Bible, we see several instances where God met man and the only thing he could do was build a altar or a monument so he would never forget. How long has it been since you went back and revisited your monuments to God. For some it was the day you asked Jesus into your life, or the day you asked Jesus to heal you or a loved one and a miracle happened. Each of us have a moment in time when the sacred invaded our routine and we will never be the same. Jacob wrestled with an angel all night and got his hip out of joint and walked with a limp from then on but I bet he never regretted the experience. Sometimes we leave our encounters a little scarred but also with a healthy reminder of just who God is!

ARK - Acts of Random Kindness

I have several blogs I read each day if I have time. I'm amazed at what God is doing all over the place. I read where a church in Baton Rouge is feeding over 1800 people a day and God continues to provide the food. But I also read about a church that seems to be "me" focused. What that means is they seem to be consumed with me, myself and I. When I read their blogs, it was amazing the different feelings that they produced in me. The one outward focused brought a sense of godliness and satisfaction but the one that was inward focused gave me a sense of pride and self-confidence in their own abilities. I not saying that is how they felt, I'm just saying that's how I felt. I believe they are both great ministries and God is using them both. I was thinking about my life. Do you ever step back and do that? When I'm in the state of mind where all I can see is " gloom, despair and agony on me, if it wasn't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all". For those of you that are young that's from a tv show called "Hee Haw". Isn't it true that when we focus on ourselves that our vision gets smaller and our life becomes less meaningful? But on the other hand, when we look outside ourselves we see how big this world is! If we all did one random act of kindness today without seeking any recognition or praise what a better world we would have! Try it! You might like it!!

Monday Thoughts about Sunday

Good Morning! I was just sitting here thinking about our service yesterday. I spoke on loving like Jesus loved ( I guess I shouldn't use past tense because He still loves us the same today). But for our purpose, we were looking at some of the examples from His life. Sometimes we look at Jesus' death on the cross and just go on like it's no big deal. I asked the group yesterday which one of their children they would be willing to give up for the salvation of the world. I didn't have anyone that was ready to let their child die so that the rest of us could live. It's hard to under-stand the love of God, isn't it? John 3:16 says that, "God so loved the world that He sent His only Son" to die so we could live! I hope you will think about that today.

Just a few more thoughts!
Falcons will win at least 8 games this year!!
Bulldogs will run all over South Carolina!
I had the best weekend with Deana just doing nothing!!!

Mind + Tongue = Foot in Mouth

Philippians 4:8 - "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

If we were able to do just what this verse tells us to do today, what do you think your day would be like?

The ability to just think on good things is really not that easy. If you decide you will not say anything negative about anyone today, you will be tested! That person in the office that you really struggle with will hit you with criticism and you will want to make them pay. Someone else will come in with the ugliest outfit on ( you know what I'm talking about). Not to mention your boss!! ( I don't need to say any more do I?) You may be asking, "well how do we do it then?" How do I get through a day without gossipping or being negative or holding my tongues although I know they need to hear what I've got to say?
Paul answers that question a few verses before this one we just read. He gives us a few pointers on what to do. First, pray about everything. Tell God all about it. Tell Him what you need or what you think someone else needs. Second, thank Him for what He has already done. When we do this we will begin to experience God's peace. Then His peace will guard our hearts and minds. If He's guarding our hearts and minds, I think it will be easier to think on good things. So when you think you've just got to tell someone what you think, take it to Jesus first and let Him direct you!

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

You know how sometimes it seems like after vacation you have to go to work to get some rest. Well that the way it is around my house right now! Deana has gotten a hold of some lady that is supposed to help you get your life in order. Honestly it's not as bad as I'm making it sound. We have seen a lot of things that we have let go and need to spend some time and effort to get cleaned up. Each night we are working on a particular area until we have it straightened up. On Labor Day I worked out in the yard mowing grass, cutting the shrubs and spraying Round-up in the islands. Well let me tell you, it sure feels better driving into a driveway of a house that looks clean and neat. My sister was over at a friends house looking over their yard that needed cutting 3 months ago when the grass started dividing and she asked," what is that?" The family said,"Oh, that's just our dog." We think our messy life doesn't affect anyone but ourselves but the truth is - it affects everyone around us even our dog. Thanks Flylady for the push! We needed it!!!

Facing Fear

Well I just got back from the dentist! I guess I won't have to go back for another 6 months. Do you have things that you have to do that you just dread? I do and #1 on that list is going to the dentist. After I get finished and get in the car, I always think that wasn't so bad. But if you could see me on the way there I get nervous, I begin to sweat, I want to turn the car around and just go home. My wife asked me the other day what is the one thing you dislike about being a pastor? I hate to answer this on this blog because some of the church members read this, but I'll go ahead. The one thing that I find the hardest to do is to call someone who is always negative and depressed. I think the reason is that in some ways I fight those same feelings and when I listen to them it's harder to get myself motivated. Just like the dentist once I make myself call and check on them it's never as bad as I thought it would be. I know in our mind it will always be bad but once we do the thing we dread we get to experience the joy of a job well done ( or at least the joy of facing our fears and winning). The Bible tells us that we have someone who sticks closer to us than a brother so we're never going in alone! Remember that the next time your facing a giant in your life!

Open Mouth Insert Foot!

How many would like to live a life without any troubles? I think most of us would answer that question with a absolute- Yes, that's what I want! However if we read the Bible we find time and time again the promise of persecution, temptations, and hardship. Wow, isn't that exciting? I think I know your reaction to that little tidbit of information. So why do we have to go through these tough times? If we read on we see that each time we go through these hard times we grow. We grow in character. We grow in our faith in God. We get a little glimpse of what Jesus went through. Have you ever been involved in doing something good and someone comes along and just tears your heart and stomps on? It seems like at church when this happens it hurts worse. We feel like we should be in a safe place in God's house but that isn't always the case. Why? The biggest reason this happens is that we are there.(OUCH!) Well-meaning people want to tell the teachers how to teach or the preacher how to preach but if you ask them to help! Whoa now, I'm just here to critique you. It may sound like I'm bitter but I'm not(I promise!). I do get tired of seeing people sacrificing their time, get their heart ripped out and handed back to them on a silver platter all in the name of God. Looking back on some of my "learning experiences", I do see how my character was developed but it doesn't make it any easier when going through it. One final word on this subject, think before you open your mouth! It could save you and the person you're speaking to a lot of pain.

Visitors

Catalyst Roadtrip came to the church today. It was great to meet L.V. and see his vanagon. It's hard to believe the Catalyst conference will be here in about 40 days. We had a couple of men sign up to go with me. I'm excited about that! I want them to see some of the great ideas that are out there to help us share the Gospel. I don't have a lot of time today because I still have to prepare for our Bible study tonight. God bless and have a joy filled day!

Cleaning Day

Today is cleaning day here at the church!!! I'm just kidding. I'm not really that excited about it but I know it needs to be done. I remember a little over 6 years ago when I became the pastor here at NCC, we brought in a couple of dumpsters to get rid of all the things that had accumulated in the church. It seemed that people had used the church as a place to store their junk. That might sound a little harsh but the truth is the truth. "It not good enough for my house let's give it to the church." So we went through each room and got rid of the junk! I just remembered something that happened a few years ago and I want to share it with you. I started pastoring 10 years ago when we took over a small cogregation from another pastor who was going back to school. He took everything that was his and when he was finished we had just the bare necessities. We also had a cross-eyed statue of Moses and a lighted picture of the last supper(simular to velvet Elvis). I hate to say it but we took down the picture and ended up giving to a family who wanted to put it up in their basement. Poor ole Moses got knocked over and like Humpty Dumpty we couldn't put him back together again. Fast forward 7 years and I get a call from a lady who wants her statue and picture back!! Well it falls on my shoulders to break the terrible news to this lady. Needless to say she didn't take the news very well.
To get back to the junk. We cleaned the church completely 6 years ago and I thought we had done a good job of keeping it that way until a few weeks ago I was walking thru the church and I noticed how junkie the rooms looked again. So I decided every week I would take 1 room and work on it. It seems I've made a little progress.
I think the church is no different than our lives. We believe everything is ok in our lives but if we would just stop long enough to look we might see we have accumulated junk. In Hebrews 12, the writer tells us to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress". Maybe today would be a good day to clean house and I'm not talking about where sleep at night. Clean our minds, our hearts, and our souls with the blood of Jesus Christ who died for each of us!

Live today like you were dying!

Good morning to all! Hope you have a very happy start to this work week! We are about half way into our sermon series Back-to-School. Yesterday we spoke on being a disciple or follower of Jesus. I think the one thing that stood out to me was the fact that Jesus enjoyed life, not just endured it. I have been thinking of doing a series on the subject of if you had 30 days to live how would you live it? I love the country song by Tim ? (can't remember his last name) about his dadHis dad had cancer and he tells his son how he wished he had lived his life differently. We got some terrible news yesterday. Deana's cousin passed away. She was just in her early 30's I think. She had 2 young children. What a shock! Please pray for Uncle Joe and Velda and all the family. What would you do differently today?
We also had a business meeting after church yesterday. Let me just say we have a great bunch of people who love God with all their hearts!
Also, the GREATEST cooks around!!! I think I might have gained 5 lbs. yesterday.(just kidding)

Friday

Well, we made it to Friday! I'm looking forward to the weekend and spending some time with my family. We thought our niece was coming to see us this weekend but it didn't work out. We were trying to think of something fun to do. For a lot of us finding something to do that's fun and also fits into our time frame is difficult. Since I'm a pastor, my main work day is Sunday and I'll usually spend most of Saturday getting things ready. In Psalms we see a young man who worked at the temple and he watched all his friends and people around him out having fun and he asked God "WHY?" Why did they look like they were having so much fun and he was busy about God's business? In reality all he was doing was feeling sorry for himself (just like we all do at one time or another). God showed him that his life on earth was short but eternity was forever. What each of us do or don't do while we are living will determine how we spend eternity. When Asaph realized this, his "pity party" turned into joy. How many times do we get into the same place as Asaph and begin to think about how bad we have got it. Don't fall into that trap! Begin to count your blessings! Name them one by one! Count your blessings see what God has done!!!

Deception

This morning as I sit here in my office there is one thing I can't get off my mind-DECEPTION. Last night our Bible study was on lying. When is it ok to lie or tell half truths? My son had sent us a video several weeks ago that he said was AWESOME! I had watched that day and when we got home that night I told Deana, " You've got to see this"! So we sat and watched one of the most powerful songs we had ever heard. It was written by a pastor and songwriter in Australia who had found out he had cancer. The testimony and the song together was so inspiring. Well yesterday Josh called me and asked me if I had heard? It seems that for 2 years this man had faked his sickness and never had cancer! WOW! Talk about deception. Who can you trust? That was the question that my wife kept asking last night. Can we trust our politicians? Can we trust our pastors? Unfortunately as we can see from this story, in some cases NO! I challenge you today to begin your own crusade for TRUTH! It has to start in each of us and then it can spread! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life". He is the only One we can trust completely but as we imitate Him, His character becomes our character!!!!

Isn't it amazing?

Isn't it amazing the people we meet in a day? A few weeks ago we were sitting in Longhorn Steakhouse and I heard someone say Bill? I looked around and a pastor from Florida was sitting right behind me. We talked a couple of minutes about our families and then he left. I haven't been able to get that meeting out of my head because I don't believe in chance. I believe that things happen in our life for a reason. I recently found out that same pastor when he got back home had to go to the hospital. He's doing fine now but I know why God had me to pray for him these last few weeks. About 25 years ago I happened to be practicing softball on our church's field, when down the hill came this beautiful young lady. I remember telling a friend of mine " I'm going to marry that girl!" Less than a year later we were married! Isn't it amazing the people we meet in a day?

Thoughts

A few thoughts for a terrific Monday!

1) My beautiful wife is home from Colorado!

2) I gave our church the proper dress code for our services on Sunday. I'm not sure if it was what they expected! Basically just MODEST dress is required. We find in the Bible that God is more interested in the inside than what we're wearing on the outside.

3) I watched the Falcons Saturday, I'm not real sure what to expect. Good or bad I'll watch them anyway.

4) The #1 Bulldogs seem to have a lot of doubters- NOT ME!!

5) How to move our church outside our building? Any suggestions?

What are you full of?

Last night at our Wednesday night Bible study, we had a good discussion on Acts 6 and what Stephen was full of. We read in verses 5 and 8 that Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Spirit and also full of grace and power. I was amazed that we had the most conversation (which I love) on being full of GRACE. One thing we see in Stephen's life and death is grace. Grace is another word for unmerited favor or getting something you don't deserve. Stephen was able to be gracious when he was waiting on the widows he was assigned to take care of, when he was falsely accused, and even when he was being stoned to death. I was eating lunch today and I began to listen to the conversations around me. Most were not very gracious! The complaints ranged from the way their food was cooked, to the way people drive, to the terrible ex-daughter in law. If someone was listening to you today, what would they hear? Most of us can really find the faults in others but we miss our own. My prayer is that God would help us all to be full of grace like Stephen.

What's new?

Tuesday morning! WOW! It looks like it going to be another incredible fast paced week. I have to say, I will not be disappointed if it does pass by fast. My best friend is gone this week to Denver to take care of her mother, who by the way is progressing in her healing process.(PTL!) It's lonesome around the house without her here but I'm glad she had the opportunity to go. I have to say I believe our new series, Back to School, is going to hit home with a lot of people. After the service Sunday I had several tell me they had been neglecting reading God's manual (Bible). I work part time at a local funeral home and it may be a week or two in between the times I work and it seems like I have to relearn certain tasks. Alot of things we have learned before but we haven't used them in a while so we need to go back and refresh our memories. In Lamentations 3:23 it says that God's mercies are new every morning, so have you found out what's new today? By the way, thanks for your comments.

Sunday Again?

Well it's Sunday again! I told Deana that my week seems to be Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and then Sunday again. What I meant was my week just flys by. I know I'm not alone in this feeling. Well anyway, I'm starting a new series this week - Back-to-School. Today's message is about our textbook that we are supposed to be using - the Bible. We will be covering other topics that relate to our walk with Jesus. If you are in the Cartersville area please feel free to come and join us at New Covenant Church.

Consequences

I spoke last Sunday on Samson and Delilah. I guess I focused more on the consequences of our sin than the sin itself. I love sports! Deana will tell you that is a true statement. I watch the Braves(even in the bad years), Falcons(ditto), Hawks, Georgia Tech, and probably my favorite the Georgia Bulldogs. When I read that they were the preseason pick for #1, I was excited. As I've followed all the suspensions this week my mind questions 'WHY'? Consequences!! We almost believe we can do anything and not suffer any consequences. These young men have lived in a world where football is worshipped and have probably got away with numerous mistakes without any consequences. It would be easy to turn a blind eye and say "boys will be boys", but I admire Coach Richt for his stand. Hopefully these young men will see that their actions do have consequences. My actions have consequences and so do yours.

Observations

I won't write about what I told Deana I was going to write about today.(Ha) I think I will just share some of the things I have observed over this past week.

1) I witnessed some very special people come to the church on Saturday and work- very hard!

2) I saw my son and his friends try to figure out "WHY" their friend had to die in a car wreck.

3) I saw a couple testify to the goodness of God for his new kidney and his new life.

4) I saw a precious friend struggle with the lack of commitment of others.

5) I witnessed one of the shyest ladies stand and tell how God had healed her liver.

6) I met with 10 ministers and the oldest in his 80's still excited to serve God!

7) I sat in my office and cried for no apparent reason other than I just witnessed all these amazing things.

Have a great day!!!

Mondays

I know I write alot from a pastor's perpective but that is who I am. Mondays! This day is harder on me than any other day of the week and from talking to other pastors and reading their books and posts, I'm not alone. For the majority of my ministry, I've taken Mondays off. A couple of years ago I read some outstanding advice for pastors- "Don't take Mondays off! Stay as busy as you can!!" I took that advice and now I work. Are there days that are harder than others for you? I suggest you change your schedule and try some new stuff. Also for those of you who have prayed for Deana's Mom- THANKS! From the reports we are hearing she is improving and Deana will be going next week to help her.

Game Day

I just read Perry Noble's post and he described Sunday as game day. Am I ready? Did I hear from God this week? Have I put sufficient time in preparation for today's service? Those are some of the thoughts that I think about on Sunday morning before I step up to speak. I had one friend say "Why do you have to study? Don't God just tell you what to say?" I understand what he was saying but I also want to understand what God is saying. This morning say a prayer for your pastor. Believe me, he needs it!

Surgery

Today my mother-in-law goes in for surgery. (Please pray for her) I was reminded of what someone said recently, "It's always minor surgery unless it's happening to you". True statement! I was going in for a heart cath. a few months ago and I felt the need to try to tell my family how much I loved them. I said "try" because my wife didn't want to listen to me saying those things because she thought I thought I was dying. This year I've had a few of those moments where I've looked back on my life. I preached a series last year at our church and one of the points to it was "NO REGRETS". Live every day so that at the end of the day you could say "I have no regrets today". Have I accomplished that? No, but I'm not going to stop trying! My wife just called and her mother is in surgery right now. Deana and I have been married for almost 25 years and in that time I've had some disagreements with her Dad and Mom but I can happily say today, I love them and they love me.( I think!) Get well Grandmommy! We love you!

Thanks

How long has it been since you told someone "thank you"? That's not a question for you. It is a question for me. I never have trouble telling the waitress thanks when she brings my food or refills my drink. When someone holds the door so I can enter, I always say "thank you". While we were in church last night, it hit me - "how many times have I said thank you to the ones who teach our children, the ones who watch over the little ones in the nursery, or the ones who make sure the church is clean every week( I know the magic geenie blinks her eyes and it is clean). What about at home? Should I even go there? Husband, wife, children, parents tell each other how much you appreciate the things they do for you? As for me I've got a lot of "thanks" to deliver. First, I need to thank God for all of His grace, mercy, and love. Next, I want to thank my beautiful wife for her love, friendship, laughter and grace. Where do you need to start? There is no better time than the present! God Bless!

Commitment

Commitment - a dirty word or a way of life? My wife and I were walking into Kmart yesterday when she noticed she had chewing gum on her shoe. She had a napkin in her purse so I began to work to get it off. As I was cleaning her shoe a older gentleman walked by and made the comment " he might be a keeper". We continued to talk as we walked into the store. He is happily married to the same woman for 45 years. Deana and I will celebrate our 25th year in January. To get back to commitment, what are we committed to? Are we committed to our marriage, our church, our job, our lifestyle? Unfortunately the only thing most of us are committed to is ME, MYSELF, AND I!!! As you go through today think on this - What am I committed to?

First Thoughts

Today I enter a new world of blogging. I'm excited but also a little intimidated. My son, Josh, has been trying to get me to do this for years. I pastor a church in a small Georgia town where I have lived for the last 29 years. Yesterday I took a couple from the church to Atlanta for a doctor's appt. He had a kidney transplant last week and had to go back for his first checkup. The doctor came in to see him and apologized for making us wait so long, but they had surgeries going on and had finished 4 liver transplants, 3 pancreas transplants, and 3 kidney transplants over the weekend. The exciting part is all those people received new life. The sobering part is that someone had to die in order for them to receive this new life. As a believer in Jesus, it made me aware of the sacrifice that my Savior endured so that I might have a new life. If you feel the awesomeness of His love for you today- THANK HIM. Thanks for reading, Bill