It's good to look forward. It gives us clarity of where we're going. If you look back too often, you lose sight of your destination. As I think about this, it has immediate implications, as well as eternal ones.
For the immediate, we must not focus on the negatives of life. They can easily distract us if we dwell on them. And by losing sight of what is ahead, you can get off course quickly. Direction–not intentions, hopes, dreams, prayers, beliefs, intellect, or education–determines destination.
Eternally, it's good to know what the prize that is set before us is. Eternal life. The immediate future, though, is abudant life on Earth.
Living a life of godliness is not an easy one. However, it is one that we must strive for by keeping our eyes and hearts focused on what is ahead of us.
I am back from a two week blogging break. A lot has happened since then.
Our pastor at ABC, Tommy Mitchell, had chest pains, a heart cath, and then bypass heart surgery.
He is now recovering well at home. It is a blessing to have him at home.
The range of emotions that I have experienced through his surgery and hospital stay is wide. When you work alongside someone for 5 1/2 years, you tend to develop a bond. I am thankful he is making a good recovery.
With this happening, my leadership role at the church has increased. Not only day-to-day stuff, but also preaching, counseling, visits, etc. I am enjoying these opportunities. The amount of my preaching will be determined by how speedy Bro. Tommy's recovery is. I am humbled to be able to fill in for him. I pray that He will be back preaching soon.
In the midst of all of this, we have a full staff again. Nick Wolfe has come on board as our Worship Pastor. Nick and his family have officially moved to Agricola. Last Sunday was his first Sunday leading worship with us. I am excited about what God has for us as our staff is now "complete" again.
Other notes:
--Melanie and I are doing good sticking to new, healthier eating habits.
--We have also been working out with our Wii Active.
--Christmas was great this year. We spent time in Philadelphia, Starkville, and West Point. There was lots of intermediate travel in there with Bro. Tommy's surgery.
--We went to see the Christmas lights at Bellingrath Gardens this year. Wow!! They were prety awesome. I would definitely recommend checking this out.
--Micah starts Upward basketball practice this week.
--Melanie and I are going on a cruise next week. I cannot WAIT to get on that ship.
Well....the last few weeks have been good....but the real fun is beginning. Celebrating the birth of Christ is always a lot of fun. There is never a shortage of parties, parades, banquets, and other fellowships to take part in.
We travelled a good bit over the Thanksgiving holidays. Between Wednesday and Saturday of Thanksgiving week, we were in the car over 16 hours. We went to Starkville, Grenada, Holcomb, back to Starkville, Birmingham (Calera), and then back home on Saturday.
We took a train ride on the Polar Express in Birmingham, which the kids absolutely loved!! Here is the LINK to the website. You've gotta book your tickets early. They said there were 12,000 total tickets for the holiday Polar Express season, and they sold out within a few days back in October. (We bought ours the 2nd day they were available, and it was tight getting them).
Miss. State beat Ole Miss 41-27 in the Egg Bowl. It could've been a lot worse!! Great way to end the season.
Our Christmas parade is this coming Saturday in Lucedale. It's always a great time with TONS of people there!!
Tonight is our last scheduled dance class. We've gotten much better in what we've learned. It's been a lot of fun to spend that time with Melanie.
Over the past few weeks, I have been reading more and more it seems. Here are a few things that I have read or am currently reading:
If God Were Real by John Avant. A no-holds barred look at what Christianity has become....and it's NOT good.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan. An absolute must-read. We'll be going through this book for DT during Jan.-March.
My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. I've never done a year straight in this. Not sure I will this time. I pick it up and it challenges the heck outta me!! Love this. Read it online HERE.
Stuff I've been listening to lately.
Hope Rising album by Fee. He's probably my favorite worship leader.
Church Music by David Crowder Band.
Here is an EXCELLENT POST by Carey Niewhof, pastor of Connexus church in Canada. He talks about the hardest thing he does....and I agree with him!!
Wow....lots of stuff happening. ABC just called Nick Wolfe as minister of music. Nick and his family will be a great addition to what God is doing here!! Me and my family are excited about them coming to join us here!!
Got me a dog shock collar today. I got it off of EBAY. I'm going to see if it'll help me train my wild and crazy dog. I'd like to let her out a little more, but she's super wild. We'll see.
This coming Sunday...I am starting a new SS class for younger couples and singles in the 20-early 30s age group. This class constantly has to be re-created b/c, naturally, they get older. So....people usually don't "graduate" to the next class. They just move up together. It'll be interesting to see how often this class needs to re-create.
I just finished "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. What a great book. Francis has a distinct way of bringing hard truths in a way that is filled with grace.
We're (Agricola Baptist) going to go through the book as a DT study starting in January. I can hardly wait. We've already been talking about how we're going to teach it, with some great "extra" stuff to go along with it.
You can check out the official website at www.crazylovebook.com .
I'm praying about a project that I'm thinking about taking on. We'll see what happens. I think it will be good for me and my spiritual walk. But I want to share it with others as well. The decision is whether I can commit to it or not.
Just a few thoughts...
...I've been thinking about our mission trips to ATL lately. What an impact we made on our trips to the International Village.
...I visited today with a guy who has basically been unchurched his whole life. I like these interesting conversations.
...Did a lot of work today for KidStuf. Sunday is coming quickly!!
...going dancing with my baby tonight...and out to eat for her birthday dinner!! Bonefish...here we come.
...I had some really great seminary professors that taught me some great things. I've never really told them that. I probably should.
...wondering how many people still have dial-up internet.
I've been thinking about a lot lately. Obviously, I haven't been posting about it. I'm not even sure how many people are reading the blog still.
A few things...
Our new preschool and children's building is up and going. It's exciting. I look at the work and pray that the church will catch the fire and passion needed to fill it up. The building itself won't do that. Loving Jesus AND reaching out will.
I've also been thinking about S.S. Our attendance is down. There are a number of reasons that could cause this.
The possibility of a new worship pastor is exciting. I'm ready. I pray that the people will be excited about getting back to a full staff. I'll be especially glad. I'm ready to relinquish a few things.
Camo Sunday. I like it!! We'll be having some great things happening that Sunday. A breakfast, testimonies, DT class with a hunting emphasis, and other related things. It should be fun.
KidStuf. It's coming again this Sunday at 5 p.m. I still think KidStuf is one of the best ways to reach families. We have a great group of volunteers that are committed to it.
Slime....Melanie and I got slimed a few Sundays ago. Why? Our children's ministry has been giving them points for attendance at S.S., choir, RA's, GA's, KidStuf, memorizing scripture, taking notes during the sermon. They reached their 1000 pt goal. The next goal is 1500 pts and they get to slime their S.S. teachers.
Fall Festival. We are having it this coming Saturday, Oct. 31st from 5 to 7 pm. It's always a great night for families. This year, it seems that every church is having it on this night. I think it'll be a great alternative to traditional trick or treating. Although you can score good candy that way too. This year, we're gonna have the MECHANICAL BULL back...along with some other great stuff.
New S.S. class. I've talked to a few people about this. I'm praying that it will start within the next month. It won't be long. I think this will be a plus for our S.S.
Men's group. I have an AWESOME time every time we get together. It is truly a great time of spiritual growth.
Dance class. I love this time every week that I have with my wife. We have a BLAST together. It's good for the marriage. It's a lot of fun.
My kids. They never cease to amaze me. I'm so proud of them. God has given me to wonderful gifts in each of them.
I think that's all for now. No promises on the regularity of posts. If it comes to me, it comes to me.
Friday--Took Micah to the dr. in Mobile. He didn't have the flu. Just a nasty virus. I think he's better this morning.
Saturday--Soccer without 3 of our players makes for a long game.
Praise in the Park was amazing. Great event and experience!!
College Football. State lost. Ole Miss lost. Southern Miss lost. Florida beat LSU. There ya go.
Sunday--I preached in both the AM and PM worships.
AM--Nehemiah 4. Pushing through Discouragement...and fighting for our generation.
PM--Journeying to Joy.
All in all, the weekend was good.
On this Monday morning, I'm weary and don't feel well. My allergies (or sinus) is killing me.
I'm getting ready to speak again on Wednesday night. That's always a good time!!
Gonna get slimed this Sunday. The children's department reached the goal of 1000 points. They got points for attendance, scripture memory, bringing friends to church, bringing their Bibles, etc. It'll be great to celebrate this way with them. We'll do this during S.S. Hope I can get cleaned up by the time worship starts.
I did it....and I still have my man-card.
I signed up my wife and I for ballroom dance classes. It's something Melanie has always wanted to do. So guess what....I love making my wife happy and full of joy. Last night was the first of six lessons (group lessons). We are going to Starlite Ballroom in Mobile, AL. Last night, we learned the Foxtrot and the Waltz. We had a great time together....and even had a couple that we're friends with join us. I'll let you know how this goes.