Monday, May 26, 2008

A Soldier's Prayer

Almighty Father, Whose Command is over all and Whose Love never faileth, let me be aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will.Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed, and helping me so to soldier and to live so as to stand unashamed and unafraid before my fellow soldiers, my loved ones, and Thee. Protect those in whose love I live. Give me the will to do the work of a man and to accept my share of responsibilities with a strong heart and a cheerful mind. Make me considerate of those entrusted to my leadership and faithful to the duties my country has entrusted to me. Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the Service of which I am a part. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, bestow upon me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of Thy truth ~ and keep before me the life of Him in Whose example and deliverance I trust. In the name of my Lord, Amen.

~ Unknown

Memorial Day

Honoring all of our men and women who have served in the armed forces and have lost their lives. Thank you for granting us the freedom we so enjoy. Thoughts go out to all the families who have lost their loved ones. Our prayers are with you.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Visiting Narnia!

I took my wife and my four girls to see Narnia's Prince Caspian today. One word... amazing! The message throughout the movie was eye opening. Basically... we can't live and do things on our own... we need God to help us. I recommend you going and seeing this one if you get a chance. I can feel a sermon brewing as soon as the DVD comes out. Have a good night.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Ecuador Is Coming!

In one week we will be on the ground in Ecuador. We are looking forward to the trip and what God is going to do in the hearts of the nationals and among our team. We have rehearsal tonight and tomorrow... the weekend... and then it's packing time and we are gone. For those who read this blog... please pray for the team, their safety, and their ministry.

New York City Update

The graduation at Columbia was great. My brother is official... he's a doctor! The graduation was one of many throughout this week. The main graduation was yesterday boasting in the thousands (which I did not attend). My brother's graduation (Physical Therapy Post-Graduates) had 47 students which took two hours on Tuesday. I am very proud of him and what he has accomplished.

It's good to be back from New York. I had to get up at 3:00 AM on Wednesday morning to catch the 6 AM flight out of LaGuardia. They routed us through Washington D.C. and we sit down in Nashville at 9:30 AM. I left the airport and went straight to the office. We had service last night and I was one tired puppy. However, the service was awesome. I enjoyed how the Lord lead the meeting and how the students and adults responded. I write today because I didn't have a chance to sit very long yesterday coming out of my trip. If you ever get a chance to see New York City, go! It truly is amazing.

Have a great day!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

New York City

I'm leaving for New York City in the morning. New York is a great place to visit. If you've never been, you need to go at least once. There's no place like it.

My brother graduates from Columbia University on Tuesday. I am very proud of him and what he has accomplished. I'm taking him to a Broadway play on Tuesday evening as a graduation gift. I'll let you know how it goes. Keep us in your prayers while we travel.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Saturday Morning

Saturday morning. It's great to just spend the morning with my wife and kids. We have had breakfast and now they have started their Saturday play time. I guess it's time for me to get something done around the house... my plans are to mow the yard and trim the hedges around the house. Good times.

Last night, we had five of our seniors graduate from high school. Four from Hendersonville High School and one from Station Camp High School. I was able to make both graduations and see all five of our graduates walk the line. After graduation I had two graduate parties to attend. It was great spending time with families along with their extended families meeting grandparents, aunts and uncles. I'm very proud of our students and what they have accomplished. All five of them will be attending college this fall.

Well... the dew has lifted... it's time to mow. Have a great day.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Before He Speaks

This is for all you pastors and soon to be pastors. There is wisdom in this video.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Friday Night

My two oldest daughters had a game night at church this evening. They had a great time hanging with their friends and playing games. Jenny and I took our youngest two to Wal-Mart. I've always said that if you can't get it (whatever "it" is) at Wal-Mart, you don't need it. We call Wal-Mart the Hendersonville Mall. Wal-Mart is a place that you can always run into someone you know and spend time catching up on their life. After visiting with a few friends, we checked out the clearance aisles, looked at flowers, electronics (always), tried on some clothes, my wife made me go to the hair care products aisle, and we checked out the latest house plans magazine. It was great just hanging out with family and looking at things together. If you haven't tried it lately... hang out with your family. It will do you and them some good.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Missions Team

We had a missions team meeting today at church. The students worked on writing out their testimonies, rehearsed a few dramas, and finished the day tying balloon animals. They are getting excited about their trip. The trip is less than four weeks away. I can't believe we are this close. It just seems like yesterday we started the process. My prayer is that God would use them as a change agent in the lives of those they come in contact with. Keep us in your prayers... start now!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Only Believe

We had our official orientation for our missions trip last night. We have 17 going to Ecuador at the end of May. Our team is excited and a little apprehensive at the same time. Most of them have never been out of the United States. They do not know what to expect and rightly so.

I can remember my first missions trip to Kenya, Africa. I can remember my apprehension. I can probably say... fear. It's scary leaving your comfort zone, but God didn't call us to live in a comfort zone. God has called us to live and walk in faith. My prayer for my students and adults is that they would know what it is to have faith in God and at the same time share it with the world.

God is in control of our lives. Don't be afraid. Only believe (Mark 5:36).