Living the New Life

Well, we pretty much let a few people blow it tonight at the conference.  Thank God for Marty Baker who saved us at the end of the open mic.  There are some really bitter people that spoke during the open mic.  I know that tonight did not go as planned.  I have great hope for tomorrow.  BTW, I don’t know who the guy was who called out and slammed North Cleveland, but dude you should have kept your mouth shut.  It was so rude and unnecessary.

On a positive note, I met some great people tonight who I shared with and learned from.  I met Adam Frye from Virginia, and spent time with Olin Greer and Ryan Herrington.  Also talked with Mark Carver, Alton Carter, Jeremy Donald, and Scotty Hagar up until 5 min. ago.  It was great to reconnect with Brian Hunter of Tallahassee, and Kevin Lloyd of Augusta.  Kevin introduced me to Marty Baker.  It was an honor.

I have great hope for tomorrow, and I can’t wait to hear Brian Hunter.  Good Night to all.

I am in Cleveland for the Engage Conference.  I always get excited when I get to come to Cleveland.  I went to college here so I think that it will make me feel younger just to come to the city.  Just kidding.

I was supposed to go to Travis Johnson’s bbq but I still feel terrible so I stayed at the room and took a nap. 

I hope that tonight brings great blessings for our church as a whole. 

I have always heard that you will be tempted to cheat at one point or another in your life.  Today, sadly enough was that day for me.  I was in a store and there she was.  She looked so tempting, so refreshingly amazing that I wanted to introduce myself to her.  I almost traded everything for one moment with her.  I heard a voice reminding me of my vows of committment and I slowly but sadly turned away.  Before, I left I did get a picture of this amazing beauty for all to see……

I am feeling a little under the weather.  It seems that the flu is going around pretty heavy these days.  We have a lot of sickness in our church as well.

I spoke on “Power for our issues”.  I felt like the message went very well.  Caleb our drummer was out so Cameron had to play the drums.  Brittany stepped up and led.  Good job.

Today was our burden Sunday.  We had everyone take their offering with their need and laid it before the Lord at the altar. 

The backstory is that before I was pastor the former pastor made a  purchase decision that the church has been paying $500.00 every month for since.  What was about $6,000- $7,000 will end up costing about $22,000.  We needed $8,700 to pay it off.  God moved and $13,800 came in.  To God be the Glory!  Yes, I am excited. 

Our attendance was down, but it seems that most of the churches in our town are.  I do not want to be like most churches.

My associate Danny just confirmed the Lord.  He said “It’s in the book”.  Spirituality in the church office on a rainy Friday.

Technology is a pain!  We are trying to get the fax line, phone tree, and the roll over lines here at the church to work without a lot of cords.  I would say that it is impossible, but nothing is impossible with Christ.  I hear the Lord speaking right now and telling me to go to Wal-Mart for splitters.  Yes Lord, I hear you and I will answer.

Tonight we had a Pastor’s Council meeting at the church.  Everything went well especially the Chicken Fajitas that were home made.  Steve (my secretary) chopped us the peppers and onions this afternoon and I came early and cooked everything.  They mentioned several times how good they were.  I used to cook a little but since I married Paula Deen, there really is no need anymore.

I am finally feeling refreshed and I am excited about going to Cleveland, TN next week.

****Sarah purchased Alli today for me.  This is a weight loss pill.  It was expensive (over $50).  Mom and Dad you have asked for me to lose weight, so the receipt will be in the mail and I will be awaiting reimbursement.  ha-ha!

I have been going so much the last few weeks and yesterday I hit my limit.  I had a good nights rests last night, but I still need some more.

I felt tired speaking this morning and this evening.  Tomorrow, I am taking the day off, except for a session in the morning, hospital visitations, getting ready for a Council meeting, and taking Andrew to a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon. 

A lot happened this past week, and I am sure that I will eventually catch everyone up on the details.

****I was so mad at the lady on Friday.  God has dealt with me and to make it up to her, I am going to to give her a gift card to Applebee’s.

****If Sarah’s Uncle Winkie reads this, my State Overseer loves you for the lights.

I did okay yesterday.  I gave roses, an oil warmer (which I think is really cool), and a gift certificate to Fairy Tale Nails.  The kids got her candles (which means that I paid for it).  I got some candy, some more candy, and …..some more candy.  Life is good. 

Why does everyone think that I am weird for not liking chocolate?

Finally, I found this website for all you ladies who are striving for holiness in your attire.  http://www.wholesomewear.com 

Tell me what you think.

When I woke up this morning it was 61 and now it is 32 outside.  What happened?  Remember that Valentine’s Day is tomorrow.  Sarah and I will be celebrating on Friday.

On Tuesday, I passed my exam to be an Ordained Bishop.  I told Sarah to bow and kiss my ring when I walked in the room and she told me to kiss “it”.  I don’t think that she meant it as a compliment.  BTW, I was only kidding.

I have met with two bank presidents this week and one more tomorrow.  I am trying to refinance the church at the best interest rate possible.  We are wanting a lower fixed rate.  The best offer so far is 7.25 for a business loan.  At least we do not have to do anything, so we do not have to rush.

I am very tired tonight.  I need a Mt. Dew.  I have now gone 44 days without one!