Filed under: Family
Just a little while ago, I got a phone call telling me that I was an inspiration to this individual because of my weight loss. I said “thank you”. I have now lost over 65 lbs.
Dustin
One of my inspirations has been my nephew, Dustin Mealor. You can check out his blog here. He has recently been contacted by a magazine for a story on his weight loss. I don’t remember exactly how much what his weight got up to, but he decided to change his life habits and started riding a bicycle. I am not talking about for fun (it may be to him), but I am talking about the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong type. He is very dedicated to his craft. I am proud of him. Whenever the article comes out, I hope he throws me a bone and mentions that our church needs money for a gym to build an indoor bicycle track. 
Filed under: Church
It was just one of them days. It seemed that almost everything wasn’t working right or just flat out broke on us. We lost an air conditioner in our sanctuary (not good), we had sound difficulties, the service audio recorder quit working, and also our visitor bags went missing. Need I say more?
I am glad that the things that get me riled up with technology doesn’t effect God. His presence was so evident in the service. I spoke on “Through the Night”. I thought it was a great message. You will have to take my word for it, because there is no recording! We had so many couples respond to the altar invitation. It was very moving.
We had 149 in attendance. I am praying that we break over that 150 next week. Join with me in praying that we break it. There is power in agreement.
Last night we started our children’s crusade. In keeping with the theme of the day, the church computer and projection system was not working the way it should. Crazy stuff! David and Nikki did a great job anyway. The set design was top notch. I will try to post pictures of it later this week. We had so many people working so hard. I was proud of everyone! It is so awesome to be the pastor of New Life. We had 125 in attendance for the first night and I can’t wait to see what is going to happen tonight!
See you there!
Filed under: Devotions
Yesterday morning Bethany told me out of the blue that she wanted to take her princess sleeping bag with her to college when she goes. Remember that she is only 5. I responded that she would probably want a bigger bed when she goes off to college. She then told me that she would be fine with just the sleeping bag.
After the conversation ended, I thought about that being a great lesson on perspective. Our dreams and aspirations grow as we do as individuals. I hope that my hopes and dreams never quite growing.
Filed under: Devotions
Tuesday is garbage day at our house. It is my responsibility to make sure that the garbage can has been moved from the side of the house the side of the road. If I fail to move the garbage to the road, then it does not get taken away to the dump. If it does not get taken to the dump it will begin to back up and if neglected long enough the house could even start to stink.
As Christians it is so important that we take an inventory of our personal lives to make sure that we do not have garbage build up inside. If we fail to take out our garbage, then our spirit lives will begin to stink.
I want to encourage you today to remember to take out your garbage before the garbage man comes to take away the filth of this world.
*** I remembered to take out the garbage this morning. All of it!
Filed under: Uncategorized
Yesterday was just one of those days. I knew well in advance that we were going to have many people out of town on vacation. I had no idea that I was going to go non-stop from 7:30 am till 8:45 pm. I have already done a funeral this morning and now I am getting ready for a Church Council meeting. I am beat.
We had 137 in attendance even without some of our main stays. We had tons of visitors. I personally led one person through the sinners prayer and I know that many others came forward to be touched by the Lord.
So much is going on that I will have to share with you later. I am continually amazed at the Greatness of God.
Filed under: Church Insights
I had someone tell me this week: “I knew that you cared about people because you put fancy soap (Bath and Body Works) in the bathroom.” Now some of you might find that humorous, but for some people it is the small things that make the difference. I am trying more and more to be a stickler for the details.
Yesterday, we made a list of almost 50 things that need to be done at the church–now. Then we went over the list and made a Top 10. I will present this list to the Church and Pastor’s Council on Monday night.
I believe that the details matter. If you pay attention to the minor details it will make your ministry more effective. Now, here is the catch. Each detail will cost money. Not major money, but money nonetheless. Many people fail to do any details because they are unwilling to pay the price. Our list is a reminder that we at New Life are about process. The process takes time. You must be sure to make your process manageable. If you fail to be realistic you will become overwhelmed. Good luck–it is the small things that count.
Filed under: Personal
I have been on this diet thing now for almost 16 weeks. I had set a goal to reach a certain weight by August 1st. I reached it not to long ago. The reason that I am saying this is to let my loyal readers know that this morning I hit a new milestone. I have lost 60 lbs. Yes, it does feel good.
As a side note, I now weigh the least that I have been since Sarah and I have been married, maybe even since we started dating. How do I want to celebrate this occasion? I am going to eat today at the church’s Senior Adult Luncheon!
Filed under: Church Insights
I was thinking about the life of Jesus and how he led and mentored His disciples. One of the things that really stuck out to me was that Jesus was ministering, preparing to minister, or resting. The amazing thing about Jesus was that he was all about people. He actually went to them. He didn’t just wait for them to come to Him. He was willing to go to their homes, meet them in the streets, or wherever they were.
This is an amazing concept. As a pastor one of the things that I love to do is be with the people. It is a honor and privilege to be able to do this. I have heard too many pastors saying that people do not like you to come and see them anymore. I disagree. They just don’t want you showing up unannounced! I am reminded today to learn from Jesus-go to where the people are.
Filed under: Church
I am so tired today. I have several things that I have to do today but other than that- forget about it.
Yesterday was just a long day. We had a fund-raising dinner put on by our children’s church staff. The thing is that our attendance is on a up swing and we had 95 people stay to eat. They literally ran out of food. I think that it speaks well of our church unity.
We had 149 in attendance yesterday morning. I did not get to preach, but the Lord spoke volumes! I know that the Lord moved upon Jeff Turner and he opened up and shared about what he has been through and also how the Lord is seeing him through.
Last night we started a series called “Old Time Religion”. We even had a choir and they were outstanding! I spoke way to long (Over 1 hour and 25 minutes) and for that I am sorry. For the 108 people who endured, come back next week. I promise that it will be more encouraging and way less in length.
Filed under: Devotions
I love the word finally! This word is one of completion. Everytime that I am going through a tough time or away from my family, I long to hear finally. I bet you do as well. One defination of “finally” is: of or relating to the ultimate purpose or result of a process. Finally!
Paul write in Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” When you have done all that you can do –finally, be strong in the Lord. Everything begins and ends with the Lord.
Whatever your “finally” is that you have been praying for in your life, be strong in the Lord. I know that He is the one who can and will see you through to the completion of your ultimate process. Lord, I pray that you let your humble servants see their “finally”according to your heavenly will and purpose. Amen.
I can’t wait to hear about your “finally”.
