On my mind today

A Christmas to remember

2011-12-12T06:51:00.002-06:00

As you know, this has been a year of firsts in our home. Most importantly, our son Joshua was born on April 11th this year so this has been a year of the first smile, the first laugh, the first roll-over, the first tooth and now, his first Christmas. He's brought light into our home that I simply couldn't have imagined before he got here. It's funny. . . . we adopted Joshua, but I honestly don't know how on earth I could love him anymore if he were biologically mine. It's almost as if the Lord orchestrated things and people, placing him in just the right family at just the right time (ya think??!??!). Here's a sample of what I mean.

Not long ago, Julie, Josh and I were at Wal-Mart. Nothing unusual there! We were in the produce section with me pushing the cart, Josh seat in it and Julie gathering. A stranger walked up to Josh and I, looked Josh hard in the face then looked me hard in the face then back at Josh. Then Julie walked over and the stranger stared at Julie too (I know - kinda weird! But some strangers are stranger than others). With a loud voice the stranger said "He's got his daddy's eyes, but everything else is from his mom!" I just smiled and said "Yes, ma'am." We hear that all the time.

And now, his feet. For those keeping score, I wear a size 15 in most shoes, although I'm forced into a 16 in certain brands. They serve as a solid foundation for my height, but it's not a fact I brag about. Buying big shoes is a major hassle. I had hope for Josh, but apparently, it will be a vain hope. Julie bought Josh some 12-24 month socks recently. He's wearing them, but they are decidedly too small already. . . .and he's 8 mths old yesterday. What will he be wearing when he's 24 mths? I'm scared to think.

So what about this first Christmas for Josh? It's a Christmas where he'll learn of the love of Savior who came to earth that first Christmas night in Bethlehem. It's a Christmas where he'll come to know of the love of his parents for him even if he's too young to grasp it yet. It's a Christmas where he'll be spoiled by grandparents and aunts and uncles, some who have waited a long time for this day and hour (#my family!). It's Christmas where we'll begin teaching him about the Season of Advent and why it's important. And it's a Christmas where Jesus will be honored and celebrated - because of the great gift of love given for us - and our Josh.

A Christmas like none other

2011-11-30T22:58:00.004-06:00

We put up the Christmas tree last week, although it's not fully dressed. We put up the garland and the other Christmas-y things around the house. No biggie, right? Wrong. We didn't get to decorate last year since we were between places, living half in one house and half in another. Thus, no Christmas decorations which are a big deal for both Julie and myself. But this year, in our new home, we're going full bore for more reasons than that. As you well know, this is Josh's first Christmas. We're only at December 1 (almost) and it's already been better than I could've imagined. This Christmas really will be like none we've ever known.

An Ode to the Rangers

2011-10-28T22:09:00.004-05:00

As I'm writing this, the Cardinals have just beaten my beloved Rangers. While I'm heart-sick about losing for the second consecutive year, after a lifetime of waiting to get to the Series, the pain of the moment won't overwhelm the perspective time will bring. Last year, we got horse-whipped in the Series. This year, we had it down to the last strike before the whole thing went to pot. Perhaps by writing about some happier times, I'll be able to temper my disappointment.

May 1974 - I had just turned 6 yrs old. My mom got tickets for our family to go to the old-school Arlington Stadium (that's it). I'd never seen such a site! They were playing the much-hated Yankees. We had great seats and I'll admit it - I was hooked. From then on, most every year my parents took me at (or near) my birthday to see the Rangers play. Year after year, spring training would come and, with high hopes, we'd eagerly look forward to getting to the playoffs - much less the World Series.

June 1976 - I was a Cub Scout. They took us to the game. We got autographs (Pat Corrales! Anybody remember him? I do and I still have that autograph). My mom collected box tops that year and got me an autographed (actually it's stamped) Rangers ball. I still have it. Come to house to see it.

May 1981 - I received some free tickets from someone and convinced my parents to take me and a buddy. We were in the upper deck at the old stadium. They were awful seats and they gave my mom a touch of vertigo, but were there, soaking in life as a Ranger fan.

Summer 1988 - I was in college at Dallas Baptist University. Working at the campus, a friend and I had no girlfriends and nothing promising to do so we went to nearly every home stand over the summer. Sat in the bleachers for $2. Smuggled drinks into the game in our pockets. Parked about 2 miles away to save parking fees. It was awesome! The team wasn't very good, but we had a blast every time. With great enthusiasm, we cheered our Rangers right until they were eliminated.

Summer 1991 - Things had changed for me in a lot of ways, but one constant was the Rangers. I was overwhelmed to have Nolan Ryan (NOLAN RYAN!) pitching for my team. I went to every game (that wasn't on Sunday) he pitched that year.

March 1994 - The "New" stadium opened for visitors. One of my childhood friends, David Ellis, and I went to see the not-yet-opened Ballpark in Arlington. We marched around the stadium for about 2 hours dreaming about games we would see there. And we did.

May 1994 - When the new stadium opened and my bday rolled around, we were there! We had horrid seats - the very top row in the upper deck behind home plate - but I didn't care. We were there and it was awesome.

1996 - Finally, the Rangers made the playoffs. I thought I would explode! Even though we got rolled by the Yankees, we at least got there! Same story in 1998 and 1999 - but we finally got there!

May 2000 - Julie and I got married on May 6, 2000. My bday is May 7. Good timing, no? When I got married, I feared my tradition of games on/around my bday might end. But I married well, my friends. Very well. We honeymooned in Boston. Imagine my surprise when she asked "Are the Red Sox in town - we can't go to Boston and not see a game at Fenway!" YAHTZEE! Thus, the tradition continues. The Rangers are our team, evidenced by the amount of Ranger junk we have around our home.

Oct 2010 - When the Rangers won the ALCS (against the Yankees!), we were at the Tomato Bowl, 12 of us sharing one set of headphones. We held our breath until the game was over and we'd won. Wow. Later that night, after everyone was gone and Julie was asleep, I actually cried. Crazy, I know. But a lifelong love affair with a team affects you deeply! Even though we lost, we had finally won a pennant!

April 2011 - Our son, Joshua, was born. One of his first outfits was a Rangers uniform. He was two days old when we first watched a Ranger game together. Our summer was spent tracking them and watching them win the division, the ALDS, the ALCS and play in the Series. Like me, I hope my son will grow up with them as his team, even if they never get back to the Series.

While my greatest love is for my Lord, my family and my church, the Rangers rank right up there. Some might say "Choose a different team - one with a chance to win!" Sorry, but the die is cast there. I am who the Lord has made me to be and part of that is Ranger Red and Blue. (True, I'm a big Cowboy fan but they've always done well (well, most always). And the Mavericks just won the NBA title. But my first love was always baseball.) I'm not a bandwagon guy, jumping in the with the "team of the day" who is doing well. Thanks just the same - I'll stick with my Rangers. You who have never loved a team like that - you'll never understand. But you'll never know the passion and joy that such can bring. So, until Spring Training and the start of a new year of hopes for the World Series, so long Rangers and thanks for the ride.

An investment in the future

2011-10-12T09:39:00.003-05:00

This week @ CBC, we're talking about Generosity. What that means and people who we known who are generous. It brought to mind one of the most generous men I've ever had the privilege to know.
When I graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 1990, I received a scholarship to attend Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth. (Truth be told, I was third in line to receive it. The only reason it came to me was the other two turned it down to pursue other options). The scholarship was awesome and a blessing beyond measure, but it only covered tuition. I still had to live, eat, buy my books and gas to get back and forth. Knowing my penchant for eating (a frequent habit of mine!), I found work through a friend at Sears, right down the street from Southwestern Seminary. Although the store has since closed due to a declining clientele and neighborhood, I learned much about generosity and investment in the future in my 5 years there. Most significantly, I learned how to be generous even when that's tough. I learned it through Mr. Greg Johnson. Technically, Greg was my boss. He never acted that way, however, and he most certainly never treated me that way. A lifer with Sears, he'd worked for more than 20 years in the Sears organization at a variety of stores and a variety of jobs. He'd seen it all! His experience was priceless! I learned much about taking care of people in the RIGHT way and treating people with kindness regardless as to circumstances. What I learned most, however, was generosity.
About three weeks after I started with Sears, I had my schedule set. I'd leave home around 7:15 AM, attend class until around 2 PM then work at the store till around 9:15 PM. While I could carry lunch and supper with me (and I did), I frequently didn't take enough to really get me along - thus I weighed the feather-weight poundage that I did when Julie married me! One night, Greg and I took an evening break together. Nothing unusual. He asked me to accompany him to the Mall Food Court. There were only a small handful of fast-food joints down there and I had no money, but I agreed to go and keep him company. Once down there, Greg bought what seemed like an enormous meal at Taco Bell. Unbeknownst to me, he was planning to eat only half. The other half he gave to me. After I resisted (my mom did teach me some manners), it became clear this was his plan all along. Blessed by the meal (but even more by the kindness), we went back to work.
The next night, he asked me to go again. I declined (out of sheer pride). I was no pauper. I wasn't a charity case. While not "rolling in it" I wasn't that broke - was I? The next night - the same thing. The next night, again. This went on for a week or more when one day Greg caught me after I had refused and told me this: "I can't do the things you can do, Darin. I can't preach, teach or learn like you can. But I can help you get a decent meal every now and then! I can help encourage you toward being the man I think I see in you." Shocked and a little overwhelmed, I didn't turn him down again. It wasn't every night, but it was more often than not. And there were times when he would show up with something he'd bought somewhere else. Many times he gave me the cash and told me to go get it. It never was much in the way of monetary value - maybe $3 at the most. But to a poor seminary student working part-time at Sears, that $3 might as well have been $3 million. It meant so very much to me not because I needed the money but because I learned a strong lesson in being generous. Now, nearly 20 years since I left that job, I can still remember the generosity showed by one who chose to show it - and in doing so, teaching a young preacher something only a series of Taco Bell suppers can teach. Generosity means giving of yourself first.

The craziest year of our lives

2011-10-10T07:02:00.003-05:00

I've just reviewed my last blog post. I'll tell you the truth - I'm not in the least surprised by the date - March 28, 2011. Significance? That date is B.J. - before Joshua. He was born on April 11. I couldn't speak to that here since the case was pending and in the six months since then, we've been a little busy. A brief run-down for those who I don't get to see often.

March 9 - We got the call about a baby who needed a home. Although it wasn't settled, we were one of six couples being considered.

March 23 - We were officially approved as the adoptive couple for an unknown gender child.

April 8 - We were informed that the birthmom was to be induced on April 11 and we needed to be there.

April 10 - A Sunday. After the AM services, we told only a bare minimum of people and left to get our child. We went with an empty car seat, empty arms and expectant hearts. Truly, our lives were about to change.

April 11 - 11:25 AM - Joshua David Wood was born!

April 11 - 1:01 PM - We were allowed to see him for the first time.

April 11 - 4 PM - Joshua was brought to us and placed in our arms where he's been ever since.

April 22 - Good Friday - After all legal hurdles were cleared, we officially became Joshua's parents by judge's decree. We named him Joshua David. Joshua for the Biblical character (esp Joshua 1:9 and 24:15) and David for Julie's dad. We left for home immediately. On our way, we posted only a small vague blurb on Facebook, something we had avoided since we'd been gone so we didn't mess up the legal stuff involved in the adoption process. By the end of the day, we got more than 300 responses.

April 22 - 6 PM - We got home to find presents piled by the door and the house decorated with "It's a Boy!"

April 24 - Easter Sunday - We introduced Joshua via pictures to our CBC family. An emotional day to be sure.

May 4 - After realizing our current truck that I drive wouldn't hold Joshua's car seat, we bought a new-to-us truck that would. We would've waited had we known what was going to happen two days later!

May 6 - Our 11th anniversary - We received word that we sold our Frankston home. It had been on the market for 21 months!

May 9 - Mother's Day - Joshua's first Sunday in church.

May 23 - We put a contract on our Augusta Drive home.

June 17 - We closed on both houses and moved into our new home. MANY of our CBC family came to help and we're humbled by that.

Since then - Joshua is growing SO fast! Our house is becoming more and more like home. We're growing as a church and seeing God do some amazing things around us. I would've never believed what would transpire this year, even if it had been told to me in explicit detail. That's the beauty of a lifelong pursuit of Jesus - you never know what the next step will be. With humility we say, "Yes Lord - now tell me what's next."

A weekend to remember

2011-03-28T13:45:00.002-05:00

Monday morning gives me a few minutes to consider the previous weekend - and if the rest of the year goes as wildly busy as the first three have gone by, it will be Christmas in about two weeks!

- Charniece's retirement service was awesome! It was a outstanding reminder of the power of long-term service. She has served the Lord so faithfully for so long here at CBC - her legacy here will be long-remembered. Thanks to Will Cumbee and the hospitality crew for making the event so special!

- The beginning of our Red-Letter Series got off with a bang! The message of grace and forgiveness we found in the mouth of Jesus in John 19 is a poignant reminder of God's calling on our lives to give forgiveness just as freely as we have received it. NOT easy. There are many who struggle with forgiveness throughout their lives - either giving it or receiving it. I hope you'll pray with me for them.

- Julie and I went out to dinner Friday night (HOT DATE!) at El Chico on the Loop in Tyler. We had a great waiter named Christian. Pray with me for his spiritual journey. When I asked about it, he didn't really have an answer - which usually means there's isn't a journey going on at all. Pray with me for opportunities like this one to share the hope we know in Christ!

- Our Easter schedule has gotten some attention. As has become our habit, we'll be doing two services that Sunday - one at 8:15 AM and the other at 10:45. The difference this year is that the two services WON'T be identical. The early service will be our usual service. The late service will be significantly different. We're calling it "The Well" after John 4 when Jesus encounters a woman seeking life and hope at the Well. As you plan your Easter celebration, plan accordingly!

- We're engaging in Servant Evangelism projects ALL OVER THE PLACE in Jville this Easter season. We've asked your Sunday School classes to coordinate that for us. Be looking for your chance to serve!

- I've never been more excited about Easter than I am this year! I can't wait to see what the Lord does in the lives of those who seek Him! I can't wait to see what happens with our two service model! I can't wait until our fasts are over and we can return to a full-bodied life! What do I mean? At the risk of messing up my fast, I'll share with you my fasts. I chose two things to fast from: (1) carbonated drinks. That one has been relatively easy. I know they're bad for me and they steal oxygen from my bloodstream, so I'll probably keep this one going even after Easter. The other one, not so much. (2) Desserts / Sweets - This seemed like such a good idea when I started! Mercifully, we're almost half-way home! I had no idea I was eating so much dessert until I stopped eating any! Only once have I gotten really weak. At a funeral luncheon two weeks ago, one of our deacons (who, in fairness, didn't know my choice of fasts) sat down next to me with two of the most heavenly looking desserts I've ever seen! I got weak in the knees and began a battle within myself about how much harm one little dessert would do. Literally, even now as I'm writing about it, my mouth is watering! Another deacon, who did know my fast, sat quietly as he watched what I would do. He didn't say a word and I didn't notice him - but I held in there - by fleeing the scene! Sometimes, that's your only choice! On Easter at lunch, stand back! I'll be eating my share of dessert - and yours as well!

Back in town

2011-02-28T14:19:00.002-06:00

I'm back in my office this morning, following a quick trip to New Orleans / Baton Rouge for a conference and some R & R. It's not often I'll take a Sunday out in the middle of a series, but this conference was too good to pass up.
The Greer-Heard Conference, held at New Orleans Baptist Seminary, was entitled "Can we trust the Bible on the Historical Jesus?" Styled in a point-counterpoint format, this conversation was headlined by two eminent scholars: Dr. Craig Evans and Dr. Bart Ehrman. While you may not recognize their names, in our little scholarly world, they are straight-up ROCK STARS! One of them - Dr. Evans - believes the answer of the question to be yes. The other, Dr. Ehrman, believes the answer to be no. So why discuss it if we know their answers before we begin? Because this is a key question many are asking today. To understand the answer, however, we've first got to understand the question.
Can we "trust"? To trust means to rely on fully. While many will answer "yes" to the question as asked above, many of those same people fail to spend anytime reading the Bible. So my question then becomes do they really, REALLY trust it? If they really relied on it fully, it would be a much more integrated part of life.
"Historical Jesus" - The search for the "historical Jesus" is not the same as the search for the Jesus of faith or even the Jesus of the Gospels. What most scholars mean when they use that phrase is that they want a Jesus who meets modern historical standards of historical skepticism and science. They want hard-proof to affirm Jesus' claims. But the Bible isn't a book developed for historical science nor is it intended to be treated as such. While the Bible has no fear of such an investigation, the Gospels were written from a faith point of view and reflect that concept. Rather than demand that the Gospels measure up to my pre-ordained standards, I'm much more content to let the Gospels speak for themselves. Regardless of my opinions, the Gospels stand as a testament to the words of Jesus, his actions, his miracles, his passion, his death and resurrection. So can the Bible be trusted to tell me that? You BET!

Dining with Heretics

2011-02-25T10:35:00.003-06:00

As you may have heard, I'm out of town this weekend. We've taken a weekend out to travel to southeastern Louisiana for two purposes. (1) To see Julie's side of the family who live in Baton Rouge. Her parents, her sister and her family - we're the only odd-balls who live somewhere else. (2) To dine with heretics - at least one of them. I'll be leaving Julie in Baton Rouge in just a little while to head down to New Orleans for the Greer-Heard Conference at New Orleans Seminary. The title for this year's conference is "Can we trust the Bible on the Historical Jesus?" You already know my answer - a resounding YES! But there will be at least one person at the conference who will say "no." I LOVE these conferences as they provide an opportunity to engage my brain in a different way than I normally do. It should be a fascinating discussion. Check back with me later in the weekend for a run-down on it.

In the meantime, for my CBC family, you'll be led this weekend by Rev. Kurt Powell, a longtime friend of mine. Kurt is currently service as a coach in the Frankston School system.

Please know of my deep love for serving this church!

Sunday night reflections

2011-02-20T21:40:00.002-06:00

Just home from church tonight but I'm far from tired even though I feel awful! (I hate sinus stuff! They've been draining all day!) I live for Sundays, but there are some that are bigger than others! This one counts as one of those!

- I was all set to close out the service this morning, when Anna Jacobson came down to tell us she had invited Christ to be her Lord! Nothing gives a pastor more joy than to see someone proclaim Christ as their Lord! That NEVER gets old! Rock on Anna! We'll baptize her soon!

- After worship this morning, Julie and I had lunch with Randall and Suzanne Cooper at Jalapeno Tree - once I found them! I had a couple of meetings after church so they told me to catch up with them there. The only problem was they didn't tell me where "there" was! Makes a body feel unwelcome! I finally did find them after I went to Chilis and then to Posados!

- Tonight's service was our vote on our Vision 33. Our Long Range Plan Committee has worked long and hard to prepare and present this plan. Our vote was 122-3 in favor of the plan! Some days are bigger than others and this one is among them!

- So now, our attention turns to the next step - we'll be back with you soon on the next step soon!

Sunday night reflections

2011-02-13T20:59:00.003-06:00

It's a few minutes after 8 PM on Sunday night. We just got home from church. Wow! What a day!

- Welcome Ray and Holly Rawlinson, CBC's newest members! Coming to us by bapism, Ray and Holly are awesome! They and their two small kids are joining us in our crazy and passionate pursuit of Christ!

- The second in our "Toxic" series - Toxic Words - was the message this AM. It's been surprising to me how strongly people have responded to this series! I've had people ask me several times this week about this series! Awesome! That means God is working in spite of my shortcomings. This next week will get people talking - Toxic Relationships.

- We ended the day with a round-table discussion of our Vision 33 proposal from our Long Range Planning Committee. It was an outstanding time of fellowship, questions and answers among our family! I opened our Q & A time with 1 John 3:1 - "Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we might be called the children of God - and that's what we ARE!" - That which unites us is far greater than that which divides us! Pray for us as we take the next step!

- The Lord and I were talking yesterday as I got ready for this morning's service. As I prayed, I prayed for each of our CBC family with gratitude and passion. What an amazing church we have!

- So here's your assignment this week - in case you missed it this AM - write out a list of 100 positives about yourself. It's not anti-humble. Think of it as taking inventory of all that God has blessed you with!

- Thanks for letting us serve here with you! I've never had more fun doing anything else in my life!

The Bad Weather Blues

2011-02-09T13:56:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting at home now - at 2 PM on Wednesday afternoon - when I normally would be finishing my preparations for Wednesday night and Sunday. For the second week in a row, we've been forced to cancel our Wednesday night services due to inclement weather. Bummer. I hate canceling! It makes feel like I'm giving up. But with all the moving parts of a CBC Wednesday, we were convinced it was the right call.

The best example I can offer to that end is this. When I walked out to my truck to go to my regular Wednesday lunch meeting, there was ice on every side of my pickup! The side mirrors were coated in ice and I had to YANK the door open to get in! The springs groaned under the cold load as I sat down! I'm not THAT heavy!

So for now, I'm sitting at home, with a fire in the fireplace, Julie seated just a few feet away and our dog sitting contentedly between us.

A day on the tracks

2010-11-09T19:33:00.003-06:00

I spent the day today roaming Cherokee County with the Jacksonville Leadership Institute, a group that was kind enough to allow my knucklehead to join them for the year as we explore the in's and outs of life in our area. Each time we meet (just once a month), we cover a specific genre or theme of life here. Last month, it was Education. Next month, it's politics in Austin. This month was History and Tourism. We visited the Rusk Heritage Center, the Rusk, Footbridge (547 ft in length!), the Texas State Railroad, the KOA Campground (what a view!), Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari and Love's Lookout.
Without a doubt, the best part was the Texas State Railroad. Although I've never been a huge fan of trains, I, like most, are intrigued by them. Even more so today. We were given the "back-stage" tour of their shop where they work on the trains keeping them operational and rebuilding them back to their vintage glory. Since there's no instruction manual for their work, they make it up as the go along. What that spoke to me was that their work was more art than science. Talk about a giant jigsaw puzzle! I was amazed to see the bazillion parts lying on the racks, on the floor, on the shelves - and to think of these men as the ones who will piece them together to make all the trains run properly is astounding to my small mind. I can't imagine making that work. Hats off to those who run the trains! Visit there and enjoy it as well!

The Honorable James P Lankford and a passed bond

2010-11-03T15:44:00.005-05:00

I've never been a political animal. It's not in my nature. Growing up, I was always told to leave politics and religion alone. I messed up the religion one, but I've kept the politics one intact.

Until now. For the first time in my life, I watched the election returns with a deeply vested interest for two reasons:
(1) The JISD bond election. As a member of the facilities committee, we spent hours this past summer working on the proposal that now finds life with the passing of that bond. It surprised me how emotional it was for me to see that it had passed. It's a HUGE step forward for our city and the children of Jacksonville.
(2) James, my dear brother in Christ for all of my adult life, was up for election as the US Congressional Representative for the 5th district in Oklahoma. It was riveting! To see the returns come back with James' lead seeming to increase each time we saw it was thrilling! Today, we wake up to a new world where James is no longer James. He's now The Honorable James, the gentleman from Oklahoma. Wow.

When James asked me in Sept 2008 what I would think about his running for public office, I didn't bat an eye. Although I was surprised, I wasn't shocked. The reality is God's been preparing him all of his life for this moment in time. We're just witnesses to it.

So what happens now? For starters, we're going to pray for James, Cindy and their daughters with a new fervency. We'll pray for Jeb Hensarling, our rep from our district. We'll pray for our nation and our leaders. We'll commit to serving the Lord with faithfulness right here in Jville for the sake of our city, our state and our nation.
One last thing it means: if you're a CBC member, I'm ditching you on the first Sunday of the new year. Julie and I are going to DC to see our man James sworn in with the new Congress!

Weirdest game I've ever seen

2010-10-31T15:49:00.003-05:00

Friday night, October 29 in Nacogdoches, I was witness to the weirdest game I've ever seen. We (Jacksonville) went down to Nacogdoches to play knowing that a win (or even a loss by less than 8 pts due to tiebreaker rules) guaranteed a return to the state football playoffs. A Nacogdoches win by less than 8 pts would give them a victory but eliminate them from the playoffs. Confusing? You should've been there in person. When was the last time you saw a team with a chance to win take a knee just to keep the game going? It happened. Or throwing a ball intentionally almost to the parking lot? Many of us who were there won't soon forget it. I won't bore you with the details. Instead, you can read a full account of the game here. Suffice it to say this: when the game ended after a national record 12 OTs, we'd played more than 5 hours (officially the game began at 7:30 PM and ended at 12:54 AM Saturday morning), seen almost 1,400 yds of offense, 18 touchdowns in overtime alone and enough strange sights to leave all of scratching our heads.
Here's my take:
(1) It was cold. My wise and discerning wife had encouraged me to take my "big" coat. I felt sort of funny about when my traveling mates teased me about it. But by the time we turned for home (we left for home about 1:05 AM), I had people offering me cash (!) for my coat!
(2) Anytime I have a coach stop me (I think it was in the 5th overtime but I'm not sure) and ask me if I've ever seen anything like this, you're at an unusual game.
(3) In speaking with people during the overtimes, I told someone that it was shame anyone had to lose this game. Major props to both teams, coaches, bands (they both stayed till the frigid end!) and schools.

Thanks for a night to remember.

Julie's Birthday

2010-10-27T09:41:00.002-05:00

Today is my beloved Julie's birthday! It's a bummer that it falls on a Wednesday - a work day for me. I'll make it up to her tomorrow.

That's sort of been our method over the last ten years. I'll make it up to her later. My wife has the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job, especially when it comes to me. She has more "IOU's" for missed things due to church events, funerals, weddings, Sunday School class parties, fellowships, hospital calls, etc.., than I'll ever be able to repay. At least our vacations have been rather sheltered. Only once have we had a trip get interrupted. But it has happened - and she has ridden through it all with me.

Julie grew up as a pastor's daughter. (sidenote: Her parents are awesome! When I grow up, I hope I'm half the man her dad is.) But Julie knew the challenges of pastoring far better than I did and wanted no part of it for her own journey. Thus, when I asked Julie to marry me, I assured her that I was headed for a life of academics. After all, earning a PhD in New Testament - that means you're going to teach, right? Well, not every time. It was she who first knew the change in my calling and direction had come. Her insight into discerning the heart of God and my heart is unbelievable! So when we decided pastoring was where we were headed (after she had gone ahead and married me!), she didn't complain or bemoan her decision. She stood beside me with strength and dignity serving the Lord as my partner and companion in ministry.

I'm blessed to be married to Julie. She'll never know how much because there just aren't words for it. When you see her, tell her of your gratitude for her service to the Lord, our church and to her husband / pastor. She's the one who keeps him sane.

Sunday night reflections

2010-06-13T22:13:00.002-05:00

So I'm home and it's Sunday night. Generally speaking, it's a good thing to not do any "heavy lifting" kind of stuff on Sunday night. My brain tends to be a little weak after a full day like we always seem to have on Sunday!
Tonight is a little different. Julie is at Super Summer on the campus of East Texas Baptist University. She's working at the camp this week, so I'm rolling with Dodger this week. It's a bummer, but it's just as well. The only night I have this week without something on it is Saturday. So I'm glad Julie's there. I'll deliver our students there tomorrow with Steve Edwards. Julie and I met at Super Summer 1993, so it's almost like we've come full-circle for her to go back.
- Welcome to Lauren LaFleur and Ellen Maxwell, CBC's newest members! We're thrilled you've joined us in this crazy journey!
- An awesome day of preparation for VBS. It's a good thing - we start VBS tomorrow morning! I'm pumped! Major props to Jamie McDonald and her awesome crew of volunteers. Our whole building looks like a wild west movie scene! Thanks for the hard work and vision for making this thing click!
- We're off and running with the new series "Life in HD - A walk through Philippians." Today's message was especially fun for me to prepare! I love digging deep into the word of God and finding nuggets to feed myself and then sharing them with you!
- Next week's talk - "A Life of Conviction!" - some things are more important than others! Living life in a manner worthy of walking with Christ changes more than what we do / don't do - It changes our lives!
- If you didn't pickup a copy of our Germany prayer calendar, you can find one in any of our foyers. Get this - 40 days from Thursday, we'll leave. . . to come HOME! It's less than 30 days till we leave! The trip is closer than you think! Pray for us as we prepare. Pray for receptive hearts. Pray for us to passionately (!) present the Gospel in a way that exalts Christ and draws people to Him.
- I love my job! I'm so in love with the Lord and our church that this hardly feels like work!

Spirit of the law or letter of the law?

2010-05-13T11:04:00.002-05:00

In what has become a regularity, we find a discussion about the spirit of competition and the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law. In what has to be one of the most repulsive acts of partianship in recent memory, a young lady pole vaulting for her team finds herself in the midst of this debate. Rather than rehash it, go to the Sports Illustrated article and see it for yourself. Warning: I was less than enthused about one of the coaches involved. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/highschool/05/11/track.controversy/index.html?xid=shareFB
While no one disputes that the rules does indeed exist and that she was indeed outside the bonds of that rule, the spirit of the law should have been invoked. Did her jewelry grant her an unfair advantage? Did it interfere with competition? Was it the reason she was able to clear that pole vault bar? What is fair isn't always what is right.

A tough day ahead

2010-04-17T09:49:00.003-05:00

I'm in Corsicana, getting ready for Tory's funeral at 3 PM today. After the visitation last night, I came back to my hotel room alone (Julie's at a retreat in Glen Rose this weekend) and prayed. Thanks to each of you who have sent words of condolence to the family and for promising to pray today for all involved. Coming back to Corsicana got me to thinking about how the Lord has brought me along in my life.
Some of you may not know this, but here's a nugget of truth: I never planned to be a pastor. I was in youth ministry for about ten years when I felt like the Lord sent me to get a PhD and teach college level New Testament or Greek. I prepared myself accordingly, preparing myself with academics and academia. In the fall of 1999, when Memorial Baptist in Corsicana asked me to be their interim pastor while they sought a "real" pastor, I agreed - knowing it wasn't permanent. Julie and I were about to be married the following May (and after she had grown up in a pastor's home, marrying a pastor was the last thing she wanted!). I was a first year PhD student. They were offering to help me pay for the next semester - all the pieces seemed to fit together in a way that led me to believe (as I still do) that the Lord had brought this to bear.
But in February 2000, Julie and I went to lunch at a pizza place. I'll never forget it - she looked at me and said "The Lord has called you to pastor, hasn't He?" Of course, I denied it - she hadn't married me yet! And to be honest, I wasn't sure either. But by the end of March, it was clear. I was to pastor, at least for now. I had no idea that I would spend the next seven years serving the Lord at Memorial.
It's funny what you DON'T learn in seminary. I spent 3 years earning a Master's degree and another 7 earning my PhD, all at seminary, but the best training I got for this job did NOT come from there. It came from working at Sears. I was trained to work with people. They taught me conflict resolution and how to solve problems in the "real" world. I'm grateful for all of my training, be it at Sears or at seminary.
But there are still questions that can't be answered. Like why did the Lord allow a 13 yr old with a reasonably simple infection to die? Why didn't answer the many, many prayers? Why are their questions without answers. I don't know. And as the guy who people turn to in order to find these answers, that's the best answer I have. The timely-ness of an article in today's Tyler paper was refreshing. What do pastor's do and why do we have them? Here's the link:
http://tylerpaper.com/article/20100417/RELIGION/4170304

Holy Moments

2010-04-14T09:26:00.003-05:00

If you've read my FB status, you've seen that I've asked for prayers for 13 year old Tory Cantu. That's her with her mother, Robyn. They were members of Memorial Baptist Church in Corsicana, the church I pastored for 7.5 years. I've known them since 1999 when Tory was just a little snot-jockey. I baptized Tory in 2006. When Robyn's mother passed away in 2006, I did her funeral. On March 29th, Tory was diagnosed with a Urinary Tract infection. No biggie, right? They gave her some antibiotics and sent her on her way. Until it was a biggie. She went into convulsions that same day. They took her via Careflight to Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Since that time, Tory has been in a fight for her life. They've taken extraordinary measures to try to "right the ship" but things are not looking good. There's the background for our holy moment of the day.
When I got to my office this morning, there was a message to call Robyn. Many people believe pastors have no problems doing things like that, but we're as human as everyone else. What do you say to someone in that position? What possible word of comfort or counsel can I provide? Robyn was calling to ask if I would be willing to come and conduct Tory's funeral service when the time came. (I never get used to answering that question.) Here's the holy moment - I listened as Robyn expressed her heart about Tory and her great love for the Lord who gave her and would eventually take her home. I listened as she told of her great peace about the situation. "I know the Lord has her, Darin, and I know where she's going. When she does get home, she and her Grandmother will have a wonderful time!" Wow. I held it together until I got off the phone - then I wept like a school girl. If it were my daughter, could I have such faith? Do I trust the Lord with my deepest and most precious things like Robyn does? Can I find such peace when the world is crashing around me? I certainly hope so. Pray for Tory. Pray for Robyn. Pray for Ty, Tory's brother. Pray for Robyn's husband, Joe. Ask that the Lord of all healing, mercy and comfort show His power today in their lives.

2010-04-13T09:04:00.004-05:00

One of the challenges we face as Christians is the perception people have of us. Frequently, we're faced with overcoming people's preconceived notions about Jesus and what it means to be a believer before we can share our faith with them. What do people think about Christianity? Really? Four college guys decided to find out. They took a video camera and went across the US (in their first movie "One nation under God" - click here for that one) and most recently went to Europe with the same premise. They called their new movie "Beware of Christians." When you watch the trailer, I bet you'll understand why I thought it worth our time. They asked two simple questions - Do you know Jesus? What do you think of Christians? While it's not a joy to watch or hear the pained responses, we, as believers, would do well to listen. Here's the trailer below.

Update on the alcohol meeting

2010-04-07T11:30:00.004-05:00

It's been a long while since I addressed this issue last and it's high time to revisit it. Yesterday, there was a meeting held at the Hong Kong Buffet on S. Jackson (Hwy 69) to discuss the upcoming alcohol referendum. Progress Jacksonville (the pro-alcohol group) was invited to speak as well as Family First Jacksonville (the pro-family group). It was intended to be a forum where the public could hear both sides of the story and perhaps make an informed decision. I hope it was a beneficial dialog. George Douglass, co-chairman of Progress Jacksonville, presented his case as did Matt Montgomery for Family First. (FULL DISCLOSURE - I'm a board member for Family First Jville). I've collected some of the articles and news stories about it. They are listed at the end.

Just for the record, let me say this is NOT a strictly moral or religious issue for me. If someone wants to have a beer with their mexican food or a glass of wine with their supper, that's between them and the Lord. I have no gripe there. The Bible speaks often of wine and beer and the only command it offers is not get drunk. No, this is not a strictly religious or moral issue for me. My opposition stems from my past.

I lived in Corsicana in 2004 when this same election was held there. We were assured there would be no cost - only benefit. Now, six years later and far wiser, we know better. While Corsicana is still a great place to live, alcohol sales have decidedly not helped. Yes, it's true that Corsicana's sales revenues increased 41% over the years since that election. But did you know, however, that Jacksonville's increased 39% over that same time period? Or Carthage (no alcohol) 44%? Or Mt. Pleasant (who just voted alcohol down) a whopping 66%?!!?!? (here's the link to check all these numbers and more! https://ourcpa.cpa.state.tx.us/allocation/HistSales.jsp ). Alcohol sales are NOT free money. It's not a model on which you can build the future of a city. If it were, why would ANY city turn it down? While it's true that in the last 7 years 245 cities in Texas have voted this in, there are many, such as Carthage, Mt. Pleasant and Lancaster, who turn it down, not because of the possible revenue, but because of the cost. For that reason (among others!), I implore you to vote NO on May 8th.

In closing, please help us keep this discussion in a kind and generous, Christlike format. The last think we need is to make enemies out of people who live here with us but disagree with us. I had the chance to meet with George Douglass and Mike McEwen before and after the meeting yesteday and would even go so far as to call them friends. Remember that Jesus said people would know we belong to Him because of our love for one another. He called us to love each other, even if we disagree. Pray with me to that end.

http://jacksonvilleprogress.com/local/x552033177/The-showdown

http://www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?S=12265974

http://tylerpaper.com/article/20100407/NEWS01/4070360

http://www.thecherokeean.com/news/2010-04-07/Front_Page/Proponents_for_wet_dry_hold_lunch_forum.html

An ode to opening day

2010-04-06T08:27:00.002-05:00

I've always loved Opening Day of baseball season. Not just because of baseball but the optimism that it seems to bring to me. The sense that summer isn't far away bringing with it evenings outside with a sweaty glass of kool-aid in my hand, swims in our neighbor's pool, the pleasure of longer days and excitement that comes with students getting out for the summer. I love opening day. There's a certain serendipity to life when Opening day falls on the day after Easter and on the same day as the end of the NCAA basketball season. Speaking of that, what a game between Duke and Butler! Wow! Normally, I would post the "One Shining Moment" video, but for some reason they let Jennifer Hudson do it and it messed up the song for me so no "Moment" video for my blog. Instead, I've chosen a video from yesterday. I could tell you about it, but it wouldn't do it justice. It's about 1 minute long. It's perhaps the best defensive play I've ever seen from a pitcher. Enjoy and celebrate the fact summer is not far away!

Passover has just begun

2010-03-29T19:31:00.004-05:00

As I write to you, it's about 7:30 PM on Monday night. The significance of this is that's just about sundown meaning Passover has just begun. Passover always falls at this time of year, moving around slightly on our calendar due to the fact the Jewish calendar uses a lunar schedule as opposed to our solar schedule. See more on this following the description.
Passover is one of the highest days of holiness in the Jewish year. It was the one day of the year when the Jewish High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. He would pour out blood from the spotless lamb onto the mercy seat (the top of the Ark) and thereby atone for the sins of the people from the past year. It was followed by a feast and it was a celebration that was one of the highlights akin to our Christmas celebrations. It's celebrated beginning at sundown tonight until sundown tomorrow (Tuesday).
So here's why this matters to us. When Christ came to Jerusalem (as described in Scripture - Matthew 21:1-17), he came the week of Passover. When Christ gave himself on the day we call Good Friday, he did so on the day of Passover. He himself was the spotless lamb and he himself was the sacrifice made to atone for the sins of all the people. Each step of the path Jesus took during Passion Week was inextricably tied to Scripture foretelling it. I hear you saying "so what?" The big deal is that it ties the Old Testament and the New Testament together - the fancy phrase is "consistent hermeneutic" - meaning the message between the Old Testament and the New Testament is the same. Now THAT'S a big deal! Happy Passover!

An athiest takes a "liberal" Christian to task

2010-03-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

The conversation in this video is between Unitarian "Minister" Marilyn Sewell and renowned atheist and author Christopher Hitchens. It's a poignant reminder of what we REALLY believe and what truly constitutes a personal relationship with Christ. This video SHOCKED me in how well Hitchens understands Christianity and how poorly Sewell does.

All things beautiful!

2010-01-29T12:30:00.003-06:00

This morning, I'm at home. It's Friday and that usually means I'm off for a little R and R. The last couple of weeks have been a little on the crazy side, so I haven't taken my Fridays like I usually do. It's a great day to take time off - watching the rain fall and sitting with my dog while Julie exercises. Thus, here are some random thoughts.
- CBC is a great place to serve the Lord! I'm seriously pumped about this weekend! We've a 6th grade discipleship weekend beginning tonight. We've got the men's ministry "Beast Feast" tomorrow night. We've got a full slate of events coming up Sunday. More on that next. I've been here 5 mths now and I say this with full assurance - I've not enjoyed pastoring this much since I graduated with my PhD in 2006.
- Sunday is the beginning of a journey for our friends going on our Mission: Germany trip this July. For two hours following our morning worship service, we'll train our mission trippers in all things trip-like. From why we're going to Germany to German culture to even some German language study, we'll begin our march toward July's trip. If you're planning to go with us, meet us in the chapel immediately after worship Sunday morning - we're buying lunch!
- Sunday afternoon brings a meeting of "Family First Jacksonville" - a meeting of pastors and leaders to combat the coming alcohol referendum. Prohibition is not our goal (in my estimation, that only makes it the forbidden fruit that must be had!), but it is our goal is to prevent Jacksonville being overrun by the likes of Fat Dogs. Please pray for our meeting. While this meeting is not open to the public, the next one will be. Don't worry - you'll hear about it!
- Sunday night, we'll be going to the Smith Association Annual Meeting. I hope you'll join us - anyone interested can show up at the church at 4:15 PM and we'll take you with us in the church vans. We were allowed 12 messengers (the maximum allowed by the Association), but we can bring as many as we choose.
- A special word of gratitude to Coach Mel Socia, Coach Darvin Hooker, Coach Dolan, Coach Harrision and the 7th/8th grade Jax Middle School basketball teams. For the last several weeks, they've been kind enough to allow me to tag along and keep the books for them. The season is all but over for them but I'll not soon forget getting to hang out with them! Thanks!

I TOLD YOU IT WAS A GREAT DEVICE!

2010-01-21T08:03:00.002-06:00

When I got my iPhone a couple of years ago, I got teased mercilessly by some of you. You know who are. To that, I offer the story of Mr. Dan Woolley, a Compassion International worker who was making a film in Haiti when the earthquake came. He was trapped for 65 hours while needed medical attention. He aided himself and kept himself from going into shock - but how? By using his IPHONE! It has a medical first aid application that guided him in what to do. Click here for the full story. Wow. There are some good stories coming from Haiti. Take time to thank the Lord for them.

A wonderful video!

2010-01-19T15:10:00.001-06:00

Jonny Diaz did a song a couple of years ago that sums up this week's message wonderfully. I don't think I'll use it Sunday, but I might. One way or the other, here's the song.

Randomness

2010-01-13T10:22:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since we last spoke, so let me just be completely random for a moment.
- We're still living in our Frankston home, but more sure than ever that the Lord is going to sell it soon. We had a couple of "lookers" over the break - one rather serious - but no serious offers on it yet. I've got every confidence we're where the Lord wants us to be right now.
- I'm coaching a Little Dribblers under-14 team this year. We're the Hornets! Good kids! It's been a blast thus far. I think we won last week, but we had such a good time, it didn't really seem to matter.
- Julie and I got our passports over the break. Although we did have some excitement about it (we had to order an original copy of Julie's birth certificate), we're ready now!
- We leave Feb 24th for a scouting trip to Germany. Julie's never been to Europe and I've only been there once and even then I didn't leave the Paris Airport (I was on my way to Israel in 1990), so we're excited about going to share the mission work of the land of Martin Luther.
- Speaking of missions, we're headed to New Orleans March 20-27. I hope you'll pray for our work and pray for our team. We had a good group attend the meeting Sunday to receive information about it.
- One last bit of randomness - the "SOUP-er" Bowl is coming! Check back later in the week for more info!

What will CBC look like in 2020?

2010-01-13T09:56:00.005-06:00

I've had some time this week to consider what our church will look like in 2020. Thinking that way made me reflect on the last decade, what's changed and what I've learned in my first 10 years as a pastor.
In 2000:
- I had no idea what a text message was.
- I had dial-up internet - and was proud to have it! DSL / high speed internet was just too expensive.
- Until May of that year, I was still a single guy with no concept of the joy of a loving, committed relationship with my wife.
- I had a beeper. Cell phones were too pricey.
- My email address (I only had one - now, I've got three) was with AOL.
- I had done exactly one wedding and one funeral.
- The church I pastored then had less than 75 people. They passionately taught me about loving the Lord and how to serve Him.
- I thought being in PhD work was the most important aspect of my life.
- I had no idea how to leverage a website, a Facebook account, a Twitter account and a blog for the sake of the Gospel.

Prompted by a fellow pastor's blog, I've thought about what this decade would like if I could write it out in advance.
- Our church would be a loving outpost for those who are lonely, broken and in need of people who take Jesus' commands to love each other seriously.
- Our mission efforts, in Jacksonville, Cherokee County, Texas, the US and around the world, would reflect our passion for seeing the lost saved!
- Although I don't know how to quantify it, my prayer is for many in J-ville to come to Christ - and us to baptize them into the Kingdom of God. Not so we'll have a larger church but that the name of the Lord might be glorified!
- Our church will be a point of discipleship for those actively growing in their faith!
- Our church will be a place for worshiping Christ for who He is, who He has been and who He will be! Furthermore, that worship won't be identified as "traditional" or "contemporary" but by "glorifying!"

I've never cared much for measuring success / failure based on attendance numbers or by the amount / lack of money. Those are temporary sign posts. What I want to see is God moving within CBC, changing lives, changing hearts and leading each of us to become the followers of Christ we're called to be. Using our skills, talents and gifts, we'll serve the Lord by serving Jacksonville for the cause of Christ! Can you tell I'm fired up about this new decade?!??! Here's to seeing the Lord move between now and 2020!

We're going to fight it

2009-12-10T08:44:00.000-06:00

As promised, here's my take on the upcoming alcohol referendum for Jacksonville. For the record, let me say I'm not opposed to someone having a drink. If someone wants to drink, that's between them and the Lord. The Bible only proclaims not to get drunk. My problem is saying we want to bring it into our city as an endorsed revenue stream. Enough precursor - here goes.

On Wednesday of last week, I met for an organizational meeting for those of us opposed to the Jacksonville beer/wine referendum coming to us this spring. If there's one thing we DON'T need in Jacksonville, it's more beer and wine. People can already get it at least at Chilis, etc. - why do we need to enable them to bring it home with them too?

Please don't tell me about tax revenue. I lived in Corsicana when the same referendum passed there in 2004. We were assured there would be "huge" financial benefits. It would aid the city in many ways. There would be no "down side". That was five years ago. Although we don't live there anymore, many of our friends do and here's what we've learned since 2004. It's been such a "blessing" to the city, they are running a deficit budget this year and next. Meanwhile, the cost of having has been more than the benefit. It does NOT pay.

I'm also well aware of famed economist Mr. Ray Perryman's statistics showing the financial benefit of beer / wine sales. But I've learned that some things aren't worth the trouble - this is one of them. If no other reason, those who will be most directly affected by this are those who can least afford to spend their meager income on beer and wine. What about our children? Who wants to explain all those cases of beer and wine stacked like mad at Wal-Mart? Anyone believe our teenagers won't find a way to purchase beer / wine from one of our local vendors? What about the people in low-income brackets who can't afford to drive to Cuney or Rusk but can afford to walk to the convienence store? Who'll be there to help them when the rent money is spent on beer / wine and they are evicted? The alcohol related domestic abuse? Alcohol related child abuse? Anytime a business like Brookshire Brothers spends $23,000 (in Rusk) to see a measure passed, we can be sure they aren't spending money but making it. They'll earn that back in a month. But we'll be stuck with it, good and bad.

But at what cost to the quality of life in Jacksonville? I read with interest the column on the Daily Progress front page last week proclaiming "Cuney has seen no negative impact from alcohol." So Cuney is what we aspire to? Have you been to Cuney? Without disparaging our neighbors, I drive through there twice a day and it's not the kind of place I would want to live. If you want to buy alcohol, it's a great place to go. If you want ANYTHING ELSE, you've got to leave Cuney because alcohol is all they sell. Literally, there are no other business of merit there.

I have no doubt there's money to be made in alcohol sales. The problem I have is the cost of selling it. Some will say "But our tax dollars are driving out of town to get it - why not have it here and keep that money at home?" To that, I say let someone else / another town pay for the additional cost of increased police controls, increased jail space, etc.. Furthermore, if we're going to use that argument, let's apply it to other venues like these: let's legalize and tax gambling since so many people drive to Shreveport. Let's legalize and tax prostitution since so many are going to go out of town to find that as well. Let's legalize and tax drug use. . . . You get the idea. The argument is simply not sustainable.

I know we've got some church members who want beer and wine sales in Jacksonville. Respectfully, I love them and ask you to do the same despite our disagreement. But on this matter, for the first time since 2004 in Corsicana, I'll speak openly and throw whatever I can toward seeing this matter defeated. I don't have another viable solution to increase tax revenues, but I'm firmly convinced on this: we don't need it and it won't help us live better lives in Jacksonville.

Reflections

2009-12-08T09:12:00.004-06:00

- Welcome Ticer family! They are our newest CBC members and we're thrilled to have them!
- When you see Stefanie Robison, hug her warmly! The water we used to baptize her was frigid! If she hadn't had so many family members present, I would've pulled the plug and done her another time. Thanks for being such a trooper Stefanie - you won't soon forget it!
- Thanks to Sheryl Hanna, Steve Edwards and all of our choir and musicians for their exceptional work in the Hanging of the Green service Sunday night! It was awesome!
- A special word of thanks to Doug Ilsley, our tech guy. He had a big job on Sunday, both morning and evening, and pulled both off well! Even with the trouble in Brandon finding a working microphone, Doug works at his task seriously and with great effort. Pray for him and the others on our tech team.
- This Sunday is our Christmas program entitled "A Splash of Christmas!" Trust me - I've heard parts of it - you will not want to miss this!
- I read with great interest over the last several days about how an local option alcohol election is being planned for us in Jacksonville. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. I've got some thoughts on the issue and, later in the week, I'll address that issue right here - check back with me.
- MISSIONS - I love MISSIONS! We're more than halfway to our goal of $110,000 for our mission offering this year. Thanks for your generosity and faithfulness in supporting missions across the world and across the street. Steve Edwards and I met for nearly two hours yesterday discussing missions in 2010 (and beyond!). We'll be talking about more in the coming weeks as we get our plans finalized.
- I've got no good reason to feel this way, but I've always sort of felt like I'm really a part of a church once I've celebrated Christmas with them. Thanks to each of you who have made our first Christmas at Central so wonderful! We've been to a couple of parties thus far and have several more coming - and we're thrilled about that! Thanks for your kindness, warmth, love and friendship this Christmas season as we welcome Christ.
- How's your fast doing? I've chosen three things to fast from and let me tell you - it's been harder than I thought! Thanks to those who are encouraging each other to continue on! It's only two more weeks till Christmas!
- Ruby Staton is retiring next week. She's been our financial secretary for more than 20 years and has decided the Lord is leading her to spend some time with her husband, Gene (aka Mean Gene! :-) ) . Pray for her transition. Pray for the CBC office as we seek a new secretary. We'll be moving some of our existing staff around so pray for that as well. We'll honor Ruby's service to our church after evening worship on Dec 20th.
- Ray Vardaman is also leaving his position as a our interim music leader. We'll honor Ray following our morning service on Dec 20th.
- I'm beginning to think I'm no fun to work with! Do have BO? Or halatosis? Or, more likely, the Lord is simply guiding people where He would choose for them to serve Him best and it has nothing to do with me. Pray for these transitions, wont' you?
- This Sunday, we'll be talking about Luke 2:8-20 - the Shepherds and their role in the Christmas story. They are among the least like heroes of the story and yet God chooses them (THEM!) to be the first who hear the good news. Pray for Sunday's message and worship time.

I'm an outlaw

2009-12-03T08:29:00.003-06:00

I did something today I never thought I would - I signed a document declaring that I would be openly and civilly disobedient to the laws that speak against (1) The sanctity of human life (2) The re-definition of marriage and (3) the rights of conscience and liberty. The document is called the Manhattan Declaration. Read more about it (or sign it yourself) here. I've never been a political machine on any level, but I've grown weary of being told what and how I may speak to issues. For example, every so often, I get what I call a "threat letter" from a group like the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (what they REALLY mean is they are trying to FORCE the separation of church and state). These letters usually warn me against speaking to any political issue or candidate, no matter the grounds from which the issue springs. If I speak out and get caught (not terribly hard given we're on the radio and TV!), my church will lose our non-profit status. I've never really worried about it, but it's become clear in the last few years that I should. Not in fear mind you - rather in the realization that we are far from home. We're just passing through in bodies that weren't meant for us to keep forever (2 Corinthians 5). The Manhattan Declaration was written for those same reasons. There can only be ONE final authority. For me, that authority is God himself, expressed through His word. If there's a principle that violates the character or God or His word, I'll speak against. Not in anger, but definitely with clarity. I'd rather agree with God on issues than have men's applause. Consider signing the document. Consider being a part of the solution instead of just a bystander.

A recommendation

2009-12-01T08:09:00.002-06:00

I don't often recommend sites. Therefore, when I do, they're well worth your time. The site / widget you see below is one of those that's well worth your time. A few weeks ago, I mentioned Dr. James Denison in one of the illustrations I used on a Sunday morning. Although he's no longer pastoring a specific church, he's still very active in ministry. Presently, he is theologian in residence at the Baptist General Convention of Texas headquartered in Dallas. He also directs the Center for Informed Faith and writes a daily column called "God Issues". Below is the widget he's just released for use with his site. Take a look - it's outstanding stuff!

"The Blind Side" review

2009-11-23T12:44:00.003-06:00

Julie and I went to see "The Blind Side" Friday afternoon. We got there late, the theater was full and we had to sit waaaaaayyyyy to close to the screen for my comfort, but the movie is fabulous. (actually, we had to wade through miles of "Twilight: New Moon" fans - what's the deal with that movie / series? It turns even grown people into morons!) "The Blind Side" tells some of the story of Michael Oher, currently the left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens football team. While Michael is doing well now, such was not always the case. In fact, were it not for the intervention of Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the story of Michael might be one of a life cut short, were it to be told at all.
Michael's mother and father were absentee and, although a ward of the state, Michael was largely homeless. Through the intervention of a friend, Michael found himself enrolled at Briarcrest Christian Academy in Memphis. With a less than stellar academic record (spotty attendance- including at least one year they couldn't account for at all - and a less than 1.00 GPA), he was admitted as a special-needs case.
On a cold night in Memphis, the Tuohys (a wealthy family in their own right), who also had children at Briarcrest, saw Michael walking alone. Through a course of events, they brought him home and became his legal guardians, paid for his tuition, cared for him when no one else did and, truly, acted the part of being like Christ.
Texan Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne in the movie and here's what she had to say about the Tuohys "I've finally met someone who practices, but doesn't preach....I now have faith in those who say they represent a faith. I finally met people who walk the walk."
All because some people decided to act on their convictions. Whereas some have accused them of doing it for themselves since Michael is now earning more than $10 million, be reminded that they didn't know that on that cold Memphis night when they found him. They did, however, know of the command of Christ to care for those who can't care for themselves. I love the way James says it in James 2:17-18 (The Message): "Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove"
Here's the best article I've found about Michael's story. Click anywhere it's underlined.

Monday Morning Reflections

2009-11-23T10:24:00.003-06:00

- Welcome to Stefanie Robison, our newest CBC family member! We're so pleased to have Stefanie join us yesterday through her profession of faith in Christ! We'll baptize her in the next few weeks. In the meantime, do what you do best CBC - make her feel at home.
- What a turnout for the Thanksgiving celebration last night! To those who thought they could bribe Steve Edwards into calling your table next, apparently, your offer wasn't as good as someone else's offer! :-)
- I got a forwarded note from our friends in Germany, listening to us (via the internet) from their side of the Atlantic! Thanks for the encouraging words and kindness!
- It's Thanksgiving week, so that means no Wednesday activities and an unusual schedule for most everyone this week. Before you sit down to your meal on Thursday, spend some time with the Lord thanking him for the last year. While not everything in the past year is necessarily good, the very fact you're here to be concerned about it means the Lord has carried you through it thus far. Take some time to thank the Lord this week.

Reflections for the week

2009-11-21T18:29:00.004-06:00

We're home - finally. It's been a busy week! We left Sunday night for Houston for the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Our church contributes a significant portion of our annual budgetary receipts to the BGCT so for us it was a stewardship move. We listened, we voted, we fellowshipped with other pastors. A few gripes, but mostly they were about the hotel and the city instead of the convention itself. For example, when I stay at a Motel 6, I get free parking and wi-fi. They usually even throw in a free breakfast as well. The Hyatt Regency downtown charges for all of those things at ridiculous rates. Let's just say I won't be wasting time or money with them again.

Enough gripes. As for the convention, it was a great reminder of the partnership we're in with the other churches belonging to the Baptist General Convention. You may not know it, but there are more than 5,000 member churches scattered across the state of Texas. Not only that, there are nine colleges/ universities attached to us, five hospitals, two children's homes, numerous Christian camps and lots of sub-ministries attached to each of those. We're a part of something HUGE! Thanks for letting us run away from home for a few days to be a part of the planning and stewardship partnership for the coming year. Pray for the work of the BGCT, won't you?

After work on Thursday, we left for Oklahoma City to share a time of fellowship with our friend and hopeful-Congressman James Lankford. There was a party thrown in his honor recognizing his years of service to the churches of Oklahoma. His friends / co-laborers were kind enough to invite us to join in. While we were there, we visited my sister, Karen, who lives in Oklahoma City and teaches nursing there. She's significantly smarter than I am and is presently about 1/2 through with her PhD in nursing. (BTW, my other sister, Winona, was notified she has been accepted in a Master's program for licensing in Physical Therapy. Congrats to her!). We ate lunch with Karen and then went to see "The Blind Side", the movie I recommended to you last week. OUTSTANDING! I'll write next week about that.

Back to James, I'm reminded of Abraham. In Genesis 17, God called Abraham to go to a place he would be shown later. His instruction was to simply go. Explanation not provided. That seems to be how this experience has been for James. While running for Congress is something well within his reach, it's not something he had necessarily planned. It reminded me of another time when I was a youth pastor in Oklahoma. I sensed the Lord calling me to leave a good job, a good home and go to do PhD work. I called James, partially hoping he would talk me out of it. Instead, he poured fuel on the fire. So I left Oklahoma with no job, no promises of a job, no promises I could even get into PhD work. Nevertheless, the counsel James offered was sound and wise. When James called me last year about running for Congress, I was humbled that he would ask my meager counsel and prayed I would be as much help as he has been for me. Indeed, I told him, it seems like a good fit. We need men like James in Congress so we're doing something I've never done - making a campaign contribution. Pray for James and the 5th Congressional District in Oklahoma. Even if James were to lose the election, it doesn't matter - obedience is the key issue. How about you? Are you living in obedience? How big is your vision?

Wow. I'm a little behind on this one, but here you go

2009-11-13T22:32:00.003-06:00

So I'm catching up on some of my favorite blogs this evening since Julie is on a "girls night out" and I find this video about a church in North Carolina that held a book burning. At first, I thought there was nothing new there. What shocked me was what books they were burning.

Remember when I discussed with you that I wanted us to be known more for what we are FOR than what we're against? The church in North Carolina disagrees. Have you ever heard of the Dean Burgon Society? Those who subscribe to his thought believe that ANY Bible other than the King James Version is evil and should be destroyed. The aforementioned church in NC is one of those. Not only that, they took a step further, deciding for God who's works are evil and deserving of destruction as well. I don't know whether to be: (1) Shocked such a group still exists (2) saddened by the irony of their judgmental actions and their name - "Amazing Grace Baptist Church" or (3) Offended by dissertation wasn't singled out for destruction as well! :-) Take a look at the video - if you dare.

Random stuff

2009-11-12T08:14:00.003-06:00

- If you've ever been curious about how the Bible was made and what it means when people talk about "manuscripts", today is your day! The good people in Muenster, Germany who oversee the collection and distribution of the Greek New Testament manuscripts have been kind enough to place much of it online in high-quality digital images for your perusal. Click here to go see it! While the site is in German, it's not hard to figure out where to go. WARNING: It doesn't work with Internet Explorer. They're Apple / Mac people. They optimized it for Firefox or Safari. Even still, it's well worth your time and effort to go see it!
- This weekend we'll be holding a garage sale to raise funds for our mission trip to Germany next summer. Find us at Linda Acker's house. Call the church office for specific directions. Our hope is to defray enough costs to where we can take a group of 25. Never been on a mission trip? You're in luck! We're doing a LOT of training in preparation for the trip. Can't afford it? We've got fundraisers planned to help cut the costs down. We don't have a final price set yet, but we do know when we're going and where. We're going to Hannover, Germany in late July. I know many people have to turn in vacation requests and such before the end of the year. Steve Edwards, Jim Lord, Julie and I will be making an exploratory trip in February so look forward to hearing more specifics as we get closer.
- I'm headed to the HOPE Center today for the first time. I've heard so many fine things about the HOPE Center - I'm pumped about going! I'll give you an update later!
- On the way over this morning, I happened to hear the new Steven Curtis Chapman song "Yours". It's not often that I'm struck speechless by a song on the radio, but this time I was. It is as powerful and visceral a song as I've heard in a long time. I've followed his music since I was in college (and that's a long time ago! :-) ) and have been blessed by doing so. Go to iTunes and download it - it's the best $0.99 you'll spend today!

This Sunday's message - "Remember!"

2009-11-10T09:15:00.004-06:00

This Sunday is a rare occasion - we'll start the service with Baptism and end it with the Lord's Supper. I LOVE it when that happens! We didn't necessarily plan it that way but clearly the Lord did! Our message this week, "Remember", hopes to give you a reminder of what these two remembrances are about. As for this video clip, you've probably seen it before, but it's worth another look if only to hear the congregation laughing!

A movie worth seeing

2009-11-04T16:40:00.002-06:00

I don't make it a habit to recommend movies. Most of them are worthless dribble, harldy worth the time it takes to make them, much less worth my time to waste watching them. That said, there are exceptions. Like this one. I've not seen the movie, but I know the story. Maybe you do too. If not, here's a link to a brief bio. Don't like to read? Check this clip out on his life and you'll understand my recommendation to see this movie.

Monday morning reflections

2009-11-02T09:42:00.004-06:00

- What a day we had yesterday! WOW! I've never been more proud to be a pastor. From Erica's song to the choir special, I was blown away. I really (honestly!) consider shutting it down after the music. Yet the message I brought had been burning in my heart all week - I knew the Lord had it in mind for someone. I know our church isn't for everyone, but days like yesterday make that hard to remember! If you weren't here, drop a request to our church office and we'll get you a DVD of the service.

- This will be the last week of our "I LOVE MY CHURCH" series. I don't when I've enjoyed a series more than this one. If we are to reach Jacksonville for Christ, our love for Christ will be evidenced by our love for each other and our community. Pray with me toward that end!

- Welcome Ben Hooper, our newest CBC member! I've known Ben since he was in high school. His dad was a pastor in Hubbard, TX near where I was pastoring in Corsicana. Ben's grown into a fine young Christian gentleman and I'm proud he's here with us in Jacksonville and at CBC.

- A special thanks to Dan and Connie Bennett (that's them on the front row - Scooby and Daphne) who hosted a costume party Saturday night. I've only been to a couple of them in my life, and to be honest I was dragging my feet on this one, but it was awesome! A frightening sight, aren't we?

- Thanks to each of you who came to the "Empty Bowl" Luncheon yesterday at the Activity Center downtown. The turnout was awesome! They asked several local celebrities to paint an empty bowl, sign it, and let them auction it off. I don't know how much money was raised for the HOPE center (a ministry I dearly love!), but I know that my mug went for more than the $75 I bid! All I wanted to stay close to the price Micah Hoffpaiur's (member of the Chicago Cubs baseball team) mug went for and it was at $80 when I left. After all, he's a REAL celebrity! Of course, both of us were left in the dust of Actor Patrick "Dr McDreamy" Dempsey who apparently has a home in our area and Country music singer Neal McCoy.

- Congrats to our Jacksonville Indian Football team who won again last Friday. We'll play Friday night at the Tomato Bowl in the final game of the regular season against Lindale. The winner gets the District 14-4A Championship. As I understand it, we're in the playoffs - it's just a matter of who we'll play and where. Nice job fellas!

- On a non-J-ville note, I'm sad to say Six Flags Over Texas has closed one of my most favorite rides, the Texas Giant. It was built while I was in college, so to see it close is especially sad for me. Plus, I can actually fit onto that ride! They'll be replacing it in the 2011 season, but it's bone-jarring turns and kidney-punching drops will be missed. The Dallas Morning News did a short piece on it. Find it here.

Iron men!

2009-10-29T15:19:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
That's the idea behind CBC's new men's ministry we're calling "Iron Men." As men, we've been taught we don't need anyone. It's a lie! As men we've been taught not to rely on anyone. It's a lie! As men, we've been told we can stand forever on our own. It's a lie! It's a frightening thing to consider how many men are confused about what manhood means. Our hope is that we can work that ought together under the banner of Christ. We're launching our new ministry on Sunday night, Nov 8 doing something most of us would do anyway - eat and watch the Cowboys play football! They're playing the Eagles that night on NBC. Although it wasn't my idea, I heartily endorsed it! We'll meet in the Fishin' Hole (the Youth Building). If you're not a Cowboy fan, you can play pool, ping-pong or foosball. Anyway you stack it, it's a great way to spend the evening. Join us that night as we lay the groundwork for the future of Iron Men. We've got the annual "Beast Feast" planned for early February with a special guest speaker scheduled for that! For now, however, plan to be with us on Nov 8 in the Fishin Hole after the evening worship service.

Wednesday nights

2009-10-28T19:46:00.001-05:00

I love going to church on Wednesdays! If you've never been (or can't get here), let me tell you about it. Our format on Wednesdays is decidedly casual. We meet in the chapel. We'll pray for the needs on the prayer list and then discuss whatever our topic is for the night. Whereas on Sundays it's much more formal and lecture-type, Wednesdays are much more free-flowing and gentle. Coming on Wednesdays is something I've always done as a means of "topping off the tank" between Sundays. Even as a pastor, however, I find I still need that fellowship and love that you can only find when the church meets together. Put it down - Wednesday nights are cool!

Monday reflections

2009-10-26T12:37:00.002-05:00

My bad - I know it's been two weeks since I've been here. Let's just say the Lord has blessed my life with many opportunities for serving Him!
- Welcome John and Kelly Sandoval, our newest CBC members! We're thrilled the Lord has brought you here! We'll get you into a small group and connect you with the right people to make sure CBC really is home for you like it has become for us!
- I did Jacksonville College chapel this morning. It was rainy. It was early. It was miserable! Except inside! :-) Thanks to Tam Clark, dean at JC, and Sheryl Hanna, asst. choral director at JC, and the wonderful student body, it was a great way to begin the week.
- A sad "see you later" is in store for us this week. Tim Zednick, our technical director at CBC, is leaving us this week. Sunday is his last day with us. We'll honor him appropriately Sunday. Please pray for him as he begins this transition. He'll be moving to First Baptist Church in Lewisville to serve with Kelvin Reed, former CBC music pastor.
- HarvestFest is this Saturday! From 1-4 pm on Saturday, our FLC and parking lots will be full of fun stuff! Make plans to be a part of it.
- This Sunday evening, Dr. Harold Rawlings will join us again, sharing with us about the history of the English Bible. He's bringing with him a personal collection of English Bibles - trust me that you won't want to miss it!
- A special thanks to Kim and Kenny Dyess, some of our second newest CBC members. They joined us last week. They hosted a party Saturday night for the Adult 1 Class - it was awesome! I'm still not sure what was in that chili, but I liked it!
- A shout-out to our Jax High School Indian football team. I've been to a lot of high school games in my time, but that one Friday was one of the BEST! 56-55 win in overtime! Kudos to Coach Wells for pulling the trigger on going for two to win. I was up till 1 AM trying to slow the adrenaline rush!
- CBC family, I sure hope you like having Julie and I serve here. Why? Cause if we EVER get this house in Frankston sold, it'll be a LOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG time till we sell one again! I HATE negotiating the sale of a house! It's a little like Sumo Wrestling - the only difference is you're clothed!

See you on the other side, David

2009-10-12T08:55:00.003-05:00

For those who weren't here yesterday morning, I asked for prayer for our friends the Edwards family and the family of First Baptist Church in Corsicana. Dr. David Edwards, pastor of FBC, was tragically killed in a two-vehicle accident near Hubbard. (Here's a link to the full story). David lived a full life and leaves behind a powerful legacy of God's faithfulness, compassion and vision for reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Lyndy, three children and a loving church.
David came to Corsicana in 2006, just about the same time I was finishing PhD work. The Lord's timing was impeccable. I thought I was headed for teaching, but in David, I found a man with equal credentials (he earned a PhD as well) who was serving the people of God by pastoring. In many ways, his influence in my life became a turning point. I had never really considered pastoring as a vocation until that point. He spoke of changed lives, altered destinies and impacted communities, all through the work of pastoring. I began to see in David the man God might make in me. It was his zeal for loving people that spoke to me most. I met with David often and spoke via telephone even more. His guidance and leadership in my life helped me realize God had indeed called me to pastor. He was one who helped me when FBC Frankston came to call and then again when Central came as well.
David and Lyndy came to Jacksonville several weeks ago for the Jacksonville High-Corsicana High football game. We sat at Lupe's Mexican Food across from the Tomato Bowl and talked about our love for our churches, our wives and our Lord. I didn't know it would be the last time we would share fellowship together. If I had, maybe I linger a little longer with David before we got up to go to the game. Maybe I tell him how much influence he's had on my life. Maybe I say thanks for his example of godly passionate leadership. The good news is we'll share fellowship again. The next time, there's no event that will end it. See you on the other side, dear friend.

Monday Morning Reflections

2009-10-05T08:48:00.004-05:00

We begin, as I always like to, with a hearty welcome to our newest members! Welcome Lex Ticer, Jack and Melinda Lewis and the Ansley family! We're thrilled the Lord has brought each of you to be a part of our fellowship! We're going to welcome you to Central by saying what we always say: "Welcome HOME!"

- Our first of two Deacon messages - "Deacons and why they deac!" - was a blessing for me as I got ready for yesterday. You won't want to miss this Sunday. We've got a skit to emphasize how a deacon is supposed to look and act (assuming we can get all of our actors well!).

- Sunday School is a GREAT way to get to know people at Central! If you're new to us or are planning to visit, plan to come to to Sunday School. Remember - the church is the church only when there are people inside her walls! The people ARE the Church!

- It's true we were down yesterday with the heavy rain we had. But it's amazing to me what people will get out in the rain for if they choose to! We need PASSIONATE PEOPLE excited about following a PASSIONATE GOD! Anything less is not worthy of our Savior!

- Please continue to pray for the Traylor family. We laid Judy to rest yesterday in the rain. Bro. Hank and Bro. Randy did a fine job officiating the service. Pray for husband Paul, sons, Steven and Kelly, daughter Misty and Judy's grandkids. No matter how long you have to prepare for someone's departure, you're never really ready. We can be grateful she is at home with Lord today. A special word of thanks to the Adult 1 class who provided the meal for the Traylor's last night.

- Our prayers have been requested for Mary Bishop of Jacksonville. She's due to have cancer surgery today. She's already had a couple of rounds of chemo and is still fighting! Pray for her healing.

Praying today. . . .

2009-09-30T15:06:00.003-05:00

I want to ask you to pray for some specifics today.
- Kelly Traylor, Cherokee County Commissioner and a deacon at CBC, lost his mother today. She had been ill, then bounced back, but the Lord called her home today. The unexpected passing of anyone is difficult, but even more so for someone so beloved. Please pray for Kelly and his family during this difficult season of life.
- My great-uncle, Ben Hudson, went home to be with the Lord yesterday. Ben had been in poor health for some time. Thus, it was in the mercy of the Lord that the Lord let Ben come home. We appreciate your prayers as we prepare to lay this godly servant of the Lord to rest.
- We have MANY in the J-ville area who are sick. No matter what the disease, it's making its way around town, through the schools and wreaking havoc in its wake. Pray for those who are sick.

"Cast all your cares on Him, for it matters to Him concerning you" (1 Peter 5:7). It's a comfort to me to realize the God of all the universe cares about the problems I face and asks me to give them to Him. Who better to trust them to?

Monday Moring Reflections

2009-09-21T11:43:00.003-05:00

- Welcome Jacques and Temica Gooden, our newest members! We're thrilled to have you with us! It's not often we have people join at the BEGINNING of the service, but special people demand special arrangements. (For those who didn't hear it earlier, Temica's work schedule requires her presence before the end of worship, thus we made the special arrangements.
- Special thanks to Doug and Tim for their hard work in the technical arena yesterday - I asked a LOT and they delivered! Thanks fellas! Here's the video I used yesterday if you want to see it again.
- I was blessed by those of you who came to worship yesterday! I never bother to count, but we had a full house again.
- We'll finish our "How Great is Our God" series this Sunday with "A worship service of ONE!" Whereas yesterday we talked about how BIG God is, this Sunday we'll talk about how intimate our relationship can be!
- Believe it or not, this Sunday will be our one month anniversary! Never in my life have I felt so at home so quickly as I have here. Your warmth, graciousness and kind words have made our first days here a blessing beyond words. We look forward to being here for years to come!

New series on the horizon!

2009-09-17T09:55:00.003-05:00

Sunday will mark our one month anniversary at CBC! It's been awesome! I love what I've seen and heard from each of you! I think this is the greatest church in the world and I'm so pumped I get to be a part of it, (much less serve as pastor!)! So here's what we're going to do with this new series. We're going to find out why YOU love CBC and what being a part of Jesus' kingdom here has meant to you. In order to do that, I need some volunteers. If you're interested in helping me there, drop me a note at the email address at the top of the page. I'd love to hear from you!

Things I can't use on Sunday

2009-09-16T09:49:00.002-05:00

Occasionally, I'll post things here I've found researching for Sundays but can't find a home for in a message. I usually won't explain how or why I found the item I've placed here, but usually, I found it funny or unusual enough to let you have a shot at. This time, however, a little explanation is due. One of the illustrations I'll be using Sunday is about God's view of us. One of my favorite pictures of this comes from Joyce Landorf's book Balcony People. They love us, regardless of our performance. Leaning over the rail, they applaud our every move and do so with passion and enthusiasm. The video I've posted here is sort of the inverse of that. While Statler and Waldorf are balcony people, their snide remarks, while often hillarious, are inverse of God's methodology for us. Enjoy this trip back to Muppet land!

Update from Oklahoma

2009-09-15T09:04:00.003-05:00

I got a call last night from my dear brother James Lankford. Two weeks ago, I shared with you about his decision to run for U.S. Congress. Now, he's deep in its throes. Fundraising, shaking hands, asking people for their vote - you know the plan. While you might think it odd for a minister to be running for Congress (esp given the nasty nature of Washington politics), bear in mind that his decision was hardly entered into lightly. It's one a long time in the making and one he did not enter into unadvisedly. Therefore, I humbly ask for your prayers for James, Cindy and their two daughters as they begin this long journey. There's much work to do and many obstacles to overcome. One person told me although they supported James' decision, they didn't think he stood much of a chance. To that, I responded that my God "can do immeasurably more than I ask or even imagine" (Ephesians 3:20-21). Since God is the author of our lives, only He can write the story.

Monday Reflections

2009-09-14T09:24:00.004-05:00

I made it through the rain home last night and back again this morning. Although we needed the rain desperately, I'm glad to see the sun peaking through today! Or at least I was this morning before our internet service went down! I'm glad to see it back!

- I tend to think of the first Sunday after Labor Day as the first Sunday of the church year. What a great start we had!

- A great thanks to Steve Edwards for his exceptional work in putting on our "Fireproof" movie night last weekend. A great night of pizza and a powerful movie! If you haven't seen it, let us know. We'll get you a copy to view!

- Thanks to our LLL (Live Longer and Like it!) Ministry last night. We had a wonderful fellowship after worship last night - even if we did run out of food! Now that's the kind of problem I like to have! It means people are there and they are happy (all those who got food are anyway! :-) ).

- I'm always on the lookout for ministry oppotunities and stuff that God's using in powerful ways. Here's a conference every college student should consider attending. I can assure you - it's powerful, it's relevant and it's worth your time! Take a look at their promo video (2:40 minutes).

- A shout-out to all my Facebook friends out there! You know who you are! If you're on FB and you haven't found us yet, search for either me or "Central Baptist Church Jacksonville" group.

- A shout-out to all my Twitter followers. If you'd like to follow me there, find me at www.twitter.com/Darin610.

One question I've been asked is why I bother with these social networking things. The answer is simple: it's where the people are! Jesus went to the places where people were and sought them out. By doing social networking (among other things), we're doing the same! Maybe that's not how they envisioned their product being used, but who cares? Let's use it for the Kingdom just the same!

A friend's big news

2009-09-01T08:30:00.004-05:00

You remember how on Sunday I said "Some days are bigger than others"? The truth is I've been keeping a secret for a deeply trusted friend. While I was beginning here Sunday, he was about to begin the weirdest journey of our lives.

Meet my friend James Lankford. That's Cindy, his lovely bride, and Hannah, their oldest daughter. They have another daughter, Jordan, as well. They live in Edmond, Oklahoma. James and I have been friends for close to 20 years now. We came to Southwestern Seminary together in 1990. You ever met someone and it's like a long-lost brother? That's how James and I felt. We've served the Lord together through Youth Evangelism and through church ministry. He has a passion for ministry and an even greater passion for people. I've found him to be a man who can be trusted implicitly without fear of reprisal. We were in each other's weddings and have carried our friendship forward despite the distance between us.

About a year ago, James called me on my cell. Nothing unusual there - or so I thought. He was calling to ask me to pray with him about a change in career path, a path he now begins pursuing.

Effective today, James is running for U.S. Congress, 5th district of Oklahoma. It may seem a strange choice to some - a minister running for Congress? - but the reality is that we NEED men who are willing to follow the Lord to that snake pit in D.C. and straighten out that mess! I know we have many who read this blog who have family all over the place. If you have kin in Oklahoma (specifically, Oklahoma County, Seminole County or Pottowatomie County), encourage them to vote for James. If you don't have family there, pray for James, Cindy and their daughters as they begin this journey to Election Day 2010.

My avocation

2009-08-30T22:23:00.003-05:00

One of the things I enjoy most is the study of the Bible. Whether it's for use now or studying the ancients versions of it, my heart beats fast for it. The picture you see at left is the portion of a papyrus version of 1 Peter. It was only recently discovered. For those who say Biblical study is boring, I say you're not doing it right! Here's a link to the site where you can read more about it and learn more about the fascinating world of New Testament studies. Let me know what you think!

Getting my mind right

2009-08-27T08:50:00.002-05:00

Each day I get an email from Zondervan Publishing House, printers of the New International Version Bible. They send me a random verse per day, completely random to me although I'm sure they have some sort of plan involved. The amazing thing is how timely these verses seem to be for me. Today was a great example. Although this week has been nothing short of amazing, it's always tough starting a new gig. Having to ask such mundane questions - like "where do we keep the pens?" or "how do I mail this?" or, my personal favorite for myself, "How do I turn on the copier?" - it's a reminder that we're still getting our feet on the ground. Thus, when I opened that email this morning, I couldn't help but smile. Today's verse is Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." This week hasn't been trying because of my job or the people I work with - far from it. But has been a challenge in focusing my heart and mind on Christ and not all that needs to be done. We'll get there - I just know it - but my calling is still to keep my mind centered on Christ, not the tasks he's placed before me.

Welcome Central BC friends!

2009-08-25T08:57:00.003-05:00

Welcome to our friends from Central BC! Herein, you'll find my incoherency on full display! If you take time to read this with any frequency at all, you'll find my thoughts are as random as the day is long! My hope and prayer is that you'll also find something of my heart for people and ministry here. First, a word about who I am and where I plan to go. My deep desire is (1) for the love of Christ to change each of us for the sake of His kingdom; (2) for the love of Christ to change what we do and why we do it; (3) for the love of Christ to call us to worship Him for who He really is, not just what I'd like to think of Him as; (4) for the love of Christ to call us to mentor and guide other lives toward maturity in Christ; (5) for the love of Christ to bind us together in faithfulness and love as we serve Christ together.

Although it's not been advertised, Steve Edwards has been gracious enough to let me have the privilege of leading tomorrow night's prayer meeting. We'll be starting a journey through Psalms and Proverbs that we'll employ on Wednesday nights. Sunday morning, we'll be discussing "Who God LONGS for you to be" - the first of a two part series. Sunday night, we'll begin a study on Christian history, theology and what the church holds true and, more importantly, why.

What do I need from you? First, I need you to pray fervently for the work of Christ in our church and community. We need revival in our nation as we never have before! Second, I need for you to pray for my family as we begin this new journey. Third, I need for you to pray for your staff at CBC. We have an exceptional staff! Pray the Lord's protection and provision over them, their families and their work. Finally, pray for yourself (I put this one last because we seem to never fail to do this one anyway!). Ask the God of all wisdom and grace to guide you.

That's it for now - check back to find more of my nonsense.

Home

2009-08-21T21:38:00.002-05:00

We're back. What a great time we had! It was an awesome time to spend with us before next week. A brief recap:
Monday - We went to the Alamo and the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at the Alamodome. Both super cool! While I've been to the Alamo many, many times ( I once had a job that had a significant amount of travel around the state and San Antonio was a regular stop), I never cease to be impressed by it. It stirs the love of history and Texas within me and causes me, once again, to thank God for this amazing and wonderful land in which we live.
As for the Cowboys,I've long wanted to go to Training camp just for the experience. It was no disappointment! It was great to see the Cowboys up close - I'll never be able to afford seats that close at the new stadium - and the best part was it was FREE! Since we had parked downtown, we didn't even pay a parking fee!
Tuesday - Literally, we did nothing. We slept late, swam in the hotel pool, ate a late lunch and went shopping. My favorite stop was Half-Price books. I'm such a book junkie!
Wednesday - We went to SeaWorld! Julie and I went to the one in San Diego a few years ago and I'd been to one like it when I was a kid in Arlington, TX, but it was still mega-cool to me. Of course, Shamu was the star attraction for much of it, but we spent a good part of the day in the water park, a wonderful and welcome addition. The crowd was light - Julie and I walked on to the Great White Roller Coaster with no wait at ALL! - and the weather wasn't as hot as it had been so it was great! The bad part was my best Nike shoes had a blowout while we were there. Strangest thing - the air pocket on the right heel expanded creating a lump of air for me to walk on the rest of the day!
Thursday - Came home, but not before we went to the Outlet malls in San Marcos. I had to have a new pair of Nikes!
So now its Saturday and, for the first time in a long time, I'm not preaching tomorrow. I'm not really sure what to do with that other than wait expectantly for Monday and my first day in the CBC offices. If you're a CBC member, pray for us as we begin this journey together!

My last post from FBC

2009-08-13T15:46:00.003-05:00

I'm here in my FBC office, but it's different now. All the books are gone and so are the wall-hangings. My little knick-knacks and tchotchkes are gone as well. It has been the strangest summer of my life. I would've never believed it if you had told me on Memorial Day weekend. Sunday is our last day here - it's shocking to me even now to say that. All the life and heart and soul poured out here - it's hard to reconcile all of this.

And yet, in this change and the accompanying loss, there's a quiet confidence in my heart. A confidence that yes, this IS INDEED God's plan for us. I don't know why and I can't express with clarity what happens from here. For all human intents and purposes, this looks like insanity. Yet I'm fully convinced and convicted this is the plan of the Lord.

To my friends at FBC Frankston: Thanks for allowing us to serve the Lord here for the last two-plus years. We're indebted to you in so many ways. Your love and encouragement has meant so much and I'm thrilled we're not going far. For those who are disappointed we're leaving, I take that as a great compliment of your trust and love for our service here. Yet I ask that you trust the Lord and me, just as you have for the last two-plus years. Please know of my prayers for each of you and for our beloved FBC.

To my new friends at Central, Jacksonville: Thanks for trusting the Lord and me enough to call me as your pastor. Please pray for me as I seek to serve the Lord faithfully in that role. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has for us together as we begin this journey together. There's much to look forward to as we get started. We'll see you on August 30th!

I love puns!

2009-08-03T09:39:00.002-05:00

For my friends who love puns, here are some I got today and just had to share them! I'll harass my wife with them when I get home!

A CAREER IN PUNS

My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned. I couldn't concentrate.

Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.

After that, I tried to be a tailor, but I wasn't suited for it -- mainly because it was a sew-sew job.

Next, I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was too exhausting.

Then, I tried to be a chef -- figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.

I attempted to be a deli worker; but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.

I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.

Next, was a job in a shoe factory. I tried but I couldn't fit in. I became depressed and soulful.

Then there was the professional fisherman job. But I discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.

I managed to get a job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.

So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.

After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as an historian -- until I realized there was no future in it.

My last job was working in Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.

Welcome Central BC Friends

2009-08-02T23:04:00.003-05:00

For those who are from our soon-to-be church home at Central BC, Jacksonville, WELCOME! This is the place for my ramblings about whatever is on my (oft-demented) mind. Now, on to what I really wanted to say. . . .

Tonight, I was called as pastor of Central BC in Jacksonville by an unanimous vote of 300+. Wow. That shocked me. There's always at least one "no" in a crowd of any size. At least one person usually votes "no" to make sure it isn't unanimous. But tonight, it was. It strikes me that it's an example of the spirit of the church.

I can't remember a time when I had a greater swell of emotion. The joy of being called mixed with the sadness of leaving our beloved FBC in Frankston. The anticipation of a new challenge mixed with the challenge of new opportunities. We don't know what happens next when we get there, but we know we'll be ready for it when it does come by holding the hand of the Lord.

Please pray for us as we get ready to go. Pray for our short vacation we'll take between leaving Frankston and arriving in Jacksonville. Pray for the days ahead to be a powerful reminder of God's grace and love for Jacksonville and Cherokee County.

If you're an FBC member, we'll see you Sunday. If you're a member at Central, we'll see you on August 30. If you're an interested bystander, pray for us - we'll need it.

Coach Wooden feted

2009-07-30T09:58:00.002-05:00

Perhaps you missed it last night - I did - but I found it this morning. Coach John Wooden was honored last night by the The Sporting News as the greatest coach in American Sports history. I'm not sure how you can measure that, but I think they choose properly. He was near retirement when I was born yet only one other coach has had the kind of influence on me that Coach Wooden has had (Coach Tom Landry). He's now 98 yrs old but still has the clarity of man much younger. Take a couple of minutes and watch the interview he did with ESPN.

A true ROLE MODEL!

2009-07-26T17:07:00.003-05:00

This is Tim Tebow, quarterback of the University of Florida Gators Football team. While I'm not a fan of the Gators, I'm a BIG fan of Tebow. He's used his stature and platform (Heisman Trophy and National Championship ring) to the forefront as a platform for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It unsettles many of those who have become jaded, like media members. It causes them to wait for "the other shoe to drop." I can't blame them - we've seen this before. But Tebow is different. When you have time, read this column about Tebow and it'll explain the details!

By now, you've heard

2009-07-25T18:59:00.003-05:00

By now, you've probably heard that I've been invited to come to Central Baptist Church, Jacksonville this coming Sunday, August 2, in view of becoming their pastor. For my dear friends in Frankston, please know that this has been one of the most difficult choices I've ever had to make. The path we've walked together these last two years has been one of challenge and joy and I've loved you for them both. You've loved my family in ways I simply cannot express and welcomed us as one of your own. My gratitude to you is deep.

Please allow to dispel any notion that we were in some way dissatisfied at FBC or that we were "shopping" around for a place to go. The truth of the matter is that the Lord opened this door and we're simply walking with Him through it.

For many days and nights, I laid awake thinking and praying about this choice and its ramifications. At the end of my debate, I felt like to stay would be disobedience to what I felt like the Lord had called me to and what I've asked you as my FBC family to be called to - complete and total surrender of rights to make your own choices and choose your own path. Obedience is the key issue. If I failed there, then would I be any good to you as your pastor anyway? I must follow, even though I don't know where it will lead.

Mission Galveston 2009 - Final Report

2009-07-25T18:54:00.002-05:00

We're home and exhausted. That's why I didn't get to you yesterday. We completed our work on Thursday by lunch and some of us turned for home. We finished sheetrocking the ceiling and the upper half of the walls. Where we left it was where someone else could come and really knock it out! We left them with sufficient supplies to complete the job.

As for the rest for the rest of us, on Thursday we went to the beach! We played for a while in the sand and the warm Gulf of Mexico. It was a great time! Look forward to tomorrow night and the report!

Mission Galveston 2009 - Day 3

2009-07-22T21:10:00.003-05:00

Our work here continues! Our Variable group uncrated donated furniture today, preparing it for it's transition to people's homes. Much of it was donated through a drive spearheaded by the "Today Show." Ask Julie and Duane about it!

As for the Project group, the sheetrocking continues! I learned today that I really don't need to try to make a living at it - I'll starve! The 100th missed stud or broken sheetrock screw told me all I needed to know! We're at about 75%, but I really don't think we'll finish before tomorrow night. The good news is that even if we leave tonight, there are sufficient materials to finish the job. Whereas what we've spent is a fraction of our mission trip budget, it's a fortune to the homeowner!

We're headed home Friday so tomorrow is it for us. We're saddened at how quickly this week has passed, but we're exhausted and ready to see home. We're going to try (again) to go to the beach tomorrow evening, but it's been red-flag warnings all week (meaning swim at your own risk). The waves have been HUGE! Picturesque, yes - good for swimming, no! One way or the other, we'll see you Sunday!

Mission Galveston 2009 - Day 2

2009-07-21T20:20:00.002-05:00

With the insulation finished, we got started on the sheetrock today. Let me just say - and I realize this will shock many of you - I don't know anything about sheetrocking! In reality, I have one skill: being tall. Fortunately, it works for me. With a sheetrock jack, several drills, countless screws and a seriously large pile of sheetrock, we got almost all of the ceiling done in the project house. We'll be finishing that up tomorrow morning and then get cranking on the walls. I'll try to get you some pictures tomorrow, but for now, I'm tired and going to bed!

Before I go, I did have some time this evening to look for stuff for Sunday. I'm not sure I can use it, but here's something interesting.

Mission Trip 2009 - Day One

2009-07-20T20:30:00.002-05:00

Here we are in Galveston! Finally, we're here and working! The weather was unusually cooperative and moderate for late July in south Texas (low 90's) and we even had a short shower to cool it off even further. We split up into two groups - here's a report on each one.

GROUP 1 - Led capably by Duane and Julie, this group took on a home on Avenue L near the eastern end of Galveston. They painted the exterior of the house, the bathroom inside, mopped the floor, cleaned up the yard and generally loved on the lady who owned the house. Some of our ladies bought her some new things for her home (new towels, sheets, a mini-blind) to make her home feel more like home.

GROUP 2 - The BIG one - Ms Belinda's home was under 6 feet of water for several days last year after Hurricane Ike. The house was gutted of all insulation, sheetrock and flooring in the fall. After she filled out the paperwork to have us come and help her, our contact told her it would be a long time till someone came. As the Lord would have it, we were selected to work on her home after only a short wait. A lady in her late 40's, she wept when we arrived to get started. After spending some time getting organized and preparing a strategy, we got after it. We spent the day re-insulating the house, a job that wears down even a strong man who isn't used to doing it! After going to McCoy's Building Supply, we received our shipment of 150 sheets of sheetrock and (gulp!) unloaded them into the house. Thank God we were all together for that part! Tomorrow morning (around 7 AM), we'll get rolling again slapping up the sheetrock. Pray for us as we get serious. Pray for us since NONE of us like to do sheetrocking! Pray for us as we share the love of Christ with Ms Belinda (yes, she is a believer - we asked!). Pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ with wherever Group 1 goes tomorrow. As for us, we're going to bed. See you tomorrow!

We're here!

2009-07-19T20:56:00.001-05:00

We rolled into FBC LaMarque about 6:30 tonight and we're all set up! We get to work tomorrow morning. Look for more tomorrow!

Final Mission Trip Preparations

2009-07-18T16:39:00.002-05:00

Okay, so here it is the day before we leave for Galveston. After tomorrow morning's worship service, we'll be on our way. We got word of our project and it's a good one! I was concerned about being outside, but they've assigned us to a house that has a good roof. . . .and nothing else! It's completely gutted inside, down to the studs. We're moving a bathroom, re-framing walls, electrical work, plumbing work and drywall (if we get that far!). We're PUMPED! Finally, a project we can dream about, plan for and execute. I'll be taking lots of pictures and will be posting them as I'm able. Check our facebook page if you're interested since I can post from my phone to there.

IF YOU'RE GOING: Get excited! Get prayed up, packed up and ready to go!

IF YOU'RE NOT GOING: Get excited! Pray for our safety, our work, and our safe return on Friday. We'll use Sunday, July 26th as our report time. Join us as we show pictures and tell of how God used us while we were there.

MISSION GALVESTON 2009 UPDATE

2009-07-15T10:40:00.002-05:00

I spoke with our friends in Galveston yesterday. They're excited about us coming. They sounded tired, but excited. While it's a new opportunity for us, they've been at it since Hurricane Ike came through last summer. Construction projects are in various stages of construction and thus, they can't tell us much yet about what our projects will consist of other than basic construction, landscaping, painting and loving people through our actions. We'll pick the projects up where the teams working this week leave them off.

Here's the real deal. If you're going with us and you're a planner who simply must know what we'll be doing, check back here on Friday afternoon / evening (or call me Friday night or Saturday). They recommended I call back then to find out what we'll be working on next week. Pray for our projects (whatever they may be) and for the opportunities to work in people's lives while we work on their homes / churches.

Away they go. . . .

2009-07-13T10:24:00.002-05:00

Our students left for youth camp this morning. Julie went with them which means I'm on my own this week. Just the boys in the house. That can't be good. If the house is still standing on Friday, she'll be home to clean it up - or hose it down. It's a long story about why I didn't go with them, but let's just say Mission Trip leaves on Sunday and somebody has to make sure to prepare for it. I was a bachelor for a long time (we didn't get married until I was 31) so I can make it okay, but it's not the same. She left me with a meal plan, prepared food and clean clothes, so we'll be fine - it's just that the heart of the house is gone. Pray for us this week as we prepare to leave for Galveston this Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, Julie will be going with us! :-)

Keno Fitzgerald's Funeral Arrangements

2009-07-09T15:57:00.002-05:00

Many of you knew Keno. He was a congenial, warm-spirited man who somehow never married. With a host of friends, Keno was a wonderful part of our community. Yesterday afternoon, the Lord took him home, too soon in many eyes, at a young 35 yrs of age. Please pray for his family during these difficult days. Pray for his friends. Pray for our community.

VISITATION - Autry's Funeral Home in Frankston, July 10, Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

FUNERAL SERVICES - 2 PM on Saturday at the United Methodist Church's Family Life Center here in Frankston.

Mission Trip preparation

2009-07-08T14:44:00.002-05:00

So I've been getting ready for Mission Trip this week. We leave one week from Sunday! I'm excited about going but in a strange sort of way. I can't help but wonder what the Lord has in store for us. The details for work are sketchy at best. We know this: we're going to work at whatever the Lord places before us. When we get there, we'll be passionate and work hard at whatever we do.

I like to think of myself as a planner, so not having a plan is forcing me to rethink things - and forcing me into a dependence on God's directing hand, not my capacity to plan. It's forced me to get my thoughts together and say "I'm going even though I don't know what I'll do once I'm there." In a way, it's reminscent of Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith, Abraham obeyed the Lord and went, even though he didn't know where he was going."

If you're going with us, prepare your heart by preparing your mind to be flexible. Flexibility means the ability to bend as necessary. It's not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of willingness. We'll talk more about that later, but for now, let's say the Lord is going to use us and we'll be ready when He is!

See You in Galveston!

A wonderful resource

2009-07-06T15:42:00.004-05:00

One of the things I enjoy most is studying the Bible, esp in it's ancient forms. Thus, with the release of the final digital version of a 4th century Bible, I'm pumped! Although it's appearance online may be a new thing to many, it's hardly new to scholars. Codex Siniaticus has a history akin to an Indiana Jones story, only it's too wild to be made into a movie - it's too unbelievable. And yet, it's true! Take a minute to read about it in the ABC news story about it and then go HERE to see it for yourself.

Written on animal skin with a primitive ink, it's a wonderful example of an ancient text. It hasn't been all in one place in approximately a century so having it all at one's fingertips is unbelievable. It was written by hand, one letter at a time, one word at a time, one line at a time. Some have suggested it may be one of the 50 copies Roman Emperor Constantine ordered his church historian Eusebius to create in 317 AD. At any rate, this excellent copy was found in the Sinai desert (thus the name) at St. Catherine's Monastery (yes, you can still visit there).

For those who are from Texas, I had the privilege of meeting one of the curators for this priceless manuscript a few years ago while I was in Washington, DC attending a symposium discussing these documents. Although he was living in Sinai, Egypt, he had a decidedly Texas accent. I chalked it up to hearing what I wanted to hear. Afterwards, I met with Father Justin and discovered he WAS from Texas and is a University of Texas Alumni! Hook 'em!

If you'd like to read more about this amazing manuscript and see it for yourself, visit this site for more info about it.

A teaser for Sunday

2009-06-24T11:50:00.002-05:00

I've posted videos of Keith Green before but he's back today, this time in tongue-in-cheek fashion. In conjunction with our ECHO series be blessed today by his "So You Wanna Go back to Egypt!"

A counter-cultural movement

2009-06-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

Father's Day is Sunday. I realize that may not sound like it, but that's a counter-cultural movement. If you join us on Sunday at FBC, you'll hear me say this again, but our culture has repeatedly expressed the lack of desire for fathers, their leadership and their wisdom. Single mothers are glorified and fatherhood viewed as an uncomfortable and unfortunate position. Spiritual leadership by the father is even more laughable.

I contend it's exactly opposite our culture needs. Instead of less fathers, we need MORE! Our role is needed more now than ever before. While we may not have the genius displayed by "Ozzie and Harriet" or "Father Knows Best", we can certainly do better than Al Bundy on "Married with Children." One of the points I'll be making Sunday morning is this: Affirm the value of your children, exactly where they are. In our society that calls for us to live up to some unattainable standard somewhere off in the distance, let's allow our children to know their value in our lives by what we say AND do. Here's a great video emphasizing that.

Through new eyes

2009-06-16T10:40:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Julie and I took our FBC kids to Super Summer at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. Nothing unusual there. Julie and I both love Super Summer. From 1991-2001, I didn't miss a summer of working with this wonderful ministry. Yesterday was different, however. In the past, when I showed up at Super Summer, it was as a worker. Workers get there on Saturday, prepare all weekend for the students and greet them with great fanfare (that's what you see - and believe me when I say this picture does NOT do it justice!). In the past, I knew everyone else working at Super Summer. Yesterday, I knew only a few.
It caused me to look at Super Summer in a new way - or with new eyes. It caused me to see things in a new way. I didn't know where to go, or what to do. I didn't know very many people. Truthfully, the only people I knew yesterday were either my age (which would be the "old" people at this camp) or were the grown children of my friends coming to serve as a "second generation" servant. Wow.
On the same token, in the shift of generations, this was a wonderful moment in time! Super Summer had changed - there could be no doubt about that - but it had changed to survive and thrive in a new way. Rather than mourning the old way it was, I began to celebrate that it was an organism that would grow and become something far beyond what I could make out of it.

The timing was unbelievable really - I mean, here I am in the middle of this "Echo" series on generations and how they communicate and the Lord brings it right to my FACE! Wow. I'll revisit this when I have time to.

Our Food Pantry workers are awesome!

2009-06-16T10:23:00.002-05:00

A word of congratulations is in order! Twice a month, several members of FBC work at the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler. Under the leadership of Charles Garner, our workers bag rice and beans for distribution to those in need. It's a tedious job. A literal TON of rice and a TON of beans are sitting on pallets. They must be bagged into 2 lbs. sacks to be distributed. There are 12 bags to the case. In a four hour time span, they bagged and boxed 117 cases of rice and beans! WOW! Now that's a lot of work! Thanks for taking Jesus' command to feed the hungry so seriously!

Flash Mobs put to good use

2009-06-09T14:13:00.002-05:00

Have you heard of flash mobs? It's where a group of people decide in advance they will gather at a particular time and then just as fast, disappear. Sometimes they just stand there. Other times, they dance. Like this time. Enjoy the insanity of a random flash mob dancing to MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This." Make sure to pay attention to the people who aren't in on it and their reactions.

A sobering reminder - we're all human

2009-06-09T11:41:00.002-05:00

I get lots of newsletters, both through snail-mail and email, from churches all over the country. I use them for encouragement, ideas and just keeping up with my friends serving the Lord elsewhere. Today, however, brought a sobering reminder of keeping myself pure.

Gary Lamb was pastor of Revolution Church in Canton, GA. A strong church with a bright future, Gary appeared to be a guy who had it won. Appearances are often deceiving. On Sunday, he notified his church he had been involved in a 6 wk affair with his personal assistant and was therefore resigning immediately from the church. Wow.

What it speaks to is this: don't focus so much on what others THINK as much as you do on what God KNOWS! If God's not pleased with your life, does it really matter what others think? If you're living in disobedience to God, does it matter if you've found success?

Perhaps Gary struggled with a complex of feeling superhuman. I'm especially culpable to that, as most pastors struggle are: the idea that somehow, because we're superhuman, we don't need the same kinds of things we tell our congregations they need. As if we impervious to needing our days off, or family time, or a date night or our vacation time. We come to believe the entire kingdom of God hinges on our capacity to keep up the charade of "everything is fine." Satan would like for us to think that so we wind up falling. Don't think for a minute Satan won't attack and do so as viciously and destructively as possible. Pray for me. Pray for Duane and Kern. Pray for our deacons. Pray for our friends leading churches elsewhere. Pray for Gary Lamb and Revolution Church. Pray for each of us to find purity and holiness that keeps us humble enough to remember it's about God and his kingdom - not us.

We're home

2009-06-03T15:55:00.005-05:00

After a whirlwind tour of St Louis, we're home. On a note of praise, American Airlines got us home more than 20 minutes earlier than the gate time! On a note of "boo", the people who run the airport security in St. Louis Lambert Airport were not nearly as nice as the people at DFW Airport. Fortunately, we held our tongues - the people I've read who have really had trouble with the security people are the ones who want to hold the TSA to their own printed standards, a mistake we did not make. We smiled nicely, obeyed their instructions and got home.
The picture you see is us on top of the Gateway Arch, the iconic symbol of St. Louis. If you go, don't miss it unless you struggle with a fear of heights or claustrophobia. The elevators are about 6 feet in diameter - more like a port-a-john than an elevator. It's quite a view from up there, 630 ft about the city. We could see for miles all around through the portal windows. It gave us a perspective to see things we otherwise might have missed because we (or they) were too close. That's tonight's Word for prayer meeting - adopting God's perspective on life.
While it was great to get away, we love coming home. There's something cozy about that, isn't there? There's something inviting about the thought of home. More on that later.

St Louis

2009-05-31T21:47:00.002-05:00

We're here. We rolled in about 5:45 PM this evening and it's a great place. We almost took a later flight, but were too slow getting to the counter for the voucher! Ah well - we're here!
It's a lot more industrial than I remember. Given that was more than 10 yrs ago since I was here last, that should be surprising.
We didn't rent a car on this trip. Instead, we're relying completely on public transportation - the SUBWAY! I love subways! They take you through parts of the city you don't see in the travel brochures and give you a decent idea of what the city is really like. St. Louis is no exception. Some of our friends in Frankston will think we're crazy since all you see about subways is the murders and such but we've always used it when possible - it's the only way to go when you're not sure about the city.
Tomorrow, we'll visit the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium and whatever else we can get into. Check our facebook accounts for pictures tomorrow. It's much easier to post them there. We'll get some posted soon here. G'nite.

I wouldn't do this except. . .

2009-05-27T11:00:00.003-05:00

This shot might look like any other ordination going on and, in many ways, it is. The only difference between this one and others is what Donnie Maib (kneeling) does for a living. More on that in a moment.

For most of the time the Lord has allowed me to be in ministry, I've tried to reinforce to people that they can be ministers right where they are. They don't have to quit their "day job" to be active and useful in the ministry of the Lord. In fact, many times they can be MORE useful to the Lord by staying in their present job. The Lord doesn't always call you away from a "regular" job to be a minister. Sometimes (in fact most times!), He plans to use you right where you are.

That brings us back to Donnie Maib. Recently ordained at Promiseland West Church, he says this about his job: "God's given me a platform," Maib said. "I don't want to be offensive or preachy, but for those searching, I'm here to share my life's experience and help (the young men under my charge)." Clearly, he sees himself as a missionary on his mission field. God is using him right where he is! What does he do? He's the assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Texas at Austin (here's the link to the whole story). I wouldn't normally emphasize such a sectarian figure, but somethings are greater than rivalries.

A lazy Friday

2009-05-22T13:46:00.002-05:00

Today is my usual day off and a welcome one at that. I've been praying, reading and catching up on my TV shows. One story that seems to keep coming up wherever I turn is the homosexual agenda. The power they seem to exhibit is disturbing to me. Exhibit A - voters in California approve Proposition 8 barring gay "marriage" in their state. Immediately, there's a clamor to overturn a democratically approved piece of legislation. Lawsuits are filed and accusations of manipulation, racism, homophobism, etc. Today, I read that the California State Supreme Court (who ruled gay marriage was acceptable forcing the issue to the ballot box in the first place) will rule on Tuesday on the constitutionality of Proposition 8 (here's the link). Any guesses how they'll rule? *snarky smirk*

Let me be clear on this issue: I have friends that I regard as close friends who are gay. Furthermore, I have never (nor do I expect to) feared gays as individuals. Their demand, however, that I openly embrace their lifestyle simply because they say so when it stands in clear contradiction to the Word of God is simply more than I can bear. It's as ludicrous to me as our President Obama stating the "anti-abortion" people and the "pro-abortion" people can find common ground. I'm sorry - what part of MURDER is difficult to understand? What part of the democractically elected "No Gay Marriage" is difficult to understand?

This is a weird time to be alive, isn't it?

Date Night

2009-05-21T20:35:00.002-05:00

For the first time in a long while, Julie and I got to have a full-fledged date day / night. We ended the night at Bernard's Meditteranean Restaurant in Tyler. We wouldn't have gone there had it not been for a friend who gave us a gift certificate to go there. Classy, dark, and expensive. A great combination for a date night! The food was good - I had rack of lamb (never had that before) and Julie had Veal with scampi. We washed it down with some Tuxedo cake - DARN good!
Before the meal, we went to a double feature. I let Julie choose them both. We went to see "17 Again" and "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past." Here's a note on each
"17 Again" - I was shocked - SHOCKED - at how moral the movie hero was. He encoraged compassion, morality and sexual abstinence. WOW! I wasn't expecting that. Good movie for a teen date or a general chick flick.
"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" - Sort of a re-telling of Charles Dickens "Christmas Carol" only without Christmas gifts. Matthew McConeghy (Hook 'em HORNS!) is a profligate love-em-and-leave-em guy who tries to talk his brother out of getting married. He nearly succeeds in ruining the wedding with his antics the night before, but is stopped by visits from "Ghost of Girlfriend Past", "Ghost of Girlfriend Present" and "Ghost of Girlfriend Future." A changed man, he returns to his senses and retakes the love of his life, Jennifer Garner. Exceptional date movie! Julie LOVED it! A word of warning - show up about 5 minutes late to miss some trash at the front end. Yikes!

MISSION GALVESTON 2009

2009-05-21T10:16:00.002-05:00

"The God of Heaven will give us success. We will start rebuilding." Nehemiah 2:20

That's our theme verse for our trip to Galveston this summer. On September 13, 2008 Hurricane Ike struck our Texas coastline with destructive force and devastating winds. We're going to Galveston for the express purpose of rebuilding people's lives by helping rebuild their homes. It's awesome thing to be useful to the Lord like that.

Maybe you've never been on a mission trip before and you're wondering what it might be like. Here's a sneak preview of what a regular day might be like.

6:30 AM - Jim Smith and Phil Parks get up. As our foremen, these guys always lead the way.

7:00 AM - Breakfast - Prepared by our masterful chefs led by Kathy Lummus. (As a side note, let me just say I've been on a number of these trips. Only since I came here have I GAINED weight while on a mission trip - a credit to Kathy's cooking!).

7:30 AM - Out to job site. Depending on where it is, how much work there is to do and how hot it's going to be, we might even get there earlier. The work this year will be rebuilding. We'll probably do a good bit of demolition (my dad always said I was better at that!) and clean up (my true specialty). Some homes will be in various states of repair as there are several groups preceding us on the island. However we find it, we'll leave it better.

12:00 Noon - Lunch - usually brought to us.

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (or until it gets too hot to be safe!) - Work at the job site. We'll do as much as we can and leave it until the next day. Most likely, these homes we'll work on won't have people living there.

6:30 PM - Supper. Prepared majestically by our cooks. Best meal of the day. Immediately following supper, we'll share a devotional time and debrief on what happened that day (sometimes, the group gets divided into a couple of projects to multiply our efforts).

7:00 PM and following - Free time for cards, dominoes or whatever.

10:00 PM (at the latest!) - Bedtime. We'll sleep at the Family Life Center of the University Baptist Church in Galveston. We'll bring cots, air mattresses or just plain ol' bed rolls. They've got showers and such so we'll be plenty clean.

We'll do that Monday through Thursday. Friday is different - see the post from yesterday for our weekly schedule.

So there you have it - a "typical" mission trip day. I say it that way because one of the most fundamental rules in Mission Tripping is this: Be Flexible. Plans can and will change. You'll have opportunities you didn't plan for. There will be challenges you can't anticipate.

MISSION GALVESTON 2009

2009-05-20T14:29:00.003-05:00

By now you've probably heard we're going to Galveston this summer. In the last two days, I've spoken with them twice and let me say they're excited about us coming! There's really only one problem - they can't tell us what we'll be doing until about a week in advance.

"WHAT?" the planner in me says. "How can I ask people to sign on for a trip when I don't even know what I'm asking them to do?!" I've had that conversation with myself numerous times recently. I've even had that conversation with some of you who are planners too (you know who you are!). At the end of the day, I've come to this conclusion - as soon as the Hurricane went through Galveston, I felt sure the Lord was leading us go there instead of somewhere else. I'm confident, despite the lack of surety in our work, the Lord WILL use us there.

I can't help but think of Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went even thought he did not know where he was going." Now THAT'S Faith! Join us as we step out in faith. Here's our schedule for the week.

Sunday, June 7th - 5 PM - Organizational Mtg after Morning Worship. Meet us in the library as we'll get our heads together.

Sunday, July 5th. - SIGN UP DEADLINE - If you're going, we need to know by then to allow us to plan meals and such. There will be sign-up sheet in the foyer or you can drop me an email.

Sunday, July 19 - 2 PM - Hit the road headed for Galveston. We're staying at University Baptist Church in Galveston. We'll get there with plenty of time to get squared away for the night and get ready for what will be a busy week.

Monday, July 20 - Thursday July 23 - GO TO WORK! There are more than 90 others people from other churches who will be working on projects with us during our stay there. Our partnership with them will be extraordinary! Although we don't know exactly what we'll be doing, we know we'll be working on homes throughout the Galveston metro area. They tell me we may be sent over to Bolivar Point, one of the more hard hit areas.

Friday, July 24 - Decision Day - You can choose to head home, spend another day working, or spend it on the beach or touring in Galveston. Even with the storm, there's no shortage of things to do on the island or on the way home.

Join us on June 7th at 5 PM in the library when we'll discuss this again!

I'm not really sure what to say about this

2009-05-19T13:53:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine sent me an email regarding another Darin Wood in this world (God help us all!). This one is a home builder who has constructed an. . . .interesting house. . . .that's a good description! Here's the link. I'm afraid to post a picture of it. Go see the story and you'll understand why.

A Scientist's Delight

2009-05-18T15:10:00.003-05:00

Our own Dan Blair came to me a few weeks ago requesting I inquire about bringing a gentleman here to do a talk on the Shroud of Turin (information about the Shroud can be found here). Being an fan of ancient Christianity, my curiosity was piqued. I called Dee German and have him scheduled to share his story with us on June 7th at 6 PM.

I gotta tell you, this is no chump who got his info from the internet. Dr. German was a part of a team of scientists in 1978 who performed tests on the Shroud. He taught Physics at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. His expertise and insight are even more poignant given that he was a self-proclaimed agnostic when he was a part of the 1978 team but has since come to faith in Christ. I can assure you this evening will be well worth you time. Join us at 6 PM on Sunday night, June 7th.

Monday Morning Reflections

2009-05-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

- First off, let me say how proud I am of us as a church! Our blood drive yielded 65 units! Wow! If all those who had desired to give had actually given, we'd have bumped 80 (we had several turned away for one reason or another)! Thanks to all of you who contributed to the blood drive either by giving blood or by contributing your time to help it go smoothly. We had a CROWD! Thanks.
- The final of our deacon series messages was well received. Please continue to lift those who need to serve in those roles. If you haven't already picked up a recommendation form, please find them on the crescent table in the foyer.
- Please continue to lift up the family of Shelley Burks-White. I've had time to spend with Judy and Johnny over yesterday and today and they're doing as well as can be expected. The single greatest comfort is that Shelley is no longer limited by the body that constrained her.
- This weekend is Memorial Day - one of the poorest attended Sundays of the year. I'm warning you now - if you skip out, you'll miss a wonderful blessing! Rick Stewart, Sr, Henderson County Constable of Pr. 4, will be giving his testimony and I'm telling you it's powerful! Don't skip out by going to the lake. It'll still be there after church and we don't have Sunday night services.
- We've got a family reunion this week with Julie's family, the Browns. While we saw each other at Grandpa's funeral last week, this is chance to get to see each other and celebrate life instead of mourn our loss. We suspicion at least one family member has some big news for us, so check back with me next week!

About our blood drive. . . .

2009-05-14T09:32:00.002-05:00

I've gotten this question a lot this week - "are we still having the blood drive?" The answer is YES! ABSOLUTELY! NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! I can think of no better way to honor Shelley's life and memory than with continuing the blood drive.

Just yesterday, Frankston High School committed their blood drive to Shelley's honor and gave a number of units. Palestine Westwood High School did the same. There's been at least two blood drives in Dallas and at least one in Houston. What a privilege it is to be a part of something so God honoring and so clear in it's premise. While Shelley has gone home, others still need the blood that we will give in her memory and in her honor.

I know some can't give for one reason or another - but if you can, come ready on Sunday morning to give blood - in honor of Shelley.

Shelley Burks-White Arrangements

2009-05-13T09:42:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't heard, here's the schedule of services for Shelley.

Thursday
Shelley's funeral service will be at Wilshire Baptist Church (4316 Abrams Road, Dallas) at 3:30 PM.

Friday
A visitation for the family will be held here at FBC from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. We'll have doors open

Saturday
A graveside service will be held here in Frankston City Cemetery at 11 AM.

Please pray for Greg, Alyssa and Reed. Pray for Judy and Johnny Burks, her parents. Pray for Susan and Stephanie, her sisters. Pray for her church family at Wilshire Baptist in Dallas. Pray for grace and comfort for the services.

We're back

2009-05-13T09:24:00.002-05:00

Thanks for praying for us over the last several days. We got back home last night around 10 PM. In case you're curious, it's a 953 miles round trip from here to Rogers, Arkansas.

The service went quite well. I think Grandpa would've been pleased. He requested one song and Julie sang it beautifully. My father-in-law, David, spoke briefly with a testimony about Grandpa. Bro. Gary Orr, our uncle and Grandpa's son-in-law, did the funeral message. All in all, we had five preachers take part in the service. No wonder it lasted an hour! :-)

Truthfully, it was more a celebration than any service I've been to in a long time. He lived an God-honoring life, leaving a legacy of faithfulness and passion for Christ that we hope we can emulate. Today, we know he's home. Thanks for sharing him with us, Lord - our lives are forever changed as a result.

Shelley White - Home at last

2009-05-11T21:15:00.002-05:00

By now, you've probably heard Shelley went home tonight around 7 PM. There were simply too many issues for her to overcome. Thus, the Lord gave her rest. Please pray for Greg, Alyssa and Reed during the difficult days that lie ahead.

BREAKING NEWS: Update on Shelley

2009-05-11T10:45:00.002-05:00

The news from Shelley this morning is not good. Overnight, she had a massive brain hemorrhage inducing a stroke. She was rushed back to Baylor Hospital (she has been at a rehab center the last week or so). The family has been called in. Please pray for Shelley, her husband Greg, her daughter Alyssa and her son, Reed. I'll update this as soon as I know more.

Update on Shelley White - May 7

2009-05-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest update on Shelley Burks-White. Thanks for remembering to pray for her on this National Day of Prayer.

"Shelley is now in the Baylor Specialty Hospital. She was moved Tuesday afternoon. As you might expect, Tuesday was a very difficult day - she was so frightened and anxious as well as being in so much pain. The goal for this hospital is to get her off the ventilator and further along with physical therapy so that she can be moved to Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation. Our hope is that that will happen within another four weeks. Please pray specifically for that.

Shelley seems to be doing well from the transplant prospective. Her liver has not shown rejection and her "numbers" continue to improve. The best thing so far - her kidneys seem to be acting again. Coming from a woman who kept her babies's diapers dried, did not allow puppies in the house, and has encouraged her sweet husband to "lift the lid", I have never been so happy to see Pee-pee in all of my life!!!! Shelley is very nauseous and they will probably have to do a scope to determine what may be going on there. I forgot to ask if they will have to transport her back to Main Baylor for procedures such as that. I so hope not because the moves by ambulalnce are so difficult.

Thank you once again, my dear FRIENDS, for your love and support. Johnny and I miss you all so much. We are so grateful for each of you. (Thank you, Ann, for forwarding this to ALL my good friends.)

Love,
Judy"

An unusual birthday

2009-05-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

For those who don't know, today I celebrate my birthday. Today, however, the celebration will be a bit more muted.

We received word early this morning that Rev. Ken Brown, Julie's grandfather, passed away sometime in the night. Like the true Christian gentleman I knew him to be, he slipped away quietly into the arms of the Savior he's longed for and served these many years. He just turned 91 this year (last week in fact) and had been in failing health, so it wasn't really a shock. It is, however, a loss to us in a profound way. Shadows of legacy like the one he cast are long. The legacy of faithfulness and Christian service is one I hope someday I can say I tried to emulate.

Please pray for us as we make plans to gather and mark his home-going. Right now, it appears it will be early next week near Rogers, Arkansas.

Update on Shelley Burks-White

2009-05-05T11:54:00.001-05:00

Here's the latest update on Shelley received this morning. Remember, our blood drive for Shelley is Sunday, May 17th from 9:30 AM - 2 PM.

"As I believed it would, today went so much better than the week-end. Shelley was kept very busy today with physical therapy, etc.
She got a good assessment from the Transplant Team and plans are still underway to move her to the Speciality Hospital either tomorrow or the next day. I hope it is tomorrow so that she will be settled in before her birthday which is Wednesday. The best thing today was that she got to get her dialysis line removed. The doctor said that didn't mean that she might not have to have dialysis later but for now he does not plan it. Her kidneys are beginning to activate!
When she is kept busy she has less anxiety, so, overall, today has been a better day.
Tonight, pray that Shelley will rest and that her move to the other place will not be too stressful. Continue to pray that our move there will be the perfect thing, that we will see improvement soon and that she will get off the ventilator soon.
Thank you again for loving Shelley and our family.
We love you,
Judy"

Update on Shelley White - May 4

2009-05-04T11:28:00.001-05:00

Below, you'll find our latest update on Shelley White's condition. Please continue to pray for her as she continues her healing.

Another week-end has passed and as usual, not much was accomplished. On Friday, Shelley was able to stay down to "5" (which is very good) on the ventilator for 2 hrs, but today was not able to withstand any reduction in settings. I think this is partly because the week-end nurses come in not knowing much about what she is able to do and don't work with her very much. She has not received any physical therapy since Friday. I look forward to Mondays when the routine starts over and we see progress.
Shelley has been in a lot of discomfort today and it has been very difficult to watch her suffer. She has had a lot of bloody mucous from her throat which the doctor thinks is old blood coming from her stomach (something they are watching). She is becoming increasingly frustrated over not being able to speak or swallow liquid. I had expected that she would be moved to Baylor Speciality Hospital tomorrow but after this week-end, they may put the move off a day or two. The good news is that her kidneys seem to be stabilizing. She has not been dialyzed in four days now and of course, the doctors will continue to assess daily. They have, as of today, reduced her steriod dosage which should affect her kidney numbers in a positive way.
Thanks again to all of you who have prayed so HARD! Please pray that God will grant me a little extra (He is SO GOOD to me) strength as I have to watch Shelley's pain and anxiety. I know He understands when I ask Him for a "little extra". And please continue to check on Johnny. He is so tired when he leaves here at night to return home.
Judy

Update on Shelley Burks-White

2009-04-28T13:23:00.001-05:00

Below is the latest update from Judy Burks regarding her daughter, Shelley. Please remember to sign-up for the blood drive on May 17th from 9:30 AM-2:00 PM. All blood received that day will go toward Shelley's account. If you can't be here that day or you'd rather give another day, go to any Carter Blood Bank facility and tell them you'd like to donate for Shelley White - 047775. They'll get it credited to her.

"Today has been another busy Monday, but thank goodness. Shelley did not pass the swallowing test today, but just the fact that they gave it showed that she had improved enough to be tested. She is so very anxious to swallow well enough to have liquid. Physical therapist (three of them) sat her up in bed again today and held her there for 9 minutes. She had to have a Cat Scan because of belly pain, but the report came back as "good". The doctor said is showed fluid but nothing serious. She continues to have swelling in her right leg and foot, so they did a sonogram late this afternoon to determine whether or not there was a blood clot. Greg has gone back to the hospital tonight - hopefully he will learn something about that.
They have begun to talk about moving us the latter part of this week to Baylor Specialty Hospital. She will go there by ambulance and will continue to be on the ventilator there. We have real mixed emotions about the move. There, she will be placed in a 4-bed pod rather than a private ICU cubicle. I am not sure exactly what that will mean about visitation for us. We have built such a relationship with our nurses where we are that they have really begun to bend the rules for us - now we will be starting over in a new place. The Specialty Hospital is an extended care ICU. She may, after so much progress, be moved into either a semi-private or perhaps a private ICU room. At some point we expect that she will transfer to the Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation where she will receive intense rehab therapy.
Please pray specifically that Shelley will not become discouraged and will continue to fight toward her recovery. Pray for Greg as he is planning for a summer without Shelley at home to help with decisions regarding the kids. Greg and I are looking into everything available for the kids this summer (camps, day schools, etc.) Their church will be offering a lot of things for the kids to do and the Children's Minister is being SO HELPFUL in assisting us with the activities for them. We just want to keep them as busy as possible.
Thanks again for loving us.
I love you,
Judy"