Everybody's a Photographer-

The first SLR Digital Camera circa 1991 cost around $30,000 and was used by news organizations. It was a Nikon modified by Kodak. Now that digital photography has come of age and costs of cameras has considerably diminished, everybody is a photographer or at least thinks they are! I wonder if the woman in the photo above ever figured it out.

The greatest compliment a photographer can get is 'You have an eye for it.' That is priceless! Thank you Jeana.

900 Boxes of Viagra-Laced Coffee Confiscated!

In "I can't believe it's true" news, Malaysian authorities have recently confiscated 900 boxes of Viagra-laced coffee from a company in Gombak. The tainted coffee boxes contained 9,000 packets worth over $20,000 USD! But, the raid may have happened too late; according to a Health Ministry official, some of the spiked java has already been distributed nationwide.

Apparently, the company marketed the mixture as an energy booster with health benefits for men... talk about a euphemism! The Viagra-laced java was sold at a price between five and ten times higher than that of regular coffee. It remains unclear how much of the tainted brew has been consumed, but I've got a feeling more than a few packets have made their way into Malaysian kitchens.

In lieu of making inappropriate jokes, I think I'll just bow out and say adieu. Be sure to check that morning brew before consuming too much!

from Whole Latte Love

Majorly Big Dead Snake!

Well, maybe not the biggest!

A Second Chance- New Covenant Blessing!

The New Covenant is based on second chances! (Listen Saints, we live under the New covenant not the Old- the old is obsolete- Heb 8.13!)

Heb 8. 8-10, 12 "The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make...I will forgive their sins…

In spite of the fact that His people were not faithful to the old covenant, He has promised to make a new covenant, a better covenant, one that His people can keep.

Our God is the God of the second chance. And the third chance and the fourth chance. And the four hundredth chance and five thousandth chance. Is it true? Do we really get that many chances? Yes, because we need them. In the Old Testament we see how God's people turned away from him again and again … and every time they turned back to him, He restored them. He's a God of mercy. He's a God of forgiveness. He's the God of another chance.

When you make the decision to follow Christ, you inevitably discover that you sin more than you want to. You can become so frustrated with your own limitations that it will lead you to despair. At this point you need to remember the basis of God's New Covenant: It's based on second chances.

If your image of God has Him staring you down with stern disapproval, arms folded, shaking His head and saying, "You again?" Then you're not approaching God on the basis of the New Covenant. The New Covenant says, "My people failed in the past, but I will not give up on them. I'll give them another chance."

This New Covenant is about living in the security of His love and acceptance. When you fall down, He wants you to try again. When you wander away, He wants you to come back.

God is not a hater, He is a healer and restorer. I am making a decision not to be a hater either! I am going to be a healer and give people a second chance (and more if they need it!)

How Are You Living Your Life?

The length of our days is seventy years--or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Ps. 90.10 NIV

In an average 70-78 year lifespan, we spend:
3 years on education,
8 years enjoying amusements (watching TV, movies, sports, etc),
6 years sitting at the dinner table (eating; some of you more),
5 years in transportation,
4 years in housework,
2 years shopping,
2 years cooking
4 years in conversation (some of you a lot more),
3 years either sick or getting well,
7 years at work,
24 years sleeping,
2 weeks kissing (for you lovebirds out there, more please),

...and if you attend a 90 min church service every Sunday and pray for 10 min every day- you spend less than 1 year for God!

------------------------------

This is a very graphic video of the birth to death experience. It can be disturbing to some. Please view with this in mind. If you can't see this on Facebook, then go to my blog to view it. This is not meant to offend!

Loyalty on the Decline- Bad News for All!

This post is an addendum to my post on The ME Society.

Bad news was given recently that will affect Product Producers, Politicians, and Pastors!

It is the decline of loyalty!

We as pastors have always dealt with people coming and going. People leaving the church. You know, 'The hate me now or hate me later' syndrome. Or the ever popular 'Blow in, blow up, and blow out' experience. I am amazed at people being in a church for 10 or 15 years suddenly deciding to leave and move on.

The decline of loyalty has been ever increasing in the church over the years. But now it is entering into the business world, politics, academia, marriages, and so forth.

'Thanks to the Internet, proliferating consumer choices and a dramatic shift in American culture, voters and consumers are more impatient — and more fickle — than ever before. They’re less beholden to old attachments and more willing to make dramatic changes in lifestyle and preferences — whether that’s for a cell phone provider, a spouse or even a religious preference.'

'The decline of loyalty — at least the kind of loyalty that once kept consumers bound to products and voters bound to political parties — is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. '

'Polling shows that Americans over 65 are more willing to get a divorce today than ever before, even after a near lifetime of being married to the same person. College students are more willing to transfer to a new school. And, more than 40 percent of Americans will change their religion at least once in their life — throwing off generations of core beliefs for something new and appealing. '

The major reason is summed up in this quote:

“We’re becoming a little bit of a ‘me first’ society. It’s becoming difficult to really understand what people want because it’s what they want right now. But tomorrow, they might want something else.”

Read the entire article here.

Pastors, there is added stress ahead in trying to keep up with 'The ME Society.'

Will Revival Come?

If all the sleeping folk will wake up,

And all the lukewarm fork will fire up,

And all the dishonest folk will confess up,

And all the disgruntled folk will sweeten up,

And all the discouraged folk will cheer up,

And all the depressed folk will look up,

And all the estranged folk will make up,

And all the gossipers will shut up,

And all the dry bones will shake up,

And all the true soldiers will stand up,

And all the church members will pray up,

Then you can have revival!

Did I miss anyone?

Coffee Art-

A team of young art nuts has taken a less commercial approach to beverage-based art, faithfully reconstructing the Mona Lisa out of 3,604 coffee cups. The 20-foot-long, 13-foot-wide work was created by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, for the Rocks Aroma festival, a gathering for java lovers in Sydney, Australia. First came the idea to make an art piece from coffee cups, and the Mona Lisa was the logical choice for its iconic status. With the help of 564 pints of milk, the team was able to create the proper shades for each piece of the mosaic. Most impressive of all? It only took three hours with a team of eight people.

The ME Society!

This Bizarro comic speaks all to well to the major illness of our society- that of self-absorption; the preoccupation with ourselves, our needs, our wants, and our rights!

The church is even now excelling at this! It's all about me! Used to be about reaching and serving the perishing world.

Instead of 'fishers of men' we have become keepers of the aquarium. Keep the temperature right, the environment safe, the food handy, and clean the messes!

Because it is all about them!

Facebook Friends--

If you have been on Facebook for any length of time, you can identify with this grouping of friends and how they might breakdown by category!

Can you think of any other designations?

Latest from Jason and Lina-

It has been a little over two weeks since Lina was sent back to Costa Rica. We have spent these two weeks researching and figuring out the best possible way to return Lina to the U.S. With much advice from family, we chose to ask a well-trusted immigration lawyer to help us file the right paperwork. Today the lawyer submitted the paperwork to the government, and this means it is now a waiting game. How soon Lina returns to the U.S. depends on someone looking at the paperwork. We are believing for a miracle because “man” (Gov., Lawyer, Congressman, etc…) says it will be at least 5 months for this to happen. But what is impossible with “man” is possible with God.

These circumstances were a big shock to us, but we know it did not surprise God. We trust Him to see His goodness come forth through this process. It has not been easy to say the least. We did not even realize how much pain there would be in the event that we were separated. Through His grace and strength, we are taking it one day at a time. We appreciate all of your prayers. We know they have helped us and they have been heard before the throne room of heaven. God is near the brokenhearted, and we stand on that promise.

We covet your prayers because we believe God is going to do a miracle in bringing our paperwork to the forefront of the immigration system and having it approved. Another miracle we need is in the area of our finances. Government fees, lawyer bills, plane tickets and the fact that we lost almost half of our income as a couple is quite a big deal, and we are grateful for your prayers in this situation. What we want most is your prayers, but if you would choose to be a part of this miracle, it would be a blessing too! And PLEASE only give after praying and believing God has placed it on your heart to do so. We have chosen to live a life of faith, and know God will take care of all our needs. Please send us an email if you are willing to help!

Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers! “We will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” Psalm 27:13

Jason and Lina-

Cool Wedding Entrance!

If I had been officiating this - I would have had to get involved! That's scary!!!!

The Ultimate Funeral!

Pics from funeral home in Alabama!


Did you see the remote in his hand?

Need of a Miracle!

This is an update on my last post- we now have more info, and it is not what we expected. It may take longer than we originally expected!

On a personal note I need your prayers and encouragement. On Saturday Jason and Lina were coming back in to the country from Costa Rica after visiting her parents for her birthday, Lina was detained, treated as a criminal, and sent back to Costa Rica. Here is Jason's response:

Last weekend as we were entering the country from vacation in Costa Rica with Lina’s family, Lina was detained by U.S. Customs, and returned to Costa Rica because of Visa issues. There is much paperwork and petitioning to be done for her to be able to return. This separation is not without pain. Both of our hearts are broken because of the fact of being a part. But we both know that the attitude of our hearts are what God is looking at this very moment. He is looking at our heart response in this very moment, and I can confidently say our hearts can stand before him at this very moment and say "I am not offended, God. I love you even in this moment. Even in the pain, I am not offended at You, nor am I offended at the government system. Your ways are perfect and I trust You." We thank Him for the grace to walk through this little trial, and know His banner over us is love. This might take sometime to resolve the issues and bring her home, but we believe through prayer, she will be here sooner than we can imagine. This light affliction is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Thank you for continuing to pray for us in this time.

We too are devastated as this could be a long process in trying to get her back to the USA and us. Estimates that we are being told is 6 mos to a year. That is totally unacceptable. We are asking God for a miracle. Please join with us and pray for us all, especially Jason and Lina.

What God has joined together let no man (or government) put asunder!

When the System Breaks Down!

For 9 hours on Saturday countless murders took place, illegal aliens crossed our borders, drug smugglers applied their vicious death, terrorists killed and maimed, Guantanamo detainees enjoyed the graciousness of the United States, and one terrified 23 year old girl was treated rudely as if she was the catch of the day by US Immigration officials!

Saturday and Sunday were very eventful days for Jason and Lina. They had gone to Costa Rica to spend her birthday with her family. Upon returning to DFW Airport, she was suddenly taken away without even one chance to say anything to Jason because of a visa issue. She was held for 9 hours and treated as if she were a criminal by immigration officials. She was scared and they were extremely rude to her. After a shift change a female agent pulled some strings and she was let go to be with Jason overnight. She collapsed in tears into Jason, Harry's and Arleen's arms. She was sent back to Costa Rica on Sunday.

Today, she and her dad begin the lengthy process of applying for the correct US visa so that she can be reunited to Jason and her US family.

How do I feel? Anybody have a brick? But, I got this email about the situation that brought comfort and perspective in the situation. It's from Laura Long Rankhorn, one of our great youth pastor's wife in Liberty Fellowship. Please read:

This morning Pastor Ernie was preaching from a passage in Exodus. I underlined a sentence because it spoke to me and when I read your status I felt like I should pass it to you.

Exodus 14:4 says, "I will make Pharaoh so stubborn that he will pursue them. Then, because of what I do to Pharaoh and his entire army, I will receive honor, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord." It hit me that sometimes God can lead us to a point or we can find ourselves in a position where we feel trapped, helpless, and hopeless. Sometimes as in the case of Pharaoh- God was the reason he pursued the Israelites. I'm going to pray that now that you all are in the position of trapped, helpless, and hopeless that God will use this situation to show people that He is the Lord and that Lina can add this to her testimony of how God has done miraculous things in her life. I know nothing about the situation, but I do feel like God wants to give you a peace that everything is going to be ok.

Please know that JC and I will be praying for this situation. We will be praying for Lina and Jason and the two of you- that God will minister to your hearts and give you His peace, and that you all can sit back and be spectators at an awesome fireworks show of miracles.
Love you all so very much,
Laura

We are positioned for a miracle! Thank you Laura and others that are praying!

Christians Serving Time...

The church is made up of men and women who are called upon to volunteer to serve in various capacities. Have you ever heard of the 20/80 rule? Twenty percent of the people doing all the work with 8o percent of the people sitting idly by.

I recently talked to one of those 20% who felt burned out and under appreciated. He was taking some time off from his service activities- and enjoying it!

One of the things that a pastor hears often from church members when they are asked to serve somewhere: 'I have served my time!"

I want to ask them when did serving God and His Kingdom become a jail sentence! Was serving God really like being incarcerated? You did your 'Kingdom time' and now have been released and set free?

I don't think so as I try to overcome a spirit of slap that is fast rising up in me!

We never retire from working for the Kingdom of God.

John 9:4-5
We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. TMB

Eccl 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. NIV

Seems to me that Jesus expects us to work for His Kingdom until we die! Death is the only excuse for not serving God and His church and Kingdom any longer. And then and only then would we (God included) not expect you to!

Serve on!!!!!

You Drink Too Much Coffee When....

1. Juan Valdez names his mule after you.
2. You chew on your roommate's fingernails.
3. You can jump-start your car without cables.
4. You do twenty miles on your treadmill before you realize it's not plugged in.
5. You can't remember your second cup.
6. You have a picture of your coffee mug on your coffee mug.
7. Starbucks has a mortgage on your house.
8. Your birthday is a national holiday in Columbia.
9. You don't sweat - you percolate.
10. You grind coffee beans in your mouth.

For My Wife...My Dream Come True!

I could wish
for more ways
to say "I love you"...
but I could never wish
for someone more special
to say it to.

I could wish
for better words
to describe to you
how you make me feel...
but I could never wish
for anyone better
to whisper those words to.

I could wish
on all the stars in the sky
that I could make
every dream in your heart
come true...
but I don't have to wish
for my dreams...
all my dreams came true
when your love
came into my life.

Happy 38th Anniversary, Debi, I love you!

Church: Love It, Don't Leave It

I thought this was a great article sent to me by my son Jason. Good enough to pass along and give a shout out to it's authors Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck.

Here's what Bono, Oprah, and the guru speakers on PBS won't tell you: Jesus believed in organized religion and he founded an institution. Of course, Jesus had no patience for religious hacks and self-righteous wannabes, but he was still Jewish. And as Jew, he read the Holy Book, worshiped in the synagogue, and kept Torah. He did not start a movement of latte-drinking disciples who excelled in spiritual conversations. He founded the church (Matt. 16:18) and commissioned the apostles to proclaim the good news that Israel's Messiah had come and the sins of the world could be forgiven through his death on the cross (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:14-36).

For almost two millennia, it was axiomatic that Christians, like, actually went to church (or at least told other Christians they did). From Cyprian to Calvin it was believed that for those to whom God "is Father the church may also be Mother." But increasingly Christians are trying to get more spiritual by getting less church.

Take a spin through the religion section at your local bookstore. What you'll find there is revealing - there are "revolutionary" books for stay at home moms, teenagers, and Christian businessmen. There are lots of manifestos. And most of the books about church are about people leaving the church to "find God." There are lots of Kerouacian "journey" stories, and at least one book about the gospel according to Starbucks. It used to be you had to overthrow a country to be considered a revolutionary, and now, it seems, you just have to quit church and go pray in the woods.

We've been in the church our whole lives and are not blind to its failings. Churches can be boring, hypocritical, hurtful, and inept. The church is full of sinners. Which is kind of the point. Christians are worse than you think. Our Savior is better than you imagine.

But the church is not all about oppression and drudgery. Almost every church we know of visits old people, brings meals to new moms, supports disaster relief, and does something for the poor. We love the local church, in spite of its problems, because it's where we go to meet God. It's not a glorified social/country club you attend to be around people who talk and look just you do. It's a place to hear God's word spoken, taught and affirmed. It's a place to sing praises to God, and a place to serve others. It's a place to be challenged.

The church is more than plural for Christian. It is both organism and organization, a living thing comprised of a certain order, regular worship services, with doctrinal standards, institutional norms, and defined rituals. Without the institution of the church nurturing the flock and protecting the faith for two thousand years, there would be no Christianity. If Gen Xers (like us) and their friends want to be against something, start a revolution. If you want to conserve truth and grace for twenty centuries, plant a church.

We love the church because Christ loved the church. She is his bride--a harlot at times, but his bride nonetheless, being washed clean by the word of God (Eph. 5:25-26). If you are into Jesus, don't rail on his bride. Jesus died for the church, so don't be bothered by a little dying to self for the church's sake. If you keep in mind that everyone there is a sinner (including yourself) and that Jesus Christ is the point and not you, your dreams, or your kids, your church experience might not be as lame as you fear.

Perhaps Christians are leaving the church because it isn't tolerant and open-minded. But perhaps the church-leavers have their own intolerance too--intolerant of tradition, intolerant of authority, intolerant of imperfection except their own. Are you open-minded enough to give the church a chance--a chance for the church to be the church, not a coffee shop, not a mall, not a variety show, not Chuck E. Cheese, not a U2 concert, not a nature walk, but a wonderfully ordinary, blood-bought, Spirit-driven church with pastors, sermons, budgets, hymns, bad carpet and worse coffee?

The Church, because it is Christ's church, will outlive American Idol, the NFL, and all of our grandkids. We won't last, but the Church will. So when it comes to church, be like Jesus: love it, don't leave it. As Saint Calloway once prophesied to the Brothers of Blues, "Jake, you get wise, you get to church."

Bizarro-

Love the witty comic art of Bizarro-

Classy Statement by a Betrayed Wife--

South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford issued the following statement Wednesday after her husband's (SC Gov. Mark Sanford) admission to an extramarital affair:
___

I would like to start by saying I love my husband and I believe I have put forth every effort possible to be the best wife I can be during our almost twenty years of marriage. As well, for the last fifteen years my husband has been fully engaged in public service to the citizens and taxpayers of this state and I have faithfully supported him in those efforts to the best of my ability. I have been and remain proud of his accomplishments and his service to this state.

I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind. It is for that reason that I deeply regret the recent actions of my husband Mark, and their potential damage to our children.

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband's infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family.
_____

This is why God hates divorce-Tragic!- flee youthful lusts, adultery...

From Gimmick to Gimmick-

J. I. Packer said, "Certainty about the great issues of the Christian faith and conduct is lacking all along the line.

The outside observer sees us staggering on from gimmick to gimmick and stunt to stunt like so many drunks in a fog, not knowing at all where we are or which way we should be going. Preaching is hazy; heads are muddled; hearts fret; doubts drain strength; uncertainty paralyzes action....

Unlike the first Christians who in three centuries won the Roman world, and those later Christians who pioneered the Reformation, and the Puritan awakening and the Evangelical revival, and the great missionary movement of the last century, we lack certainty.

Why is this? We blame the external pressures of modern secularism, but this is like Eve blaming the serpent.

The real truth is that we have grieved the Spirit... we stand under divine judgment. For two generations our churches have suffered from a famine of hearing the words of the Lord."

GOD TEXTS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.
2. dnt wrshp pix/idols
3. no omg's
4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool
6. dnt kill ppl
7. :-X only w/ m8
8. dnt steal
9. dnt lie re: bf
10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

ttyl, dbz

ps. wwjd?

Vine Fellowship- it's all about the children!

Crocodile Dock was a big hit this year at VBS. Our Children's Director, Brooke Hurt, led an enthusiastic team of workers during the week long VBS. Needless to say this was a high energy event as the video shows. Children had fun, ate, played, and gave their lives to Jesus!

Thank you Brooke and all, you are the best!


photography by David and Debi Kerr; videography and video by Jason Kerr

Not by Force, but by Birth

Big Enough to Read!

I can relate to this!

removed previous post as video was no longer available.

33 Minutes from Destruction!

Click here to be forewarned!

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA By Lou Pritchett

Dear President Obama:

You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.

You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.

You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.

You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.

You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.

You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.

You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.

You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.

You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.

You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.

You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.

You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.

You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.

You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.

You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.

You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.

You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.

You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.

You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.

You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.

Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.

Lou Pritchett

Note: Lou Pritchett is a former vice president of Procter & Gamble whose career at that company spanned 36 years before his retirement in 1989, and he is the author of the 1995 business book, Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat. Mr. Pritchett confirmed that he was indeed the author of the much-circulated "open letter." “I did write the 'you scare me' letter. I sent it to the NY Times but they never acknowledged or published it.

Copied as a public service announcement to my readers. DK

Another Tennis Ball use!

The Nike Hypermax NFW features a Tennis Ball felt upper with a White Swoosh, White midsole, and White ankle strap.

I may be getting me a pair of these new Nike- they have tennis ball felt on the uppers! Which color should I get - I don't want to be too obvious!

The ‘American Idol’ Pastor- Being Voted off the Show! Pt. 1

Pastor Mike Cavanaugh had some interesting quotes in a recent class I attended:

Pastoral Significance:

“It’s hard to feel significant as a pastor. We are constantly compared to amazing speakers, incredible entrepreneurs and holy, monkish people who pray more than we can. Our churches are compared to huge churches with massive budgets and incredible bands, and staffs as large as our whole congregations.”

Pastoral Criticism:

“Criticism is one of the things that really hurts. Amazingly, people will criticize their pastor in ways they would not speak of their worst enemy, and feel they have a right to hold an opinion on everything the pastor does. His professional life, his emotional life, the way he dresses, his choice of words, his kids, his personality, the car he drives, the friends he chooses- and the list goes on. It’s easy to feel like you’re a constant disappointment to people, that you are letting people down all the time.”

Pastoral Rejection and Betrayal:

“It’s painful to realize that people leave the church because they don’t like you. That you can invest deeply in a person but that they can still come to the conclusion that they should leave the church because of something they don’t like about you and often they don’t feel the need to even explain. They just stop coming.”

Pastoral Statistics:

-Fifteen to seventeen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.
-Ninety percent said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.
-The majority of pastor’s wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry.
-Only one in ten ministers will actually retire in the ministry.

Is it any wonder some pastors walk off the ‘show’ rather than wait to be ‘voted off the show?’

I'd Rather Have Jesus!

Jesus deserves our sole attention. Nothing else should even come close to demanding our allegiance.

A young man was seated next to his girl in church one Sunday and his intentions were more upon her than upon the message. Leafing through his hymnal till he found what he wanted, he placed it in her lap and pointed to the hymn: "I need thee every hour."She took the hymnal and searched until she found the appropriate hymn to respond: "I’d rather have Jesus."

The song writer wrote:
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands
I’d rather be led by His nail scared hand

Nothing else should even come close to demanding our attention. We need to continue to fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus; He alone is truly the lover of our souls.

A song writer said it this way:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace."

He has invited us into His life. How can we refuse?

I Was Naked! But Now….

Luke 8:26-27 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. NIV

Have you ever pondered the story of the Gadarenes demoniac? The disciples about lose their lives when travelling by boat with Jesus laying there asleep. He calms the troubled sea and they arrive safely to the shore. But it is out of the frying pan and into the fire- they are met by the rabidly raving Gadarenes demoniac. ‘Can’t we just relax for a little bit after what we just experienced?’ they ask themselves. But no, it’s another day at the office.

Jesus cast all the demons into pigs and they went belly up in the water and were drowned! The man was in his right mind (and hopefully clothed by now!). He followed God’s one step plan and took one step out of darkness into light!

The people from the nearby down were more frightened of what Jesus had done for this man than they were frightened by the demoniac. They ask Jesus to leave and he does so.

The delivered man wants to join Jesus but Jesus tells him to stay and preach what has happened to him. He does so, one man, one message. And the town believes and comes back to Jesus when he comes ashore.

We have so many messages that are ineffective and he only had one and it was effective.

Sometimes as pastors we communicate well but it is not effective nor what the people need to hear. Lord give us your message for meeting the needs of the masses!

Why Me, God?

We Remember and We Honor Our Heroes!

Today is Memorial Day here in the United States - it is a day we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Freedom is never free!

Another Use for Tennis Balls!

The Tennis Ball Chair!
Working on mine now! Do you want one?

Contents of Heart Cleansed!

When we were living in Pensacola, Debi's dad, Harry, had a janitorial business- 'Meticulous Cleaning.' (for those that know him it sounds like him doesn't it)

From time to time he would be called upon to clean a house where the occupants had moved out and left everything. Not too bad a job unless there was an unplugged refrigerator involved. One filled with rotting and putrid food left behind! How bad can that be you may ask?

Recently 7 individuals were taken to the hospital and 28 needed treatment for vomiting and nausea after an office worker in San Jose, California decided to clean out the office refrigerator. The AT&T building was evacuated by firefighters after someone called 911 due to the smell and the symptoms of the office workers. Authorities say that an office worker decided to clean out the refrigerator, which had been unplugged and was full of moldy food. The combination of the cleaning supplies used and the old food apparently caused many of the office workers to become ill.

There you have it, the stench can be unbearable!

I think of the things that are often found in our hearts. Pride, Sin, Rebellion, Anger, Greed, Malice, the list of Eph 4. 25-31! Often our hearts can be like that refrigerator- smelly, moldy, and toxic to those around us!

Only God can come to the refrigerator of our hearts (without a hazmat suit mind you) and clean the grossness of our hearts!

Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Eze 36:25-27 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Let's endeavor to keep our hearts pure and don't let junk build up in them!

Bridge Building for Those to Follow-

The Bridge Builder
(Will Allen Dromgoole)

An old man traveling a lone highway,
Came at the evening cold and gray,
To a chasm vast, deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide,
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream held no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," cried a fellow pilgrim near,
"You're wasting your time in building here.
Your journey will end with the closing day;
You never again will pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm deep and wide,
Why build you this bridge at eventide?"
The builder lifted his old grey head,
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This stream, which has been as naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may pitfall be,
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim,
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."

Pastor friend, are you just living for the now or are you laying the foundation for the future travellers?

Things to do with Tennis Balls

FLUFF LAUNDRY Put a clean one in the dryer with towels, comforters or down coats to fluff them right up.

CHILDPROOF FURNITURE Cut a tennis ball in half, or cut an X-shaped slit in it, and use it to cover sharp corners.

CREATE SLIDING FURNITURE Cut in half and place under the feet or corners of heavy furniture to move it without scratching the floor.

HIDE THINGS Got a ring or money you need to temporarily hide? Slit a tennis ball and insert the goods. Just make sure no one uses it.

GIVE YOURSELF A MASSAGE For a foot rub, place a ball on the ground and rotate the sole of your foot over it. Or put three tennis balls into a sock, knot it and use it to knead your muscles. Aaahh!

USE IT IN THE GARAGE to help park your car- Cut a hole in the ball and put string in it and hang it from the ceiling so you will know when to stop the car. Especially helpful if you have cluttered garage!

How do you use them (besides play tennis, duh!)? suggestions...?

Officially 60!!!!

Well, after many surprises- the Vine Fellowship church suprising me with a birthday party last week, girls at Starbucks singing Happy Birthday to me while giving me a free drink, my son Ryan making a surprise visit for Mother's Day and my birthday- I am now officially 60!

I thought Jesus would return before now! :>(

We celebrated Mother's Day/Birthday with the family at Rockfish then back to the house for Pineapple Upside down cake, some pool and then a movie.

Funny thing when I woke up this morning, I didn't feel 6o! Tennis tonight, we'll see!!!!

Thanks again to everyone who wished me well! I love you!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful wife Debi! She is the best!
(shown here with Lina and Arleen-Debi's mom)

I am and shall ever remain 'a one woman man.'

Never Ever Shake a Baby!

"On Monday, April 20th, 2009, Noah, our five month-old son, was shaken by his daycare provider. Though the road ahead remains uncertain, and the tragedy of our story is undeniable, we have created Noah’s Road as an instrument of hope. Please share this website with your friends and ask your friends to share it with theirs. Help us harness the healing power of love and prayer to help our son – our heart and our breath – to heal."

Today my blog is a tribute to Noah and his fight for life and to his parents, Michael and Erin Whitmer, as they stand watch over their son.

http://www.noahsroad.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=81789982302

This Mother's Day I am praying for Erin, Michael, and Noah!

Please join with me!

Starbux Order--

I've done this before- haven't you?

Is There Anything Easy in Life?

Surprise! Gotcha!!!!!

It was a typical Sunday morning except we had set up the sanctuary for a church picnic. Lots of rain had forced us inside. But it was exciting!

I began the service as usual, opening song, I came forward and began to explain to guests the unusual setup, then prayed...and sometime during the prayer I lost control of the service. When I opened my eyes the congregation had on birthday hats and were blowing party whistles...Surprise! My 60th birthday is next week May 10th, Mother's Day. They decided to celebrate a week early!


So there I was totally surprised! I didn't see this coming! They pulled off the most amazing 'Gotcha' I have ever seen.

This had been in the works for 6 weeks or so, spear headed by my clever (howbeit somewhat deceiving staff), and the entire congregation knew it and kept it from me-the Silver Edition, my father-in-love Harry, the children, the animals- were all quiet about it.

They showed a video of my life-amazing how fast 60 years passes one by; my friend Danny Tice greeted me with kind words and then a tennis walker for future years of tennis; and my son Ryan spoke words that encourages a dad.

It was a great day with Texas BBQ, my wife's outstanding Potato Salad, cake, cupcakes, gifts, and especially, wonderful, encouraging, and supportive friends!

I think as I've gotten older I have become more trusting, naive, gullible, and easily deceived... or maybe I have always been that! I wonder!!!!

Blogger or Boog...?

Rap Chop!

We've all seen him. But this is really the only way to enjoy him! enjoy your day- thanks Ryan!

Satan Wants to Kill Your Church

Rev 3:1-2 Write this to Sardis, to the Angel of the church. The One holding the Seven Spirits of God in one hand, a firm grip on the Seven Stars with the other, speaks: "I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone dead. "Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there's life in you yet. But I wouldn't know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God's work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. TMB

Satan wanted to kill the Sardis church! Satan wants to kill your church and he’ll use people (even your friends) to carry out the dirty deed. He even wants to use you!

What are the tactics of the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy the church?

Kill Unity- He wants to set brother against brother. He wants there to be strife. Forget love! Join your favorite faction! Splinter into warring groups.

Kill Harmony- fight among one another (fighting fundies?); desire to be the one in charge; let your pride get the better of you and others. Allow him to speak accusations against others (especially the pastor) in your mind and then believe them.

Kill Humility- try to get and maintain the credit for everything; boast often of your accomplishments. Tell others how much better you can do it! Desire to be seen!

Kill Purity- live like the world and by their standards and just try to cover it on Sundays! If the righteousness of others condemns you then you are living an impure life! Scoff at the pastor stressing Holiness and purity.

Kill the Pastor- yikes!!!!!!

Jesus said He would build His church; don’t let Satan use you to try to kill it!

Drink On...

...coffee that is!!

Drinking coffee may do more than just keep you awake. A new study suggests an intriguing potential link to mental health later in life, as well.

A team of Swedish and Danish researchers tracked coffee consumption in a group of 1,409 middle-age men and women for an average of 21 years. During that time, 61 participants developed dementia, 48 with Alzheimer’s disease.

After controlling for numerous socioeconomic and health factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the scientists found that the subjects who had reported drinking three to five cups of coffee daily were 65 percent less likely to have developed dementia, compared with those who drank two cups or less. People who drank more than five cups a day also were at reduced risk of dementia, the researchers said, but there were not enough people in this group to draw statistically significant conclusions.

Dr. Miia Kivipelto, an associate professor of neurology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and lead author of the study, does not as yet advocate drinking coffee as a preventive health measure. “This is an observational study,” she said. “We have no evidence that for people who are not drinking coffee, taking up drinking will have a protective effect.”(note to self- glad I am already drinking coffee!)

Dr. Kivipelto and her colleagues suggest several possibilities for why coffee might reduce the risk of dementia later in life. First, earlier studies have linked coffee consumption with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, which in turn has been associated with a greater risk of dementia. In animal studies, caffeine has been shown to reduce the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, coffee may have an antioxidant effect in the bloodstream, reducing vascular risk factors for dementia.

Dr. Kivipelto noted that previous studies have shown that coffee drinking may also be linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Glad there are many studies showing the great effects of coffee- not that it matters, I would still drink it! lol

Wretched Man That I Am!

Emotional hurt is the mirror that reflects back to us our true inner qualities and maturity or lack thereof.

We all encounter emotional hurt whether it is from family members, our spouses, friends, church members, employer, employees, etc. As much as we try to avoid such encounters, they are inevitable.

This emotional hurt can produce dark valleys for us to walk through. Sometimes we walk alone in them and at other times we may seek help. But most of the time it is walked out very alone! It is in those valleys that we are greeted face to face with self-knowledge; a discovery of who we are and how we are responding. Sometimes it is good, however sometimes it can be frightening! We may rejoice that we passed with flying colors or cry out to God in utter disgust with ourselves. Talk about the original reality show! And this is one we don’t want others to see.

We don’t often see our maturity in the good times but in the bad. It is here in the crucible of trials, testing’s, and hurt that character is revealed and made. It is here we see how we have progressed in our character and maturity. It is here we see whether we can take it or not. For some, this valley becomes the ‘breaking point;’ for others it becomes the ‘making point!’ The ‘making point’ is where we reevaluate, reshape, and reenter life from the valley with a new understanding of ourselves.

Ps 121TMB I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. He won't let you stumble; your Guardian God won't fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep. God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you—shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moon stroke. God guards you from every evil; he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, and he guards you always.

Remember, we can’t stay in those valleys very long. Embrace the lesson, climb out, and face life with a fresh understanding of yourself with God by your side!

Way We Hunt in Texas!?!

Life is good!

Heavenly Attitude!

I recently had a dear friend visit me. When he left, he left behind a note: “Thanks for your friendship! Your attitude about life and the way you treat those who have hurt you are a classic example of true Christian love!” Wow, he must have seen me on a good day, lol!

Life is about attitude!

I struggle like all to maintain a good attitude. Whether it is someone cutting me off in traffic, an inconsiderate church member ‘killing me softly’ with his words, a disrespectful staff member, a condemnation of the enemy, the list could go on and on… I try to recover by keeping a right attitude! Sometimes it takes me longer than others, but recover one must!

Charles R. Swindoll made this statement about Attitude: "This may shock you, but I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude is that `single string’ that keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there’s no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me."

Col 3:2 Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ — that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. TMB

In all of this I try to remember to set my mind (attitude) on things above. It seems to help me keep that proper heavenly perspective in relation to things happening around me!

Post Easter Sunday Morning Blues!

One of my most often searched blog posts is It's Friday but Sunday's Coming- Of course it is searched for the most around Easter.

Ah Easter! The most important tenant of the faith- Jesus is risen indeed! What Pastor doesn't enjoy preaching on Easter? What Pastor doesn't enjoy the crowds! Oh, the thrill of all those people coming to hear you preach a powerful sermon and partake of the marvellous activities you provide!

But wait, did they really come to hear you, or be wowed? I noticed again this year a couple who I saw last year at Easter. They didn't come back after my most wonderful sermon and service last Easter and I bet they won't be back this Sunday either! They are quite comfortable with the yearly visit and maybe even know that they are inflating our numbers that day. I think I saw that wry grin on their faces!

We Pastors get overly hyped about Easter. It is the one time (maybe Christmas?) that the church is packed! And what do we do? We get excited, post the numbers and revel in the them. It's as if somehow our ministry success is validated that day. We have arrived at a 'plateau breakthrough' we tell ourselves! We will finally be listed as one of the top ten fastest growing churches in America, hey, how about the world! Yes 'It's Friday but Sunday's coming!'

Problem is, so is next Sunday! The Sunday after Easter is 'reality check' time! The hype has come and gone. Our adrenaline is waning. We try to approach the next Sunday with the anticipation of the last. And Sunday comes! Where are the crowds! Where is the excitement among the congregation and even among the staff. It is like the finish and aftermath of running a marathon- the high and then the emotional letdown. Everyone and everything is depleted. It could be called 'Post Easter Sunday Morning Blues!'

The Sunday following Easter is a letdown and disappointment to many pastors. Some actually go into a depression. I have read that some pastors take a vacation after Easter, but you do have to face reality eventually! There are more Sundays to follow.

What is the word for 'Post Easter Sunday Morning Blues' for pastors? It is to Continue:
Continue to stand firm
Continue to press on
Continue to hold on to your dreams
Continue to understand that your success is not measured by numbers
Continue to be thankful for that Easter Sunday, the souls saved, and the ministry to the saints
...and regardless of the reality of this coming Sunday- continue!

Continue to run the race set before you and don't give up. Pastor I am praying for you today!

Never Ever, Ever, Give Up to Your Dreams!

I am speechless and tearful!

Another Piece of Stupid!

There is a phrase, 'It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.' Loosely interpreted, it means to go ahead and do something and if it's wrong then ask for forgiveness! I recently did a big piece of stupid. Have you ever done a big piece of stupid? I had to write a note asking forgiveness to someone I had offended.

Thank you for asking about the paring note- it came at a very dark, hurtful, disheartening time in my life. I have since removed it.

I had been wondering for some time as my friends list was growing to over 400 people (on Facebook) about why some never wrote anything or corresponded on Facebook or ignored responses. I had been thinking about the downsizing for some time so that my responses could be honed to those that were interested. Your comments are duly noted and valid!

And then I took a hit- I admit my timing on this was way off and somewhat an immature attempt to cover my hurt. In hindsight I wish I had not done it- my wife and I made a pack that I will wait 3 days before writing anything or saying anything in situations like this. Good idea after the fact. You think I would learn but then I am reminded I am human and do have feelings like everybody else.

When I started deleting people I didn't know, etc. I got carried away and deleted some I shouldn't have. But there is no 'undelete' the deleted key. So I have to start the task of adding back people. Some may not want to renew with a vacillating 'clay feet' pastor.

Time will tell how big this big piece of stupid on my part will affect me and others.

Please forgive me for the offense it created for you. You know my heart and it is not in me to cut people off. You can please pray for the Lord to heal my heart and I will guard it in the future.

So I have been very candid with you...

There you have it! My confession and request for forgiveness. Fortunately it was well received and I am forgiven.

What have I learned?
1. Don't react, respond or do anything in the time of intense personal hurt and disappointment.
2. Guard your heart immediately after those offenses.
3. Don't retaliate!
4. Don't mess with Texas and Facebook! They are both big countries with intense loyalty.

Because He lives, I too can live again!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Matthew 28:1-10 NIV

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Pastors Need Tennis Rackets!

Five times Roger Federer has been honored as ATP Sportsman of the Year.

Roger was playing Novak Djokovic in the Sony Ericsson Open on April 3, 2009. And it was not going well! He was playing so terribly he had lost 27 of 28 points across parts of the second and third sets. He had fallen behind 2-0 in the third and final set when he dipped a forehand into the net.

Roger uncharacteristically slammed his racket to the court. Totally demolished it! It was the sign of an total implosion!

I play tennis so I can understand the frustration he felt! Thank God for rackets!

But what does a pastor do when the tension is mounting, the hurts occur, and feelings are running amok? I was talking to a pastor friend who told me of a terrible day in the pulpit- he didn't have it that day, he missed his second point entirely. For that one sermon he was off.

But, what does a pastor do? We have no racket to smash! We implode much to our own hurt!

Pastor friend, how do you handle the disappointments, hurts, bad sermons, etc.?

I would really like to hear from you in the comments.

You and Global Impact?

Discontented selfish Christians and churches never become great mission givers!

What is your global impact?

My New Computer!