PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE

Last week I bought a new book by Leonard Sweet entitled, 11. Sweet shares some thoughts
about how people need people to accomplish much in life. Eleven people from the Scriptures
are excellent examples of how being connected is so crucial. We are made for one another.
I think this one of his best books I've read.
I met Leonard Sweet a few years ago and look forward to hearing him in person in a few
weeks in Louisville, Ky. He will sharing thoughts from his book, The Gospel According to
Starbucks. While I don't agree with all he has to say, I think what he has to say is right on
target for the most part. He thinks "ouside the box."

UNTIL THEN

My father's last sibling died today. She was 89 years old. Dad will be 96 April 2nd. Who
would of ever thought that things would go like that? Not me. Dad has gone through the
valley of the shadow so many times during his lenghty life time. Yet he has always come
out on top. He amazes us with his firm faith and deep desire to live his life for the glory
of God.
Dad will not be able to attend the funeral due to his health and the weather. It' so sad
that he can't be there for a sister who meant so much to him. But one of these days
Dad will reunite with those who have gone on before him. Until then, Dad will seek to
encourage others who walk through valleys such as the one he is walking through right
now. I know from personal experience as I myself walk through a deep, dark valley of
my own. Dad would hold out his tired old wrinkled hands and point up to Heaven and
say, "But until then..." That's what keeps me going in the valley or own a high mountain.
What keeps you going until then?

LIFE LESSONS

I came across a quote that says volumes: "The difference between school and life?
In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test
that teaches you a lesson."( Tom Bodett)
Speaking from personal experience, I've had lots of lessons. I just hope I pass the
test! It seems as if there is a new test every day. Just about the time you're feeling
good about things, boom! Something else takes place. They say that experience is
a great teacher. Well, I've been taught by teachers with PHD's of all sorts!!
What is your life lesson today? What are you going to do with it? I hope you pass
the test with flying colors. I also hope you share what you learn with others. Who
knows, it just might be what they need to know.

WORTH WHILE

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find I have just lived the length of it. I want
to have lived the width of it as well." This quote is in a new bookI bought last week, One
Month To Live.
After just seeing the movie "Bucket List", I came across this 220 page book at Barnes
and Noble. I sat down and read it right there, right then. Then I bought the book because
it said so much to me that I was taken by.
So, what if you had one month to live, what would you do? What would you say? Who would
you want to see? These three questions are included in a book that I had to have. So should
you. It will help you take inventory of the way you are living your life. It will help you to see what is important and what isn't important and then do something about it. I know I am.
The Dash between the date of your birth and your death represents your life. What are you
doing with your dash today? Do it before that last date is put in stone. "This is the day the
Lord has made..." Make it worth while while you can

BUCKET LIST

I turned 64 today. I'm 64 and wonder what's in store. I don't mean a department store, I
mean much more than that. I wonder what will happen in my life in the future. Will I be
able to keep on keeping on as well as I do now? While my walking presents problems from
time to time, thus far it doesn't hold me back too much. I may have M S but M S doesn't
have me. For years I have said I have M S. By that I mean, I have My Saviour and He has
me. What else would I want?
My wife and I watched Bucket List last Friday night. It is a movie about two men who
are dying and having a long list of things that they want to do before their deaths. The two
then set out to do several things that they had never done before. The movie makes you
think about the things that you've never done that you would like to do before you kick the
bucket.
I am working on a short list of things that I want to do before I kick the bucket. It isn't all
that easy. I want to create a list of things that are well worth while. From time to time I
will share some of these things with you. The first thing is to take a trip out West. There
are a couple of places I'd like to go and a couple of preachers I'd love to hear preach.
So, Happy Birthday John Coomer! There's lots more in store when you're 64!

"I'II TELL YOU WHAT."

My twin has another birthday Monday. Poor old man! I wonder what it feels liketo be that
old. If I know him,and I think I do, I'm sure he will tell me much more than I want to know.
Of course I'll have to turn up my hearing aid.
My older brother is having surgery at the end of the month and I'm sure he will have
something to say about that. I say,milk it for all you can, old man! As for me, did I ever
tell you about.............Thanks for asking. My twin will be 64. No wonder he is sore!
Enough is enough.

SOLO

SOLO is a new book I'm reading each evening as part of my spiritual growth. Each page of
SOLO has a Scripture to study and reflect upon. SOLO provides points for consideration
and oppotunities to change.
SOLO was written by Eugene Peterson along with others who helped him develope some
new ways to study Scripture. SOLO is a solo event as the reader under goes it all alone in
an attempt to mature in the faith. Thus far, I'm finding SOLO to be a valuable tool to use
daily.
SOLO is something I will read slowly so I won't miss the message in God's Word.

J. B. HOLMES BRINGS IT HOME

I spent Sunday afternoon watching a golf match to see if J.B.Holmes from Campbellsville,
Ky would win for the 2nd time. He did!!! He won in a play off that showed he has the skill
to thrill still.
I met J.B a few years ago at the church where I was pastor. Even if he is a Baptist, he is
a great guy. I wish J.B. well as he celebrates this victory. I hope he has many more victories
in the future. J.B.Holmes is a winner! I love it when the good guy wins!
By the way, his caddie is a United Methodist who made a profession faith and joined First
Church whenI was pastor. Brandon Parson's mother is the organist.

What I'm Reading and Re-Reading

I finished reading The Shack last night. It is one of those books that I will want to read again
and again. At times I had a hard time connecting all the dots. I had to re-read a page or
even a chapter but by staying at it, it all made sense. I'm sure I will re-read the entire
book again in the future.
Speaking of re-reading, I'm re-reading Who Stole My Church? since I read it quickly at
the bookstore before buying it a few weeks later. It says some things that would help
people understand why we worship in Church the way we do. The primary thing I've
gotten out of it thus far is that the Church has always been in change. If not, the Church
becomes stale and out of touch with the times.
I have some other books I want to read whenever I can find them. Two are by Leonard
Sweet and one is by Stephen White. The three are yet to be released as far as I know.
One is a mystery and the other two deal with spiritual things. I've met Leonard Sweet
and always look forward to what he has to say. I read Stephen White as a change of
pace. The main character in his books former wife has M.S., as I do, thus, it is interesting
to see how she is doing even if it is make believe. Besides, I love a good mystery!

MY SPACE

They say to "let sleeping dogs lie." Well, "we have a problem, Houston." Derby, our
daughter's dog, has a habit of climbing to the top of our Living Room couch and going
to sleep there. While he looks so cute and comfy, he is leaving a lasting impression.
So, we have had to build a barrier to keep him from his perch.
Derby can't comprehend what has happened. His "my space" isn't his place now. So
he is back to his old ways. Derby will lie down at my feet while I work at "my space",
the computer. If he had it his way, he would be at my back on the clean couch. For
now he has to try not to be a problem puppy and be taught new tricks.
He is a lap dog for his Granny. He is a best friend for playing with his Grandaddy. And,
he is a spoiled dog for our daughter. We really don't have a problem, Houston. What we
have is a dog named Derby who is a delight! We're all s0 happy that he has such a space
in our hearts.

GLAD TO GO

I started reading a new book last night. It is entitled, The Shack. After reading only one
chapter I found myself wanting to take my time to read the story it tells. I have already
been blessed by just the introduction and the first chapter.
This morning I served Coummunion at the 8:15 service at church and then served as a
greeter with my wife at the 9:30 service. We left half way through to travel out of town
to a small country church where I preached. I was ready for my afternoon nap as soon
as we arrived home. It was a long one!
In my study of the Scriptures I discovered that the word "bell" is only used twice and
both times are in the Old Testament. My theme was bells being used to call people to
worship. Even if the congregation didn't get much out of the sermon today, I did. Both
times point to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Both "bells" focus upon how we
are to approach God with reverance.
This was my 13th time to preach at Sugar Grove over the past four years. Even though
it is a very small church it has been a very big blessing to my wife any myself. It is like
going from over 1200 to 29 in worship on the same Sunday. The great thing is how so
many people are blessed by both churches. Indeed, "I was glad when they said 'let us
go into the house of the Lord.'" I was glad to go to the house of the Lord today.

UPDATE

Last night my wife and I met a couple at Cracker Barrel. While we were there we saw
two other couples whom we know. After we ate, we went to their house to watch a movie.
We never got around to it because the two women got to talking about how to decorate
and Bob and talked about other things. Even though we were tired, it was a wonderful
evening.
I've been busy working with my sermon for the 27th. I've tried a time or two to toss
it and with something else but I feel led to go ahead and preach this new one. While I'm
still searching for illustrations, I find myself seeking just the right things to say. I don't
to just preach and get on my way. I want to show that Jesus is the way.
I will consecrate Communion in the morning at 8:15 as I do each Sunday. This is a time
when I feel I can serve the Lord as I serve the people.I look forward to it even on a very
cold Winter's morning like Sunday will be.
Well, that's an update as to what we've been doing for a few days. I hope you have a
great day.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

With all the promises for change by politicians these days, I've found something that's for
sure. I think it would be a great sign above the door into a nursery:

"LISTEN, I WILL TELL YOU A MYSTERY! WE
WILL NOT ALL DIE, BUT WE WILL ALL BE
CHANGED..." I Cor.15:51-52

Yep!, Change is in the air!

PREACHING

I am working with a new sermon for Sugar Grove the 27th of this month. Even though I
have a large file of sermons, I feel led to work with a brand new one for a brand new year.
One of the things I miss the most is not having to work with sermons from Sunday to
Sunday. It kept me on my spiritual tip toes in seeking God's word to proclaim.
I think I will preach a sermon entitled,"For Whom the Bells Tolls." I have two text that
keep speaking to my soul almost on a daily basis. I could preach the Lectionary lession
about Jesus calling the disciples to follow him but I think I'll follow these two text instead.
Since I have to study some Scriptures I better be getting back to work. The last Sunday
will be here before I know it if I'm not careful and I want to be ready.

Going My Way?

I think our daughter's dog, Derby, thinks he is a mountain goat. Whenever I start working at
the computer, Derby does a "no - no" by climbing up on the backrest of our couch. He gets
himself real comfy and takes a nice nap. He has been told not get up there but when he does,
he looks so cute that I hate to have him move. All it takes to get him off his high post is for
me to get up to do something else, somewhere else.
As I write this, Derb is at his high post taking a snooze. I'm about to get up so I'll see what
he does. My money is on him going my way. I will let you know what the little feller does
when I write next time. Here goes...............

The rest of the story:
I was right! He was right behind me as I walked seven steps into the kitchen. Guess where
he is now? Right! Right back upon the couch looking cute. What a life! He has it made in the
shade. Lucky dog!
Come on, Derby.................

CHECK IT OUT

Have you heard about the old woman who had so many children she didn't know what to
do? The story is told about a woman who had several children and grandchildren that
she realized she couldn't buy something for each and every one of them at Christmas. So
she decided to send each one a check and a note,"Buy your own present."
As time went buy she wondered why she hadn't gotten one"thank you" from even one
of her children or grandchildren. Needless to say, she was disappointed.Truth be told,
she was so hurt that she was going to tell them all off whenever she saw them the next
time.
But one day while she was looking at a stack of enevelopes she came across one filled
full of checks. They were the checks for the children and grandchildren. She had failed
to put them in each envelope with the note saying,"Buy your own gift."
Have you ever made a mistake? She sure did, didn't she? Her family must of thought
that they were to buy their own Christmas gift because she wasn't going to gift them
each a gift.
As you start out on another new year, don't forget to include a note of thanks to God
for being present with you day and night. He is waiting and wanting to hear from you.
Don't let Him down. Don't be late in 2008. By the way, Happy New Year!

The Today Show

It was nice not having to be up and at it early this morning. So, I stayed in bed until
5:58 a.m.. I took the three dogs outside as well as the recycle containers and then I
watched tv and read the morning paper with my morning coffee. It was a very good
morning until the news came on about an assination. So sad.
We were with most of our family at my father's yesterday. It was a delightful day as
we celebrated Christmas as the Coomer clan in Columbia. I shed a tear or two when
my 95 year dad prayed the prayer for the meal. Just having him still with us is a
gift from God.
While we have lots of cleaning up to do around the house, mainly I want to take it
easy and reflect on the reason for the season.

LIGHT A CANDLE

While I was waiting for my family to show up for the second service at church this
morning, a good friend started speaking to me. He asked if I remembered what I
had done in a Christmas Eve service several years ago. He went on to say that he
had never forgotten how I handled a situation in the service.
As we were closing the candlelight coummunion service, I had people to stand in a
circle and each one light a candle. After I had lit the first candle I stepped aside and
watched as the darkness was overcome with bright light. When I looked down at
my own candle, I noticed that it had gone out. I stood stilland didn't speak. I simply
waited to see if someone would re-light my candle with their candle. All of the
sudden a little girl reached out to me and lit my candle again. That's when I told those
there that there are others whose light has gone out of their lives and that they need
someone to say or do something to bring light to their lives. After all, that's what the
true meaning of Christmas is all about.
We then sang a simple song: "Light a candle, light a candle and tell the world, and tell the
world, Jesus Christ was born, Jesus Christ was born, on Christmas morn, on Christmas
morn." To close we sang, "Silent Night" and then we went on our different ways. Now
after all these years, a man told me that he has never forgotten that service. Neither
have I. The light still shines after all these years.

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

As I was getting out of our car at church this morning, I reached down to get my cain. There
was no cain. And, I didn't have time to travel back home and get it. I walked into church and
told three people there what I had done. I felt that I could carry on without it even though
I was in charge of Communion at the 8:25 service.
As I started to walk into the sanctuary, someone handed me something that she thought I
could use. It wasn't a cane but a golf club. Not being bashful, I walked on in with it at my side.
As it went, I didn't need to use it. But I was glad to have it just in case I needed it. It was an
expected Christmas gift from someone being thoughful of a man with M S and has trouble
walking at times.
God and Georgia worked well together to see to it that I would have help if I needed it.
While I didn't, I was sure glad to know it was there for a forgetful preacher on a Sunday
morning.

ON LOAN

I was loaned a book by Frederick Buechner earlier this week, The Longing for Home. Just
last week I almost bought it at Barnes & Nobles but didn't. The copy I have belongs to two
people I've known for thirty five years or so. Jerry & Carol have meant so much to my own
life and to the lives of so many more people.
This Buechner book deals with two topics: recollection and reflection. Maybe that's why I
think of Jerry on almost every page. Even though he has been dead for a few years, I
think of him almost every time I read books. Jerry loved to read too.
When I read the table of contents I realized that I've already read most of the sermons
that are in it. But there are a few that I have yet to read as well as what else he has to
say. I keep this borrowed book by my bed and read a page or two each evening before
turning the light out and going to sleep.
I can't keep this book. I can't even make marks in it, but I'm sure it willl leave it's marks
on me. When I return it to Carol, I know that I will want to hug her and offer words of
recollection and reflection with her from down deep in my heart. It's the owners of the
book that leave a lasting impression on me far more than the book it's self.

LISTEN

Since Frederick Buechner is one of my favorite writers, I bought one of his books last
week. Listening to Your Life is the title of this book of daily meditations. One of the
reasons I bought the book is that like the title and the thought that what he has to
say will assist me in looking at my own life in a new way.
During these days of Advent I feel a strong urge to look at my spiritual life. Buechners'
book will be my guide as I take a look under the rug of my soul and see what is hidden
there that needs to be swept out and done away with. It might take some time since
I tend to hate house cleaning, if youknow what I mean. I have an idea I'm in good
company about doing something bad. Can I hear an "Amen!"? So I invite you to take
time during these days of Advent to listen to your life and get a pulse beat of what's
go on down deep inside your soul. Take The Bible and let it lead you as you pray
about spiritual things.
Rather than starting my day with Listening to Your Life, I'm going to let it be my
sleeping pill. That is to say, if I sleep well, things are well with my soul.But if I
have trouble sleeping it might mean that something has touched a sore spot of my
soul that needs attention and action. I sure hope and pray that I can sleep well as
I read through these daily mediations. Maybe that's what it means to have a good
night's sleep.

I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY

Little did I know that what I said in my last post would happen so soon. Yesterday I
mentioned that my 95 year old father would preach in a minute's time if asked. He
did just that just this morning. He is a resident in a retirement home where they
have someone preach to the residents from time to time. The speaker for today
was a no-show so, they asked dad if he would preach to them. Without even giving
it much thought he told them that he would.
Dad needed his Bible so someone was sent to get it. When she returned, she
handed him a Hymn book, not his Bible. Rather than sending her back, he turned
to the back of the Hymn book and picked out a Scripture to talk about. He shared
some thoughts for a few minutes and had a closing prayer. No notes and no time
to prepare himself, dad just let the Lord speak through him. I wish I could of been
there to over hear the Gospel.
The reason I know that dad did what he did is that I called him long distance at
noon to see how he was doing. I'm delighted to say that dad is doing just fine. He
got to do his favorite thing in all the world today, tell others about Jesus. It made
his day and I'm sure it helped others have a better day too. I know I feel better
after hearing about my father telling his story about telling the old, old story.

ON CALL

Since I have been helping serve Communion at our 8:15 a. m. service for awhile, the Pastor
has asked if I can do it every Sunday. I've told him I will unless there is a conflict of some sort.
Since I preach for others from time to time, I will still be able to "fill in" if I'm called upon. It
is one of my ways of being in ministry.
I miss preaching weekly, being with people in their homes or at the hospital, etc. After all,
after all these years in the pastorate I don't want to do nothing at all. It is a high calling to
do the work of a pastor. It isn't something I take lighlty. I guess I'm a lot like my 95 year
old father who was a pastor. If he could preach, he would in a minute's time! So would I.
It is so sad to see so much bad press given these days to the Church and pastors. Some of
it is deserved, but where is the good news about the Good News? We don't do it for applause
and attention, we do it for the love of theLord and people. We simply go about doing good
like the Lord did.
I like being "on call" because it means my ministry is still worth while to others in one way
or another.

A HOLY HUSH

I started re-reading, The Returnof the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming,
by Henri Nouwen again. The first time I read it was in 1998 at New Harmony Inn.
The second time was in my study at First UMC in Campbellsville, Ky in 2000.
This is the third time for me to read a small book with a big message.
After I started reading it I realized that I was reading a book about a home coming
in my very own home. I've always lived in a home owned by the church.
Nouwen has always spoken to my soul in ways that seem to sneak up on me. I didn't even
know something spritually when all of the sudden it is right before my spiritual eyes. It is
always an eye opener for me. He makes me aware that there are others who struggle in
their souls with the same issues that I struggle with. And, he has a way of dealing with an
issue in such a way that I am able to find comfort and help.
Nouwen died several years ago of a heart attack. I have many of the books by Henri
Nouwen that I treasure. I have one I've read and re- read over twenty times.
There is a Scripture that says, "even though he is gone, he still speaks." Henri Nouwen
still speaks to me. At times he seems to shout and at times it is so soft that I have to
lean over and listen intently. In that hush, I hear the holy. This time the message of the
holy hush was that I'm home. And what a blessing that truly is for me tonight.

What's Your Story?

This morning I finished reading, How Starbucks Saved My Life. While there are a few
things I don't like about the book, it still said some things to help me help others. The
book shows how Starbucks gave the author affirmation, acceptance and a purpose for
living.
One of the things that stood out for me was that Starbucks wants to make people feel better.
So should I. So should the Church. There are lessions to be learned in how to make people
feel better on almost every page of this 265 page book. Also, the author speaks of how
Starbucks was like a life raft in tumultuous times. The Church can be a life raft for
people going through tough times. The Church can offer hope and help in so many ways.
This book tells how a man found a purpose for living when he was just about to give up.
The Church is filled full of people who can testify to the fact that God gave them hope
and help to keep on keeping on. If I were to tell my story, there would be similiar stories
of how I was saved, not by Starbucks but by someone who gave me a lift to my life.
That someone is Jesus. He can do the same for anyone, anywhere.
I understand that Tom Hanks may be in a movie about this book. If so, I'm sure it
will succeed just as the man the movie will be about is. If it comes out, I want to see
it as I drink my cup of coffee from Starbucks. I might even sneak in a couple of cookies,
who knows? I do, that's who!

SECOND THOUGHTS

I took our car in for work yesterday. While I was waiting, I started re-reading Richard
Morgan's, Settling In. In it, Morgan shares some thoughts about settling into a
Retirement community a few years ago. I first read this helpful book in October in an
effort to see what he has to say on the subject. I was deeply impressed with it then but
felt I needed a second reading so I could soak it in better.
I found myself thinking that what my wife and I really need to do is to take time to
read it together. That way, we would talk about the things he has to say. In fact, I
think this book would help anyone who is dealing with these matters for the future.
I highly suggest having a class in church for mid-age adults.
The trouble with reading so many books is that we rush through them without taking
time to stop and soak in the subject. We get onto the next read and leave the last one
behind in the dust. Buy this book and take time to let it read you. It will open your
eyes to things that you just might happen to have to deal with one of these days not
too far down the road.

STARBUCKS

I've gone and done it again. Yesterday I bought, How Starbucks Saved My Life. Since
Starbucks seems to get so much attention these days, I thought I'd like to get on board
and see why. So, I bought yet another book about the Starbucks.
I am amazed at how much influence Starbucks has on so many lives. We have a brand
new one that just opened a few days ago and it is already an attraction to so many people.
While I haven't been in it yet, I know that I will drop in soon. I might even take this new
book with me and see how Starbucks saved his life. Although I am only a few pages into
this new book, I have an idea that I know what it's all about and how it had something to
do with helping this man who wrote it.
I've read several sermons on the subject of Starbucks as well as Leonard Sweet's,
The Gospel Accrding To Starbucks, and see some of the things that Starbucks does
that the Church could and should be doing. I think it is great that we can learn how to
do better from someone who puts it into practice so well. So very well.
Maybe I should write a book about books about Starbucks. It just might be a best
seller. I'll drink to that! Starbucks, that is. Or, I might just save my time and my money
and read on some other subject while I drink water.

PAUSE FOR PRAYER

I was very moved while watching a service over the internet a few minutes ago.
They were celebrating All Saints Sunday. First United Methodist Church in Dallas,
Texas is a very large and old church. Therefore, I wasn't surprised when the
Pastor read the names of thirty or more people. As he read each name, they showed
someone lighting a candle at the altar.
It took time. Lots of time. But that was what I thought was so wonderful. No need to
rush to the next thing on the bulletin. No need to try to get it over with an go out to eat.
I didn't know any of the names. But I found myself pausing in prayer to thank God for
each and every one. After all, I want someone to pray a prayer of thanks whenever my
name is called out one of these All Saints Sunday's. I don't when that might happen. I
hope not too soon. I just know that it has to happen.

STEVE

When I was ten years old I played a game called "Kick the Can" with some kids from our
neighborhood. There were two boys named Steve who played the game at times. One
Steve had trouble with his school work while the other ended up graduating at the top of
his class may years later.
A few months ago I learned that one Steve died as a lonely man. Last night, the other
Steve became the Governor elect of the State ofKentucky. While I haven't seen either
Steve for many, many years, I've wondered where they were and what they were doing.
Now I know, and so do you.
As I was about to sign off from this Blog, I just thought of another Steve. Our Son is
named Stephen. He is good looking like his father and is works hard from day to day.
Three guys named Steve stand tall in my mind. I thank God for each one.

Yesterday

I had a date with my mate yesterday afternoon so we went out to eat and then we went to
Barnes & Noble. While she read one book, I read two. While she read, I drank Starbucks
strong coffee and watched people. Some sat all alone. Some were with others. Some worked
at the lap tops and drank their cups of coffee.
As we were leaving, I happened to see a book that I must go back and read, How Starbucks
Saved My Life. Really? I've read three books about Starbucks already but I don't recall
anyone saying it saved their lives. Leonard Sweet's book might mention how Starbucks
can help save souls but I haven't come across saving lives yet. I'll get a cup of Starbucks
and see what this man has to say about how his life has been saved. I'll let you know when I
know what he knows. Know what I mean?
I read some thoughts about solitude and the soul as I drank my cup of coffee yesterday. I
wasn't all alone, yet I was refreshed as I was reminded of my need for more "time out"
with and for God. I think I will try to "get lost" today while my wife is out and about. The
silence of the soul allows God to whisper to me in ways that I other wise might miss. It's
in times like this that I feel closer to God. What is it for you? What works best?

ON CALL

Who can you call at 3:30 in the morning if you need someone? Would that person get mad
and hang up on you or say, "I'll be right there"? I hope you have a list of people who would
want to help you if asked. St. Paul had a list of people he could depend upon. When he was
in prison he depened upon a young man named Timothy. He was assured that Timothy
would come through for him. Who is your Timothy? Are you a Timothy for someone else?
When I think back, I don't remember the services at churches I've pastored as much as
the people who served the Lord with gladness. When I'm gone, I hope people remember
what I've done more than what I've said. And, I hope that they are grateful that I was
there for them when they needed me most. While my name isn't Timothy, I want to be
a Timothy for someone in some way. What about you? Are you on call?

SIGHT SEEING

While my wife was shopping at RiverGate Mall in Nashville yesterday, I watched as people
passed by. What caught my eye was that so many walked by as they talked on their cell
phones. Also, most of them were not alone. Someone was with them. In fact, one group
of guys that passed by had three people who were on their cell phones. It was a sight to
see!
Then there were the people who passed by without any packages in their hands. Maybe
they couldn't find what they wanted or they couldn't afford what they wanted. But only
one or two had sacks showing they had bought something at one of the stores. It made
me wonder why they had even shown up in the first place.
When my wife showed up, she too didn't have anything for her troubles. Since she didn't
say much about it, I kept my big mouth closed. Now that was a sight to see!
(Maybe she hid my Christmas present or put it on lay away. I didn't dare ask. After all it
was out of my sight seeing.)

THIS IS WHAT I KNOW

This morning while I was swinging on our front porch, I heard a familiar sound from behind
me. I didn't have to turn around to see who it was, I knew. I knew it was the sound of the
muffler on the mail man's mail truck as he approached our house. Sure enough, I was right.
After placing the mail in the mail box he headed ond own the street delivering mail.
All of the sudden the thought came to me, I wonder if people know when I am coming by
the sounds I make. I walk with a limp due to my M S. I talk alot and that may give me off.
Who knows, there may be something else. (don't go there!) And, are they glad to see me go
on my way? I hope I leave something worth while behind, a laugh, a smile something I said
or did. I don't know, but if you know me, you know I won't wish you "Happy Holloween" but
I wish you wish you well on this last day of October. That's what I know.

IN HIS SERVICE

My Pastor has asked that I concencrate the Communion elements at the 8:15 a.m. service this
coming Sunday. At first I was going to say that I couldn't because I had planned to
attend another service at another church near by and hear a friend preach. When I stopped
to think about what to do, I realized that I was being asked to not only serve the Lord's
Supper, but the Lord. I also realized that this is my way of serving my Pastor. It is my way
of helping him help others.
There is a beer commercial that says, "This Bud's for you." Well, this Sunday I can say to
those who are being served Communion,"This bloods for you." The body and blood of our
Lord Jesus Christ was given for us that we might be saved from our sins. I want to do my
small part in being sure others are blessed as I have been blessed. I can't wait to be at
the service Sunday serving Communion.

Forward March!

A few minutes ago I ran some papers through the shredder. While I was watching, I saw
the reverse button. So, I turned it on. When I did, some of the papers I had shredded a
few moments before, were returned to me. But I couldn't make sense out of any of it. I
knew what I had shredded and that no one else can make sense of it either. That's what
I needed and wanted to know.
When I confess my sins, what I need and want to know is that they are gone. I need to
get on with my life. The past is past and the future awaits. So it is, "forward march!" By
the way, something else doesn't make sense to me. How in the world can God love and
forgive me. While I don't comprehend it, I sure am glad God's grace still takes away my
sins and my guilt. That's why on this gloomy, rainy day, the SON is shining so bright!
Can't you see the SON? Can't you march forward in faith with me and so many others?
Forward March!

A GLIMPSE OF GOD

I took the dogs out at 5:00 this morning. While I was outside I looked up at the dark sky. As
I was looking I saw the stars high above. I thought to myself, how long it had been since I
last looked at the stars.? Sad to say, it has been a long, long time. I stood and stared at the
stars for a few minutes in awe.
It is so easy to miss seeing something that is right in front of us because we have our mind
on other things. We fail to see something or hear something because we have tuned them out of
our minds. Maybe we need to try a little harder to see and hear what is all around us. In doing
so, we just might see or hear something special, like a four leaf clover. We might even get a
glimpse of God. Talk about awesome!

Sunday Silence

This afternoon I sat on the swing on our front porch for awhile. I looked and listened instead
of reading a book. I was amazed at how few sounds there were over a minute or two. Dogs
barking and cars passing by were it. Then then there were the whispers of the winds. They
were so soft and yet enough for the human ear to hear them blowing in the leaves high
above my head.
I spent a good while just being still and silent. It was a Sunday afternoon well worth having.
It didn't cost me anything except a little bit of my time. I was well rewarded for allowing
something so ordinary to be extraordinary for me from my front porch swing. I'll have to
do it again soon. Real soon. It was a Holy hush that spoke to my soul.

THE LAST LAUGH IS ON ME

I got lots of laughs when I took Derby, our daughter's cocker spaniel, out back to play. One
of his favorite things to do is chase a tennis ball. While he was going to get it, I poured some
water in the water bowl from a milk cantainer. Then I tossed it down to do something else.
Little did I know that Derby would chase after that milk bottle as if it were his very best
toy! He ran and ran after it. He had it in his mouth by the handle. Whenever he hit it with
his small body, it went flying from him. He would go grab it and take off with it as if to say,
"Got Ya!!"
Isn't interesting that this toy wasn't some exspensive something from some store, but an
empty, plastic milk bottle? Just for the fun if it, I tossed another one out today and off
he went, chasing after it. I laughed so much that my tummy hurt.I know if someone saw
me out back laughing like that they thought I was crazy. Well, maybe, just maybe, they
are right! You see, I'm crazy about a dog named Derby who thinks I' m a great guy!! The
little feller is right about that, if I say so myself!

THOUGHTS

They showed up again today. It happens every three years. Three men in a white truck got
out and started cutting tree limbs from two trees in our back yard. The electric lines run
through that part of our yard. The three men didn't ask for permission, they didn't have too,
it belongs to the city. They went to work while I watched the tree limbs falling to the ground.
After they had cleaned up the tree limbs and leaves, they left, leaving me with less shade to
sit under when I read under the shade tree day after day.
I put the two chairs in place and started thinking about what had happened. That's when it
hit me that there just might be somethings in my life that need to be removed so I can get
the power of God into my heart. After giving that thought some thought, I thought that it
would be wise to trim things from life that hinder me from growing as a Christain, as a
husband, as a father and as a friend. Just like the white truck and the three men that show
up every three years, the Holy Spirit shows up and trims away things that keep me from
keeping in touch with God. When that takes place, I think it makes me a better person.
That's what I think on this mid-October day.

"What On Earth Are You Doing Here?"

When I went to get my flu shot at the Health Department earlier today ,I thought there
would be long lines and lots of cars. Not! I had an appointment for 9:30 but was back in
the car by then. One woman told me that it will be after 10:00 that the long lines show
up. I'm glad that I showed up when I did.
I've finished reading, Settling In. I highly recommend Richard Morgan's book because
it shows how things can be in a retiremnet community. I saw my dad on almost every
page in one way or another. Dad has been a resident for a number of years and yet he
too says and does some the same things that this book mentions. While you see the
good ,the bad and the ugly, it's "home" for those folk. One of these days, way down the
road I hope, I'll call such a place"home.
When one woman was asked what she was doing in such a place, she said, "I'm aging in
place." Wise words. We're all "aging in place", aren't we? We're not getting any younger,
that's for sure. I just hope I age well. You too.

A GREAT GIFT

Our daughter has a birthday tommorrow. Monday night we will take her out to eat
after she gets home from work. We will even let her pick the place where we will go.
We will even pay for whatever she orders. After all, isn't that what parents do?
Jennifer is such a blessing to her family and friends. I'm astonished at how many
friends she has from so many places. Some people have to "rent a friend" but not
Jennifer! She has so many that she can't count them all up. I think it's because they
can count on her. I know her parent's can.
I love to look at her smile and listen to her laugh, both are so very precious. I love
to hear her sing in praise worship. I love to see her hold her hands up to God as she
offers such sweet music to Him. You see, I love this great gift God gave us so many,
many years ago. I won't say how many years that was. I will say that they better
have something to put out the candles with when we wish her, "Happy Birthday!"

A DOUBLE TAKE

After attending the 9:30 service today, we ate with a couple from our church. We had
great food and great fellowship both. When we got home , I went to the backyard to read
and have a couple of cups of coffee. Several pages into a small book, I saw my wife working
with her flowers .
When she walked my way, I told her something that she didn't know. I told her that when
I saw her with her flowers, it was as if I was seeing my mother. My mom loved working with
her flowers after she and dad bought a house when he retired, many, many years ago. Mom
had lived in homes provided by the churches dad served throughout the years. Now she had
her own house and her very own rose garden.
That's why I see my mom in my wife whenever she is outside in our own yard and own
flower garden. It's as if I'm seeing my mom all over again. It's as if I've been given two gifts
in one as I stop and smell the roses on an October Sunday afternoon. I've been blessed by
a double take.

That Settles That

I bought a book for my father while I was in Lexington for a few days this week. Settling In ,
by Richard L. Morgan. After I started reading it I realized that it is a book for my father's
son's. It deals with settling into a retirement community. Dad settled into a retirement
community a few years ago and is now 95 years old. I'm 63 and hope this helps me prepare
for the time when I might move it into such a community.
On my way home from Lexington yesterday I stopped to see dad. We ate together and had
a long talk about living and dying. We went across the hall to see his sister (last one) for a
few moments. When I left dad, I whispered a prayer for the residents of that enclosed
community, as well as those who attend to them day and nigt.
Dad shared that he feels like a nobody rather than a somebody from time to time. He feels
forgotten and forshaken by friends and family. Morgan mentions much of the same feeling
as well. If this book does anything for me, it will be awakening a sense within my soul that
there are people all around the world who feel forgotten and forsaken, and that I need to
do more to make more people feel that they haven't been. I know dad felt better after I
visited him, and so did I.

A CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP

My wife and I had dinner tonight with a cute couple from our church. We taked so much we
could hardly eat. We laughed so much we could hardly eat.We enjoyed being with them so
much that we would love to do it again some time in the future. It was a great way to celebrate
Christian friendship.
I think I would feel free to share secrets with these two people and feel that whatever I say
would stay a secret with them. Again, it's all about Christian conduct and character. I even
think they would think the same about my wife and myself. Sad to say, it''s hard to find
that kind of friendship these days. Like St. Paul, I thank God for the gift of freindship.

LOOKING BACK INTO THE FUTURE

I spent some time out in our back yard today. While the three dogs played, I prayed.
While they chewed on their bones, I chewed on the Word of God. To be honest, the
Word of God chewed on me. I felt some pokes in my spiritual ribs from time to time.
The Message is the translation I'm reading along with one or two other books.It is
amazing how often I find myself refering to one book or another as the Spirit moves
within my soul.
Today's readings have led me to take a look in the rearview mirror of my ministry over
42 years. While it has been a pleasure, it as also been a pain. I see my successes but I
also see my failures. But most of all, I see God in the rearview mirror of my ministry,
from start till now. That's why I can safely say, this hasn't been my ministry, it's been
God's. For better or for worse, God's footprints cover my mistakes and God's grace
gives me a spiritual shove to keep on keeping on. So, looking back into the future, I
say, "next."

This Is My Story...

After breakfast at McDonald's, my wife and I went to the eye Doctor.Then we went to see my
two buddies, Barnes & Noble where I bought yet another book.This time I bought, What on
Earth Have I Done? by Robert Fulghum. It's 308 pages about people in places and what they
do with their lives. I want to read it because I'm sure it will raise questions about what I am
doing whileI'm living on this Earth. And I will have to wrestle with what my answers will look
like.
I read 49 pages back at Barnes & Noble. Now that I'm home, I can start all over and make
marks on each and every page if I want. And I will. I will digest this book as I look at who I
am and what I'm doing with my life. I've already laughed and I'm sure I will shed a tear or
two before I get to page 308.
Walking out of Barnes & Noble I told my wife that I should of written this book. But I didn't, did ? That's why I write these Blogs from time to time. They help me tell my stories like a
fellow named Fulghum. I hope they make you think, laugh and shed tears if they help you
live your life upon Earth. Thanks for taking the time to read what I have to say from time
to time.

WHO KNOWS?

I took my daughter's dog out back this morning and let him play while I sat back and did very
little of anything. That's something new for me and it is something hard for me to do. I have to
be busy or I get bored. I admit that I adapted to doing nothing real quick! I guess I'm for the birds
because I looked at the birds and listened to the birds. I studied the sky with what few clouds were
forming and flying around way above my head. I put in several prayers as I sat
still for a few minutes. It was then that I realized how tired I am from a very busy past few
days. Who knows, maybe I needed to be good for nothing.
Tomorrow I will meet a friend at McDonald's for an early breakfast before going to see my
eye Doctor. Then, if I'm lucky, my wife will take me out for lunch. (She has to drive) I don't
know if I can stand such a busy day or not. I'll give it my best. I may need a nap after such
a busy morning. Who knows?
I plan to get The Daily Guidepost for 2008 either this afternoon or tomorrow. I know it
sounds strange, but I'll start reading it after I get home. Last year I counted how many times
the word "coffee" is mentioned in the 2007 edition. Sixteen times unless I missed one. There
may be more coffee in this new book. Who know?
Jesus loves me this I know. Do you know He loves you? I know He does, and so do I.

BUSY BUT BLESSED

When I stood before Chris and Katie last night to share a short sermon, I wasn't real
sure what I was going to say to or about them. Before I knew it, I was speaking about
how Katie loves to knit. Knitting takes patience, time and a pattern to produce the
finished product. Marriage must have the same skills if it is to succeed. I think and I
hope I got my point across because I left everyone in stitches.
This was one of the best wedding ceremoines I've ever conducted. It was a delight
from start to finish. One of the delights of the ceremony was getting to hear our
daughter sing a solo while I served Chris and Katie Holy Communion. Although I
was exhausted last night, I enjoyed serving Communion at the 8:15 service at our
church this morning. To top all these things, it was good to hear Bishop King at
a District service tonight as well as the choir from a small church where my youngest
brother plays the piano for them. I've been busy but I've been blessed. I just hope I've
been a blessing to someone in Jesus' name.

FAVORITE THINGS

After performing at a wedding Saturday night, I have to be up early to serve Communion at
Church Sunday morning at 8:15. These are two of my favorite things to do as a Pastor. If I
were to take the time to count how many times I've done both things, it would take awhile.
The truth of the matter is, it's been awhile since I last did either. So, it's good to be back to
doing them once again.
September has been busy for me. I preached three times at a revival and then once at a
small church last Sunday morning. Now I'm performing a wedding and serving Communion
all in the same weekend. I will be serving Communion to the couple I marry Saturday night
and then I'll be back at Broadway where I was as Pastor for five years, several years ago.
So, I will be doing a few of my favorite things with a few of my favorite people. What a
blessing.

A GOOD SPIRITUAL SOAKING

This morning when I went to see my two best buddies, Barnes & Noble, I had no intentions
of buying a book. I simply wanted to sneak a peak at some books and magazines. But when
I walked out I had bought a book. I bought, Living the Message: Daly Help for Living the
God-Centered Life by Eugene Peterson.
This 378 page book has daily Scriptures to study as the daily Scriptures study the reader.
He has a way of digging down deep into the text and then taking that text down deep into
one's soul. This small study will have a big impact upon my spiritual walk as I read page
after page. The trouble is, I'm like a child at Christmas I can't wait till then. I have to get
a head start on things. I bought a book last year to read this year but I had it read before
the end of 2006. I will have this Living the Message read before October is finished. I
know I that this daily help will help me without a doubt. What are you reading along with
The Bible that feeds your soul? Let it soak in deep and wide.

AN UPDATE ON THE DATES

Well, the weekend has come and gone. I preached four times within the past few days. The
three night revival was wonderful. There was a great spirit throughout the services each
evening. I met many people who knew my father when he pastored Whiley's Chapel so
many, many years ago. Dad had told me I would love the people there and he was right.
This morning I was back at Sugar Grove to preach my 12th sermon for them since I've
been back in Bowling Green. We love this small church in a big way. They people are
always so gracious to us.
I am very tired after all this running back and forth and all that was involved with it. But
I'm spiritually refreshed from having these opportunities given to me. It is always an
honor to preach anywhere to anyone. I hope I get to do it again soon. This weekend I
perform a wedding in Nashville so that means going there two times to accomplish this
task. I look forward to having this high honor of marrying a cute couple.
A number of months ago I thought that these days would never come. Now that they
have, it's hard to believe that four of them have come and gone. It's hard to believe
that our daughter and son have birthdays next month and that my oldest brother turns
even older in October. My, how times flies!

OUTSTANDING.

The first revival service went well last night. I was very well pleased with the attendance
and the response of the people to the spirit of things there. The music was good and the
preaching was outstanding. Which is to say, I stood out in front of the pulpit rather than
behind it. I didn't use any notes whileI preached so that I could have good eye contact
with the people. I hope to be an out standing preacher again tonight.
Wiley's Chapel was one of my dad's first churches in he early 1930's. There were a few
elderly people present last night who shared stories with my wife and myself that kept
our full attention. Dad must of made an outstanding impression upon these people because
they bragged and bragged about him. This doesn't catch me off guard at all becasue he
has served the Lord and the people in outstanding ways through out the years. It is an
honor to follow in my father's footsteps in preaching where he preached so many years
ago.
The one thing that troubled me was that I was told by two of the elderly people that I
look just like my dad. Hey! Dad is 95!! I guess I'm a clone of John Coomer. "Like
father, like son", they say. That's ok with me. I could look like one of my other brothers
and that would be bad. Very bad! Right, Harold?

REVIVE US AGAIN

A woman from a small country where my father pastored several years ago has been after
me for years to preach a revival at their church. Well, tonight I begin a series of services at
Wiley's Chapel. I have spent hours and hours in prayer to know what to say to these dear
souls. I have searched the Scriptures and asked the Lord to lead me in in leading them in
the way God would have me to do.
I have hundreds of sermons that I can turn to but I feel led to preach a sermon I've yet
to preach. I must admit that this sermon has helped me in my own spiritual walk over
the past days. I find myself coming back to it whenever I turn to something else. My
mind is made up that this is the sermon I must preach tonight. I'm preaching about
things that we fail to use and are the worse for it. The greatest thing is the gift of grace.
"God's Grace Is Still Amazing" What amazes me is the way we fail to allow Amazing
Grace to transform our lives. My prayer for tonight is that someone will take God's
Amazing Grace and allow it to soak into their soul and remove whatever it is that
should be discarded.
It is a high honor to be invited to preach. I do it, not for myself, but for God's
glory. I just ask that lives be touched where they need a Divine touch during
these services. May the Lord "Revive Us Again."

DANCING WITH THE DOGS

We are in the process of having new flooring placed in our Living and Dinning rooms. What
is so funny is to watch the dogs walking on the new floor. Their paws sound like they are
tap dancing with the stars. They can't tip toe through the room without us knowing right
they are at that very moment. The trouble is, now my wife will know when I sneak in
the Living room to take a nap on the couch. What will I do?
There is much work to be done to get things back in place. All three dogs look at us as if
to say,"why are you doing this again? Will it ever end!!!" I wish I knew the answer myself.
I do know that it will be a big improvement after it is all done. For now, I'll just sing, "I'm
Walking the Floor Over You" as I walk through the room. Hey! I wonder if I can teach
the three dogs to dance to that!

A LASTNG IMPRESSION

I was trying to tell my daughter something I had read in the morning newspaper when all
of the sudden she started laughing. I wondered what I had said or done to get her going.
I was trying to tell her about a Tattoo artist who had died in Louisville. But before I said
who it was she said, "Tattoo Charles! Did he die?" That's when I said, "He died of a
sudden issue." I meant to say, "He died of a sudden illness." What amazed me was that
she knew his name at all. She then informed me that her brother had gotten his tattoo from
"Tattoo Charles" several years ago.
When I took the time to read what the newspaper had to say about "Tattoo Charles", I
was impressed what all he had accomplished in his life. This man has left alot of
lasting impressions on a lot of lives, our son's included. It's only a tattoo but it lasts for a
long, long time.
All this makes me wonder what kind of lasting impression am I making on the lives of
others, not with a tattoo but with the words I speak and deeds I do. What kind of
lasting impressions are you making? That's the real issue, isn't it? And, it's no laughing
matter.

"YOUR MOVE"

I finished reading When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box, by John Ortberg
this week. I wasn't looking forward to the conclusion of the book because it is so good. I
know that this book won't go on the shelf to draw dust. It is one of those books that I will
read many more times. Ortberg has a way of saying serious things in funny ways. While
you are laughing, you find yourself taking a look down deep in your soul. Often I found
myself thinking, "why didn't I think of that?"
As I read the pages of this book I found myself remembering the games I've played with
my family throughout the years. I can still see my father and siblings sitting at the table
playing Monopoly. Most of the time dad was winning. He was so serious about a game
that went back in the box after it was all over. At 95 he stillplays Scrabble that way, so
watch it if you ever play against him.
This book gives some great guidance in how to win and how to lose. It also alerts us to
the fact that we need to know what's worth keeping and what's not worth much at all
in life. It's your move.

WHO CHANGED THE CHAIRS?

This morning I went with my wife to have some blood work done. As we were walking
into the waiting area, she wondered why they had rearranged the chairs. She said she
didn't like the way they were. As different people came in, they were saying the very
same they she had said. I told the 6 or 7 others there (only two men) that it was to
get people to talk to one another. well, it worked! They were talking to each other
about how they didn't like the new arrangement at all.
Isn't that the way with most of us, we don't like change? Even I find myself sitting
in the same seat from Sunday to Sunday. I double dog dare anyone else to take my
seat! Routine is what it's all about. This morning my wife discovered that the old
has become new and even though she didn't like, she still sat down. So did. Since
I hadn't seen the chairs any other way, I like them just the way they are. And, I
double dog dare anyone to go and change them. That includes my wife unless she
changes my mind. That's one thing that hasn't changed for 38 plus years. Why
would she go and change things now?

THANKS FOR THE THANKS

As I was walking across the parking lot of the place I'd been, I heard someone calling out
my name. When I stopped to see who it was, I realized it was a member of the church I
last pastored. We hadn't seen one another for a long time. After we greeted one another,
I asked about her son. Without asking for it, she started thanking me for the influence I
had on him over five years. She said that he even still talks about me from time to time.
When she told me that he's 16 now, I couldn't believe my ears!
This dear soul didn't have to thank me for helping her son. She could of talked about
a number of other things but she wanted me to know that I had done some good as
their pastor, especially for a little boy. It makes me feel good when I learn that my
ministry and my life has helped someone else. I'm sure you feel that way too whenever
someone pats you on the back. I thank God that I've planted some seed and the harvest
if shooting forth from it. I'm sure you feel the same way whenever you can say or do
something to influence others. To God be the glory.

"LET'S EAT!"

My wife and I are having dinner tonight with some friends who have just moved to town.
In the morning, I'll be having breakfast with two minister friends. Last Tuesday I had
lunch with a minister friend at MacDonalds. I say all this to say this, I love to eat with my
family and my friends. Jesus found fellowship at the table again and again.
Labor Day will be a day when our extended family will be together for a meal. We will
share stories and spend the time just talking and listening to one another. We will say
about the same things we said last time, but that's ok with me. I can't help that they have
such short attention spans.
We invited my youngest brother over to eat with us one Tuesday night. It was good
to see Wayne because he has been busy with his church and another country church, So
we miss seeing him even though we live less than six miles from one another. Strange,
he always shows up when there is food on the table. Takes after one of his three brothers
but I won't say which one. You gotta watch him!

FAITH FILTERS

I just removed the air filter for our air conditioner. No wonder the air flow wasn't flowing
as well as it should, the filter was filthy! I think I've found Jimmy Hoffa's body hidden
under our house! Either that or the three dogs hair has clogged things up pretty much.
We had put a new filter in a couple of weeks ago and it looked like it had been in use for
months.
Our souls are a lot like that, aren't they? They get grime and dirt on them and need some
attention. It's called confssion. I know from personal experience that whenever I confess
my sins and forsake them that I feel so much better spiritually. I must do a better job with
my faith filters that keep sins from staying in my life and clogging things up. I also know that
I can't do this every two weeks, I have to do it daily. So should you. Christ takes our soiled
souls and wipes away our sins and sends us on our ways telling us to "go and sin no more."
But when we do, He is always ready to remove the filth from our souls if we would ask Him
again, daily.

I MISS MY SWING

This afternoon I did something I haven't done very often this summer, I sat out on our
front porch swing. Sad to say, it didn't last long. There had neen a breeze but before I
could get comfortable, the breeze blew right on by.
I look forward to Fall when once again I can be a real swinger again. I miss my time all
alone as I pray. I miss my reading while I excerise my legs. I miss my observing of our
world. I am already wondering what the fall leaves will look like. I doubt the display
will be as brillant as I'd like it to be. Unless we get soem rain soon, I wonder if the trees
will survive the Summer very well at all.
For now, I'll have to stay inside as I look out our windows at a hot, dry world. I guess I
could get in my car and take a drive to some of the other States where things are in a
state of flooding. Instead, I'll do as I said in a blog awhile back, "this too shall pass." I
just wish it would speed up some.

"Snap, Crackle,Pop"

"Snap, Crackle. Pop" These three sounds seem to announce every move I make day or nigh.
It's my body's way of announcing that I'm getting older. I sure would hate to hear the "Snap,
Crackle, Pop" of my brother's, whose names I won't write down for you. Last I heard,
they are under the witness protection program.
John Ortberg says it so well in his new book, When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in
the Box, " The days go slowly, but the years go by fast." My father would affirm that thought
without having to think about it. Dad is 95 years old and unless he has someone to keep him
company each and every day, he reads and sleeps until night time when he sleeps most of the
night away. But there are times when the times moves so slow, so very, very slow.
I had a retired pastor in my last church who was so lonely after his wife died that he could
hardly stand living. He yearned for friends to stop and stay awhile and just talk. Whenever
I went to see him, he would talk my head off with things he had already told me many times
before. But that was fine with me because I knew what he wanted and what he needed, a
friend.
"The days go slowly, but the years go fast." Amen and amen! Whenever I see pictures of
my family from years ago, I realize that the years have gone by far, far to fast for me. I
also realize that the man in the pictures with his family sure has gotten older quick. Poor
fellow! I think there is a scripture about that somewhere, "And"Snap, Crackle, Pop" shall
follow me the days of my life. " Ouch!!

CHALK ONE UP

Yesterday my wife wrote some words on our bathroom wall with chalk just to see how it
looked. This morning, I saw where my daughter wrote me a note reminding me to read
The Upper Room. So, being the smart person that I am, I wrote these words right above
the throne, "Are you on pot?" I think we have a contest going on in our bathroom to see
who can out do the other. Beats just sitting there staring at a blank walls!
Try these on for size:
"You make me flush!"
"It's time to get up!"
I'm going to pot!"
* " John is in the John"

Say, that's enough chalk talk for today!

*I always wanted a building named after me.

CHANGE

While I was having breakfast with a friend this morning, I kept watching out the window
at some workers building a new Starbucks. It seems like it hasn't been that long ago that
it was an empty corner lot. Beside Starbucks there is a new drug store being built as well.
It reminds me of one day a few years ago when my wife and I were driving around looking
for a house to buy. One of the streets was overlooking a field with trees and grass. I told
her that I would enjoy looking at that field from time to time as I passed by. Today that
once empty field is full of new houses, hundreds of them for as far back as one can see.
Nothing seems to stay the same very long anymore, does it?
Nothing stays the same very long, does it? Wow! When I look at the man in the mirror I
know that for a fact. All I have to do is take a look at the wrinkles and the changes of my
body to know that I'm not the same man I was when we moved into our house a number
of years ago. My ears are even getting bigger! The better to hear you with, if I have on my
hearing aids.

SOUNDS LIKE A SOUND PLAN TO ME

I met a minister friend at MacDonald's for breakfast this morning. We hadn't been getting
together for awhile due to being busy. It was great to simply share ome things with each
other over coffee. I don't know who did the most talking but I have an idea that I win. I
talk way too much at times. I take it from my father.
I always enjoy hearing what's happening with my minister friends. I miss being a pastor
at times and yet, I'm glad I dont have all thatadministrative stuff to do. I enjoy being with
people and preaching. That's why I look forward to next month when I will be preaching
at a small church one Sunday and also doing a three night revival for another. Then to top
that, I'm doing a wedding in Nashville toward the end of the month. That's enough to wear
me out!
There are plenty of things to do around the house, so I best be getting back to doing some
of them before my wife tells me what to do. The first thing I need to do is take a nap after
lunch. Now, that sounds like a sound plan to me! I din't know meeting at MacDonald's was
so tiring.

SERMON STUFF THAT WILL PREACH

Something I'm always saying is,"That will preach." The trouble is, I often forget what I thought
would preach before I preach it. That is, I fail to make a note of it and then I forget it. I have a
habit of jotting down "S S" in a book when I see something that I think is sermon stuff. I can go
back to the book and refresh my memory so that something can come from that simple note to
myself. It works. I've done it so many times that ought to write a book entitled SS: Sermon Stuff
That Will Preach.
I'm 76 pages into When The Game Is Ovr It All Goes Back In The Box by John Ortberg as
of this morning. The more I read of Ortber's stuff, the more I ask myself, "why didn't I think
of that?" Instead of thinking it myself, I find myself having to give credit to another guy named
John, not myself. But that's ok with me. He has a way of making me think and then do. He has
a way of poking his thoughts into my spiritual ribs. It doesn't hurt as much as it helps. So, I'll
keep looking for places to place yet another "SS" before I put his book back on the shelf to
take down again some day when I need it for some reason or another. I just hope I don't
forget where I put the book! By the way, "SS: That Will Preach!"

"AND IT CAME TO PASS..."

When I was reading from The Bible a few minutes ago I came across five words that stopped
me in my tracks, "and it came to pass..." Why would that be? About an hour ago as I walked
outside to pick up the mail from the mailbox, I couldn't believe how dry the grass was beneath
my feet. I wondered when it would ever rain again. Then I read five words that refreshed my
soul, "and it came to pass..." You see, one of these days it is going to rain on my yard again
and the grass will grow and grow and... then I will have to mow it again.
There are times in our lives when we wonder if something will ever start or stop. We wonder
with doubt more than with faith. We tend to give up rather than go on. I know from personal
experience. A number of months ago I was down in the valley of dispair wondering why things
had gone has they had gone. I had a pity party that just about got me down and stomped on
my soul. But then, these same five words lifted me up and jump-started my soul so that I
wouldn't stay down and out. Sure enough, " it came to pass..." Whatever you are going through
right now, just remember, this too "shall come to pass." That' s why I'm passing on this promise
to you. Take it for what's it's worth and see if something does happen that will lift up your
drooping spirit.

"IT'S HOT, DON!"

When we lived near Owensboro, Ky there was a tv commercial for a car dealership that
always caught my attention. Somone would yell out, "It's hot, Don!" Well, today I can yell
out, "It's hot, Don!!" It's 106 outside right now. I feel so sorry for peoplewho have to work
in this heat. I offer a prayer for their safety during these Summer days when it is very hot.
One of the reasons why my wife and I cut short our trip this week was the heat. It is too
hot to be outside, even if it is in the swimming pool. I rather be home watching tv where
it's cooler.
Before we know it, snow will be falling and we will be complianing. I think it's best just to
take it as it is and live life as best we can. There's always someone, somewhere worse off
than we are. All I can safely say today is,"It's hot, Don!"

GOOD TO BE BACK HOME

I was up early each morning while we were at Dale Hollow State Park Tuesday and Wednesday.
I watched the sun come up while drinking my morning cups of coffee. I watched the small animals as
they searched for food. I watched the water begin to stir as boats passed by the
shoreline. But most of all, I watched for signs of God. They were on Divine display all around
me. I gave God a standing ovation each morning before leaving the balcony.
One morning we went swimming in the outside pool but when it became too hot to stay, we
went back in and read. Needless to say, we enjoyed the food morning, noon and night. It was
a great get-away but we came home a day early. On our way, we stopped at two or three
antique stores just for the fun of it. While I hate that kind of thing, I'm glad that my wife was
able to get her jollies from it. While we were there, I bought an old book to make the stop
worth while. I shall see as I read it one of these days in the near future.
This was part of our 38th wedding aniversary celebration. It was nice to be near my wife
while we were away. We shared stories and talked about what we want to to do for the next
38 years or so. Her list is longer than mine.

GETTING LOST

This afternoon my wife and I are headed to a State park for a few days. I'm taking two books
to read while she is taking all kinds of other things. I think I will need a U-Haul trailer before
much longer! All I want to do is rest and read. She says she will read and relax as well. Well,
I'll let you know after we get back home.
This is our 38th wedding anniversary get away and it's not too far off from where we live. We
knew we don't need to go out of State and don't need to drive far. Going to a State park is one
of our favorite things to do. It's too bad that it is going to be so hot all week. I'm sure we will
go swimming some each day just to cool off. I'm also sure that we will love the lodge where
the food is so very, very good.
The three dogs know something's up by the way they stare at us. I don't know if they are
sad to see us go or can't wait for us to drive on off. Our son and daughter will take care of
them while we're gone, so I'm sure they will be just fine. As long as they are cool and fed,
they wag their tails behind them with delight.
I love to "get lost" like this from time to time. I don't have to dust, run the vacumn cleaner,
do dishes, make my bed or even pick up my socks. I hope you know who, doesn't come up
with some "to do" list all of the sudden that stops me in my tracks. After all, All I want to
do is enjoy the thrill of the chill.

PUPPY LOVE

My wife fixed me an egg sandwhich for supper tonight. When I put my plate down to reach for
a napkin, our daughter's dog, Derby, decided he wanted some of the sandwhich. Before I knew
what was happening, he had grabbed a big bite of it. I got after him for two things: not praying
first and for not asking me if he could have some of it.
Every once in awhile you have to really be on guard with Derby or he will do a sneak attack.
I've learned to never leave something where he can get to it. He loves to grab my cap and
carry it off.He has been doing that since he was just a littel pup. I've been told he has had help
from a friend. I wonder who that is. I think they call it puppy love. I love the puppy and
the puppy loves to get his teeth into anyting he can.
Derby loves to have a ball thrown into the air to see if he can catch it. The thing is, he starts
running without watching to see where the ball is headed or if it's even been thrown. Then
he stares into the sky wondering where the ball went. After I show the ball to Derby, he has
a great time playing with it while I catch my breath. Dog sitting is hard work!

WE

The best thing that took place on our 38th wedding anniversary yesterday were the hugs
and the kisses. There were hugs and kisses from my wonderful wife and then there were
the hugs from our two wonderful children. While one gave a gift of money and the other a
gift of mowing our yard, the best gifts were just being with the two of them!
I took my wife out to a resturant where we were ate a great meal. The waiter was aware
of our anniversary and took special to take care of us. He suggested some very good food
as well as a great desert. We enjoyed our time together while we reflected upon 38 years
as husband and wife. We plan to go to a State Park for a few days next week as part of
our own going celebration.
I just realized how many times I've used the word "we" in this Blog. That's it! Marriage is
about "we", not me. It takes two to make a marriage work and while we still have lots of
work to do, the two of us are looking forward to the future. Happy anniversary to the
two of us indeed!

I WAS JUST THINKING

After going to see my two best friends, Barnes & Noble, I made a mistake and returned home.
Before I knew what had hit me, I was helping run the vacumn cleaner in the family room. We
even moved a few things around while we were at it. While I was being the good husband I
am, I kept thinking that this was a great way to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary,
house cleaning. When I sat down to rest at the computer I saw where our daughter had placed
our wedding picture on her Blog. It sure is a cute couple even if I have to say so myself.
Our daughter gave us the gift of paying for our meal at a resturant tonight. She sure is
sweet like her mom. By the time we get our house duties done, I'll be ready for a big meal
even if it means I have to throw in a buck or two! The problem is that we won't be going
out to eat till this evening. Well, I better get back to work or I might be eating all by myself.
That's what I think on this Thursday afternoon.

FAMILY MATTERS

My daughter and I went to Starbucks for coffee this morning after we dropped her car off
for some repair work. We shared so many things that I can't remember them all. We saw
two staff members from our church and chatted with them before leaving.
Our son called from work to ask if our wedding anniversary is tomorrow or not. I told him
that it is his mother's wedding anniversary, mine is Friday. I just hope he gets me really
nice present that I can share with his mom.
I've told them that I plan to take their mother out to a realy nice resturant tomorrow night
with high hopes and great expectations that she will pay for it! I'll give the tip. I will tell the
waiter to brush his teeth or floss them daily.
Well, I better be going since I have places to go, people to see and things to do.

DOG DAY'S OF SUMMER

It is so hot that yesterday I saw a tree chasing a dog!

A REAL CUT UP!

What does a husband give his wife of 38 years for a present? A paper shredder, that's what!
I went all out to give my wife something she has wanted for a long, long time. Now, if I can
just figure out why she wanted a paper shrededer. Here are some things I think she might
shred: our marriage license, wedding pictures, love letters, etc. Not!Never!!
This is the gift that keeps on giving. It gives her assurance that she can shred papers she
wants done away with forever and ever, amen! It gives her assurance that she can shred
old pictures of her drivers license.It gives her assurance that she can shred hush-hush things
that are for her eye's only.
When she wakes up from her nap, I hope she doesn't shred me. It might hurt! If you don't
hear from me again, look in the bottom of the trash can and you might see a real cut up! Me!!
Don't call 911 since I'll be a real cut up up in Heaven! Enough said about the dread of the
shred! I'm going to bed and cover my head.

CRAVINGS

This morning I dropped by our insurance company to pay a bill, got gas for the car,
got a hair cut, shopped at a Christian bookstore and walked awhile at the Mall. Then
to top that, my wife and I took a look at our calendars to see when we might get away
for a day or two to celebrate our wedding anniversary. By the time we were through,
I was ready to take a nap. Thinking is hard work!
If it wasn't so hot, I would be out mowing my yard. If it wasn't so hot, I would work in
our garden. If it wasn't so hot I would go shopping for a gift for my wife. I already know
what I want to get her, all I have to do is go get it. But it's too hot! Maybe I should stay
inside and watch tv, sleep some or chase the three dogs for exercise, mine and theirs.
The trouble is, it's going to get even hotter by mid-week! Maybe we need to take a
tour of Mammonth Cave where it is cool down deep under ground. Maybe we need to
go swimming where the water can cool us off. Maybe we should give thanks that the
air-conditioner is working as well as it does day after day after day.......
This morning I bought, Soul Cravings by Erwin McManuus. Now I'm craving to
find a soft spot somewhere here in the house to see what he has to say to soothe my
soul. I know it can do a soul good to take a good look within and see what needs to be
tossed out so the soul can develope in a more mature way. So, I think after I have lunch
I'll be fed spititually before taking that nap. That's what I'm craving after a busyMonday
morning.

A GREAT THIRTY-EIGHT

My wife and I will celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary this coming Thursday unless she
leaves me before that. We are still trying to decide what to do to celebrate. We want to take
a trip somewhere but can't decide where to go. I want to travel a short distance while she is
wanting to travel many more miles than I. Since she is always telling me where to go, I 'll go
where she tells me to go this time too.
We have had our good times and we have had our hard times throughout these thirty-eight
years. We moved nine times before moving back to Bowling Green a few years ago. We are
glad to call this our home after all the moves we've made. When my father retired, my mom
had her very own yard to plant her flowers in without having to get up and move again. I'm
not retired but, my wife feels the very same way about having her garden and flowers in her
own back yard.
I'm sure we will be going somewhere this Thursday to celebrate since it is too hot to sit in
our own back yard and look at the pretty flowers or pluck beans. (God is good!) Maybe I
can take her to a nice resturant in Bowling Green since it is less than three miles from here.
To be honest, I'm looking forward to going off with my wife because that will be a wonderful
way to celebrate a great thirty-eight!

TWO BOOKS

I've just completed reading The Starbucks Experience by Joseph Michelli. Like another
book about StarbucksI've read, I kept wanting to drink cups of coffee while reading it. The
book offers five principles for turning ordinary into extraordinary. As a Pastor, I can see
how churches would benefit from following these principles to reach and minister to people.
The amazing thing to me is that these are simple solutions that anyone, anywhere can try
on for size. If the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it!
At the first of the year I read The Gospel According To Starbucks by Leonard Sweet.
Sweet speaks of the spiritual things that we should put into practice while Michelli comes
at things from a different perspective all together. Side by side, these two books offer so
much that need daily application. These principles would work anywhere if we would but
use them.
I am astonished that the subject of Starbucks gets so much attention. Starbucks has
so much to teach those who will take time to drink in their words of wisdom. There is
an even better book that needs to be read daily and applied, it's called The Holy Bible.

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE

In 2001 I read a book by Bob Russell entitled, When God Builds a Church. Rev.
Russell has since retired after serving a church where over 14,000 people attend
worship each Sunday. When the new worship center was built, hundreds of people
wrote words on the flooring before carpet was put in place. He mentions that day
in his book.
Last night, several souls met in a small chruch to worship and to write words on the
floor before it is to be covered with carpet soon. After a mini-message, we went to
work writing our words on the floor. I wrote: Acts 4:20. "But we cannot but speak
of the things we have seen and heard." The words that were written last night give
evidence of how God's Words have spoken to our souls through the years. When I
went around the room to read what had been written by those there I came across
what my wife and daughter wrote on the floor. It was a moving moment for me to say
the least.
I have preached from the pupit of the old church and hope to have the opportunity
to preach at the new pulpit area some day. If I do, I know that written beneath the
pulpit are the words from John 3: 16. I will be standing on the promises along with
others who proclaim God's word. Our hope is that lives will be tranformed for years
to come through wonderful words of life. It has worked for 2000 years so I have
no doubt that God's word will work in the lives of others far, far into future. That
would be simply great.

PUT IT ON PAUSE

Wednesday night I will lead a Bible study on the subject of "A Survival Guide for Grief."
It seems strange to deal with death during this Summer but I feel that this is a topic that
is much needed. Most of the people who attend these studies are on up in years and have
a great deal of experience on dealing with death. They have lost family members and friends
through out their many, many years. I'm sure they could tell me more than I can tell them
The past few weeks have been busy with preaching and teaching. While I've enjoyed the
preparations, preaching and teaching, I'm ready to rest. For example: yesterday my wife
and I went to visit my dad because I put it off far too long. I couldn't wait any longer. We had
a great visit for a few hours before heading back home. I am behind in my book reading so
I started reading a new book last night. While there are places to go, things to do, and people
to see, just being at home sounds good to me. This is the pause that refreshes unless someone
wants something done. And I'm sure she will.

A GUIDE FOR GRIEF

Next Wenesday night I'll be conducting a Bible Study in the chapel of a near by church. The
topic will be: "A Survival Guide to Grief." Grief is something that we all have to deal with at
one time or another, for one reason or another. Some grief is so great that we wonder if we
can survive it at all.
Yesterday I found myself in a conversation with someone dealing with the death of a son
and the aging of a parent. This person shared so much pain with me that I hurt for her. I
wanted to say something to help her but I thought the best the thing to do was to just
listen. There is a house for sale right down the street from our house because a wife and
mother died of cancer not too long ago. The family needs a new start without staring at
all the many memories that the house holds. Grief can grab and strangle our souls if we're not
able to deal with it, can't it?
I don't have a "tip of the day" that can make things all better. What I do have is God's
guide for dealing with death, disease and difficulities. It comes from the experiences of
others who have survived the storms of life with God's help. I hope what I share with
this small group helps in a big way.

Been Busy

I've been busy preaching and teaching over the past few days. Last Sunday I preached for
a friend who is on vacation and will do so again this coming Sunday. Last night I conducted
a Bible study for another friend who is on vacation. I will teach again next week at State
Street. I enjoyed preaching and teaching at both churches. One is very small and one is very large.
The amazing thing is that both churches seemed to survive my being there.
While I miss the week to week preaching and teaching, I sure don't miss all the administrative
things that a pastor has to do week after week. I rather hit & run. Being a pastor is hard work
if the pastor does all the things that have to be done. I know that both Gary and Paul needed
some time off to rest. I'm tired this morning but it's not from preaching and teaching, it's from
going shopping with my wife all morning. I forgive her since she bought my breakast
(with my money) at a good resturant. I just hope she gives me the rest of the day off for
good behaviour.

ON A COOL DAY THINGS GET HOT

When I saw that today was going to be cooler, I knew that meant I would be hotter. Boy, was
I ever right! Because of the hot days we've been having, we have put off cleaning out our
garage until a day like today. It's easier to work with the things that need to be tossed and
the things that need to go here or there, up or down. So, my wife and I spent most of the
morning throwing things away and putting things in there proper places.
The trouble is, it seems like me just did something like this not too long ago. It amazes me
how something so neat and nice can look like a tornado hit it hard over night. Where does
all this stuff come from? Does someone slip into the garage while we're sleeping and mess
things up? Is there a monster in the attic that comes out at night and shuffles it all around?
I don't know exactly who or even why, I just know that on a cool day like today, I get hot
under my collar and need a nap. The trouble is, I'm afraid that the things we're worked with
will get all messed up again while I'm sleeping on a Summer afternoon. Then I'll have to get
hot on a cool day like today.

A BOOK THAT READS ME

I am almost finished reading Eugene Peterson's book, The Jesus Way. I have spent several
hours thus far digestng what he has to say. It is writings such as this that remind me that I
am ignorant of the Scriptures. Even with a Master's Degree from Seminary, I find myself
scratching my head when I read some scholars. This is one such scholar.
The Jesus Way is one of those books that makes me want to know more than I do about my
Lord Jesus because the more I know of Him, the more I know myself, for better or for worse.
As I read Peterson's book, I ask myself question after question about my relationship with
Jesus and the Gospel. This is good for my soul because is gives my soul a good shaking and
allows me to firm up my faith. I don't want to put this book on the shelve and leave it alone.
And, know what it has to say to my soul, it won't leave me alone for very long. It has already
gotten me to look at some scriptures that I had forgotten or forsaken. So, The Jesus Way is
having it's way with me as I let the book I'm reading, read me.

"Me & My Shadow"

Our daughter's dog, Derby, is just like a shadow. Everywhere you go, Derby goes. If you
get up to go to another room, he will meet you there. If you get up to get a drink of water,
he will look up at you as if to say, "where's mine?" If you go outside, he will be out the door
before you open it. If you want to simply stop and rest, he will be up in your lap before you
can get comfy.
One of the problems with this puppy is that he will be at your feet when you are working at
the computer, asI am right now, and if you aren't watching what you are doing and what
Derby is doing, you will step on him or move the chair and make him whine as if to say,
"watch what you're doing there big guy!"
I can ask Derby if he wants to take a nap around 3:00 in the afternoon and he will head to the
bed without being prompted. The trouble is, when he is on the bed, he wants to play or watch
out the window. Until or unless Derby is out of the room, I don't get much rest at all. But that
is ok with me. I know my little buddy by my side knows he is loved. And, so am I. While he
may be our daughters dog, Derby has brought lots of love to our house even if you have to
watch where you are going or you might trip over him. I also know this, the shadow knows
that his owner thinks he is the best dog in all the whole wide world. He is!

FLAG DAY

Early this morning I put the American flag out at the front porch. I try to do this most mornings
as my way of remembering the freedom I have. I see so few flags as I drive around the area. At
times I wonder why more people don't do as I do. Maybe it's because they just don't think to do
it. Maybe it's because they are too busy to be bothered by doing it. Maybe it's because they are
not sure about things that go on in America or don't agree. For them it is a form of protest. That
is why I love being an American. Soon and very soon, we will celebrate the 4th of July. We will
see flags flying in the wind just about everywhere that day. But what about today and every other day?
For me, every day is flag day. May God bless Amercia!

UP DATE

I preached twice yesterday at a church in Bowling Green. The two servies were very different.
One was traditional and one contemporary. But both services seemed to have one high purpose,
to worship God. I was impressed with the people and proud to preach the faith at Faith.
Last night we had ice cream with a couple who just recently moved to town. We shared stories
and laughed so much that my stomach hurt. It wasn't the ice cream, it was the humor and fun.
It feels so strange to not be up and at it today after such a busy week last week. I discovered
that couldn't carry out the role of Pastor of Congregational Care as I had wanted to do. So I'm
doing things around the house to help my wife have a good day. If I get a call to visit someone
I will hop right to it asp. For now, I'll relax and read the morning newspaper. I just hope it's
all good news. Ha!

PREACHING

Last Sunday I preached to 789 people in the three services at Broadway. It was a real honor
to share some thoughts about being a father. Several people have said how much the message
meant to them. That is what I wanted to hear. Any sermon should say something that people
need to hear.
This coming Sunday I will be preaching two times at Faith UMC in Bowling Green. My twin
brother was pastor of Faith when it was known as Kerr Memorial UMC. It has merged with
another church since he served there many years ago. I preached at Faith a few months ago
and look forward to being back again Sunday. I'm going to talk about some ways the church
can minister to the needs of people through what they say and what they do.
I enjoy preaching from time to time and I enjoy hearing sermons that help me in my faith
journey. I can recall many messages that I have heard throughout the years of my life. If
I can say something Sunday to help others grow in the faith, it will be worth it all and God
will be glorified.

F Y I

F Y I: I am no longer Pastor of Congregational Care at our church. After a few days of walking
the halls of three hospitals (Bowling Green and Nashville), visiting rest homes and homes, I've
realized I'm not up to the job. Besides, I am on disability and am restricted in what I can and
cannot do. Yesterday wore me down as I put in a long and busy day. I will still see people as
asked by the church but it will not be in the role of Pastor of Congregational Care. I will say
more in the coming days.

DON'T HORSE AROUND

While I was at the eye doctor's office last Friday, I noticed that they team who worked there
all had on white shirts and black pants. Knowing that the woman who was helping me didn't
like the Friday dress code, I asked her what she had worn the day before. She told me that
she hadworn bluejeans. I asked her if she rode her horse to work. Without looking up at me,
she said, "No. That's to far out of town for me. Besides, we're just now get her broken in." It
then hit me that she wasn't kidding me. She was serious. She simply hadn't caught my joke.
I told my wife as we were leaving that I sure hoped this woman wouldn't wonder later how I
knew she even had a horse. And, that I hoped she didn't think I was starking her! I had asked
her on my previous visit who all the staff were dressed with the same outfit. She had told
me then and there that she hated the white and black outfit. I was just trying to carry on a
converation with her about what I had said before. From now on, I think I'll just keep my
big mouth shut and not horse around so much! I rather be safe than sorry.

EARLY THOUGHTS

When I went outside at 5:00 this morning to water the front yard, I found myself doing much
more. Before I knew it, I was bending over and pulling weeds, walking around and picking up
trash that had been thrown in the yard and looking up at the sky. It was so calm so early in
the morning. No traffic and people passing by seemed to silent things considerably. But before
I finish typing this Blog and drinking my first cup of coffee, I will begin to hear the sounds of
the day coming alive and loud.
I love getting up early in the morning before anyone else in our house. It's my time to hear
the sounds of silence. It's my time to think aboutthe things that I need to get done before I
go back to bed tonight. Right now I am busy with writing the sermon I'll be preaching three
times on father's Day. I am finding this sermon to be difficult due to the fact that some who
will hear it aren't fathers. Or, if they are, some have lost their children through death. What
do you say to soothe them as you seek to inspire and instruct others? I know it will all come
together since I still have several days to be ready, but I sure wish I had a better idea of
where I'm going with it all. Time will tell. These are my early thoughts so early in the morning.
I need to get some more coffee and start working with the sermon since my mind and soul
seem to want to get going.