MONDAY MEANDERINGS

Some thoughts for you to ponder - some serious, others....well....................

So, if Tiger Woods has nothing to hide,what's the deal?

Tomorrow is December and today is around 60 degrees?

Saw all the grandkids last week. It doesn't get any better than that!

Have you seen the MUMC church commercial yet? All I want for Christmas is.......

I'm surprised how many people know very little about Advent.

Facebook! What do you think about the social network?

MTV - it's absolutely worthless and has no redeeming value whatsoever and yet so many of our kids watch it. Parents, do you realize what's on that channel?

Notre Dame just fired their football coach. What will KU do?

Tim Tebo - Now there's a class act!

Read a devotion this morning that suggested a simpler Christmas. Good idea, don't you think?

So many songs, so little time.

Jesus is still Lord!!!!

SO MUCH, SO MUCH, SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Once again we gather together this week as friends and family to celebrate the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us from our heavenly Father. So often we take for granted all that we have but it is my prayer this year that we will be intentional about offering our thanks to God for all His many provisions.


Personally I am so grateful for my family - my parents, ML's parents, my brothers and their families, ML's siblings and families, my wife (so very thankful), my boys and their wives (no, Kyle does not have a wife), and of course, the grandkids. What a blessing to have such a great family.

As I mentioned in church yesterday, I am so thankful for good friends, for this great country, and for the church (the body of Christ). I am thankful for the opportunities I've been given to minister in many areas of this state (as well as this country) and am so blessed to have met so many wonderful folks. I'm also so appreciative to be able to experience God's creation - in the flatlands of Kansas to the high mountains of Colorado to the humidity of Mulvane (trees grow where it's humid). The evidence of a Creator is all around us to be sure.

But most of all I'm thankful for Jesus who gave his life on the cross for me and for you that we might live in right relationship with our heavenly Father. I'm thankful that I don't have to earn God's love but by responding to his grace (his unconditional love) by faith, I am assured life, abundant life both now and for eternity.

And yes, for that my heart gives thanks.

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP!

Michael W. Smith acknowledging the Lord as the One who is worthy.

(Sorry about the quality- phone picture)

Leading us in worship - a great night!

Had the great privilege to go with a group from church to the Michael W. Smith concert last night at Central Christian Church and I was NOT disappointed. We had VIP tickets and got there early (thanks Jerry). The result - front row seat for our group. Unbelievable!! I've been craving a worship service like this for some time and we were led into the throne room of God with both outward expressive songs as well as "on your knees, reflective praise" to the Lord. I absolutely loved "Agnus Dei" which comes from the book of Revelation - "Alleluia.... worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb, Amen"! Worship - ascribing to God all that we are and all who we are to the One who is worthy. And that's what we did - we worshipped the Lord - all 5,000 or so of us as one body lifting up the name of Jesus. How sweet it was and continues to be. If you get a chance, pick up a copy of "A New Hallelujah" either CD or DVD. It's well worth the money. In the meantime, "I feel it, I feel it, I feel it in my bones and I just don't think I can hold it anymore..."

MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE!

Well, an unbelievable elk hunting trip in the Rockies. All five of us were successful. That never happens. We arrived on Thursday the 29th after fighting a snow storm from Limon to Denver. Some parts of Denver received between 20 -30 inches of snow. But we made it safely. There was snow where we hunted (and camped) and it was quite cold but it worked out great for the hunt. And the beauty of the mountains - God outdid Himself once again. It was indescribable. No wonder we sing "How Great Thou Art!"

Below are a few pics.

This was the view outside our tent each morning! How cool is that?

The crew - Tyrone, Mike, Dennis, Craig and me.


Craig cheesing it up laying on the hide of his bull elk. He shot his on Tuesday evening.

I had an antlerless license. I shot this cow at 7:45 am on Monday morning.

HIGHER GROUND!

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2


Gearing up for a mountain top experience. Time with God, His creation, and good friends. Full report to follow. Blessings to you all!

STILL WALKING!

Just completed another Walk to Emmaus - Men's Walk #95 in Wichita. As always, God did His thing, opening the eyes of men who all of a sudden found themselves in the presence of the living Christ. And what a joy to be a part of another walk. From the send off on Thursday to the closing on Sunday, I was able to observe God's Spirit work in such a way to bring about healing, wholeness, and transformation in the lives of men of all ages.

Thanks to all who worked behind the scenes. Thanks to the sponsors of those who attended. Thanks to the team, both lay and clergy who showed what it meant to offer and live out God's unconditional love. Thanks to the community who showed the support as well as those who prayed throughout the weekend. And thanks for allowing me to be the community spiritual director. I am very appreciative to you and humbled by your support.

And now it's time for the women's walk #96 this weekend. You go girls!

De Colores!!

ALL ABOUT GOD!

These past few nights I have been speaking at a church in Newton - a time of renewal and restoration. What I've really enjoyed is the various methods and styles of worship that has taken place. Sunday night the praise team from Mulvane, Leap of Faith, led the time of musical worship. They did an awesome job leading us into the throne room of God. What a blessing!

Last night, a group (whom I've known for years - Bob and the boys) led worship. Their instruments included a keyboard, a lead guitar, a bass guitar, and 2 trumpets. Awesome music. Far different than Sunday night, but a blessing just the same.

Tonight, some of the members of the church where I am preaching will lead worship. Believe it or not, they are a bluegrass band. How cool is that? I will follow with a little music of my own on the guitar.

Tomorrow I will be speaking at Southwestern College and you can be sure a praise team from the college will lead us in worship. And the rest of the week I will be involved in the Walk to Emmaus in Wichita where yet another style of worship will lead us into the presence of God.

I say all this because it's all about God, not about us. And to experience God through a variety of means is so exciting to me because God is a big God who doesn't get worked up about style near as much as we do. His desire is that we worship him, that we focus on him, that our attention be given to the One who is worthy - God alone.

So, as I meander my way through this week, I find it an awesome time to be serving the Lord. And as much as I enjoy the worship that is taking place, I can only imagine how pleased God is when our focus is upon Him. Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!!

Monday Meanderings!

• Only 23 days til elk hunting - but who's counting?
• Fall - the best time of the year! Without question.
• Jesus is still Lord! No matter what "stuff" we face.
• Meetings, meetings, meetings................................
• In ministry, what if....money was no issue?
• Vision - a picture of the future that produces passion. So what's your passion?
• My family. #1 in my books!
• I've only got to see 1 high school fball game. Mulvane has only lost once. Not sure I have any more open Friday nights - how sad is that?
• 1 year older last Sunday - boy do I feel it!
• Victory in Jesus! Sorry devil, that's just the way it is.
• Christianity is personal but it is not private! Thus the need for the church.
• Get to see the kids and grandkids this Saturday -oh yeah!
• One of these days......................................................................

VIVE- AGAIN!

Currently setting in our room at a B&B in Hugoton. Preached the first of 3 nights at the UMC. A wonderful evening. Good turnout and good response at the invitation. God blessed our time together and I see no reason why He won't do the same the next 2 nights. Pray for me and the church here in Hugoton that God would "re-vive" (or bring life again) to His church. Much appreciated. Thanks!

The theme for the week - "I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, and God made it grow". (1 Cor. 3:6).

The 3 sermons - A call to maturity, A call to unity, A call to priority.

ONWARD!!

The devil is working overtime lately but here's the deal, "The grave is empty and the victory is in Jesus!" Time to put on the spiritual armor and get after it!




"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11.

GRANDBABY #4 ON THE WAY!!!!

Here we go again! Todd and Melissa gave us the green light to announce to all of you that we are going to be grandparents again. The big O (Owen) is going to be a big brother the end of April of next year. So what will this little one be - a boy or a girl? Remember, little Adelyn broke the string of Just boys. So will it happen again? What do you think?????

Owen having a laugh with gramps and grammy.

Adelyn content setting on grammy's lap.

What can you say???

We are so blessed! God is so good to have given us such great grandkids. And now another one in 2010 - can't wait!!

I WONDER....................

Yeah, it's kind of strange, but have you ever thought about the "rest of the story" when it comes to some of the Biblical characters or stories in Scripture? For example, I talked about Zaccheaus yesterday in Luke 19. I wonder:

• How much money did he return to those he ripped off? How did the poor respond to him when he gave them money?
• What was the first thing the blind man saw after Jesus gave him his sight? How did he know what it was?
• Did Peter ever attempt to walk on water again?
• How many people really think John the Baptist was a "Baptist". Was he an independent, North American, or Southern Baptist?
• What happened to Jesus' earthly father, Joseph? He kind of disappeared after Jesus was born?
• If Noah ever ate fish after his ordeal with the "whale"?
• If Adam and Eve ever sat down and asked, "What would have happened if we repented"?
• What Timothy would say was the greatest thing he learned from the apostle Paul?
• If God gets a kick out of people like me who ask these silly questions?

What are your questions??????????

HALLELUIA!!

As many of you recall, I spoke of the "what, where, why, how, and who" of praise this morning as found in Psalm 150. And how like God to bless us in all 3 of the services as we made it a priority to focus on Him by praising His name. What a wonderful morning as we experienced worship as both a noun and a verb.
Now here's my question for you. What leads you into the holy of holies? What enables you to praise the Lord? What inhibits you from doing so? What can be done in our worship service to better provide an atmosphere for praise and worship? If you are not from Mulvane, I'm curious how you would answer these questions in your setting. Just click the comment button and offer your thoughts. I'm interested in what you have to say.

R & R

ML and I are taking a couple of days to catch our breath following the move and all the transitional stuff. Taking time to "Be still and know that I am God" and time to spend with each other. Praying that God will direct our path as husband and wife, mom and dad, gramps and grammy, and ministers of the gospel.

Staying at a Bed and Breakfast owned by some friends of ours. Great place!

32 YEARS AND COUNTING!!

Believe it or not, Mary Lou and I will be celebrating our 32nd year of marriage this Thursday, August 20. Wow, where does the time go? But let me tell you all this, every day has been a blessing to be married to Mary Lou. For her to put up with me once again proves that God is a God of miracles (Careful with the comments).


Mary Lou, I love you with all my heart. Can't wait to see what the next 32 years have in store for us.

WEDNESDAY WONDERINGS!

Just wondering...

• Do sacred cows really make gourmet hamburgers?
• Did God create humidity or is it a result of "the fall"?
• Did Kevin F. really run a half-marathon on purpose?
• What does "relevant" mean when people talk about the church?
• How do you define "worship"?
• Is facebook a good thing?
• If my grandkids will learn and sing the great hymns of the church?
• If my love for good coffee is a vice or a habit?
• If anyone can truly understand "agape" (unconditional) love?
• If we really can be silent so we may hear the whisper of God?
• Where our country is heading?

Just a few thoughts. Lots more running through my mind. What's on YOUR mind?

CHANGING OIL!

As you know, everything in life is a sermon illustration. Yesterday, I found myself changing the oil in my car. You know, 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. It got me to thinking - we as Christians should be doing the same. Every so often it would "behoove" us to do a little spiritual maintenance. Just like a car's engine that gets full of sludge and slime, dirt and grime, our lives get messy with all sorts of junk. Busyness, wrong priorities, anger, bitterness, frustration, anxiety - on and on. These things begin to take hold of our lives and it's not long until our productivity, effectiveness, witness, and impact for Christ is reduced. Needless to say, "it's time for an oil change". Confession and repentence are 2 of the great spiritual engine cleaners that can keep us running smoothly for Jesus. As a result, "the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor. 5:17). And we all know how much better a new clean engine runs than one that has been neglected, run down, and ruined because of bad maintenance. So, if you feel bogged down, it might not hurt to check your spiritual dipstick. You might be due for a spiritual oil change.



Have a great week!!

"JUST" US!

Wow! We've been in Mulvane almost a month now. It's hard to believe! We are slowly getting settled but still have a lot to do. We don't have anything on the walls yet but we're getting there. The pics above are of the house with a rock with our name out front. One of our neighbors made that for us. Ironically his wife grew up only about 6 miles from me or so. Small world.

Things are busy at church - meeting new people all the time. I am trying my best to take it slow but for those of you who know me, it's hard to pull in the reigns. Mostly I am trying to observe, listen, evaluate, pray, pray, and pray. I have lots of idea but there is plenty of time to address them at a later date.

It's been great having ML at home. Hopefully it can stay that way. We'll see. One thing for sure, it's weird being so close to things - stores, restaraunts, family, etc.. But I think we'll manage.

Had the privilege of going to Leah Rankin's wedding on Saturday at Winfield. A wonderful Christian service. Steve (her dad) officiated and did an awesome job. He only cried 2,3,4,5 times or so. That a boy, Steve.

God is indeed good. I pray you are experiencing Him to the fullest. Have a blessed week!

"AWAY FROM WORK" - THE ASHRAM

Just returned from the Kansas Christian Ashram at Sterling where I was the Bible teacher for the week. I used a theme of "greatness" - The Great Sermon, The Great Commandment, The Great Commission, and The Great Life. It was a "Great" time! "Ashram" is a Hindi word which means away from work and the concept was transferred to a Christian time for spiritual retreat by a former missionary to India, E. Stanley Jones. At the Ashram, an evangelist, a Bible teacher, a youth leader, and a children's leader work with the various ages of those who attend to offer some Christian teaching, Christian fellowship, and just some plain old fun together. It was a real privilege to work with Todd ( my son), Mary Beth, (my sister-in-law), and Kevass (my brother in Christ) for the four days together. It was also a great time with my wife, ML, and little Owen (grandson) and Melissa (daughter-in-law). The pics below show some of what was going on. It was a blessed time. Hope some of you can go next year.

Mary Beth with the kids as they told us about Joseph. She did such a great job!

Grammy (Mary Lou) with little Owen. Can't tell they are having fun, can you?

Todd teaching the youth during one of the their sessions. Uses his hands to talk like someone else I know.

Kevass Harding was our evangelist teaching us about Godly character - Obedience, joy, patience, and self-control. He was awesome!

Notice, my mouth isn't open. Thus a miracle occurred at Ashram! (no comments Jo)

GETTING SETTLED

Just a quick update. I have some pics I want to show and some things to talk about but time does not allow this morning.

• God is good! He remains faithful even in the craziest of times.

• Thanks to all you Leotians for your help in the transition and for the wonderful sendoff a couple weeks ago. (A formal thank you is coming)

• Thanks to all of you from Mulvane who have so graciously welcomed us. It is deeply appreciated, more than you know.

• God is definitely at work. I've had some great conversations with some folks, churched and unchurched. We better fasten our seat belts.

• We finally have our utilities straightened out. Wow - what a hassle. But we're good to go.

• And yes, JESUS IS LORD!!