At the brink...

As we stand on this side of the end of this year my prayer is that this year will stay where it is–in this year. If God chooses to give us 2011, I hope you'll leave 2010 behind. Any sadness and any disappointments need to be left behind. Yes, even the joy. You can't live on the joys of yesterday or yesteryear. Joy must be something we obtain from the Lord on a daily basis, not something we try to live on from another day in our past. Sure we can enjoy those memories, but we need joy for today. Get it from the Lord. He is there for us. He is there to give us strength for today, hope for today and joy for today. Let's grasp those as He hands them out to us on a daily basis.

I hope your journey to the new year finds you with an empty backpack ready to collect all the Lord has for you in 2011. May He bless you and strengthen you and remind you of His presence daily.

Christmas with the Beemans

Christmas is a special time of gathering for the Beemans. I grew up listening to the Christmas story read out of Luke's gospel, chapter 2, praying and then opening gifts. Each Christmas we did that. I am thankful my father insisted on doing that. Sometimes we'd even read a different translation. Always, it was to help us focus and remember who we were celebrating. What a joy!

My prayer for you is that you will be able to stop, focus and be thankful for what God has done in the sending of His only Son. Thanks be to God for His marvelous gift!

Thankful

I'm thankful today for a church who has sensitive and caring people who love each other and their pastor. What a church!! God has placed me in a place to serve Him where I feel I don't deserve to serve. Wow. Thank you for all that you do, God. You are awesome.

I'm praying for us all during this Christmas season. Don't forget there are some who are hurting over the loss of a loved one. Minister to them. Pray for them. Love on them. They need to know someone remembers.

Family, food, funeral

Well, the family is on their way home from Texas a day early. They should be back this evening. I stayed with Beau. Amazing dog. He was very well behaved not having Jack around. I ate at the White's home for Thanksgiving lunch. I watched a bit of the Saints beating the Cowboys, almost losing and then winning game. That was good. Today I shall do the funeral of Robert Gwin. Great man. Great smile. Great attitude. Loved his wife, grandchildren very much. What a man. Sad to have him leaving us. Every church needs cheerful and supportive people in it.

What a blessing!

It was truly a blessing to be with Presbyterians, Methodists, Nazarenes and other Baptists as we said, "Thank You" to God for all He's done for us. We had a great service at First Church tonight. Glad to be a part of such a community of faith. What a blessing it is.

Thoughts on the LBC

I'm reading this book I got at the LifeWay display at our convention. It's good.

Ok. Does it matter where you sit or was this years Louisiana Baptist Convention just that boring? I was moved by the heart of Rod Mastellar. His heart is in the right place. The others who shared, well...I did enjoy Al Mohler's Bible studies. If you go buy any of the cd's, get his. Hope they were available.

I did not feel as if the Spirit of God was really present. Was it my own cynicism?

Pray for our convention. Missions and evangelism are the heartbeats of Baptists. May they be brought to the front of all we do. Please, help that to be true by being involved in any outreach your church does. Not for the sake of Baptists, but for the sake of people without God. People matter to God–don't forget that.

Gene Robinson, first openly gay Episcopal bishop, announces his retirement

I found this interesting. Please pray for our Anglican brothers and sisters. Gene Robinson, first openly gay Episcopal bishop, announces his retirement

Trip to the city of lights.

Well, we got to Natchitoches Friday through Saturday. Checked on the house and there were no lights. It appears the electricity was out for some reason. Not sure what is going on there. Visited with some friends and had a great time. Thanks for the gumbo McPhersons!!!!! woo hoo.

Moving along

Well, things are moving along quite well here at FBC. Screens are going to happen as soon as we get a good estimate and people to to it. Can't wait! It's going to be great. Let me say, you people of First Church? You are an awesome bunch of folks! You have such a great spirit about you. Thank you for being who you are!!!

Oh, check this out. Can't believe this!!! Odd roommate situation.

Worship with Clyde

Well, we had a great time of worship with Clyde Copeland Sunday. We even used powerpoint to do words and the sermon outline. That was great. I heard a lot of positive responses and am excited at the possibilities. Pray continually as God is moving here at FBC.

Screen progress

Keep praying for screens for our worship center. There is considerable cost involved. Ah, but we need them. Pray that God will supply them. Looking forward to using them.

Making it

Well, it's a well worn phrase that is used to really not tell someone that you aren't doing well. "Making it." It sounds as if we are hanging on, and yet, sometimes we aren't. "Making it." It sounds like we want to make it, but we're not sure if we can or if we are. Are you "making it" or are you doing well?

Pray

There are times when I shudder to think about pastoring people. There are so many variables. People aren't like cows, they are like sheep. They are not all alike. You can't tell them what to do and expect everything to work out fine. You have to take into consideration each person's personality.

Pray as we continue to work on planning worship. Pray that we are doing it for God and not just because we think it's going to bring thousands in our doors. People matter to God, but God matters most.

Mattie Powell

She was a great lady. She was thoughtful and generous with her life. She taught many children Sunday School at Calvary Baptist Church. She was "pastor sensitive." In other words, she took care of her pastor. Saturday we'll say, "good-bye" to her earthly body. She is in Heaven with her Heavenly Father whom she loved and loves still. What a great lady. Thank you, Mrs. Mattie, for allowing yourself to be used by God. Thank you for all of us whom you touched with the hands of Christ.

This is my break, mini-vacation.

Is this weird? I love going this book sale!!! It's the best sale ever!!!

Centenary College's giant book sale returns

for 24th 

year

By Jane Bokun • janebokun@gannett.com • August
25, 2010 
You'll have more chances than ever to get your
literary groove on at this year's Centenary Muses
Book Bazaar.
"There will be more than 70,000 paperback and
hardback books for sale," said Rick DelaHaya,
communications director for Centenary College.
The annual book fair, now in its 24th year, is
organized and sponsored by the Centenary Muses,
with proceeds used to fund projects and programs
for Centenary students. A Centenary staple for years,
the bazaar has raised nearly $60,000 each of the
past five years and has helped pay for items such as
computers, furniture for residence halls, athletic
equipment, and other items not usually covered by
the budget.
According to DelaHaya, this will be one of the
largest sales in the 24-year history with myriad
books for sale as well as audio and video materials.
There will also be more than 5,000 vinyl records as
well as hundreds of DVDs, videotape movies, CDs,
cassette tapes, and puzzles and games.
The book bazaar features books sorted into more
than 30 categories, including fiction, science
fiction, religion, history and children's books. There
will also be a table devoted just to books on local
high school reading lists. Students will be able to
find almost all titles ranging in price from 25 cents
to $1.25. This year's special categories include Civil
War books, books on Louisiana, and vintage
children books.
Prices for books start at 25 cents, while most items
are priced less than $5. As in the past, there will
also be a special category of rare books that will be
available for bid during the sale.
The bazaar will end with a half-price sale starting at
1 p.m. Sept. 11.

Centenary Muses Book Bazaar
WHEN: 4-9 p.m. Sept. 10, 9-4 p.m. Sept. 11.WHERE: Gold Dome, corner of Woodlawn Avenue and
Kings Highway, Shreveport.ADMISSION: free. INFO: (318) 869-5073; the Book House, (318) 219-
3409; or David Williams, (318) 869-5162.

I have found some excellent books here. DVD's, CD's and great religion books are there too! It's just awesome!!!

Great day in the morning!

What a great day we had today. It was a great time of worship. Started the service off with a baptism and then our Minister of Music and a choir member sang, "Brethren We Have Met to Worship." It was the best way to begin a service. Wish we could start off every Sunday with a baptism!!! God is good.

Sounds like God is moving at Calvary as well. They have a few baptisms to do and they don't even have a pastor. Praise God He still moves!!!

Got the boys haircuts this past week. That went well. Took them to Donnie's Barber Shop.

Susanne has been working hard on her school stuff, Worship Team rehearsal and more school stuff. It's a bit overwhelming. The boys like school. For that I am truly thankful. Do we miss Natchitoches? Of course. Are we adjusting to life in Winnsboro? We are. It's where God has us and we'll be here until, or if, He moves us. Pray for Calvary Baptist as they seek a new pastor.

Acts of Kindness

One of our members came and brought us each a gift certificate to eat out. Little acts of kindness like that sure help the pastor to know he matters. Have you appreciated your pastor lately? He works hard on hearing from God as to what to preach. He cares about you and your family. Have you told him, "Thank you?" Let him know Sunday that you appreciate all he does. He needs to hear it.

Screens

We are looking for screens or LCD monitors. Anyone have an idea of who to talk to around Winnsboro? We hope to show missions videos this year as well as the Operation Christmas Child video. I have dealt with them at Calvary, but they would be new here. They will be a huge help in worship.

Praying

Keep praying as we seek to make some transitions musically at FBC. Pray that our hearts will be centered on people rather than style or tradition. God is big and people need Him.

Busy

Like that is what you want to see. Actually I guess it's better than, "I sit around all day looking at the wall of my office." I mean when you do what you are supposed to do, you find yourself busy.

We're having the young adults and kids at the parsonage Friday. I am looking forward to it. It will be fun.

This picture is from a water play day at my son's school last year.

We vote on three men to serve for three years as Deacons this Sunday. Three are rotating off and it's time to elect more. Pray for us that we'll do what God wants.

Hungry

I am hungry for some great food. I had grilled tuna last night for supper at Cajun Landing in Alexandria. It was excellent. Had the vegetables to go with it. They were great too.

New day at FBC

It's a new day at First Winn. I am still excited about being here. Wait, I'm thrilled.

The boys are starting school next week. So is Susanne. She'll be teaching 4th grade. Wow. God has been good to take care of us so well.

I got a new iPhone. It's fast and very usable.

We've been busy setting up the house and making the parsonage our home. The lawn is mowed by one of our deacons. THAT is cool. He does a great job.

Tomorrow I go to my first Associational event at Lamar Baptist Church. Looking forward to meeting the ministers in our association. That will be good.

Oh, we got Dish Network. It has BBC America!!! OH, and the Hallmark channel. We also got a DVR. Now we won't miss a show. (Like we watch a lot. Whatever!) It's cool to have though.

Pray for this man.

Pray for this man I know.

Good first day!

It was a good, no, great day at FBC, Winnsboro, today. I love where God has planted me. Yes, it will be a lot of work, but it will be SO worth it. I'm excited about the church folks. They are great. It's a new day for all of us. Pray for Jewel Bruce. She fell and broke her hip. She had surgery today. It went well.

Pray for me as I tackle the mountain of books in my office and find a place for them all. It will take a bit of time.

I go tomorrow to the Mayor's prayer brunch. That will be interesting. I'll be interested in knowing the other ministers in town.

Was I nervous? Actually, only a bit. I know this is where God wants me. FBC, knows I am supposed to be here. This is what God wants. With that in mind, I feel great!

I get to meet the other ministers in our association this Thursday at Lamar Baptist Church.

Hope your week is great. Pray for us as we continue to adjust.

Moved in

We are almost settled. The Pastor's Study, however, is an entirely different story. ha ha It will take a bit to get that in order.

Sunday is coming fast and I am ready, I hope. It's exciting to be in a new place. I already feel as if they are family. Some of them I seem to have known for years, not days.

What a nice place. Pray as I attend the Mayor's Minister's Brunch on Monday. Looks to be interesting.

We made it!

We are in the parsonage in Winnsboro! Whew. Hot day and a lot of work. It's so goo to be here.

Trying out the new Amazon Finder gadget thingy

I love this book. Everyone ought to read it. It really makes you think. I have a few copies of my own and think it's really good and thoughtful for any Christian who is seeking to be like Jesus.

Baptism & reception

Well, we got to baptize two who made decisions in VBS today. I was so happy about that. What a note to leave on. God is SO GREAT!

It was also my last sermon at Calvary as pastor. Wow. I thought about it as I descended the steps of the baptistry. It's also the last time I am able to baptize at Calvary. It's the last time I'll use the "over the ear" mic. It's the last time I'll be able to see the wonderful faces of the body of Christ that is Calvary for a while. I learned a lot while at Calvary. I think there is a sermon in that statement somewhere.

As we make the move to Winnsboro, we look forward to forming new friendships and learning new faces. It's going to be good. Why? Because God always knows what He is doing and He is in control.

Thank you Calvary for almost eight years of ministry education. Thank you for putting up with some poor sermons. Thank you for it all!!!!!

VBS, Moving and Andrew too.

Well, VBS is almost over. It's been a yeeha week and I think I am ready for it to be over. I love it though. Shared Christ with three who accepted Jesus tonight!!! Had one other that another worker spoke with and I have one left to talk with tomorrow night. God is good!!! I love VBS. Did I say that yesterday? I LOVE VBS!!!! Praise God for the whole idea of it all!

Got a lot of my office packed. The secretary, Ministry Assistant, Administrative Assistant, at FBC, Winnsboro, is going to freak at the amount of junk stuff I have. Ha ha. Maybe she can shelve all my books. Ha ha ha. We'll see how that goes.

Andrew seems a bit better. He laughed and ate better today. He even made his brother laugh. Woo hooo!

VBS Wednesday

Ok, Jeff Slaughter has slaughtered the abc song. I am not liking it. It's, well...hokey. Tumbleweed? I guess the words are ok, but I am tired after doing that song. The kids are ok with it, but man.

Not sure of our total tonight. It looked like we were down a few. Still, we had some who are curious about accepting Christ. I get to talk with them tomorrow night. Woo hoo and yeehaaa! I love VBS!!!!

Keep praying for us as we adjust to moving. It's hard. I now feel it getting to me. Pray, pray, pray.

VBS Tuesday

We rounded up some more buckettes and buckaroos tonight at VBS. What a night. The songs sometimes scare me, but we have fun. I actually get into it. It's amazing what we'll do "for the children." Ha ha. We have a great group. I think we broke 50 tonight in attendance. I hope so. Seemed like we did. VBS is so awesome and so much fun. It's also so exhausting, but hey, if it were easy, most people wouldn't do it.

Got more books packed today. Had a call to make to Winnsboro. Spoke with a member. Seemed like we'd spoken many times before. Can't wait to serve God there with them. They seem like great folks.

VBS, Andrew

Had 44 buckaroos at the ranch tonight. It went well. I love VBS. At least the blow up animal is a horse this year. He actually looks good.

Boxed some books today. Will do more tomorrow. It's a lot of books!!! Pray for Andrew. He's having a tough time with all of the moving stuff. He seems depressed. Won't eat, weepy, not interested in doing anything.

Good day.

It was a good day on the hill at Calvary. Things went well. The wife sang, "God of this city," and she did a great job. Some folks still are dealing with my parting in a tough way. The thing is, so am I. I'm not all that happy I have to leave great people, but when God says, "Go," you go. I have preached that and I seek to live it. It doesn't make things easy, but life is not easy. It can't always go just as we want it to.

Well, I hope others had a great day in worship. I hope you went today. If not, find a place of worship to go to next Sunday.

Cholesterol Battle

So, this high cholesterol thingy is one of the worst things that can happen to a Baptist pastor. To tell a man he can't eat what he wants to eat is a death sentence. In the life of a pastor the only thing he feels he can control is his food intake. When that is taken away he feels like he can't control anything. THAT is tough. I wish I could say I'm not letting this get to me, but it is. It hurts. It stinks. It's, well...just wrong.

Back

We got back around 6:40 from Llano, TX. What a great time. It was nice to let my mind just stand still for a bit. The Wii boys went into withdrawal and played a bit when they got home. They are asleep now.

Wow. A lot is happening. The house is online with a local realtor. I guess I should not say much about it. Don't want to be robbed. Course there is not much to take. ha ha.

Pray that it will sell soon. Anyone want to buy a bus? $500 will get you this nice short bus to haul your family to the mall in. Contact me for more details.

Relaxing

Texas is a wonderful state, uh, country. ha ha. Currently me and the family are in Llano, TX, visiting the wife's family. I love it here. I'm at the public library right now. I feel thousands of miles away from everyone. Sometimes that is a good thing. I hope you take vacations. I am thinking of getting away more often. I think it helps me recharge and get my life back on track. Let me encourage you to take vacations!!! You don't have to go far, just get away!

Wow. A lot is happening in our lives. I think back to when I left Southwestern Seminary and I think, "WOW!" Who would have thought that I'd be soon serving my third church? I always have this dream of God sticking me in one place forever. I'm not letting go of that dream, but it does appear He is in charge. Since that is true, I may be in Winnsboro for a few years or maybe the rest of my life. I am learning to be happy wherever He place me. He is a GREAT God. I am thankful He takes care of His children. I'm also glad I am one of those children.

Baptism

What a day!!!! I baptized three kids today. Wow. What an awesome day!!! Sadly, I also read my letter of resignation today too. What a tough day. We move to Winnsboro on August 3rd. Pray for us.

Moving.

Wow. Moving is so hard to do. I mean the actual moving and packing part. I kinda hate this part. I know I've only packed one box, but I am NOT looking forward to packing more. Not at all. Jack, the dog, is needing to go out for the third time in an hour. Why? Why? And why am I watching "Sixteen Wishes"? Wow, long day. Busy day. Tired I am. So tired.

Told them

Tonight I had a sit down talk with the Wednesday night crew from Calvary. It went well. They are great folks and are happy, but sad. It's always hard to leave a place you've been for almost eight years. Tough stuff.

WOW.

Well, it happened. God has opened the doors at FBC, Winnsboro, and I am happily going through those doors. Pray that I'll be open to the Lord as to how to lead this marvelous church. They have a huge future and I'm so glad to be a part of it.