It is finished…

Well, the day is over. Christmas for 2011, is done and the wrapping paper has been thrown away. The boys got airsoft pistols. Be careful around them. They have great aim.

My nephew got a 13 inch MacBook Pro. Happy for him joining the Apple Family.

We ate at the Blue Frog Grill in Marshall on Monday night. It was great. Got the salmon. Saw the lights. The boys and their mother skated. They had fun.

It's always good to be back home.

I look forward to the new year. Excited about what God is doing and going to do at FBC, Winnsboro.

There is a happiness which is lost...

There is a happiness which is lost. It's a happiness which is present when most adults are children. It's a happiness that is present in knowing one is safe and loved. It begins to disappear as one grows and matures. Because it's a happiness rooted in safety and the sense of knowing one is loved, it begins to fade a bit as one leaves the home.

Facing the big, bad world is scary. It brings the unknown into one's life and each human on earth, at least all whom I've come in contact with, are afraid of the unknown. Truly there is an innocence which is lost as one grows, but I feel there is also a sense of happiness which is lost. I'm not saying we can't be happy without the safety of our home and our parents, but there is a certain sense of happiness that fades in knowing finances, food and shelter are going to be taken care of by someone who loves us, someone who has the same blood running through their veins.

For me, I am able to take comfort in knowing that I have a God who loves me and is taking care of me beyond my family home and my own parents. That is reassuring.

Just a few musings from my mind on a Saturday afternoon.

Theatre...

I love the theatre. The Princess Theatre, The Strauss or even A. A. Fredericks Auditorium at NSU all bring a bit of happiness into my heart. Recently I was asked to be on the board of The Princess Theatre here in Winnsboro. What an opportunity. What a privilege.

Tonight I attended the Christmas Event at the Princess and was pleased and surprised at what I heard. We have got some talent in this here town! Thanks to all who made it such a great evening!

Let me encourage you to be a part of what's happening at the Princess!

Satan, I mean Santa.

Ha ha. I love the parents who force their child to sit on Santa's lap. It makes for great photos to laugh at. I do wonder about how harmed, mentally, the children are. I will never MAKE my child sit on Santa's lap. Look at each face in this picture. Each face tells a story.

Oops…I broke a tradition.

Well, it appears I had a bad dream and thought someone told me we did not have to draw to see what section of the congregation eats first at our annual Christmas Dinner. So, I did not have anyone do that. Now I fear for my life and those of my children. Pray I am still the pastor in January. Lol. It's funny, traditions are neat to have. They are important. Some are not as important, but some are. I broke this one. I feel funny about it. I do know that I won't be breaking anymore any time soon. At least not on purpose. Lol. By the way, yes, I overindulged. Oops again.

Name change coming to SBC?

I recently read this article and it set my mind to thinking again about the possibility of changing our national name as Baptists. I understand the feeling of some. We're stuck in the mud and hate change. We like things to be the same. Ah, but where are the Sunbeams? Who still even knows the song? Where is the BYPU? Names change. The gospel stays the same. If changing the name, "Southern Baptist" to something else will mean that we'll reach more people for the kingdom of God, then make it so. If it won't, then let's keep it. At this point in my life I've realized that nothing is more important than helping others to know who Jesus is. Nothing should stand in our way of sharing the gospel. If we have self-made barriers that stop people from wanting to know Jesus then we should break them down. What think ye?

Oh what a day and night! Plus: Mission Minded Budget

FirstKid's: (from left to right, front row) Andrew Beeman, Luke Wolleson,

Jackson Cordill, Joshua Beeman, Caroline Grant, Bruce Cordill,

(Second Row, l-r) Halie Thomas, (Third row, l-r) Chloe Wolleson,

Katilyn Thomas, Blair Grieme, Jacob Cordill, Joseph Wolleson,

Jessie Thomas and Jarrod Thomas.

Today was an awesome day at First Baptist, Winnsboro! This morning we were able to hear from one of our undercover missionaries who serves in, well, an undisclosed country. It was amazing to hear about her work and what God is doing through this missionary. By the way, have you given an offering, a sum above and beyond your tithe, to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering yet? Pray about it.

This evening we heard our children perform, The Living Créche. They did a great job. I am so proud of our kids. They worked hard. I was amazed at those who sang solos. I don't recall ever having the courage to sing a solo at their age!

Budget Planning
In our Budget Planning Meeting tonight we discussed working towards a mission minded budget. We need to be more about missions than maintenance. We are holding our own, but are we helping to change our world? Keep our committee in your prayers as they seek God's will in regards to missions.

Prayer for the Pastor would be great!

As I sit here typing this, I think about prayer and what it means to me when someone says, "I'm praying for you." Sometimes I believe it. At other times I hope it's true. Either way, when you pray for your pastor, it's one of the most important actions you can participate in concerning him.

Take time to pray for your pastor. Every now and then, tell him you do. It will make his day and maybe even his month or year.

As it so happens, while I did not intend to add this to this post, I would like you to pray for me as I serve on the board of the Princess Theatre in Winnsboro and on the Board of Trustees for the Baptist Message. Neither will tax me, but I do want to serve well in both of those roles. Thankfully they will not take away from me passion of shepherding God's people at FBC.

One more thing…
Huge thanks to Rev. Johnny Hankins, and wife Pam, as they shared with our Triple L group on Thursday. They did a great job. They even taught us a bit of history! Thank you for the laughter as well!

Children's Musical is on it's way.

Our Christmas Musical, entitled, The Living Créche, will be shared this Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Invite a friend. Make sure you don't miss this. It will be great! Be a part of the festivities at First Baptist this Christmas!

December 11th, we have the Adult Choir sharing, Joy has Dawned. That night, at 6 p.m., join Jon & Friends for a time of Christmas music.

We will meet for a special Christmas Eve Service at 6:00 p.m. on well, Christmas Eve. Ha ha. That promises to be a great time where we light the final candle of Advent.

Sunday, December 25th, well have regular worship at 10:55 a.m. No service that evening and no Sunday School on that day.

"Merry Christmas...or not"

As I listen to the media and receive updates from the American Family Association I am saddened. First, I'm saddened by the fact that some stores and people elect to say, "Season's Greetings" instead of "Merry Christmas." I think it's odd to change what has been shared for years into some generic greeting. "Happy Holidays" is not much better. Why don't we say that on Valentine's Day?

Second, I feel that those who are making a huge deal about saying, "Merry Christmas" are missing the point of Christmas. This entire issue has been described as "The War on Christmas." When was Christmas supposed to be about war? When did it become a fight over what people say to each other? I prefer and will continue to say, "Merry Christmas," but I'm not going to push other people to say it if they don't believe or see things differently.

I'd rather make a difference on my own, in my own way. I'd rather say, "Merry Christmas" to those I come in contact with and go on with my life. The message of the birth of Christ is more than two simple words. It's a lifestyle. If we push two words on others which we feel they must say at Christmas we're missing the point. Sharing the gospel is telling others about Jesus, not telling others what they should and shouldn't say to each other. Does that make sense? I don't want to dread celebrating the birth of Christ each year because I'm worried about Wal-Mart or Target screaming "Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings" on huge banners at their stores. Am I nuts or what?

Teachers and holidays

Christmas time is here. I wish that were true for all the teachers. They need a break. Pray for them to hang in there. If you are a parent, please support your kids teachers. Please treat them as you would want to be treated.

Testing

I'm testing something out here. Hover over this scripture reference: John 3:16.

Homecoming 2011

What a great weekend it was at FBC, Winnsboro. So many memories shared and even made during this past weekend. What a great place to serve God.

I remember the day...9-11-2001

I awoke on this day and was getting ready for my day. I was still serving at my first church located in Pelican, LA. I preacher friend, Scott Arant, called me and said our nation was under attack. I did not believe him. I went to the television and turned it on. I saw the first building on fire. As time progressed and I realized that it did not look good it was time to take Susanne to the doctor for a check-up. I think we were to find out if our baby was a boy or a girl that day. I turned on the radio but my wife, who feels I overreact, did not want to listen to the news. When we got to Shreveport I turned on the radio to find out the Pentagon had been hit. I then got concerned. Something was definitely not right. The rest of the day, after returning home, I was glued to the television. I could not believe we had been hit. What a blow.

No longer were we safe. I was "afeared" that more horrible acts would take place and still am not too sure we are as safe as we need to be.

Later, around June of 2002, I went with a team of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers to New York's Staten Island. We fed the workers. What where they doing? They were going though the remains of the World Trade Center. There were smoke filled BMW's and other luxury cars that were toast. They were just put in a fenced-in area.

Today it seems as if it was all a dream. We visited Ground Zero. It overwhelmed me. A ramp had been built that allowed one to look over into the pit. Along the railing were home made signs remembering those who died. It was very difficult to look at.

I shall never forget that day or the days in New York. They were days when I realized that only God can protect us.

First Person: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief since 9/11 - Florida Baptist Witness

Man. I got to go on a SBDR team to NY. wow.

First Person: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief since 9/11 - Florida Baptist Witness

one year

Well, one year ago, on the first Sunday of August, I stood in the pulpit of FBC, Winnsboro as the new pastor. I'm still here and still as excited about being here. We've made changes and things are different. We pray they are different to the glory and for the glory of God. Recently we obtained a new mixer board so we won't have to switch out mics and connections all the time. The new sound mixer board has 24 channels on it allowing us to plug everything we need into it. Thanks be to God.

Obviously, if you'd like to be a part of our audio visual team, let us know. We have three cameras now, which we use for DVD recording. Soon we hope to have a CD recorder as well to record the services for those who are home bound, who miss or who just want a copy of the service.

Continue to pray for us as we move to a point of reaching out beyond the walls.

Roof stays in place, cameras appear

Well, the roof did not cave in today. Today was the first Sunday in which video cameras were in place and used during the service. We'll be recording the services to DVD from now on so people can watch and hear it if they miss it on Sunday. Things went well and no one got hurt. Hallelujah! Our youth sang, "God, Undefeatable" and did a fine job. They had learned it at CentriFuge this past month. I was proud of them. Even had a duet that was awesome as well.

Keep praying. God is doing some exciting things. Remember we have a special guest, May Powers, who will share her testimony with us Sunday morning, the 24th.

Also our FirstKid's Ministry started the "Theo" Video Bible Study tonight. That will be each Sunday night at 6 p.m.

Book Review: We Shall See God: Charles Spurgeon's classic devotional thoughts on Heaven

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House. The book, in short, is a compilation of Spurgeon's thoughts and views on Heaven. The most meaningful thoughts, according to Alcorn, are collected here in a useful devotional format. Alcorn also includes his own thoughts on Spurgeon's writings, which follow after each devotional. This was a mammoth task to take on and Alcorn has done and excellent job. 

If you like Spurgeon, you'll love having his thoughts on the topic of Heaven in such an easy to digest format. I find it helps keep one Heavenly minded, but not to the point where one would find himself to be of no earthly good. Alcorn has updated a bit of the language, thankfully, so that the meaning is not lost in, what is now, archaic language to many. I am pleased with Alcorn's effort. It stands out because it's not been done before, as far as this blogger is aware of, and for the fact that Alcorn has become recognized as one who is familiar with the subject of Heaven. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to delve into Spurgeon.

Tyndale books

From time to time you'll see a book reviewed here. I am part of a review program with Tyndale Publisher's. The first book I'll review is a recent one by Randy Alcorn. Keep looking here for the review.

Choir loft gets facelift and cameras on their way

We are in the middle of a redo of our choir loft. It's going to be great. We have some very talented folks working on it. We're also getting new chairs for the choir. If you'd like to purchase one, please let us know. They are $72 each.

The cameras will probably be put in next week. We are enjoying the screens. Pray we use them to glorify God. We don't want them to be a hindrance, but a help. So far, we've shown a Mother's Day slide show and have had the words to hymns and other songs visible on them. I also use them for my sermons.

VBS is coming soon. June 6–10. I hope we'll have a great week. The week immediately following I'll be in Glorieta with our youth. Looking forward to that adventure!

Screens in, cameras next

The screens are in. Obviously there will be some adjustments yet to be made, but we're going to test drive them Sunday with a special Mother's Day presentation. Pray it all goes well!

The next update will be cameras for recording and flat screens in the nursery, youth room, children's room and in a Bible Study room with dvd players for each. May it all be used to glorify God and better share His word!

Moving, moving, moving...

Wow. I am still enjoying my time here at FBC, Winn. We are currently enlarging the sound booth and preparing for projection screens. I truly feel they can be used as aids in worship. We're using a thrown together setup at the moment, but it works.

We have the Catfish Festival this Saturday. We'll be selling catfish. I even get to help at the booth. Come and say, "Hello." The family and I will be working 10-Noon. It will be my first time to be at the largest one-day festival in the state of Louisiana. I'm looking forward to it.

We have a wonderful church family here. What's coming? Well, we're going to be looking into some local mission organization similar to Impact Benton or Hands and Feet of FBC, Vivian.

We're also looking into Upward Soccer. Be praying for FBC. We're on the move!

41

So, it happened. I could not stop it. At 10:05 a.m. on Sunday, February 6th, I turned 41. I don't care for it. The number that is. My life seems good. I like where I am in my life and my surroundings. I like that I get to pastor a flock of God's people. I like life, but the fact that every day I get closer to the time I am leaving this life is a bit unsettling. It doesn't help that I have buried about 5 people since I've come here. Life is so short. We really do have to make every minute count.

Is it time for me to get a red sports car? No. I couldn't afford the insurance anyway. I'm not sure how I feel about getting old. Maybe I don't like it at all. Maybe I'd prefer to ignore it. Not totally sure. My judgement for the 41st is just up in the air a bit. Odd.

Church logo

Well, I finally got the logo together. I think it turned out well. We have license plates with something similar on them. Kinda neat. Let me know what you think.

Racism is still living in America

Wow. Yes, it's still around. Ah, but I met a few heros for integration recently. Both were in the school system and were threatened by the KKK if they allowed integration to occur. They stood strong and risked their lives and went ahead and allowed it to occur. I'm proud of them.

Yes, it's amazing that racism is still alive after all these years. It is taught and caught. Let it stop with you.

Well...live and learn

I feel almost as shocked as some others tonight when we voted on going ahead with the A/V update at our church without giving everyone a heads up on just what we were getting. I did not realize that whatever is voted on at the Deacon's Meeting goes straight to the church for a vote without any delay unless so requested. I will know better next time. Meanwhile screens are coming, but not until we can openly discuss what we're getting at a family meeting. Pray for us as we seek to learn each other as pastor and congregation. This is an awesome church! I am so pleased to be associated with it!

P.S. In reflection, I guess many could say, and rightly so, I should have known this about the vote being brought to the church after it was shared in the Deacon's Meeting. For some reason I just did not catch that was what was happening.