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.