Wow. New year!

Wow. I went an entire year without posting here. Crazy.

Well, how are things in your life? Some of us had some rough times in 2014. Some of us made it barely into 2015. I am glad you made it. Keep praying for your church. We have a great year ahead of us. Be looking for how you can touch someone's life this year. Be open to being led by God.

Eoy

It's the end of another year. I can not believe how fast it flew by. I do not need life to fly by so quickly. Whatever happened to being able to enjoy life as it happens? Am I getting old?

Christmas

It's almost here!

Prayer matters

Prayer. Talking to God. How often do you do that? How often do you share with God your feelings? Does God hear from you on a regular basis? What kind of relationship do you have with God? Think about that. Would you like to have a closer relationship with God? If so, sign up to be a part of the prayer training event on July 28th. It will be well worth your time. John and Sue Ellen Williamson will be with us, leading us and teaching us. Come be a part. Sign up today.

Peerless

Seen on the way to Monroe.

Do you have a friend? I think this life is more enjoyable and more meaningful with a friend. It seems being alone is not always fun. When was the last time you ate in a restaurant alone? I believe no one should eat alone. I mean, unless you just have to, eating alone is well, lonely. If you don't have a friend, get one. Find someone who shares your same interests. Find someone whom you can spend time visiting and reflecting on life with. Ok, this post is a bit lame, but sometimes that happens. LOL

Habemus Papam

Pope Francis

Yes, the Catholic Church has a Pope. As I watch him, I find a man of humility, a man who wishes not to call attention to himself, but to that of the downtrodden and poor. He called the former Pope, "brother" and knelt with him on the same kneeling bench to pray. He washed the feet of prisoners instead of priests. He chose to not live in the papal apartments. Very interesting.

I do wonder what our attitude is when it comes to ourselves. Are we "all about us" or all about others? How does the love of God fit into our lives on a daily basis? How does His love flow through us and into the lives of those around us? Is it something that is natural or must we work at it? How is the message of the gospel lived out in our lives? Do we consider that at least every other day? How close is our relationship to the one who made us and loves us enough to make a way to be with Him forever?

During this Easter season, as you celebrate the fact that Jesus gave His life for us, consider how you will give your life for Him. How will you live your life in a way that will point others to Him?

May the Holy Spirit of the living Christ guide you, dwell in you and bless you today, tomorrow and forever!

–Bro. Craig

Pope on the horizon

As the Cardinals meet to decide when to start and who they feel might be the best Pope, the world waits. We, as Baptists, may not cling to every puff of smoke that leaves the smokestack at the Vatican, but we do need to care about who the next Pope will be. Will he be one who speaks for the lowly, the downtrodden, the outcast? Will he be one who points people to living godly lives? Will he be one who deals with the problems the Catholic church finds itself in today? Will he stand for the truths of the word?

No, we don't agree with all the Catholic church believes, but a Pope who will speak truth to power can be a huge help in our world.

Who will he be, what will he do? Let us pray he is a man who follows God with all that he is and all that he has.

Wilderness time

There are times in the life of every church when they go through a wilderness journey. It could be a surprise launch into the wilderness or it could be a launch everyone knew was coming. Either way, when a church is looking for a staff member there is a sense of wandering which occurs. It is an in-between time. In between the time the last staff member leaves and a new one comes. There is a sense of loss for the one who left and a sense of loss of direction until someone else comes to sit in their chair of leadership. It's not a fun time, rather, it is a time of searching.

This searching is a time to search ones' soul and for the direction of the church. It's not a fun time, but a necessary time. Pray for our church.