Tuesday

Working on my LBC Classes today. I don't have to preach Sunday so I am doing some work on my classes for this fall. I love to teach and preach. Have a good day.

Tuesday

New Week

it is a great new week. Started this morning with a nice walk to get my paper and drafted a letter to send to our board about a meeting we are having this weekend.

Don't have to preach this Sunday but have alot of meetings. Always seems to work that way.

Happy Father's Day

Hello all just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all. Love you dad

Priorities

I have been really worrying about my priorities lately. I don't know why but is my priorities what they should be. I love the Sermon on the Mount and I know that Jesus has alot to say on this info:

Everyone has treasures. Treasures are things we try to keep because of the value we place on them. We go to great lengths to hold on to them and protect them because we value them. In Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus forces us to do some uncomfortable wrestling with the issue of financial treasures. To Jesus this is not a matter of money but of the heart. It is not a matter of physical possessions but of spiritual priorities. It is not a matter of this life but of eternal life.This is what Jesus is concerned with in the text. Jesus is not speaking against possessions but about our preoccupation with them. He gives us sound reasons why we should make it our priority to store up spiritual treasure in heaven rather than material treasure on earth. Jesus gives us for reasons worth our most serious consideration:

Material things do not last

Jesus gives us another reason for treasuring up our treasure in Heaven:

Focusing on Money will Bind us to Earth

Concentrating on “things” clouds our vision

Put your treasure in Heaven because:

It decides who our Master is

What do we treasure? What has our heart? What are our priorities? Treasures on earth and be eaten and destroyed? Or treasures in heaven? Jesus said where our treasure is determines where our heart is? Where’s our vision? Do we look at people and opportunities through God’s lenses? Is it clear that reaching people who matter to God is the greatest thrill in life? Who is our Master? It is impossible to have two. We will hate the one and love the other; or be devoted to one and despise the other. Ultimately, the only way we know what we treasure is when we are willing to honor the Donor above the gift and give away chunks of it freely in order to advance His causes. This is the best way to see who our Master really is.

Teaching Preaching

I think it is amazing that I am going to teach Preaching at Louisville Bible College this summer. It is a little nerve wracking and exciting that I get to do this. I love to preach and I LOVE to teach at this level.

http://www.louisvillebiblecollege.org/ is our website. Pray for me as I prepare this class and if you have any ideas let me know.

Meeting Time

Tomorrow will be a meeting of the "Minds." Some of the members of our study group are getting together. I hate it that two probably won't be there. Randy and Brian are caught in some of the flood waters in Indiana. We will miss you guys and we are praying for you friends.

I know you will miss the Donuts, Coffee, and stories that go no where. Mike if you can't come hope you are doing well.

These guys are great and are one of the reasons I stay in the ministry at times.

Thanks guys

Church Health

We are in the process of our third Natural Church Development Survey. It measures the health of the church. You get 30 people from your own church to take the survery.

I am reading now "Nine Marks of a Healthy Church" and it has gotten me thinking. Just how healthy are we here at Shoals. I went to the Dr this morning and I need to go back Thursday for blood work. The NCD is like our bi annual check up here at Church. I hope we are growing in our love for Christ, His Church, and each other.

Swim Party

Today I took my son Jonathan to a swim party with his third grade class. One of the coolest things about being a parent is that you actually have a good time watching your child having fun.

Home Home

We got home from my mom and dads today. It was a great visit. We visited a place called Jumping Joeys and played for several hours. It had an obstacle course and several slides all powered by air to blow them up.

Yesterday we visited the GA home of FDR, the Little White House. My son Jonathan loves to learn about the presidents and he really enjoyed it. We finished the day at Red Robins for supper.

Tina is planning on painting all next week and my mom came home with us and will stay until Wednesday.

Baseball and Carpet

Tonight I helped with Roberts Baseball Game. We Won 19-1. It was fun, everyone on our team got a hit. However, I felt bad for the other guys. They tried hard and they are all really good kids.

We got our upstairs measured for new carpet. I am getting Tina new upstairs carpet for Mothers Day...yes I am that awesome.

Family Movie Night

We just got done watching Cars for our Family Movie Night. It is a great movie and we really enjoy it. The boys love this night of the week. We are leaning towards The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe for two weeks from now.

Walking

I woke up this morning about 6:15 and could not go back to sleep. I got up and walked about a mile to RJ's to get a paper. I feel pretty good and I hope to keep this up. I need to get into shape.

In office now working working working. Have a lot to do before I leave Friday.

Reds Game

The Family and I are heading to Cincinnati for the Reds Braves game on Friday. I am spending the next two days trying to get ahead on sermon prep. Sunday we are leaving for Carrollton, GA. Going to spend a few days with my parents and see my Brother and Sister In Law but most important I get to see my Zach and Mia.

Last Day of School

Today was our last day of school here in Shoals. Planning on a busy summer. Our first even is a stop at the Great American Ball Park to watch the Reds and the Braves.

Great Weekend

This Past weekend the elders, myself, and our wives had a retreat. We got alot talked about and it was an uplifting weekend. It is great to have such a wonderful group of men to work with.

Men's Clinic and catching up

Last week was great. Dad did a great job as did my buddies Wade and Jeff. It was good to catch up with old friends and also see my bro Mark. It was good to spend some time for him as well.

This week we start a new series entitled Pest Control. We will start this week with "Criticism."

Hillsboro Men's Clinic

Well I am in Hillsboro Ohio for the Men's Clinic. Dad and Mark are both here. My pal Wade will be here later today.

Got to have lunch with a good friend Lee Mason. I am anticipating a great week. Will say more later

Graduation Day

Today was Graduation at Louisville Bible College. It was a wonderful honor to participate in the ceremony. This was my first time as a Faculty Member. It was great to see those who I have had in my classes walk across the stage.

Joshua Deering gave the address and he did fantastic. There are alot of wonderful Christian leaders now heading into service.

Happy Mothers Day

Hello all just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Mothers day. I hope you can call those that are precious to you.

I will be calling my Mother and my adopted mom Bev Sweeten. I am spending the day with Indiana Mom and My wonderful Wife.