Great Week!

1. Kid's Crusade is this week.  We've had 16 kids make decisions for Christ so far.  :)  Two more nights to go.

2. Tonight, R U 4 Real will be with us at the Kid's Crusade.  It's going to be a blast.

3. Darrell Wickert has been speaking for us this week.  He's a long time friend from my High School days and now is a Kid's Pastor in Cleburne.  :)

4. The bummer of the week was that Pastor John's Redskins beat my Cowboys.  The boys will get revenge in DC.

5. I won in both of my Fantasy Football Leagues.  

6. We've had several new families visit and start attending the church recently.  :)  

Is this really Christ Like?

Have you ever wrote an anonymous letter? Over the years, I met many Pastors/Leaders who have received hurtful anonymous notes. Have you noticed no one ever sends a "you're doing a great job" anonymous card or letter? Today, I received this forwarded anonymous note that was sent to a friend of Pastor John's.

"Would you Please resign! Move on!
The children did not have bible camp this year. Instead you took them to some other country where they had to work and didn't learn anything. There is not a new membership class. The teens can't help pick up trash along the highway; because the youth director is not smart enough to look into this. The teens can't help make apple pies because the youth director is not smart enough to look into this. You act and dress like you are of the world and not for the world. Doesn't the bible teach us in leviticus that christians should not put marks on their bodies? There is no such thing as christian rock all rock is created by satan. You are by far the worst youth director ever and I question whether you are even saved. Please look into resigning and moving on!"

My question: Is this really Christ like? Now, I don't know the person who sent or received this note. They are not from this state or area. (Note: I haven't had an anonymous note sent to me in years either.) What I can tell from this note is that the kids went on a missions trip instead of going to youth camp. I can tell that this person has some things that they wish the youth director would do, but he/she is not doing them. I can tell that they don't particularly like that the youth director has a tattoo. (He/She could've gotten it prior to coming to Christ.) I also can tell that they don't like the music and have strong opinions about that.

We are not always going to agree in the church world. There is a biblical way to handle that conflict and sending an anonymous note is not that way. :)

As I stated before, I have not received an anonymous note in years. I don't remember the last one I received. Shortly after I received an anonymous note while attending Southwestern, I heard Pastor Tom Wilson say during a sermon that he didn't read any notes/letters that people did not sign. So, I decided in college that I would not read the letter or note if someone didn't have the guts to sign their name to it.

It is o.k. to disagree. It is not o.k. to disagree in a wrong, hurtful and unbiblical way. :)

Saturday Night Blog

1. Our student ministry is awesome. Pastor John and his team hosted a Tailgate Party at the High School on Friday Night. He had over 100 students stop by and hang out. He had the Prinicipal of the school and some police officers stop by and thank them for what they were doing. They gave away free hamburgers and hot dogs.

2. Today, Cornerstone had the honor of hosting our District Youth Director, Jon Catron, Missionary Bryan Burr and five youth pastors. These guys finished a 360 mile bike ride across the North Texas District. They went from Abilene to Atlanta. 4 Police cruises from the Atlanta Police Department gave them an escort to the church. What were they doing riding their bikes? Simple....raising money for Speed The Light. Pastor John arranged for the escort. One of the youth pastors was from a church where I first remember being challenged to give to Speed The Light. It was at a Section Goal Setting banquet. I'll post some pictures when they become available.

3. It was AWESOME to reconnect with my friend, Matt. Matt and I met while we attended SAGU. He moved to another area after we graduated and I had not seen him in over 10 years. He's now a Master's Commission Director in Texas. We reminisced about college days and he was able to meet my family.

4. I would like for you to pray for a family. The Gardner family lost a precious lady today. Barbara Gardner passed away. I had just seen her yesterday at St. Michaels. They were releasing her when I got tot he hospital.. Barbara's sister is Beatrice Chamblee. Sis. Chamblee is a member of Cornerstone. I love this family. Barbara was a lady that was full of life. She loved to laugh and make people laugh. I enjoyed my visits with her and am extremely sad that she will not be with us. No one expected her to go today. It was quite a shock. Please pray for the family. I'll post the funeral information when it becomes available.

5. For the faithful readers of my blog who have prayed for Little Peyton. I talked with his parents tonight. They went to the doctor yesterday and got an excellent report. His heart has improved and the doctor told them he didn't have to come back for 3-4 months. Thank you to everyone who prayed. It worked. :)

Sitting in the truck

1. I'm waiting for an ambulance to arrive at the hospital. Please pray for Bro. Blakey

2. It's been awhile, but I am drinking a Starbucks Cafe Mocha. After Wednesday Night service, I could use a little caffiene. I love starbucks lat at night.

3. I have Fall Council tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing the messages and seeing old friends.

4. With a huge assist from Pastor John, we fixed the power window on my truck. It was embarassing having to push it up by hand at drive thrus.

5. Looking forward to Kid's Crusade on September 28th-October 1st. It will be a blast.

Crazy Weekend

1. Mackenzie is doing better. We had to put her in the hospital for dehydration over the weekend. She got out on Sunday afternoon.

2. Tropical Storm Ike blew through the Atlanta area. Many people are still without power. We lost it about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and didn't get it back until 4:20 p.m.

3. Mady loves when the power goes out. We played a board game. She and I were by ourselves because Sasha was with Kenzie at the hospital.

4. There were so many out on Sunday with illness and power outages.

5. Pastor John did an excellent job speaking on the presence of God Sunday Night.

6. What a great game tonight. I watched it on the DVR because we had an Advisory Board meeting. I caught up with 3 minutes left. Cowboys are awesome and this will put them in the driver's seat for the division.

7. The Cowboys do need to work on penalties. Way too many tonight! Overall, great game and great performances.

Back By Popular Demand

O.K., so there was only one request, but the Sudoku game is back on my blog to the right. Also, be sure to check out the one year bible online as well.

Everyone in South Texas and East Texas....stay safe this weekend.

We will not forget....

7 years ago today, our lives changed forever.

As most, I remember the exact spot I was when I heard about the World Trade Center. The mood went from light hearted to somber in less than a second.

As I watched hour after hour of newscast, my heart was hurting for those affected by this great tragedy.

Many emotions from sadness to anger flooded not only my heart, but the heart of all Americans on 9/11.

We've gotten accustomed now to the increased security at airports and stadiums. However, there's a group of survivors and a group of people who lost friends and loved ones that are still dealing with the pain and grief from the terrorist attacks.

Let us not forget those who died...
Let us not forget those who gave up their lives in service (Police, Firefighters, EMT, etc.)
Let us not forget our Military as they continue to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan

Let us not forget the sacrifice

I will not forget.

Dogs

Well, a few weeks ago, I spoke on Facing Fears and told the congregation of my fear of dogs. After yesterday's journey with the pit bull pups, I arrived at the church today to find 5 big dogs sleeping by our front doors. It was not the door I normally go in. When I pulled up, they got up and walked away. One of them was the mom of the pups. I was telling someone about the dogs tonight at church and they said that I was having to face my fears.

So, I leave and head to Wal-mart. I walk out and there's a large dog in the parking lot standing between the front door and my car. I had no choice, but to face my fear and walk straight toward the dog. He moved out of my way and I left.

So, the moral is...be careful what you say you're afraid of....you may just be forced to face that fear.

Post #200

1. This my 200th blog post. It is always a tremendous honor that people take the time to read my thoughts. There are people all on around the world that read this and the numbers amaze me. I am grateful for the opportunity and the platform.

2. Sunday was awesome.....especially Sunday Night. The presence of God was so strong in the place. The worship team did an incredible job leading us into the presence. Several more people have told me about how God set them free on Sunday Night. Awesome!

3. I am thankful for all of the Cornerstone Family who helped out at the workday on Saturday. These men, women and teens did an awesome job cleaning the Family Life Center building up. We are getting ready to begin construction in the next few months.

4. I am anticipating the "Chase The Lion" offering on Sunday, September 21st. God is going to do something awesome. This offering will go to help us finish out the Family Life Center.

5. Cowboys won this weekend! Baylor Won and Texas Won! I am excited about football season.

6. I went out to the truck at lunch and there was a puppy. Pastor John came out and he was able to get the puppy to come to him. He said it was a Pit Bull. So, we did the humane thing and took it to the vet. When Pastor John went home late this afternoon, he spotted another one under the church van. He came in and told me. So, when I got ready to leave, I drove by and saw the puppy was gone. John had taken him over to his house. So, I stopped by and we took that puppy to the vet. When I dropped John back off at his house, we heard another puppy barking. We went around to the back of the house and there was a third Pit Bull puppy. So, we drove right back to the vet. They were in shock that three healthy looking dogs were abandoned like that. If you want one, go by Dr. Smithers Vet clinic and check them out.

Super Bowl Prediction

Tonight, the 2008 NFL season kicks off with the Redskins and the Super Bowl Champion Giants.

So, here is my pick to be playing in the Super Bowl in February.

Representing the NFC is America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys. I know...it's a homer pick. However, these guys are good. The only shaky spot is the WR position. As long as TO stays healthy, the Cowboys will be a dominant force.

Representing the AFC is Indianapolis. The Colts defense is one of the best in the league. Peyton Manning is a stellar QB. The big concern with the Colts is the injury to their center. Other than that, the Colts should be back in the big game.

Champion: The Cowboys will beat the Colts. I had read somewhere that Peyton struggles with a 3-4 defense. So, that plays perfectly into the Cowboys scheme.

I love this time of the year. :)

Gustav

There are a lot of people that read my blog outside the Atlanta area. I've had several people inquire about our well being. Really, all we have gotten in Atlanta is some rain and normal winds.

They....whoever they is....say we're going to get the brunt tonight.

So far, it hasn't been too bad.

Thanks for praying. We really have nothing to complain about up north. Those on the coast will be effected a whole lot more than what we have or will be.

Monday's Thoughts

1. Gustav is heading towards Atlanta. They are predicting that the tropical storm will sit over the Ark-La-Tex for awhile.

2. I know some people pray for rain. However, I hope we don't get too much. I have a drainage problem at my house that needs addressing and we have a leaky roof at the church.

3. 2 rededications yesterday at church and several new families......AWESOME!

4. The Fish Fry last night was fantastic. Tony, Pastor John and Jamie did a great job cooking for us. We had a great crowd.

5. After the Fish Fry, several of us walked downtown for Moonlight Madness. I understand why they call it Madness. There were lots of people there.

6. I'm ready for NFL action starting Thursday Night.