Real Life

I wish that we lived in a perfect world! I guess that would be Heaven! But until that day we live in a real world. We face difficulties at work, at home and in our personal lives. In February I will be speaking on some of the issues that we face in the "real world". Stress at work, struggling marriages, family relationships, and personal battles are some of the situations most of us struggle with. In February, our church will begin in the Celebrate Discovery program and the more I learn about this program the more I realize that it is for people in the church as much as those outside of the church. We have attempted in our pious mentality to sweep "real life" issues underneath the rug in our churches. My wife, Debbie, is the operational director of the Florence Crittenton Home (an emergency shelter) for children 6-17 years old. With the help of a great staff, they are able to help many children who are victims of the issues that the church has "swept under the rug". Our church has been awakened to the need-it is great! I pray that through the next several weeks God will change us so that no children in our families will face what some of the children in the Home are facing today! God's plan is the best! The principles in His Word are tried and true! Perhaps the best part of His plan is His grace! It does not matter where you are or what you have been through-God can and will help! I was just thinking..... and praying!

RE: 2009

The end of 2008 was busy! The New Year always brings me to a time of reflection. It was in January of 1990 that the Lord directed us to come to North Little Rock-that was a year of change for all of us. Many people have asked me how it is that I have stayed at one church for nearly 20 years. I believe it has been because of the goodness of God, the patience of our church family, and commitment. There have been a few times that another ministry has called and asked me to consider coming to serve with them. When that occurs I always ask myself two basic questions: (1) Where does the Lord want me? (2) If I want people to be committed to the Lord and His (this) church why should it be any different for me? I have learned a few things after 25 short years in the ministry-no church is perfect! I was taught that if you see something that needs to be done-no matter where you are-home, church or work- do it! Don't wait for someone else to start the Bible study or encouragement group! Do it yourself! If you see the need it because God has opened your eyes and heart to the need! A wise man told me "The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but you still have to cut the grass!" I hope in 2009 that we all dig in and begin to work! See a need! Get involved! I was just thinking.