From Liberty U - What was He all About?

With Dustin http://www.midtowncolumbia.com/ the next three days in Lynchburg. Liberty U and Dr. Falwell's vision for excellence and innovation is often overlooked. The Moral Majority era along with Teletubies placed him in a certain stereotype that he could never overcome. Falwell's positive influence on the lives of millions is the story behind the story.

We have quickly become experts at things we are not that good at, like connecting with culture and influencing people. How many times do we say about ourselves, when will we Christians be known for what we are for vs. what we are against? No doubt, when you read Wikapedia's http://www.wikapedia.org/ version of Jerry Falwell, the writers (whoever they are) find controversy the sexy part of the Falwell legacy.

I think there is a greater danger than being known for what we are against. The greater danger is to lead meaningless, passionless lives. We offend no one in exchange for influencing no one.

As I sit within 2 miles of Liberty U's campus, I think of the incredible God story. The God story that will never go away even though Jerry has been in heaven since May 15, 2007. I think of the thousands of Champions who have passed and will pass through Liberty and help change the world.

Jerry may have had regrets at the end of his life. I hope not many. Let it be said of me Lord, I had too much passion, too much drive, instead of What was he really all about?

From Cincinnati - I Never Left

Much to write about this week. The first time I got off a plane near Cincinnati (winter '07), rented a car, and drove across the Ohio River, I entered a place I would never leave again. Not counting the 18 wheeler that drug me to South Carolina (with the girls) in 2002, I have not.

I enjoy God's call to people in a region. The two most distinct calls included permanent assignments in New Orleans and Cincinnati. As I traveled Cincinnati with movement maker and Director of Missions, Dennis Holmes, I found myself saying we and us instead of you and yours. I guess that is the nature of Kingdom work.

We are all on the way to another place. I have enjoyed renewing friendships with people who have been so kind to me in the Queen City. Ron and Becky Renner, Wayne and Kim Sheperd, Doss Estep, Bill Hounshell, Will Langford, Dennis and Mikki Holmes, Jerome and Carolyn Byrd, Gary and Janice Stringer, David Smith, Mike Osborne, David Coppedge, Mike Wright and many more. Most of you don't know them, but look at this as one of those roll calls deals at the end of Paul's letters. If you knew them, you would value them as I do.

Kingdom work is the best work this life has to offer. No kidding. Purpose beyond the next buck and plane trip is priceless. Oh, btw, I value you, too. In fact, I am the richest man on the planet.

From Cincinnati - Choices, Choices

Yesterday 81% of Ohio residents did not attend a Christian church, according to David T. Olsen http://www.theamericanchurch.org/. Around 78% of South Carolina residents did not bother either. And yet, making our church franchises more attractive would solve very little of the problem. Making our lives more attractive would have impact.

Tom Clegg reported in Missing in America that researchers have discovered at least 600 different religions in America. Choices, Choices. Mark Penn reported in Microtrends that Starbucks offers 42 different brands of coffee, five brands of milk, sixteen flavor enhancers, and nine types of sweetener. Choices, Choices. How does that leave us? Confused? Satisfied? Depressed? Overloaded? Disjointed?

Attractional is easier in some ways. A good dose of self-awareness, however, would help us see that we are no where near as attractive as we think. What will make our movement a movement? How much of me that Jesus has today. That's what moves the movement beyond a brand or a choice. You with me?

It May Be All About You - After All

Ryan Leaf was one of the biggest disappointments in the history of professional sports. Neal and I reviewed his case a few minutes yesterday through the miracle (yes, I am that old) of the Internet.

Leaf became famous, fast, as a college junior at Washington State University. I remember seeing him play in the Rose Bowl in 1998. I was amazed at his arm strength and quick release. The big debate was over who would be a better pro, Payton Manning or Ryan Leaf. Leaf was chosen second, after Manning, in the 1998 NFL draft, by the San Diego Chargers. He threw 14 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions in 25 NFL games. He is now quarterbacks and golf coach at West Texas State University.

Sometimes the purpose of our lives is to serve as a warning for others. I read that somewhere once. On my bad days, I think, at least I can be a warning. Point here: self-maintenance and practice is more important than game time. Our guilt-driven, out of balance lives are really ego driven, my thrill comes in front of the crowd, and that is all that matters. That applies to me (although I do not have a strong arm or quick release) and you, more than Ryan Leaf. Who we are happens in private. How we "perform" on game day begins in secret places.

Columbia and Aiken yesterday. Joel Rainey, Richard Swift, and Neal McGlohon were among the movement makers I hung out with. We were not in front of any crowds, but that is a pretty elite group of players (you know what I mean).

Exposed! My Motivation in Saturday's Vote

My daughter (Krista) and I had a great conversation Saturday. We normally do. We have a lot of the same interests. I told her I voted was voting for Mike Huckabee in the South Carolina Republican Primary. She asked, What is his position on the war in Iraq?

She was not challenging me. She was asking an honest question. Her husband, David, is in the Air Force reserves. My answer was consistent with my demographic (education, income), according to Mark Penn, in his book, Microtrends. I don't know, was my answer.

When I thought about the implications of not knowing his position, I scared myself. Which came first in American politics? Voters who vote for personalities, or personalities sound biting and interneting for votes?

I don't think I am changing sides here, although it is looking less like a Huckabee ticket every day. I did begin the process of learning Huckabee's positions http://www.mikehuckabee.com/ on Iraq. I have perfectly good reasons to vote for Mike Huckabee, so this is not necessarily a worldwide confession. However, I do not have an excuse for not knowing more about, at least, his stated positions on issues that could directly affect my son-in-law's life, and my daughter's . . . and grandson's.

World Headquarters yesterday. Meeting with people and passion. Who helps the leaders? When a leader hurts, where does he/she go? Big news yesterday . . . Tom Brady (Super Bowl QB) was spotted in New York wearing a walking cast. The whole world stopped. Tom Brady is important to the team. You will be around a bunch of Tom Brady's today who are limping. Be sure to stop and care for a few minutes.

Day After King - Dads in Cars with Kids

Abby and I went to Myrtle Beach to hang out with movement makers yesterday. I wonder what she thought as she played with her Nintendo DS for 1 1/2 hours while I talked church planting with Bill Curtis, Dwayne Millioni, and Ronny Byrd. She was a perfect angel.

We drove through the site of the Democratic debates to be held later that evening in Myrtle Beach. The signs, the CNN tents, and the building crowds were fun to see. We did the Ripley's Aquarium, 45 minutes worth of outlets, and headed home.

Mark Penn says I am a part of a microtrend, at least for yesterday. Dads now spend more time with their kids than ever before. He wonders out loud why more marketers have not caught on. Working moms, along with the rising divorce rate, means kids and dads are happening.

As I reflect back on my Cincinnati days (1998-2002) I think about the new work God did inside me concerning racial issues. Attitudes toward people not like me will always be an issue. But, just to be them for a day, would make a difference. People have perfectly good reasons for being the way they are.

I was raised near a small city, with a dad who owned a business, and a mom who worked hard beside him for 35 years. We had money, compared to the rest, and along with being white, I had privilege. Did I work hard? Yes. Did I make good choices? By God's grace, for the most part, yes.

But if my script was different, I would have been different. You see, I got breaks, because of who I was, the color of my skin, and because of my dad. I am not ashamed of that, but I am aware of that. Most of you did too.

Dr. Martin Luther King was an incredible visionary and strong leader. Was he perfect? No. But he changed the conversation, even up to this very second that I type these words. He changed the conversation forever. He deserves a day in his honor, for that alone.

Just Another Weekend - Don't Forget to Dream

Saturday - Workout 6:30 a.m. @ World Headquarters. Quiet except for the carpet layers. Read another hunk of Microtrends. Fun book, btw.

Weight Watchers 8:00 a.m.- Great to drop in on the girls @ WW. My wife feels secure.

Men's Conference 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. 87 men were asked a bunch of questions by me in my Right Questions breakout. Ron Barker was hilarious, efficient, and effective, as the plenary speaker.

Girls R Us - Homemade salmon wrap and blueberry flavored coffee for dinner. I have never been more weird. That is saying a mouth full. Shut-up.

Watched some of Tennessee/Ohio State in Basketball

Voted for Huckabee http://www.mikehuckabee.com/ 6:45 p.m. - I will talk more about that later. I proved an amazing point from Microtrends by my vote without even trying.

Talked food, knitting, Mary Kay, and politics with Krista (daughter) and Yvette. No tension in the conversation. Just fun.

Loved on my rock star grandson, Owen

Watched the first 15 minutes of Rush Hour 3 w/the girls.

Turned-off Rush Hour 3 because of bad words. We love Jackie Chan. We will wait until TBS cleans it up some.

Finished sermon for tomorrow at Palmetto Connection, Sumter, Joe Belcher

Sunday - 6:00 a.m. - Tightened up Deeper Water sermon (new).

Workout at World Headquarters. More Microtrends and began a book called The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. Don't bother with The Secret, an Oprah http://www.oprah.com/ Hollywood-type spiritual book on how to succeed. I will review later. I need to stop and look at those not like me type books periodically. Periodically is the key word there. I don't have the stomach for much.

Palmetto Connection http://www.palmettoconnection.com/ is a year old and meets at Lakewood High School. Joe Belcher is a man's man. One of their company t-shirts is camo. Reminded me of The River http://www.riverchurchonline.com/ back in my day, hopefully with the same long-term results. The people were easy to be around. Within The Red founder Shawn Bilton was as good a worship guy as I have ever experienced in a new church www.myspace.com/shawnbilton

Home to a few minutes of Patriots/Chargers. Took Anna/Abby to Midtown. Need I say more? God is at work there. Music was a bit loud for Abby. Worship and preaching was the same high level as usual.

Ruby Tuesday's world class salad bar with the girls on the way from Midtown. Abby had the mac and cheese, which, according to her, was world class. Not on my eating plan.

Watched some of Giants/Packers.

Myrtle Beach today. Abby may go to work with her dad. MLK day (more tomorrow). Don't forget to dream. We are better because he did.

Snow in S.C.? And They Missed it.

I am mad at myself. Wednesday night when I left a meeting at Willow Ridge around 10:30 I saw something seldom seen in S.C. Snow. Pretty nice. That is not why I am mad though.

Sometimes, as much as I shake my fist at the other guy, I am as bad or worse than he is. Today, I am shaking my fist at myself.

When I got home on that snowy Wednesday night Anna and Abby were in bed. Man. I knew the snow would be gone in the morning. I knew I could only tell them, unless . . . I woke them up! Great idea! A dad-daughter moment. They would smile through the sleepy, probably beg to go outside on a school night, give me a big hug, and have a life-long memory.

I missed it. They will never remember that it was just another January night of rest in 2008. When I told them this morning they were so disappointed. I explained that they would have been pretty grouchy if I had chosen to wake them up. Abby answered, I am pretty grouchy anyway. I could not have been any worse. But they missed the thrill of the snow, because I played it safe.

Safe is risky. Yet everyday we choose safe. While the ship sinks our greatest fear is getting water on our clothes instead of drowning. If you take a chance you may lose it all. No over promise here. If you play it safe you may lose it all too. So what is the difference? I am pretty grouchy anyway. My girls missed the beautiful South Carolina snow.

Carl Martin is a tool of God to raise high-capacity, high-impact leaders in the Low Country. I was with him yesterday. I sat with Bob Logan and 12 of my friends at World Headquarters yesterday on the final leg of our Coachnet certification. Multiplication. Risky. There is a safer way, but it is much more risky.

Get Out of The Shower and Do Something - Persistence IV

Talk about your movement makers. I had dinner last night with Bob Logan. If you don't know who Bob Logan is let me introduce him. He is the Bill Gates of church planting. If you met Bob, or saw him at a meeting, you would see a normal guy. No single person has influenced church planting in America more, over the last 100 years, than Bob Logan.

Bob introduced systems and processes that create environments for movements. If you are planting, he has influenced what your doing, even if this is the first time you have seen his name.

I was amazed that Bob would not use the old, overused formula of the not persistent. Bob, why don't you just keep doing what you are doing? You have found the sweet spot. Coast a bit and enjoy what God has done through you. Bob spoke of his new vision to multiply leaders with incredible passion. At 53, he spoke with more excitement than most 20 somethings.

This is a repeat quote, but one of my favorites, and in case you missed it . . . Everybody gets a great idea in the shower. Few people get out, dry off, gets dressed, and does something about it.

Jay Hardwick and Joe Belcher are digging away in Columbia and Sumter respectively. Church planters are nuts. I am glad these guys have dried off, got dressed, and followed through with what God had told them. Two days of CoachNet training beginning today in Columbia. This ought not be so fun.

Persistence III - Annoying God

Does the Father value my persistence? Evidently so. In what I still consider a head-scratching story from the Bible in Luke 11, God's value of persistence is featured. Prayer is the big idea. Seemingly (5-8), one neighbor annoys another neighbor out of at least three loaves of bread . . . at midnight!

The most famous part of this story is Jesus' closing comments. He gives a break through formula, of some sort, that includes knocking, seeking, and asking.

God bothered me with that story, again, last week. What in my life, what single thing, am I annoying God about? Does God,ever say . . . Here comes Senesi again, I know what is coming, every single time, every day, constantly, like a dripping faucet. Here we go. Asking, seeking, knocking?

You take it from here. Why do you think persistence is important to God? What does my persistence say about me? What does my lack of persistence say about me? What are you annoying heaven about today?

Great day yesterday in Summerville. Will Browning, Bobby Ewbanks, and Brian Benedict sees something that needs addressing. What incredible population growth in Berkley County, due north of Charleston. Google is there now. New homes? How about 30,000 over the next 15 years? People from all over the world. God is sending them . . . every man, woman, and child. Who will God send to meet them? He has already sent a few movement makers. I was with them yesterday. More is needed.

I Threw in The Towel, God Kept Throwing it Back

Persistence is a character quality that we often misunderstand and misapply. I heard a church planter say yesterday, I threw in the towel many times, God kept throwing it back. I have seen people who really should quit but refused to. So, how do you know when you shouldn't quit? When should you not give up?

Well, my answer may frustrate you. No one can tell you when to quit but God. The tougher things get, the closer you must get to Him. What can't stop us from quiting is male pride. Neither can our desire to be a hero cause us to put ourselves or our families through a buzz saw. Keep in mind that what might appear to you and even others as quitting, may be God reassigning you to a greater level of usefulness.

What I like about my friend, Scott's quote is, God kept throwing the towel back. Scott did the right thing because the towel was coming from the right place. Not an easy answer, but a simple answer. More tomorrow.

Myrtle Beach tour was completed yesterday. I hung out with a ton of movement makers. Rick Astel, new Director of Missions in Myrtle Beach has a great passion for real prayer. God is making a difference in this important region through his leadership. Met with a ton of planters. As they told their stories I was reminded why I do what I do. Amazing stories of life change were all over the room.

Sir Edward Hillary, Pass Me a Diet Pepsi

I talked about deconstuctionists last week. I confessed to the world that deconstruction was my strength. As a kid, I was much better at breaking vs. fixing. My issues go way back. Kind of a systemic deconstructionist.

Seems that has struck a nerve of reality with some of you. My words my have looked like a subtle swipe to some people at the workplace. You are probably right. But no false humility here, I would consider myself either the cheif of deconstructionists, or a deconstructionist in recovery.

Deconstructionists seldom accomplish many things. Borrowing from a famous quote, a deconstructionist sees the way things are and says here's why. He sees the way things ought to be and says here is why things will never be that way, now, I am going home to drink a diet Pepsi.

Sir Edward Hillary, became the first person to ever climb to the peak of Mount Everest. He died last week at 88 years old. A friend said of Sir Ed: We all have dreams - - but Ed has dreams, then he's got incredible drive, and goes ahead and does it. More tomorrow.

Ronny Byrd, Palmetto Shores Church and Kevin Childs, The Rock, yesterday. Great passion, great vision. Saw my first regular season NBA game, live, Saturday night with the world's greatest s-i-l, David Mikusek. Charlotte Bobcats vs. Detroit Pistons was much better being there than T.V.

On the Edge of Your Computer Yet? - Wizard vs. Lizard III

So I must confess I did something in the voter's booth on November 16, 1991 that I had never done before or since to my knowledge. I think it what right. I hope it was right. Technically, my vote did not make a difference. Edwards won by plenty (400,000), not just one vote.

Oh, I let it slip. I voted democrat. I voted for Edwin Edwards. Why? I guess I was in the no vote camp. Who David Duke is/was, and what he represents, is not only dangerous, but represents the worst in all of us. The camp that says, I have a perfectly good reason to be who I am and think what I think. Duke was too convincing. We knew who Edwin Edwards was. We did not know who Duke was. He did not know either and is yet to know.

Speaking of recovery, I am a supremacist in recovery. Not just because I am a WASP. My nature is to feel better than others. Smarter, faster, harder working, balder, more spiritual, you know what I mean. I guess I would not be so bold if not for the fact that most of you are that way too. I mean, surely it is not in the Bible just because of me. That would be kind of a waste, wouldn't it? A verse, all that paper and ink for 100s of years, just for little, old, balder than you are, me?

Here, try this on for size, from the Amplified Bible, Philippians 2:3: let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Even, David Duke is not all by himself. That was what scared me as I pulled the lever for the other guy, in 1991.

WH yesterday. Coaching and movement makers. Well worth it. Another good day today in Columbia. Heading to Bobcats vs. Pistons this weekend, along with a trip to Myrtle Beach. More deconstructing Monday.

Did I Vote for the Wizard or Lizard?

So what would I do? Would I vote for the Lizard (who currently is in a Lousiana prison at the ripe old age of 80)? Or the Wizard http://www.davidduke.com/ who continues to promote racial hatred in spite of running in '91 as someone who had moderated his extreme, Klu Klux Klan views?

Experts say Edwin Edwards won because he received what exit polls (47 % Edwards' voters) said was a David Duke no vote. I went into the booth on that day in 1991 not knowing what to do, but knowing that doing nothing was not an option.

I remember clearly, maybe for the first time, bowing my head and asking God to tell me who to vote for, in the booth. I am not sure that He did, but He probably appreciated me asking His opinion at least. In fact, God Himself, may have hesitated a nanosecond before He voted in the 1991 Louisiana Gubernatorial election. Check Wikipedia http://www.wikipedia.org/ for historical details of that election. More tomorrow.

Columbia Yesterday. Meetings. Meetings. Meetings. Conversations are much more interesting than usual at World Headquarters. I think that is a good thing. Great time with the man, Neal McGlohon yesterday. More time with movement makers today.

Any weight and health goals for 2008? Keep on. The journey is worth the destination. I am at the point where talking about it helps me. Be glad to talk with you. I am in recovery and will always be looking for a new edge. I will be for the rest of my life.

Lizard vs. Wizard

Don't think I'll blog a bunch about presidential politics this year. Most of us who read here are all are going to be think the same things, so what's the point? Most of us are scared of Hillary. After last night's upset win in New Hampshire she will be a force I never thought she could be. We are impressed with Obama's appeal and charisma, but, are equally afraid of him. Most of us really want Mike Huckabee to win the whole deal, but in our hearts question if he is electable.

Back in New Orleans in 1991 (Lizard vs. Wizard) I faced my greatest political dilemma. I felt a strong responsibility to vote. My choices for governor were only two: David Duke (Klu Klux Klan leader and Republican conservative who quoted scripture along the campaign trail) or Edwin Edwards (multiple indictments and public mocker of the resurrection of Christ). Where was my conservative Republican, moral, right wing vote going to be cast? I tell you more tomorrow.

Yesterday, all of World Headquarters moved to White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro, S.C. to talk about change. I drank too many 20 oz diet soft drinks. I feel a bit bloated and hung over this morning. Anyways, good effort. We all received permission to think out loud for a day.

Where do we go from here? Time will tell. One thing is for certain, we are all good at deconstruction. Deconstruction is easy. Deconstruction makes us feel smart and in control. Construction and long-term implementation . . . I am not so good at that.

So Who is Better? Club vs. Church VII

Final words. Here is what was impressive about the South Holston Ruritan:

1. Focus - they were about the community.
2. Humility - egos were left at the door.
3. Simplicity - meetings were short, decisions were quick.
4. Accountability - The meeting began with roll call.
5. Resourcefulness - Who can help us? A healthy question, btw.
6. Unity - everybody knew why they were there.
7. Teamwork - everyone had a job and a willing spirit.

Did I just give you an outline for Acts 2? Maybe not. But for now, I will leave the South Holston Ruritan once and for all. A family obligation turned into an unforgettable experience for me. Keep your eyes open today. God is all around you, looking to mentor you into deeper waters.

Great day yesterday with Kermit (not easy being green) Morris and movement makers in the upstate. LSU proved SEC dominance for the second year in a row last night. What a year!

God and My Offensive Line

Tony Temple (Missouri Tigers) set a record in the Cotton Bowl for yards (284 I think) by a running back. His post game press conference hit me funny, not that there is anything wrong with that.

He started by praising his offensive line and in mid-sentence stopped and thanked God (as athletes tend to do). Did he mean it? I think he did. I appreciated his attempt. It came out like, God and my offensive line helped me break the record.

Daniel Webster said in another way in 1833:

There are many objects of great value to man which cannot be attained by unconnected individuals, but must be attained, if attained at all, by association.

You are not alone. We all need an offensive line. God has designed it that way. Say thank you to those who are on you team. Even, if you have to stop in mid-sentence to correct yourself.

Great Weekend. Crosspoint Clemson, with Ken Lewis and Jeremy Chastain followed by New Spring, Perry Noble, in the evening. Wow, God was all over both. Shopping with Abby Senesi on Saturday. She said Stein Mart weakened her. Dad has spent more years shopping with girls at this point than watching football. That is what happens when God attempts to fix a man through sending him a girl wife and girl babies.

Simple Club - Club vs. Church VI

Geiger and Rainer's book is hot. Geiger http://www.ericgeiger.com/ will be in S.C. end of March . I don't think the out-going president of the South Holston Ruritan has read the book or met the authors. Come on Mr. President. Don't you know that the book Simple Church is:

• #1 on the Church and Ministry National sales list
• 2007 Christianity Today Book Award winner
• Outreach Magazine's Best Outreach Leadership Training Resource 2007?

The members of the South Holston Ruritan Club really do not know this (as most churches). This is the fact that they have kept things simple. Simple Club. Hey, that might be my book.

Clarity (Blueprint) - A calendar year at the club is like a simple dance step. Meetings are brief and organized. Action is the name of the game at the club.

Movement - no congestion here, the process of the club is in place. It took a cool 60 seconds to distribute about 20 assignments to club members.

Alignment - there was a great sense of team at the club. Farmers, A Bluegrass superstar, a retired college professor (my father-in-law) all found unity of purpose and key roles.

Focus - the club was not complicated at all. I am not sure how often they say no, but there was a clear focus on the community.

I hope they don't decide to read Geiger and Rainer's runaway best seller. The Ruritians are who they are because it made sense. I am sure they have their tough days. Their future is an issue. But today they are making things different around them. The environment is different. One reason is they have kept it simple. Simple Club. I like the way that sounds.

Back at World Headquarters yesterday. Change is in the air. I am all for change unless it requires me to do something uncomfortable for me. So, I guess I am all for you to change. Not me. I prefer The Zone.

Google Your Church - Club vs.Church V

I googled the South Holston Ruritan Club. Keep in mind the club would not have a great web presence. No website, etc. Here are some of the top entries:

1. Clean-Up at South Holston Lake

2. Soup Supper (to raise money for college scholarships)

3. My blog (sorry, I couldn't resist the self-promo, thanks for reading)

4. River Clean Up

5. Adopt-a-Stream

I googled a few churches. I mostly got service times and locations. I searched long and hard for churches who were doing things for the community. I would not dare tell you the famous churches I googled and some pretty funny results. Mostly I found: Come support us. I am sure you lost folks are dying to find a church like ours. We are cool and contemporary. We are traditional. We have a bookstore, graveyard, bagels, and potato salad.

An attraction mentality is part of what we need to do, don't let me get carried away. Here are some QBQs: What is our local churches doing for those who are not interested in our attractiveness? What are we giving to the community? If our churches were removed from our communities who would miss them?

Adopt-a-Stream may not be an eternal project, but I saw a lot of fisherman standing in those South Holston streams over the Christmas holidays. Fishermen are eternal. I wonder if God would get their attention by a church that suddenly cared for the things they cared for. They will be in those streams this Sunday morning, no matter how great the show gets at the local church.

Great last day off yesterday. Long walk with Yvette. Football. Vols win! Vols win! Vols win! My football season officially ended at 17-14. Not a pretty picture. Saw Enchanted with the ladies. Very different. Very funny. Romance. Not sure it will make my 2008 top five though.

Club vs. Church IV - Moisture in One Eye

Okay, I give up. The South Holston Ruritan is a writer's gift that keeps on giving. If you are saying, yes, but we love and follow God, we are better than the club, your case gains momentum. If that is what we offer, then starting with me, we need to start loving and following Him into some deeper waters for 2008. Start by reading The Divine Mentor by Cordeiro.

Wait, the club does let a new church use their facilities. Some kids had been messing up the floor with healies. Refusing to let people use their community center, if they will not love their floors like Jesus does, was not a consideration. Neither did club members express concern that the new church could be taking the loyalties and energies of club members (or potential members). I don't think the boys from South Holston were smart enough to figure things out like we Southern Baptists have.

Club members did celebrate God's healing of their new president's daughter of serious illness. The club did pray and offer prayer requests. They brought fruit to the poor and widows and reported the progress of the sick. A quick vote decided they would give a financial donation to a group of doctors who gives free medical care to the poor. Barna might say (Revolution) that the South Holston Ruritan is church for a lot of the club members. Maybe not.

Happy 2008! I saw the new year in with my eyes shut. No, I was not terrified, only sleeping in front of ESPN. Poor Clemson Tigers. They let another one get away. Go Wisconsin Badgers! Yvette, Anna, Abby, and I celebrated New Year's Eve by making our own pizza, making our own Sundae, and watching The Christmas Blessing on DVD. Not a bad family movie for a tear jerking, chick flick. I think I felt slight moisture in one eye. What a girlie man!