A new favorite book

I have a new favorite book - "Contrarian's Guide To Knowing God" by Larry Osborne. On the books back cover it says, "Contrarian thinking at its best simply asks, Is this really true? It speaks up when the politically correct answer or conventional wisdom doesn't match reality - when things simply don't work the way everyone says it should." I was drawn to that description.

A few years ago I had read "The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership" by Simple. This is a much better book.

Some of my favorite chapters were "Jesus or John?" "The Dimmer Switch Principle" "The High Place Principle" and "The Mustard Seed Principle".

Do yourself a huge favor - put Osborne's book on your reading list. You won't agree with everything - but you will be challenged. Isn't that the mark of a great book?

Forever Strong

If you like sports movies like I do, do yourself a huge favor and rent "Forever Strong". It's based on the Highland High Ruby team here in Salt Lake City. Their record is something like 361-9. Yes, that's not a mistake -- 361-9!

Highland High dominates high school ruby. Here's a great quote from their coach Larry Gelwix:

"It's not about ruby, it's about young men. It's not about building a championship team, it's about building championship boys. Boys who will be forever strong."

A good father-son movie for sure!

This N' That

Haven't blogged in a while. I have reached my second weight goal! Weighed in at 163 a few days ago! Walking between 12,000 - 18,000 steps a day. I can now get in my 34 waist pants! I feel really good. Now, I want to get down to 160, maybe 158? We'll see.

Getting geared up for a trip to the Holy Land. I've never flown overseas in my life! Not looking forward to 14 hours in a metal tube at 35,000 feet. This trip would be on my "bucket list" if I had such a list. Do you have such a list?

I was surprised to learn that Creedence Clearwater Revival only recorded for four years. Man, they recorded a lot great music in just four years! Some great tunes, for sure. Anyone else make such an impact in just four years?

Got a box out of my closet at the church. Found some old Marvin Phillips sermons on cassette tapes. Been listening to them in my car. (yes, my '96 Camry has a cassette player). I love to hear him preach. What a great spirit! So positive. So encouraging! Good stuff.

Who is the speaker that lifts your spirit? Now with the avenues like web sites, pod-casting, - you can hear any speaker you want! Got any favorites?

Fat Preachers?

Why is that a lot of preachers are the most out of shape people in the church? Every time I go to an event where a lot of preachers gather I've noticed that a lot of preachers are over weight. Especially the ones over fifty.

I have determined not to be one of them. Don't know if I'll be successful. I turned 51 this year. A little over weight, I have set a goal to get back down to 165 and a loose 34 waist. When we get there I'll evaluate things and see I need to loose more. Right now, I've lost 9 pounds to weigh 170.5! My first goal is 170. Almost there!

No diet. Cutting out fried foods (which I love!), deserts, smaller portions and walking 8-10,000 steps a day. Once a week I have a meal where I don't worry about things. Gotta have a hamburger once in a while, right?

Paul said that he buffeted his body every day. Yes -- it is a daily struggle for me. Every meal is a battle! I love to eat. Period!

I'll let you know when I get to the second goal.

Dave Ramsey Town Hall Meeting

Our church hosted the Dave Ramsey Town Hall Meeting via the internet on Thursday night. About 135 people came from the community. There were 6,000 host sides across the country.

We had five people who expressed an interest in coming and worshiping with us. Today, a couple came for the first time and said that they would be back. We didn't do it as an "outreach" event; we just wanted to be helpful to lives of those who live in our community.

We hosted the event purely as a service to our community. I believe that people respond when you show genuine care and concern for them. I love it when the church tries to be helpful.

I would love to hear what your church is doing to be a part of the community. I'm always up to good ideas!

What Crown Are You Living For?

What Crown Are You Living For?

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was close to wearing the crown she had always dreamed about. Prizes galore!

It was down to her and Miss North Carolina for the right to be named Miss USA .

She was asked a question about marriage. She said that she believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. For the judge that asked the question, it was the wrong answer. Wasn’t politically correct.

Based on that answer, she lost the MISS USA crown. In an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show she said that she was more concerned with being Biblically correct rather being politically correct. Asked if she would give a different answer if she had to do it over again and win Miss Prejean said, “Absolutely not!”

Miss Prejean is looking to wear a different crown. She desires a crown that will last – and never fade! She has her eyes on the ultimate prize.

One day she’ll be asked a different question by a different judge.

What crown are you living for?

Sunday Night Reflections

Well, I shoulda went with my head. North Corolina vs. Michigan State. Gotta go with North Carolina, but I'm pulling for MS.

The spirit of worship was good today. Our worship leader, Mike Dennis, did a super job of leading us in worship. The praise team was stellar today. Our assoicate minsiter, Kevin Hooper, lead us a very meaningful time at the Lord's Supper. I loved his use of the clip from "Matthew" when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the celebrating of the Supper.

Had a great Bible class today. People asking great questions, taking notes, talking about the class hours later. You could see the lights coming on with new insights into God's Word. These are the moments you live for in ministry.

We celebrated all the things that happened in the month of March. We pinned 11 new patches on our "family banner". Six were for baptisms! (we don't have a single "evangelism program"!) Evangelism is just happening as it should - one on one.

Had several first time guests. A few brought co-workers. I love the fact that so many are studying with friends, neighbors and co-workers.

It's exciting to see what God is doing among us. I'm priviledged to minister in such a dynamic fellowship.

Final Four

How does your NCAA bracket look? Mine didn't look too bad - I picked 3 out of the final 4. I was hoping that OU could pull it out against North Carolina. Oh, well. I went with my heart instead of my head.

Who do you have going all the way?

Should be a great final four. The teams look like good matchups. I see a Villinova/Mich St. final. North Carolina will be a tough out for sure. I'll take 'Nova for the championship.

My head says the Tar Heels. I'm going with my heart again. Hope it works out better this time!

Your picks?

New bulletin format

I actually enjoy our Monday morning staff meetings. It's a good time of sharing, laughing and planning. I'm blessed to work with people I like.

Today we are working to redsign our bulletin. Our current bulletin is geared for the memeber. The new bulletin will be geared for our guests. It will explain our ministries, what to expect in our assemblies, advertise our sermon series, have an insert for writing notes (sermon and prayer requests), and will contain activity announcements.

This week I'm also working on my new sermon series "Surviving Tough Times: A Study of Philippians" that will begin after Easter.

Sunday Night Reflections

We had a great day today at Southside. We celebrated Megan Condor's baptism. Despite a snow storm, we had a packed house to worship God. Marcellus Stanley, a Southside favorite, was here to be our guest worship leader. He has a true gift of leading God's people in celebration.

Instead of having a sermon, we asked two of our new believers shared their faith story. Wow! Both shared their hearts in an amazing way. We are incorporating testimonies as a part of our worship assemblies. We all have a story to share!

Tonight we had a what we call "a small group renunion". When a month has five Sundays we gather on that evening to sing, pray and share a meal together. I was very surprised with how many came! The spirit of worship and fellowship was fantastic.

Today was a good day. I hope your family of faith had a good day as well.

Sobering Messages

Went to breakast a few days ago hosted by the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce with a state senator from Utah. He was predicting 50% inflation in the next two years. He was talking about China pushing for the one world currency. A very sobering message.

At the same breakfast others were talking about the 50 million dollar shortfall in the Salt Lake County budget. Violent prisoners will soon be let go without the officers to oversee their release. A very sobering message.

Went to a pastor's conference yesterday. One of the speakers did an excellent job of presenting the radical homosexual agenda against the church. A very sobering message.

Many churches in Salt Lake - and other places -- are laying off ministers on their staffs. Perhaps they were staff top heavy. I don't know. Most churches are experiencing 20% drop in giving and many predicitions are that will only drop further. A very sobering message.

In the words of Anne Murray, "I sure could use a little good news today."

Got any?

Unanswered Prayer/Heaven

Had a great repsonse to my first sermon on "The Pain of Unaswered Prayer". How many of us have gone through a time when we felt forgotten by God? Seems almost everyone at Southside! Probably a lot of folks at your church, too!

Had a lot of discussion in my class on "Heaven" Sunday morning. I love it when a class actually promotes a discussion of the text. People were thinking - asking - commenting. Getting people engaged with God's Word is a holy thing.

This Sunday is our "Good To See You Sunday". We aim at inviting those of our congregation we haven't seen in a few weeks. Jesus told us to leave the 99 and go find the one. That's excatly what we're trying to do. We have 11 baptisms so far this year (a great thing!) - we don't won't to forget the other things that God has called us to do. Marcellus Stanley will be our guest worship leader. Looking forward to him being a part of our special day!

Going to figure out Twitter this week! Seems it has a lot of ministry potential. One of my goals this year is to use more technology in ministry. If you have any suggestions, please pass them on!

Unanswered Prayer

This Sunday we will address the subject of unanswered prayer. It is a painful theme for many people.

Have you struggled with a time of (seemingly) unanswered prayer?

How do you respond to such a time? Stop worshiping? Stop praying? Loose faith?

Or did it build your faith? Did it cause you to dig deeper in the Word?

It's a topic that we often choose to ignore. Not this Sunday! We'll meet it head on! It will take probably two or three sermons to cover this vital topic that haunts so many.

You are invited to come to our website next week and listen to the sermon. After you do, I would love to hear from you.

Broken brackets

Experienced another baptism last night. It was a young lady raised LDS who has been coming to Southside about 6 months or so. That's just good stuff.

My brackets are taking a hit already. The trick is to pick the right upsets. So far, I have picked the wrong upsets. Hate that!

Oh, well.

It's been in the mid 60's every afternoon this week. Spring is coming to the Rocky Mountians!

Am I the only person in Utah (or America for that matter) who hasn't read Twilight? Should I see the movie when it comes out on DVD?

Things I Remember

Happy St. Partick's Day! A good day to "go green"!

Things I remember:

When "going out to eat" on Sunday meant going to someone's house to have dinner (lunch).

When we had our church clothes, our play clothes, our school clothes and our work clothes. When we "ate out" you brought your play clothes in a paper sack to change in after church.

Flying was a bid deal. You would dress up when you flew.

When you patched your jeans instead of throwing them away.

You only had tree stations on your TV and you were glad to get them.

Black and white TV. (Going to home that had color tv and we couldn't wait to see the NBC peacock in color!) I couldn't believe that Little Joe's jacket was green.

Having to polish my shoes, fill out my Gospel Advocate quarterly and taking a bath before being able to watch TV on Saturday night. (My parents checked my answers in the quarterly to make sure they were correct).

When Mighty Mouse, Underdog, Yogi Bear, Deputy Dog, Jettson's, made for a great Saturday morning.

You have any memories that stick out when you were a kid?

Bracketology

Got the brackets filled out. Here is your Final Four: Louisville (heart says Utah), Connecticut (heart says Missouri), North Carolina (heart says Oklahoma), Pitt. Final game: Pitt vs. Louisville. Winner: Pitt.

Don't call your bookie based on these predictions. I hope Utah goes all the way! The center, Luke Nehvill, goes to our church. I also pulling for Missouri. Their coach was a long time Arkansas assistant to Nolan Richardson. I was hoping that he would be named the Arkansas head coach, so I'm pulling for him!

I think OU will give NC all they can handle.

I don't think all No.1 seeds will make it. Pitt has the easiest road. We'll see.

I'm coming down with a bad case of hoop flu on Thursday. Probably won't feel better until Sunday night. The flu usually hits again a few days later.

Saturday rambling

For the second time this week I've got to install, or should I say re-install, my water heater. The new one has a defect that prevents it from working properly. Bummer. I BIG thanks to my good friend Jeff Oliverson for being my plumber. (I'm his "go-fer"). With friends like me, who gets free time?!

Went to a Utah Red Rocks meet last night. (The women's gymnastics team at the University of Utah). Took my nine year old daugther. She loved every minute of it! 15,000 fans came see No.2 Utah beat No. 4 Florida! Those girls do some pretty amazing things!

Looking forward to having my daughter home for spring break. She is leading a group from Oklahoma Christian.

Our teens are doing their annual 30 Hour Famine Lock-In. They will lead our service tomorrow and share their experiences. Should be a great time of worship.

It's a beautiful day on the Wasatch Front. Sunny skies with 55 degrees. A deep blue sky is the perfect backdrop for the snow covered mountians. Spring is trying to come!

More free ideas!

Things you can do for free:

Teach a class in Sunday School. You'll learn more by teaching than you will attending a class.

Be a security person in the church's parking lot during class and worship. Just walk around the parking lot. Criminals are targeting church parking lots during its services. They know they have two to three hours to get in and get out.

Volunteer to host a Parent's Night Out. Call another couple to help you. Host children at the building so that their parents can have a night out without paying for a babysitter. Many can't afford a night out that they so desperately need.

There must a hundred ways in which we can serve that won't cost us any money. Be creative!

************************

Oklahoma Christian is bringing a group of students for a spring break campaign next week. Looking forward to seeing my daughter who is a senior at OC.

********************************

Next week is March Madness! Can't wait!

More free ideas!

During these tough economic times, I'm offering some ideas to bring honor to the Lord that won't cost you any money.

Visit a family shelter. Offer your family to clean up the play area. Help make and serve a meal. Clean up the kitchen afterwards.

Wash and vacum the church's van. My guess is that it needs both!

Drive a cancer patient to their chemo treatment.

Offer to dust the chairs (or pews) in the classes and/or auditorium at your church.

Be a reading tutor at your local elementary school.

Clean the house for your wife. Dust. Put away the dishes.

More ideas?

More free ideas

Here are a few more ideas that won't cost you a dime, just time! The good thing about these hard economic times is being creative on how we can "tithe" to the Kindgom.

You can volunteer to clean the church building! You will be amazed at the trash you find! You will develop an appreciation for those who clean the building every week.

Clean the toys in the nursery. You may be amazed how dirty they are. Guests like to see clean toys for their children.

Teach a class on Sunday morning (or sign up to be a co-teacher). Be the teacher that is there fifteen minutes early. Greet all the children as they come in the class. You will make a huge difference. First time guests love it when someone is in the classroom to greet them.

Help the secretary fold the bulletin. She always could use a helping hand.

Come down and mow the church's lawn. Prun the flowers. Prun the trees.

Clean the baptistry. I promise you it could use a cleaning.

Visit someone in the hospital. A no brainer. The visit will mean more because you are not "paid" to do so! Try it and make it a habit.

Things you can do for free!

In these troubled economic times churches are being forced to cut back on their budgets. I think it is wise. Some ministries will be cut back while others will be cut out altogether. I think every church has too many programs anyway.

Yesterday at Southside we discussed some ways we can serve that will not cost a dime yet could have a tremendous impact on your church. Here are a few ideas:

Come early and stand at a door and just greet people when they come into the building. Smile and say, "It's great to see you this morning! Welcome to __________!" If you don't recognize them, ask them if there is any way in which you may serve them. Take them (don't just point) to a class room or the auditorium.

Pray for your ministers and elders on a daily basis.

Offer to prepare communion for a month. Someone will get a much needed break!

Call those not in assembly and just tell them that they were missed. You could get a list from your preacher I'd bet.

Start a prayer group.

Be an usher in the assembly. Help newcomers find a seat. Greet people as they come into worship.

Volunteer in the nursery. They always need an extra hand!

Other ideas?

The good thing about a down economy is that it makes us more creative! There must a 101 ways in which we can serve that won't cost us a penny but will mean so much to others!

Straying Sheep

We have another baptism tonight! Boy, I love that! I love seeing new births.

Went to a workshop yesterday hosted by Roy Christian Church on how to close the back door (people leaving) of our churches. It was really good. It was not about selling a program or a book. It was all down to earth, solid, biblical ideas on how to take better care of our members.

I will say this - I use to believe that well cared for sheep would not stray. I no longer believe that. Perhaps, well cared for sheep will return when the glitz and glammer of mega church wear off?

I don't know if we'll ever close the back door. I do know that we can all take better care of the sheep. They will still wander - we can't stop that. Perhapas, we can "slow the flow". We'll see.

What is your church doing to close the back door? I would to hear what you are doing.

Well, the West Jordan Jaguars have reached the semi-finals in the boys basketball tourney. That's exciting.

Church for Atheists!

Tonight yet another baptism at Southside! Tonight Tiffinay, the wife of a man who was baptized just a year ago, has expressed interest in being immersed into Christ. She was a self confessed atheist when we first met her. Isn't that amazing?

About six months ago we baptized a young man who was a self confessed atheist himself.

We have another self described atheist who has been coming with her boyfriend for about two years.

Somehow we've become the church for atheist to come and begin a relationship with Christ!

This is definetly a God thing. Who plans an outreach of atheists?

Economy hits home today

Had a great day today - went to an all day pastor's prayer day. Nothing like spending the day in prayer to lift the spirits! We had 48 signed up! 38 came.

The economy has hit home. This week my eight year old lost her two favorite playmates. A family down the street is moving in April. The other playmate's father (who goes to our church) was laid off at Ford Credit today. My daughter asks me, "Daddy, who am I going to play with now?" It's a hard thing for a little girl to understand.

So far, I am disappointed in "The Associate" by John Grisham. A real yawner. I have about a third of the book to go. Hope it has a great ending. Grisham usually doesn't have an ending, much less a good one.

Lent

My wife 'lent' me an idea for Lent. Instead of abstaining from some kind of food, like I have in the past, she suggested that I abstain from negativity. Nothing negative for 40 days.

No complaining about anyone or anything. Nada. Zippo. Nothing.

I have taken the challenge. She has given me an insight that, while not flattering, is honest. Isn't that a quality we all want in our marriages? (In my friendships, too!)

So today I begin a journey on not being negative. I don't want to become 'a grumpy old man'.

I do find that being negative comes fairly easily for me. It must be my default setting. Today, we begin the process of rewiring my hard drive.

I'll keep you up do date on my progress. See, I'm being positive already!

Lent me an idea?

Halfway through "The Associate" by John Grisham. Is it me, or is Grisham loosing his magic? Gotta find a great book to read.

Looking forward to a day off today. Hope to watch last night's "24". Get some lunch at Famous Dave's with a good friend Scott Warren. Nothing better than sharing good barbeque with a good friend. Maybe even a tall glass of sweet tea to boot!

Lent begins to tomorrow. I need to decide what to give up for 40 days. I've got lots of choices - red meat, diet coke, fried foods, fast foods, eating out, -- why are there so many things that aren't good for me that I really love? Can you lent me an idea?

Do you "do" lent? Why or why not?

One more preaching point

One more thing I do in order to balance my preaching. I keep track of several age groups within the congregation: children, teens, young adults, middle age, senior saints. I make sure that one sermon out of six is for them. I'll say this again: good preaching is hard work!

The best compliments I get are from those under 10 who say - "that was a cool sermon Mr. Randy!" I live for those moments.

A Great book that have helped my preaching: Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley. A must read for all preachers!

Do you have a book that has made a difference in your preaching? Pass it on!

Movies, Books, hamburgers

Finally, got some time today to catch up on "24" and "LOST". Both are having great seasons. "The Amazing Race" and "Survivor" are off to good starts as well.

Have no major plans for the weekend. I'm way behind in my movie watching, too.

I just began reading "The Associate" by John Grisham. Grisham usually has a great book until the ending. The man just can't write a good ending. In that respect, David Baldacci writes a much better book in my humble but correct opinon.

In and Out just announced they will open six stores in the Salt Lake City area! One will be about 200 yards from my house. Whoa, baby! They hope to open in about 4 to 6 months. Oh, I can't wait! Oh, life is so good!

Have a great weekend.

Preaching to the WHOLE congreagtion

I believe that good preaching is hard work. Good preaching is preaching that reaches the whole congregation, not just one segment of it.

Each month I try to preach in different "channels". Some people are thinkers - the analytical types. Some are feelers - they are very emotional people. See are visual -- they have to be stimulated with pictures. Some love a good story. Some are practical - tell me how to practically deepen my walk with Christ.

Each month to six weeks, I try and look back. Did I reach the thinkers? Did I have a sermon that touched us on an emotional level? Did I tell a good story? Did I present a solid, practical challenge to deepen our walk with Christ? Did we "feel" the impact of the gospel? Did we dig deep into the Word?

I have my natural channel. I have to be very intentional to change my channel every Sunday so I can reach the whole congregation in the way they learn and grow.

Gary Thomas discusses this in his book "Sacred Pathways". We each have our "path" to God.

What is your 'path"? How does your church celebrate the "different" paths to God? Or do they?

Preaching Calendar

Using an idea from the book "24 Innovative Ideas" by Ed Young and Andy Stanley, our worship planning team is working on a preaching calendar. The idea is to look at the entire year, and to intentionally plan the preaching calander. Thought is given to balance (Old Testament, NT, etc.) and "timing" (a series on the family that you announce at Easter for example). We're starting with six months, with the next six months penciled in. I love the idea! I'll let you know how it works and the calendar we come up with.

I'm just tired of planning week to week or month to month. Another idea that we're incorporating is the "big idea" for a Sunday. You revampt the bulletin to fit that theme. You decorate the building with posters and bananers to reinforce the theme. We've done on a limited basis but we hope now to put this idea in full force.

How do you (or your church) your preaching calendar?

On Wednesday I'll discuss what I do to balance my preaching every month.

Movies, Sermons & Declining Growth

I've had a lot of people to tell me to go and see "Slumdog Millionaire". The thing is, I have a rule about R rated movies. I try and not see them. Although, I did see "Passion of the Christ." (Even rented a theater!) Even a lot of "PG 13" movies would have been "R" a few years ago -- all the "rules" about movies often gets muddled (a get that).

If you have seen it please pass on your review. I also want to see "Defiance" (it's also "R"), and "Gran Torino" (rated "R") as well.

Preaching on "The Blessings of a Church That Prays." Its the second installment a four part series.

I was encouraged to see that in Utah (along with Rhode Island) the churches of Christ show at least a 5% growth. What was really discouraging was to see the churches of Christ declining in most areas of the country. What is it doing in your neck of the woods? Is your church growing? Maintianing? Declining? and why?

Books on heaven

I'm trying to figure out where "LOST" is going. I confess to being, uh, lost most of the time. I have given up on "Heroes". Just got too confusing. "24" is off to a great start!

I've been challenged by the thoughts Randy Alcorn expressed in his best seller "Heaven". I will now read "Surprised by Hope" by N.T. Wright. I'm teaching a class on heaven this spring at Southside. If you know of a good book concerning heaven, please pass it on. I would love to read it for preparing for this class. I've been surprised by the lack of books on this wonderful subject.

I will say this - my traditional understanding of heaven has been challenged! I've got a mouthful of wonderful thoughts to chew on.

back home

I'm back home after spending nine days in Dallas with my mother. I went for her fourth chemo treatment. We went to the hospital for the treatment. She couldn't have it; her blood wasn't clotting good enough. Instead of flying home, I still spent the time with her. I figured God was giving me soon good time just to be with her. We watched a lot of Hallmark movies (she tapes all the movies on the Hallmark Channel. She is wearing her DVR out!) We shopped. We ate some great Tex-Mex, enjoyed good ole Texas BBQ, - just had a great time!

Just read in the ne Christian Chronicle that only two states report the church (of Christ) growing - Utah and Rhode Island. While that is sobering news, I am encouraged that the church in Utah is growing! And it is! (The growth indicator was an increase of at least 5%).

It's good to be home! Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.

Questions!

When will we have a college football playoff? Answer: Not soon enough.

When will the Razorbacks be competitive again in basketball? Answer: Not soon enough.

When will we have true unity in the body of Christ? Not soon; oh, wait -- probably never.

When will we truly honor this thing called autonomy? I don't think we ever have.

Several churches have been removed from "The Churches Of Christ" book by Mac Lynn. The book has several categories - "non Sunday school," "one cup" "non institutional" and so on. Now, they have removed Richland Hills Church of Christ from the book because they have instrumental services - while keeping several assemblies acappella.

Why can't they simply create a new category - "those with instrumental services"?

Don't get me wrong - I think it silly that we put churches in "categories" to begin with. But, most of them aren't "salvation" issues anyway, so I understand what they are trying to do.

Christians are the only canabals that are still allowed in mainstream society.

no wonder non believers are disenchanted with the church. Many times, so am I.

When will we get better at this thing called Christianity? I hope . . . .

President Obama

Thoughts as you watched Obama being sworn in as the 44th President?

Don't know if you voted for President Obama or not, but I hope that you will keep him lifted up before the Father today (and on a regular basis).

"heaven"

Teaching a class this spring at Southside on "heaven". I'm using several resources, including the book by Randy Alcorn, "Heaven". He gives a very untraditonal view of heaven. He does make his case with tons of Scripture to back it up. I'm still chewing on it. Should be a very thought provoking class for sure! I'm really looking forward to it.

What is your view of heaven? Will we know each other? Is it worship 24/7?

Do you think we get our view of heaven from Scriputre of from our hymns we sing? (I think it is the later, to be honest).

Looking forward to preaching Sunday. After looking at how huge God is, we'll discuss the fact that God is in the "details" of our lives. In other words, how "small" God is!

Hope you have a great weekend.

Season premiers

Loved the first part of the four hour season premier of "24" on Sunday night. Have the Monday night episodes taped and ready to go. I'll wait until Thursday to see part 2; gotta make the "24" thing last!

Looking forward to season 5 of "LOST". Only one more week!

My family are big "American Idol" fans. Some enjoy the audtion part of the show; some do not. I do. Its fun to see if we can pick out the next finalists.

Looking for a good novel to read. I mean, a real page turner. Have a great book to recommend?

Touring an LDS temple

Took a tour of the new LDS Temple in Draper, Utah on Saturday. Very interesting for sure! The whole concept of temples in contemporary Christianity seems to me to be counter intuative to what Jesus taught.

However, there is much that I appreciate about the concept of "temple". What I like is their emphasis on being quiet. In one room, no talking whatsoever is allowed. The atmosphere calls you to be still and quiet before the Lord.

I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to find a place of still and quietness.

I know that being quiet doesn't equal being reverant. I get that. I do need a place to be quiet. God has told us to be still and to know that He is God. Where do you do that? Do you have a certain room in your house? A park you go to? Where is your quiet place?

To be honest, there is a lot more that distrubs me about their temples. But the sense of quiet I really do admire.

If you ever get a chance, take a tour of an LDS temple. It will open up future converstion with an LDS (Mormon) friend or neighbor.

A movie, a sermon, a goodbye

Rented "Ghosttown" last night. It came highly recommended by my secretary. When I heard it was from the creators of "The Office" - I was in. It's very funny, but that's not why I liked it. It has a very good moral to the story. Do you yourself a favor and rent it.

I'm exicted about tomorrow's sermon. We're talking about the universe and how big God really is. If God really is that big, is He "big" enough to take care of you and your problems? Part 2 is how small we are - is next weeks sermon. I was inspired by some talks by Louie Giglio. Should be fun to see the children's eyes when we show some eye popping powerpoint slides on the universe.

What I'm not looking forward to is saying good-bye to my daughter who heads back for her final semester at Oklahoma Christian. A month for Christmas break just isn't long enough. We just got used to her being back - when she goes back! Saddest of all is our eight year old who just loves her oldest sister.

Did I call the championship game or what? Now, I did think it would be higher scoring than it was, but I did believe that Florida was the better team.

A four hour season premier of "24" this Sunday and Monday nights!! Can't wait!

Gators or Sooners?

Finally, the championship game is here! I've gone back and forth on this one, but I think the Gators will take 'em. Florida's defense and special teams will be the difference.

Great to see my beloved Hogs beat the Longhorns in hoops on Tuesday night! The passion is back in Razorback basetball! They should be ranked after beating the #4 and #7 teams in a seven day period.

One of my 52 goals for the year is to loose 9-10 pounds. I must confess, I enjoyed all the goodies of the holidays!

You do you think will win the game tonight?

Best of 2008

Here are some of my best things from 2008:

Favorite Movies:
1.) Fireproof
2.) Batman - "The Dark Night"
3.) "John Adams"
4.) Prince Caspian
5.) Iron Man
6.) Valkyrie


all in all, a weak year for movies

Least favorite: Momma Mia, but my daughter loved it, which made it worth it!


Favorite Christian Books:
1.) "It"
2.) Rubber Band Leadership
3.) "Eat This Book" (Started)
4.) "In A Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day" (Just Started)
5.) Humility

Favorite Novels:
1.) "The Shack"
2.) Divine Justice
3.) Between Sundays
4.) Grace

Favorite non-fiction book: The Devil In The White City. (I read it in 2008)

Your favorites? Anything I've left off?

52 new goals

Making my new goals for the year. I will write my 52 new goals this week - one for every year I've lived. Started this practice last year, and I love it! I didn't fulfill the whole list, but I did a lot of them!

One of them is to blog 3-5 times a week! I know, I know, I've said this before . . . but this time I'll do better at writing posts.

Do you make goals? Does it work for you? or not?

Power of Remembering

Great victory for the Utes in the Sugar Bowl against mighty Alabama! Didn't think they could pull it off. Good for them! The four million dollar coach was out coached! You gotta love that.

One thing that our associate minister began when he came to Southside was he calls a family banner. Each month we celebrate the events of the past month. We make patches of baptisms, activities, significant events, etc. Tomorrow is our final patches for 2008.

So, the theme for tomorrow's sermon is "Remembering". I think it's significant that God tells his people time and time again - remember! God told them to erect altars, monuments, observe feasts - all to remember!

For the most part, our churches don't realize the importance of remembering. We don't value physical symbols that can remind us of God's grace and goodness. The danger is in worshiping the symbols themselves, but we go overboard the other way and ignore the power of symbols.

Anyway, tomorrow promises to be a good day of worship. Looking forward to it.