Wednesday, June 11

I mentioned in my last post that I have not been "on my game." I have struggled for the last two days a bit. Energy level and mental alertness has not been what I think it should be. It may have something to do with my lack of good decsion making with my schedule. Sometimes I forget that I cannot do as many things for the length of time that I used to do them.

The N.C. Conference of the UMC  will begin Annual Conference today in Raleigh. Attendance is required of all full-time pastors. There will be discussions about issues of stewardship, social issues, and UM polity. Decisions will be made in many areas. There will be an ordination service. But most importantly, there will be communion and worship services all through the week. To conclude the conference, on Saturday the Bishop will officially appoint each pastor to his/her church.
Pray that the worship services will serve to open hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit.

The conference will meet today through Saturday. There will be sessions each day and each evening. Pray also for me as I travel back and forth to Raleigh. And pray that I will have enough common sense not to try to do too much or stay too long on any day.

Monday, Jun 11

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. (Duh) I have the awesome responsibility and privilege of sharing God with others. I am sure that God is big enough to share Himself without me. And He certainly uses people other than me to share Himself. So I am humbled and grateful for my opportunity. Yesterday I was not on 'my game' at all. I can't explain it. From my very first words at first service, my body and my mind seemed as though it could not get it all together. During the second service, I sat down in my big chair, waiting for the choir to sing their special. The choir just stared back at me because I was not supposed to be sitting down. I was supposed to be baptizing Gracyn. It was awkward, but we laughed it off. And you know, the Holy Spirit still made His presence known during the baptism. God still shared Himself with the folks at GC - in spite of me.

I sure am glad that God can use imperfect folks like me. Is there some way in which God can use you today to share Himself? You don't have to be perfect because it's all about Him.

Thursday, June 7

I have actually walked/run twice this week. I am so thankful that I am physically able to do that. I am also thankful for the Garris Chapel small group "Run for God." It is a program that Karolee and Julie began some weeks ago. They have been meeting two times per week for devotion, sharing and running or walking. I mention this group because without the motivation I probably would not have pushed myself to do what I have done.
Now, you would think that a cancer survivor would not need motivation to get out and do something that he/she already loves to do, especially after seven months of not doing it. But the fact is, our minds, spirits and bodies all work together. When you are struggling with one, the others struggle also. That is why it is so important to take care of yourself, mentally, spiritually and physically.

I think that I get it. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength." (Deut 6:5)

Do you have one of these areas that you need to take more care of?

Monday, June 4

We had a fairly busy weekend. But it was surely a good one. On Saturday we attended the dance recital of my four year old granddaughter, Sally Ann. I know that she is smart. After all, she is MY granddaughter. But I did not know that she was able to remember all of those dance moves, and that she would actually perform them on a stage in front of hundreds of people. Awesome!
My older two granddaughters, Maia and Kelli stayed with us over the weekend. They are both so special in their own unique way.

Here is what I am thinking. Family is important. These girls will have memories long after I am gone. And while I am here, these girls are providing some special times for me. I never get tired of hearing the magic words, "I love you Papa." Brad, Wendy, Gabe and Donna have done a great job with these girls so far. I know that they will depend upon the Lord to continue to raise them.

Speaking of my family, today is my son Brad's birthday. Can't believe that I am the father of a 37 year old.

Did you know that the New Testament book of Romans says that everyone who is led by the Spirit of God is a child of God? That's right. We are all brothers and sisters, joint heirs with Christ. We are family!

Saturday, June 2

It is hard to believe that it is June already. Ain't God good to give us another month - another week - another day - another . . . ?

Yesterday I met with some old friends for lunch. I don't mean that they are old. I mean that we have been friends for a long time, and that I have not seen them in quite a while. Roger, Jimmy and Scooter were some of my friends that I love from my days at Southco. Each of us spent over 20 years (I was there 29 years) at Southco. It was fun just talking about old times. What made it even more fun is that the good memories far outweigh the bad memories. I think that is because our memories involve, not so much the things that we did, but with whom we did them.

Do you have an old friend that you need to spend some time with? Cancer almost took Scooter and me out before before we were able to share old memories. Yesterday we made some new memories.

Ain't God good to give us another . . . ? Don't waist it.