One Pastor's Perspective

School has really changed . . . I don’t remember my parents having to put so much effort into my education as is required now days. Now, don’t get me wrong: I believe EVERY parent should be actively involved in his/her child’s education. That statement comes back to haunt me everyday when I have to teach because it wasn’t done at school.

I have become a wiz at fractional math (again), science, and this morning I am just as ready as Drew to take the chapter 4 test in Social Studies. It is on Egyptian and Kushite societies. We worked hard on this one . . .

I just hope what I am teaching him will pass muster!

Drew chose soccer this year over fall baseball (as he has played for the last three or four years). Soccer has been a great change and his coaches are doing an excellent job. AND, it is a refreshing change over the politics of baseball in Florence.

What a night!!! We had over 760 people that registered last night (and a NUMBER of workers and church folks that did not), so there is really no way to estimate our attendance at the Fall Festival. It is safe to say that attendance was WAY over 800, and if you were there, you believe it! It reminded me of those old photos trying to see how many people you could cram into a Volkswagen or a phone booth . . . That is what the Family Life Center was like!! It was really neat!

All money raised will go toward the Habitat for Humanity project, and that is pretty cool. I have no idea what that total it yet, but will let you know asap. What is even more cool is this: There were a lot of visitors and people without a church home. So, not only did we get together and have a good time, we also have an opportunity now to reach out to some who do not know Christ.

Pray about all of that, and pray that God will raise up workers for this harvest!!

Jimmy Norton has an ANSWER!! The antenna pictured below is STORM CHASING equipment!! I TOLD YOU Jimmy would know! (Although I liked the idea of the cheap gas finder)

According to sources that I cannot name, the big antenna sticking out of the car (in my post below) is a CHEAP GAS FINDER!! And, YES, you CAN get it at Norton Car Stereo!! That just goes to prove that Norton Car Stereo is MORE THAN JUST A STEREO STORE!!

Okay, seriously, no one has ANY ideas what it is . . . I am very curious, so step up the research and let’s find the solution!!!!

David

We were setting up tonight for the Fall Festival and there was some debate on whether or not to take some of the games back because our committee does not have enough people to man them . . . I asked them to leave the games and promised to help find more helpers. HELP!! If you read this before Wednesday evening and are not signed up to help, please let me know. The game I saved is the Baseball Throw (ironic, huh???)

Also, since we are talking about help, please pray for the Habitat project. It seems there are some that would like to see this thing fail. I have even heard talk of people withholding their money. If that is true, they will answer for that before God some day. Just pray that we will open our hearts, calendars, and billfolds as God would have us to.

Hope to see you at the Fall Festival!!

David

Taking the high road is ALWAYS easier said than done. However, I am very impressed with some of the younger adults I know, who have been wronged in job situations, and chose to take the high road. I don’t know if I could be so classy.

I struggle with injustice. I struggle with those who call themselves Christians and act just like the devil. I really struggle with the high road. How about you??

Separate topic, but PRAY for our church, pray for the Habitat project, and pray for those in our fellowship that are looking for employment. I am astounded by the some of the folks that have had job problems lately, and impressed with their resolve and dependence on God.

David

I think there was a Norton Car Stereo decal on his front windshield . . .

I think so. I was amazed at the variety of responses to the “Evangelism Linebacker” video we saw this morning in worship. Sure, it was funny and it was supposed to be. However, some of the faces were in SHOCK! As if it was a horror flick, or porn, or something really disgusting! Mind you, many folks expressed positive feedback, including several visitors. I am convinced that the only way that video would offend would be IF we are thinking too highly of ourselves. And that is EXACTLY what James was talking about this morning, right???

Have you ever seen the movie “The Scout”??? It stars Brendan Fraser and Albert Brooks . . . Was released in 1994. It is a great story (although some of the language is rough, so be forewarned.) It is the story of a scout for the New York Yankees who is down and out on his luck. Down to his last straw, his last opportunity, looking for the next great baseball superstar. Fate takes him to a small town in Mexico where he is to take in a local game when the hotel clerk says, “oh , you MUST be here to see Steve Nebraska.” He answers, “Who??”

The next scene takes him to the baseball diamond, stands packed, people cheering. Suddenly, the Star-Spangled Banner begins to play, and the centerfield fence opens. In the outfield, we see the home team CARRYING this Steve Nebraska on a platform with a throne and awning over it. He enjoys the ride and waves to the crowd. (FREEZE THAT IMAGE FOR LATER)

Of course, he hits 500-feet homeruns, throws a 120-mph fastball, and is the new King Kong to take New York. He has a rough transition, but in true Hollywood form, makes it big for the Yankees (who are TRULY the Evil Empire, according to the guys at SportsCenter).

What hit me this morning as I drank my coffee, ate my breakfast, and watched is this: WE ALL WANT TO BE STEVE NEBRASKA. We ALL want to be carried in on a throne to the cheering of thousands. We all want the accolades of our peers and admiration of fans.

So, here is my proposal: Lets make a throne and take random turns on Sunday morning carrying people in! If we can’t suppress our selfish nature, lets just go with the throne!!! What do you think?? I will ask Dwayne White to build it, because that boy can build ANYTHING! Maybe we will give him the first turn!

David