One Pastor's Perspective

Yesterday was breakout day. Honestly, three of the four were awesome . . . Two of those three, for me, were about video production. I learned a lot and our setup is not so bad, but we need to use it better . . . And, just as EVERYONE at Saddleback drilled into me, they say we need a Mac. Is there ANYONE out there doing video editing on a PC and loving it????

This place is definitely different from Saddleback. Both have their positives, and both must be taken with a grain of salt by a pastor from Florence, SC. Today, two morning speakers and off to the airport. I have enjoyed this, but I am ready to see South Carolina again.

It was awesome!! A few more than we usually have on Wednesdays . . . Bill Hybels did not teach, but he was there and spent some time before the church. Max Lucado was there, too . . . just worshiping. He sat about four rows in front of us. He is TALL!

I tried to chase both of them down and get a picture, but the Willow secret police maced me and locked me down while the secret service got them away from me. OH WELL!!! (Yeah, just kidding about that part, but that is what I imagined would have happened)

Ed turned up, so we went to the conference today. So far, it has been a great day. It is good to get to spend time with Ed like this . . . It helps us sharpen each other and think about new things.

That is a big challenge for the church today, to step out of the box and allow God to speak in new ways, to teach us a new song. If you want to pray for us while we are here, pray that God will open our eyes. Lots of interesting and new ideas, but lots of good ole-fashioned reminding us that God has a plan and He desires a fresh new relationship with us every day.

I made a BIG mistake today . . . I lost Ed. Oh, well . . . He will turn up by Friday.

Yesterday, she was a nervous wreck. She has never been to anything like Girls’ State before. Krissy usually has a pretty cool head about stuff like that, but yesterday was different. I really wondered if we would be going to Columbia last night on a rescue mission.

Then, the text messages start coming through . . . (Diana has a meeting in Columbia on Tuesday.) Krissy started her list of snacks and supplies she will need to complete the week . . . Salsa . . .That dress she forgot . . . This . . That . . .

Then reminders . . YOU AND DAD NEED TO VOTE TUESDAY . . . EVERY VOTE COUNTS . . . Is THIS my daughter?? I WAS ELECTED MAYOR OF MY CITY . . . What?!?!?! The girl who was afraid she would not be accepted was elected MAYOR?? Then, I wondered what kind of city would elect Krissy as mayor? Do they all have blonde hair and drive Volkswagons??

Anyway, Mayor Krissy seems to be doing well, so I will count my blessings.

Yep, you guessed it . . Travel Softball started TODAY. We had a tournament at Myrtle Beach today. Two pool games. Krissy pitched a couple of innings in both and did well! She won’t be able to play tomorrow due to her departure to Palmetto Girls State in Columbia.

This will be an interesting experience for her. Because she has to play 18 and under this year, she will play with both high school and college players. She went from being the oldest on her team last year to the youngest this year. She can handle it!

Last night, Drew’s baseball team WON the Maple Park Majors Championship! They won the second half of the season and played the first half winner last night in the championship game. So, he has officially played his last game at Maple. WHEW!! I am glad thats over.

Drew played at Maple for NINE years, and I coached him for six. When we started out there, it was a great place to play ball. A good board was in place and it really was about the kids. I won’t comment about what it has become, but will just say that I am glad we are done.

And proud for Drew and his team . . . They really deserved it!

Today has been an interesting day to say the least . . .

It began at 7am when I dropped Drew off at prayer breakfast and decided to walk the Rail Trail for today’s exercise. Or, should I write EXORCISE. Because I have NEVER in all of my years had so many flies attack me at once! Walking at 7am this morning I felt like a planet with 100 satellites whirring around me. I think I will stick to the Y until some of these flies die.

The thermometer on the sign at the church said it was 100 as I left to go to lunch . . . The sign at Palmetto St Church agreed. 200 yards down the road, another sign said it was 92. I don’t really know what to make of that, but I think the churches were a little closer to reality.

Hope you are staying cool wherever you are!

And THEN, on to English. AT 6:00 AM!!!! Last night, Drew’s baseball team won the second half of the season. HOWEVER, we did not get to our hardcore studying until 9:30 or after. It was a long night, and will be a long morning. But it MUST be done! We need some good grades on finals. So, I am back in 7th grade science, and on to English.

I probably need the second one!!