Recent Books

I have been doing a lot of reading the last few months. I've read southern fiction, inspirational/biography, spirituality, and end times prophecy, boy that just looks funny listed in the same sentence. Tony Dungy's latest book was an enjoyable read. Someone gave me that for my birthday, so I saved it to read while on the Winter Retreat last week. Several key principles for young men and men especially about living Uncommon lives. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole was a hilarious look at one of the most notable figures of southern literature, Ignatius Reilly. An great read for the characterization of New Orleans as well as a critic on many of the excesses of our society. Every single character is flawed, many in major ways. David Jeremiah's latest book was an informative look at key world events and what they mean for Christians living in 2009. I am now engrossed in 4 books, I can't seem to read one at a time, no matter how hard I try. I hope this weekend you are able to spend a few minutes curled up with a good book.

Georgia Day

Several days ago we got to spend some wonderful family time together in Savannah. It was Georgia Day, so we hoped to make it to the parade to see all the colonial attire, but getting all four of us up, fed, dressed, and out the door is monumental challenge. We made it into town just as the parade was ending so we headed to Forsyth Park with our picnic for a little fun. The weather was perfect! There were several other people out enjoying the sunshine and taking advantage of an early spring-like day. We flew Claire's Barbie kite she got for Christmas, played on the playground, and had a memorable potty break at a local coffee shop, before deciding to walk down Bull Street to find some ice cream. We ended up at The Soda Pop Shop. This is a quaint little snack shop one block from Broughton Street. We ordered our ice cream and Claire and Cyd went out the door while I was handing the man my debit card... the only problem was they only took cash or check. The guy didn't know me plus I had never been in there before, but he graciously said, "We go by the honor code. You can pay me the next time your in here." I was dumbfounded! As I step out the door, I noticed a CVS across the street so I proceeded to get some cash back with a purchase to pay for our ice cream. As we were sitting there we bumped into a cousin who was heading back to the office after a meeting. We also happened upon a dear friend, Jimbo Bass who works with college students among other things at Bull Street Baptist Church in Savannah. We visited with Jimbo, as did half of Savannah as they drove by, pedaled by, or walked by. We then headed back to our car which was parked at Forsyth Park only to head to Mamanon's for some wonderful lasagna. I love the south, especially in the spring. There is something enchanting about a beautiful day in a beautiful city with my three beautiful girls.

Valentine Banquet

A few pictures from our Valentine Banquet Sunday night. The youth serve the meal and host the banquet in order to help raise money for different mission trips over the summer. There are still some donations coming in but it looks like we raised at least $3500, WOW! What a praise the Lord moment! Thank you to all the support and encouragement from all the wonderful people at FBC Statesboro.

Good Road Music

I had forgotten how much I really enjoy certain singers and musicians, especially when traveling on the highway. Yesterday I listened to a live disc from The Indigo Girls that was enthralling. So much good stuff on there that I hadn't heard in quite a while. I think my favorite song from listening yesterday was probably there version of Bob Dylan's Tangled Up In Blue. Dylan's song is an epic poem in and of itself, but in this version the Indigo Girls take it, reshape it, and make it there own. Fantastic! The other person I really love to listen to is Waylon Jennings. Definitely a throwback to my childhood affection for the Dukes of Hazzard. He has a line in one song that says, "I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane." I love that sentiment because it really feels true in my life at different times, especially this week after turning 30, but who's counting?

Richard John Neuhaus

A prominent and influential Catholic scholar passed away this weekend. Richard John Neuhaus was the editor of the journal First Things and co-founded Evangelicals and Catholics Together with Chuck Colson. He helped President Bush shape his policy on issues like abortion and stem-cell research. Here is an web article from Christianity Today about his life and legacy.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/januaryweb-only/101-53.0.html?start=1

Missing My Girls

Bill Mallonee has a song lyric that says, God, I miss my wife and I miss my kids/ the little ways you die just to live through this. His reference point was the toll of touring and the road on his family but the sentiment is the same for me whenever I have to be away from my girls. We are on a staff retreat which is going really well. I am privileged to serve alongside an incredible group of ministers who love the Lord and people. They are a constant source of encouragement to me in my specific area of ministry but also as I continue to walk down the path of being a husband and a father. It's not easy for me to be away from Cyd, Claire, and Charlotte but I trust the Lord to protect them and watch over them and to bring us back together. The best thing about being away from them is coming home!!

Survey Says...

My friend Allison tagged me to fill out this survey using only one word answers back in October so here goes...

1. Where is your cell phone?
countertop

2. Where is your significant other?
Stamping

3.Your hair color?
black

4. Your mother?
Savannah

5. Your father?
Springville

6. Your favorite thing?
family

7. Your dream last night?
none

8. Your dream/goal?
write

9. Room your in?
Bedroom

10. Your hobby?
reading

11. Your fear?
roaches

12.Where you want to be in 6 years?
wiser

13.Where you were last night?
home

14. What your not?
old

15. One of your wish list items?
an iPod nano

16. Where you grew up?
Georgia

17. The last thing you did?
typed

18.What are you wearing?
shorts

19. Your TV?
PBS

20.Your Pet?
None

21. Your computer?
HP

22. Your mood?
good

23.Missing someone?
yes

24. Your car?
Millenia

25. Something your not wearing?
socks

26.Favorite store?
Wal-Mart

27.Your Summer?
crazy

28.Love Someone?
definitely

29.Favorite color?
Green

30. Last time you laughed?
today

31. Last time you cried?
Monday