Why am I so tense?

I woke this morning with a pounding headache. I've been dealing with it for a couple of days and nothing I take seems to work. I've seriously got to consider going back to the doctor if it doesn't ease up soon. But why am I so tense. As I rehearsed the weekend and the week to come, it seems that I grab hold of the negatives and cling to them. Ever notice that when you grab weights you sink? That's why we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord and think on what soever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. No where in that list does it command me to dwell on the negatives and embrace the weights. It is amazing how much God has done for us and is doing for us in Christ. And yet I find that I tend to accentuate the negative and forget the positive. Part of it has to do with taking my eyes off of Christ and focusing on what this one said or did, or on this problem and situation, or that deadline or mission. I stop looking at being Christ-centered and become self-focused and centered. And I'm not alone. God's people tend to reflect on the wrong things and the wrong one, themselves. May God help me to dwell in Him and live for Him. May I commit myself to the doing of the Word and not just the hearing of it. May I show a willingness to embrace the cost and take up my cross, and in the doing of that, enjoy the liberty and peace that Jesus gives me.

Intense

Well it has been awhile since I've last posted. I've been busy with pastoral tasks and trying to keep up with my studies. I've been impressed by the success of the mentoring program of One and One. The men who have signed on to that minsitry have been an encouragement to me. I know that they've sharpened me and helped me to stay on task and focused. I'm also working with a young man in our church who has captured the vision cast for a college ministry here in the Anderson area. Thus far they are averaging about 8 students. I know that God will continue to bless that effort. I meet with him as well in a leadership mentorship geared toward college age adults.

I'm excited about the work being done to get the school up and going. It has been hard at times to juggle the schedule to keep things going. The school project is consuming more time than I'd care to admit, but it's groundbreaking for our church and for me personally. I'm watching as God brings the team together. I'm excited as we draw closer to our first year this coming fall. Check out the link to the school on the right.

Our series on the family is on Sunday mornings. We've had an awesome time looking at the roles and relationship God plans and purposes for the family. I'm also excited about our "Kingdom Heart" series on Wednesday night. In our services last week, we took two opportunities to count the various ministries at Landmark. Between children's ministries, women and mens ministries, missions, mentoring, and music ministries there about twenty. That included grounds and maintenance ministries essential to the operation of a church facility. I'm awed at all God has done and is doing at LBC. I'm looking with excitement and anticipation at what the future holds for this great church.

Reflections

I've sat down to try to gather myself from this morning's activities. I am in awe of the way God is moving in the hearts of our men. Soo too in the heart of my son-in-law, Andy Justison. It thrills me to see God working through them, as they for Christ sake, attempt to impact their world for God's glory. Many have stepped up, and others who have been steady serve as examples of encouragement. Too often we spend time, wasted time reflecting on the negative rather than accentuating the positive. We have men in our fellowship hungry to learn more of God, to go deeper into their devotion and service. We're quickly trying to find a place for them to get busy for the Lord. One of the men asked we remember he and his wife in prayer as they will be visiting family today who are lost. May God use them to touch hearts with His message of love and hope! We had our first Men's Breakfast in quiet awhile. I was pleased with the number of men who chose to come and take part. I was also thankful for Ross who has taken on the responsibility of leading the coordination effort for this fellowship and ministry. As I looked upon the men, some there when I started as pastor, faithful men who have stood the course of time and trouble, I was drawn to say a prayer of thanks for them. I appreciate their loyalty. I also saw new faces God has brought to our men's group. These new faces are also exhibiting love and loyalty to Christ and a heart to serve. I am deeply appreciative of Nicky and Beverly Barnett, Brent and Tawm Rosendal and Jack and Pat Story. The first two couples were led to us as God moved us to step out and become their endorsing and sending church. Jack and Pat were raised from within our fellowship to take on the MTL support ministry. I appreciate Jack's willingness to see a need and think outside the box. God has truly blessed; and I'm sitting back reflecting on this and more, and am drawn to stand quietly in awe of Him and all He is doing.

Just Thoughts

I apologize for not having posted something in awhile. We've been sick and busy with ministry and familial responsibilities. I marvel at the opportunities God has given me as a pastor, and us as a church to serve Him and our fellowman. As of this writing work on the Indiana Baptist Institute of Theology is going well. Now that we are settled on a name and the govening body, comes the work of articulating our vision and purpose succintly. We also need to clearly define the course description, work on the final two years and define and layout the criteria for students and staff. We are still looking at a target date for starting this fall.

Our involvement with the school has brought me to the place where I feel it necessary to go forward with my education as well and get my Doctorate. Pray that I'll keep the motivation in that pursuit, as well as show wisdom in time management.

I'm excited for Mandy and Andy who are going to be going with the MacMed team to Bolivia. Jack and Pat Story are also going from our church. David Story their son has moved to Morgantown, West Virginia to be worship leader at a mission church there. He's a great talent and will be a great asset to the two men who are working with that mission work. David is also going to be involved with City Reach there in Morgantown as well as the event hosted in Texas. It's awesome to see God working in his life. So too in the lives of many others I have the privilege to pastor. Derek has taken on the vision for a college ministry. I'm enjoying working with the multifaceted aspects of mentoring men and seeing them embracing and engaging in the work at our church.

Well, I've got to get back to studying over the lesson for tonight's class.

Home for the Holidays

Well I finally caught up with my family in Arkansas. Cathy and Tim went on ahead and stayed with Mandy, our daughter and her husband, Andy in Evansville. They then drove down to Arkansas to be with our families there. I stayed behind because a family was dealing with the loss of a mother, grandmother and friend. This lady was a member of our church and is now in glory. We pray for her family as they deal with her loss.

On Saturday I left for the airport. (Thanks Mark for the ride and the strategy session in route and thanks also to Jack (MTL) for the quick work in getting a flight for me!) I arrived on Saturday where Jonathan picked me up at the airport along with his friend David. We had a quick lunch, picked up Kristine and left Little Rock for Prescott. After the 1 and 1/2 hour drive to Prescott and a nap on my part, we arrived to celebrate our Christmas get together with Cathy's sisters and family. Sunday morning we were at church with her mom and sisters and met their new pastor, Brother John Nations. I've heard great things about the work God is doing through him and that church. Then it was off to my sister Karen's where after a very brief hug and hello, we left to see my mom. She showed us the new house they are hoping to buy. Then we went to her home in Little Rock. After the opening of presents and madatory hugs and well wishes, we left for home. Rather than drive straight through which would have taken us all night arriving home at 5:00 am, we stopped to catch a few hours sleep at Mandy's and Andy's home. They too were driving back from the rounds for Christmas. We arrived home today amid wind, rain and weather warnings. Mandy called later and said that after we left there was a small earthquake in her area. No damage or injuries to report just a little shaken. :0)

Tired and readying for bed, I have a full week coming up at the office. Many calls and appointments to make, plans for the school and catching up with friends and associates I haven't talked to in a while. God Bless!