I'm on my Own

Thursday Danna and I drove into Mesquite so I could perform a wedding Saturday night. The actual rehearsal was Thursday, the rehearsal dinner on Friday and the ceremony on Saturday. We stayed with Danna's parents and had such a blast. My mother-in-law is such a sweet lady and my father-in-law is hilarious! Danna sometimes dreads for me to get around him because she knows we are going to play off each other and laugh it up. This weekend was no different. To be honest E.W. was on the top of his game. My in-laws love having their grandchildren there. Of course they let them do and have anything they want. The best part of the weekend was Saturday as a sat with E.W. watching football and talking. I really had a great time. He has always been a real blessing to me. When I was a kid he was the Deacon over benevolence and I remember him coming to my home bringing food or money to help my family out. As long as I can remember he has always been a man who loved to help. I love E.W. but would never tell him. I'm sure he knows without my telling him.

I came home last night so I could preach this morning. Danna and the kids stayed behind in Mesquite to spend time with her parents. The house is so quiet. I feel like throwing some of the kids toys just so it sounds like the kids are here. I even thought about getting on Brennen's little truck and riding it across the floor. I wasn't sure the tires could take it so I opted against it. I spoke with Bonnie on the phone today. She told me, "Daddy I have a new bow in my hair see." Then I heard all this static. Finally, Danna said, "Bonnie, Daddy can't see your bow." She was rubbing the phone on her head to show me her bow. She is so cute. Brennen spoke to me but didn't say much. Probably because Bonnie wasn't on the phone to speak for him. They are coming home on Wednesday and I can't wait for them to get here.

The World Series has started. I love fall baseball. The Tigers and Cardinals ought to be a good series. I am pulling for the Tigers. Some of my friends who are Cardinal fans, and very proud of it, have encouraged me to root for the Tigers. It doesn't hurt that there are a couple of former Rangers on the team. The Gambler is on the mound now and doing well. Anyway, go Tigers.

As for my other sports teams the Buccaneers and Razorbacks both won this weekend. Arkansas wiped out Ole Miss 38-3. ESPN said the game was over when Felix Jones returned the opening kick-off 100 yards for a touchdown and Mitch Mustain played well for a freshman QB. Tampa Day beat Philadelphia on a 62 yard field goal with 4 seconds left in the game after Philly scored to take the lead with 33 seconds left. What a great game. For any of you who missed it the NFL network will replay the game on Tuesday night.

Have you ever thought about those people who have influenced you. My Advanced Preaching graduate course asked about preachers who have influenced my preaching. I like Randy Harris' style. I'm just not sure what it is and I don't think he does either. Mike Cope has always been great with stories in his preaching, Jeff Walling is dramatic, Jim Harrington is always passionate and Rick Ross is always a careful student of the Word. Now in my first full-time preaching ministry I have been greatly influenced by Rick. I try to be as careful as he is in my approach to the Word. I always loved listening to him at Mesquite, he is a gifted speaker. Yet, from it all it was his careful study of the Word that influenced me most. I know the others influenced me but, with Rick I got to see it firsthand. Thanks Rick. Take some time this week to let someone else know how they have influenced you and say thanks.

Getting Back in the Groove!!

What a difference a change of scenery makes. It has been a little over a month since my last post (Sorry! This move and new ministry has kept me busy!) and about a month since I started my ministry here in Van Alstyne. I love the little town and the members of the congregation are great! They enjoy having Bonnie and Brennen running around the church building. One of the members actually got on to me for telling them to stop running in the building. She told me, "This is their building and we are watching out for them!" We feel right at home here. Sunday night we invited everyone over for a little fellowship with sandwiches and desserts. It was awesome. Everyone just enjoyed being able to see the house and how Danna has decorated. Which by the way she has done a fantastic job decorating.

Last Thursday I spent the morning going around the town meeting folks and passing out business cards. I met the High School football coach, Brian Polk. Great guy! He went to Harding and this is his first year at Van Alstyne after coaching in Allen last year. He has a great offense, but they are still working on the defense. The biggest surprise of the morning came when I went into the American Legion. I walked in and there are all these men sitting around the bar drinking. I just walked up handed them a card, introduced myself, shook hands, and told them to call me when they needed me. I sure I raised a few eyebrows when I came walking out of the place. I could hardly see or breathe from all the smoke!!

Friday, the whole family drove into Mesquite to take my mom out for her birthday lunch. I wish all of you could have been there to see my dad pour a glass of Dr. Pepper all over himself. It was without a doubt one of the ten funniest things I have seen in my lifetime. I know it sounds goofy but if you had been there and seen his face and watched him jump around you would understand.

Tonight Bonnie and I went shopping for Danna's birthday present. After I stopped to buy a pair of shoes for myself (Sorry Dan!) we took off to go buy her presents. Bonnie was all excited. She was in the back waving her finger around saying, "Daddy we must get my mamma's present!! Let's go Daddy I must buy mamma's present!!" She is so stinking cute!! I ended up paying for it. All that talk about her needing to buy her mamma a present and she has no money!! Go figure!! She and Brennen are two of my three real treasures in this life. Thank you God for a wonderful wife and two sweet children. Danna's birthday is Thursday and for her birthday she is taking me furniture shopping. I pray I will survive the night and live to see my birthday next month.

Again I am sorry for not posting sooner. I have been extremely busy with moving, family, work, and school. I hope you will make the time to come up for a visit soon! We would love to have you. If you call ahead of time I might even have Danna make you lunch after worship if you come on a Sunday.