Looking to make a splash?

If you are looking to make a splash today try a few of these:

Do you know someone that doesn't like you very much. Do something generous and kind for them today.

Smile and speak to a stranger. Who knows, you may make a friend.

Forgive someone you have been holding a grudge against. Call him, drop by, or send a note.

Stand in the longest line today at the store instead of the short one. Spend the extra time praying and talking to people.

Look for a hurting face today and show her you care by some act of kindness.

Do good today. Something you have been meaning to do but always seem to forget.

Have you made a commitment resently to do something? Complete it today.

Look for someone weaker than you today: a child, an elderly person, or the handicapped and do something helpful to provoke a smile.

Walk past the cake and pie and bite into an apple. It will do you good to know that you have control over your urges.

Read Galatians chapter 5

Sacrifice your time

Listen to these words of Kerry Shook in One Month to Live, OIf you want to sacrifice somthing that no one else can give, then give your time to someone else. No one controls this commodity but you. How you spend your time reveals what's planted most firmly in your heart." Who can you give some time to today? What cause can stand with by giving your time this wek?

A way forward for Baptists?

Brian McLaren is a great thinker, activist, a spokesperson for evangelicals trying to connect the gospel to a changing world. He has some great points to consider in his assessment of new data on the Southern Baptist Convention decline. For the post click here.

Fathers Week

What a great Fathers Week! Tuesday I took Josiah to the Atlanta Braves game. They lost to the Mets…just like when my Dad would take me to games years ago. It was an exciting game though, a 4-3 loss that came down to the wire. Josiah was into every pitch, watching the game as if he was on the field. He had his hat and glove on the entire game. I did not have the heart to tell him that even Babe Ruth could not hit a foul ball far enough to reach our seats.

I enjoyed watching him even more than the game. He tomahawk chopped, clapped, and cheered. All was right with the world for that 3 hours of summer escape.

Saturday night I took the whole family (yes the whole family including our two month old child Ezra) to the Rome Braves game (Single A minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves). This was a much different game experience. In the top of the first inning, Gabriela was hungry. Bottom of the first, Emily had to go to the bathroom and then she spotted the ice cream vender. Ezra was asleep until the 4th inning. He did not even care that the Rome Braves had battled back to take an 8-6 lead. At this game Josiah was more interested in the between inning entertainment from the “Zooperstars.” Between Emily dancing, me helping Monica with Ezra, and four trips to the concession stand and bathroom, I saw a few hits before gladly heading for the exit at the end of the 9th inning. The game was headed to extra innings but I wasn’t. We were heading home to get the kids in the bed before midnight. But what a fun night it was at the ole ballgame. I hear the Braves lost the game…no surprise there.

Great memories. A great fathers week.

New Summer Series

I will be kicking off a new series of Sunday morning talks this week at Pleasant View. The titles and themes are about special summertime memories. One that I will highlight this Sunday for Father's Day is entitled: "Take Me Out the Ballgame." Going to games with my Dad when I was growing up were special memories. We would also watch the Atlanta Braves together on television at night on The Superstation (TBS). Tonight I am taking my son, Josiah, to the Braves game. I pray that the memories we make tonight at the ballgame will be as special as memories with my Dad. I hope that my Dad will be up for going to a game this year as well so that the 3 of us can enjoy a day at the ole ballgame.

This Sunday I will be sharing about the wisdom a father wants to pass down to his son about living a successful life. Check into Proverbs chapter 8 between now and Sunday to get a preview of the message.

What special memories do you have with your Dad? What makes/made him so special? Comments welcome.

VBS Starts Tonight

What are your memories of Vacation Bible School? I remember the games, the snacks, and even some of the songs. I remember the chords on the piano for sitting down and for standing up during the opening ceremony. It was during a week of VBS that I came to faith in Christ as workers in the church expressed the gospel message to me in a way that I could understand and respond.

May this week be filled with precious memories in the hearts of the children that come through our doors. May they experience the joy and faith that we have come to know. Share your time, share your hugs, share the gospel.

Tonight's story is about the centurian that acts in faith: Matthew 8:5-13. Pray that the children, youth, and adults will live with such faith.