An annual tradition my family has observed since my boys were old enough to write has been setting aside some time Thanksgiving weekend to share the “Top 10” things we were thankful for that year. I must confess that this past year, while I did compile my list (I posted it HERE on this blog), we never found time to sit together and share them.
For those that do not know me, I would not normally be considered a “soft” man. (No joking allowed here from our staff…Remember I have power!) I am not into many things considered “girly”. Cheryl and I often joke that she could have chosen romantic or comedic. Well…at least I keep her laughing! Still, depending on the place we are visiting, this man often prefers to stay in a bed and breakfast to a hotel.
According to my official survey, the all time favorite Sesame Street character is:
On November 10, 2009, the longest running children’s television show will be 40 years old. You can read more about it HERE. The fictional neighborhood characters have been engaging and teaching children most of my life. I was 5 years old when Sesame Street hit our black and white, rabbit-eared television for the first time.
My father-in-law was one of the strongest men I know. Into his late 70’s he could outwork most men in their 20’s. He learned to work hard the old fashioned way. He had to in order to survive. He is truly a rags-to-riches story, rising from the poverty of a single mother’s home to the prominence of International President of Civitan International and the Dean of Business at Austin Peay State University.
We have had a great week. We are hitting four states in 8 days, starting in New Mexico at the annual Balloon Festival (see these pictures) then heading to Colorado, then Utah, and now Arizona. We’ll be home Saturday in time for church on Sunday. I’ll try to post more pictures later.
Thanks for all the Twitter/Facebook suggestions of places to visit. I had numerous invites from other pastors to meet for coffee or visit, but this trip was packed with Cheryl time. Hopefully we can connect at a conference soon. (I’m going to Story later this month)
Today my role very quickly switched from pastor to dad. I was in a meeting preparing for a potential new ministry our church is considering. We were talking future, big dreams, ministry, and new ways of helping people. I love thinking Kingdom-building strategy.
I am thankful for the women that bring their family to church every Sunday alone, because their husbands will not come. I know that many of those women have one great prayer request; that their husband would become a believer and/or assume the role of spiritual leadership in the home. Having walked through this with many families over the years, I would like to share some suggestions of things I have seen that work for wives in helping to wind their husband for Christ.
Adam Bayne is out new children’s pastor. He’s a nut and has added a whole new element to our staff. Check out his latest video he’s using to inspire children to love church. Crazy! (Adam’s the pirate BTW.)
When I meet with people who have made mistakes in life in my role as a pastor, I am always less concerned with where they have been or what they have done wrong. I am always more concerned with where they want to go in life and how dedicated they are to get there. My dad is an example of someone that wants to end well. I believe his legacy will prove he achieved his goal.
