A Lovely Lady…

This is my Grandmama. She's gone home to be with The Lord now. She died Sunday morning in her bed, blessed by departing the way she wanted to go. Not in pain, and not in a nursing home. She died on the day she so often worshipped her Lord. This particular Sunday, she went to worship in a whole new way. Thanks be to God for His glorious gift of salvation. 

Many times Grandmama asked us, "why am I still here?" And we'd answer, "you're here for us." But at 92 and tired, she questioned still. 

She was such a lovely lady. She was funny, and spry. She was a great cook and always wanted us to eat and spend the night. Our stays were never long enough. She played outside with us. Baseball and hide n seek, snowball fights and puddle stomping. She was encouraging and always on our side, always keeping up with us and our families. 

She loved her daughter and son in law, she loved her son and daughter in law, and she loved all 5 of the grandkids and her 10 great-grandchildren. What a legacy!

Her funeral is tomorrow and we will celebrate because she knew Jesus. We will cry because she's no longer in our lives. However, she will always be in our memories. I love you and will miss you, Grandmama!

Romans 10:9-10. John 3:16. Romans 5:8. Ephesians 2:8-10

That Guy Can Preach!! DMIN Reflections...

Over the the past week and a half I have been at the Stephen Olford Center at Union University in Memphis, TN for seminars on New Testament Expository Preaching and History of Preaching. Today, we studied the Reformation, The Revivalists, The Great Awakenings and ... a Victorian English pastor and preacher named Charles Spurgeon. One my good colleagues in the class gave an excellent presentation on C. H. Spurgeon today. This video is an humorous addendum about Spurgeon, The Prince of Preachers. Our professor showed us this after the lecture. Enjoy.

The rap is by Shai Linne

Happy Mother's Day!!

This video is a dedicated to the all the mothers in my life - but I hope that you enjoy it as well. Share it...The Skit Guys do a great job with their sketches. 

Cupbearer to the King...

Nehemiah1:11 "O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant. Now I was the cupbearer to the king."

Simple challenge this week. What does your position allow you to do for the Lord? Think seriously about where you are and what resources are at your disposal. 

Nehemiah was a cupbearer and a trusted (think tasting the potentially poisoned drinks for King-Dude), he was a likable guy. He probably had to do some things in the Babylonian captivity that he didn't agree with in a secular environment, but the Lord still used him because he was willing. 

Serve the Lord where you work. Be willing to serve your boss as you serve the Lord. Be strong in your ethics. Know that people are watching you as you serve in these venues. 

Until He Became Strong...

Muhammad Ali has been called the Louisville Lip, and was always known for his pre-fight smack talk. Urban legend tells of his arrogance while flying on an airline to another venues. Before take off he had not fastened his seat belt. The flight attendant requested that he do so and Ali responded, "Superman don't need no seat belt." 
The flight attendant quipped right back "Superman don't need no airplane either." 

Arrogance is funny thing - it falsely insulates the bearer from perception. Perception of how the person is perceived by others, personal perception of personality flaws and can even insulate someone falsely from the dangers of harm. It also opens the door to poor behavior. 
I am reading through the Old Testament and came across this passage about Uzziah, one of the kings of Judah, in the southern dynasty after Israel divided. 2 Chronicles 26 lists many of the accomplishments of King Uzziah, then in verse 15 and 16 there is a shift. The Bible says, "Hence his fame spread afar, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong."

There are some fascinating insights in that short verse. The king's dependance was on the Lord much of his reign and then when his resolve upon God slackened he thought his strength was more in himself. Arrogance and pride comes before the fall. 2 Chronicles 26:16 continues, "But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God...."  Those verses should easily lead one to prayer, that we should want to be strong in the Lord and not ourselves. Arrogance is a common hindrance because people have abilities and begin to serve in the flesh. 

Pray with me, "Father, help me to remain dependent on you and not to become arrogant in the things you've led me to do. Protect me from false insulation of pride so that you are glorified and my strength is in You."

Listening Skills...

I love my wife for so many reasons, but one of the many reasons is because she thinks differently than me. This is by The Creator's design for balance within marriage. For example, just this past week i asked her about using an illustration and she helpfully pointed out that it would fit better in a different place and format. I listened and decided she was right. It is not always that smooth, so when this cartoon came to my inbox - I thought...Uh, Yep! I mean, Nope! That is clearly an exaggeration. HA!

Yep!

 Okay, I'm guilty of engaging on too little of the conversation. For an extended laugh session on the differences in men's and women's brains watch this funny Mark Gungor Marriage Video.

Have a great Monday! Jesus loves you! Ephesians 2:10

Friday Morning Off

This is a 4 lbs 11 oz Mama Bucketmouth. She is still swimming, but the others stayed for dinner! MmmmHmmm.

Caught on the "Sunday Mornin' Special" Jig.

Lipless Crankbait Spring fishing