Encouragement

Everyone wants to be remembered! Some built libraries and named them after themselves to accomplish that goal. I'll never do that. I am a pastor. I wouldn't let the church put my name on the sign - hate that about most church signs. How many people go to church because they see a pastor's name on the sign?

  It is easy to think that no one will remember you - we tend to be pessimistic don't we?

Today someone called me and really encouraged me because it was clear they remembered me. This is not the first time, just a few days ago a young mother called me to pray with her - but today was different. My friend made me feel valued. It made my day. If you are reading this - thank you for such a precious gift!

Buy this House!

MLS# 128656

114 Windsor Ln, Southern Pines, NC 28387 Southern Pines Real Estate

Type: Single Family
Area: SO PINES
Asking Price: $359,000
Address: 114 Windsor Ln
City: Southern Pines
State: NC
Zip: 28387
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
County: MOORE
HALF BATHS: 1
Total Finished SF: 3000-3499
Master Bedroom Size: 17x15
Bonus Room Size: 15x8
Office Size: 15x12
Office Level(MUL): Main
Carolina Room Size: 18x15
Carolina Rm Level(MUL): Main

Features:
DINING ROOM: Formal	FAMILY ROOM: Wet Bar
FAMILY ROOM: Ceiling Fan	FAMILY ROOM: Fireplace
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE: Ceiling Fan	MASTER BEDROOM SUITE: 1st Floor Level
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE: Walk In Closet	MASTER BEDROOM SUITE: Separate Sinks
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE: Garden Tub	MASTER BEDROOM SUITE: Shower
DOCS ON FILE: Property Disclosure	DOCS ON FILE: Lead Based Paint Discl.
SIGN: Yes	FIREPLACE: One
FIREPLACE: Gas	FIREPLACE: Propane Logs Convey
FLOORS: Carpet	FLOORS: Wood
FLOORS: Tile	FLOORS: Vinyl
INTERIOR FEATURES: Central Vacuum	INTERIOR FEATURES: Ceiling Fans
INTERIOR FEATURES: Broadband Int. Avail.	INTERIOR FEATURES: Window Treatments
EXTERIOR: Composition-Wood	EXTERIOR: Vinyl
EXTERIOR: Wood	ROOF: Composition
EXTERIOR FEATURES: Deck	EXTERIOR FEATURES: Front Porch
HEATING & COOLING: Central Heat	HEATING & COOLING: Heat Pump
LAND DESCRIPTION: Interior	ROAD DESCRIPTION: Public Paved
WATER/SEWER DESCRIPTION: City/County Water	WATER/SEWER DESCRIPTION: Septic Tank
COMMUNITY TYPE: Single Family

Preaching to Myself Again

http://sermon.net/sermons-New_Hope_PCA_of_Clemmons_NC-11416.html

Today's sermon was on Ephesians 2. Next week I am preaching at a small Associate Reformed Church, Westminster in Albemarle, NC.

Belinda Furby's Challenge - First poem since 5th Grade

Belinda Furby had a challenge to write a personal  "fill in the blanks" type poem. Check out her blog.

I am from a Civil War era white wooden house with a big staircase and a hidden one I thought only we knew about, from Oscar Meyer bologna and Smithfield salty ham.
I am from the REVILO, a farm in ole Virginia surrounded by the aroma of magnolia and the taste of giant cultivated fresh blackberries.
I am from the large mahogony trees older than anyone knows, the bright purple of the overgrown crepe myrtle trees.
I am from yearly Christmas time family reunions and people who love to laugh, from O.B. & Elmo, Oliver & Pat and Gillis and Cross.
I am from the folks that value people who have time to talk and are honest workers not matter how much money you make.
From sayings like, "that is just a short walk"  and "this will be yours one day.
I am from church folk that lived it.  "Love God and treat everyone with respect, you don't know their circumstances" kind of salty folks.
I'm from Scotch/Irish who eat watermelon rhine pickles that they make themselves, warm yeast rolls made on a wood stove, fried chicken, blackberry cobbler made in large casserole dishes and ice cream at the bewitching hour (9 PM)
From the "stuffing Karen into a cannon until she is stuck story",  the grounding my kids until they repent, even if it takes months, school of parenting.
I am now an orphan since all my parents and older relatives are gone, but not really. I see them in so many memories and I still laugh.

Cross Women BREAK Splash Mountain

Rebekah and Lynn Cross waited an hour plus and then broke the ride and had to walk through the ride and every one in line had to leave! OPPS!

Not here, Not there

Ever been on an easter egg hunt looking for the silver and gold egg among all the other colored eggs? You can only find the eggs by looking,  and sometimes you become an expert on where they are not!

My premise is that I will not find - or better said than finding, it will not be revealed to me by the Great Shepherd of the Sheep -- where He wants me to labor for His Kingdom and Glory until He is ready.  Right now, the first page of the list is narrowing itself down.

Yesterday I called the folks at Mission to the World (PCA's mission board) and told them after much prayer we do not believe that God wants us to go to the Philippines permanently at this point in our lives. Our missionary friends in Manila love us, at least one will still call me names - she did that before too! But they understand.

This week I went to Florida and interviewed with the greatest group of guys. They were very affirming of my gifts and abilities. But is was obvious that I was not right for what they were looking for in a New Church Network Director. In their words, "you are a great guy but too much like us!" So we got to stay in a great condo at Bay Hill CC and Rebekah's first roller coaster was Space Mountain at Disney World.

In the last 2 days other opportunities have arrived and I will see if the silver egg is there!

It's a Small World After All

On Monday, Katie, Lynn, Rebekah and I went to DisneyWorld. Had a great time and just had to go to the old ride that keeps a tune in your head for years. You know the one, "It's a small world after all" The tune is in your head right now isn't it?

Guess who we saw there - how ironic?

Shaq was there with his family - enjoying that day. He is so much bigger than I thought!

For those who do not know:  this 7ft, 1 inch basketball center presently with the Phoenix Suns, has won the NBA championship 4 times with various teams. Some of his award include: 2000 NBA MVP, 3 time NBA Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, and has won 2 gold metals in the Olympics.

He is 36 and there doesn't seem to be any fat on him at all!

I also took a pic of his shoe - BIG!

One sad note is that he could not fit in any of the rides and had to have 4 Disney employees keeping people form mobbing him asking for autographs so he could enjoy the day with his kids. He seem to be having a good time!