Our Small Group

We have a great small group. We meet every Sunday night at 6pm. Last Sunday we went to the Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe and ate a meal together. Karen (in the first pic) is our small group leader and she is doing a fantastic job leading our group. We had a great time last Sunday.

Deer #3

Sitting in a box blind at the edge of a field. It's dark. I load my rifle, a 30-30 Winchester which was a Christmas gift from my church. Smile. Pray. Check to make sure I have my sermon manuscript in my pocket - it's there. Still dark. Quiet. Sunrise. Life! Birds. Chip monks. Barking squirrels. A dozen noisy turkeys. I glass four does at two hundred yards. Waiting for a buck. More does - 15 deer grazing. No bucks. Waiting. Thermos. Coffee. Sermon. Rehearse silently. Whisper. Quoting Scripture. Memorizing. Underlining. Watching deer. No bucks - only does - all around. Waiting. Praying. Phone vibrates - text message from Darrell. Phone vibrates - phone call from Mike. Text message Kim. Watching. Only does. No bucks. Waiting. Memorize sermon. Repeating scripture over and over. Highlighting. No bucks. Only does. Eight hours later one doe bedded. 150 yards. Rifle. Rest. Aim. Breath. Exhale. Shoot. Kill. Death. Wait. Gather gear. Walk. Kneel. Pray. Thanksgiving. Field-dress. Drag. Drag. Drag. 3/4 mile drag. 2 1/2 hours later check-in station. 30 minutes later butcher. Steaks. Deer burger. Butterflied tenderloin. Jerky. Drive home. Rehearse sermon. Bed. Sleep. Dream of a big buck.

How to Stop Church Gossip

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing. Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house... walked home.. .and left it there all night!!! You gotta love Frank!

Podcasting Sermons from Norway Avenue Church of Christ

Rob Durst, our church's IT/AV man, told me that over 2,000 sermons have been downloaded from our podcast on itunes this year. When I heard that there 147 downloads last week I was so excited because the gospel of Jesus is being downloaded into 100s of computers - people I've never even met! It motivates me to know that we are planting the seed into the hearts of so many people. It stirs my heart and makes me want to pray and study and do my very best on my sermons for Jesus. Here is my prayer "God bless me and open my heart and mind and mouth so that I can proclaim your word faithfully. Use Jay and Jon and me to preach and teach others about Jesus. Make us fruitful and advance your kingdom through us. Use us. Amen!" I thank God for Rob Durst! He set up the podcast and takes care of all of our IT/AV needs and he does an excellent job! If you want to receive our podcast go to itunes and search "Norway Avenue Church of Christ Podcast" and click subscribe. It's free! The podcasts on itunes is an excellent resource. I download about 40 sermons every week. I listen to sermons from Chuck Swindol, Charles Stanley, Andy Stanley, Adrian Rogers, Ravi Zacherias, Jack Hayford, Joyce Myer, Rob Bell, Rick Atchley, and James McDonald and others. I don't have time to listen to every single sermon but I listen to a lot of them - I average about three or four sermons a day and it feeds my soul. I burn the rest on CDs and keep them for future reference. I keep a steady intake of God's word and it helps my walk with Jesus. I used to spend 100s of dollars ordering tapes and CDs but this is free! Try it!

More Deer for Dinner

First day of gun in WV, I shot an 8 point buck Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. but he got away. I lost is blood trail at 200 yards. I search for three and a half hours. Called my hunting buddy (Bob Mays Sr.) for help but we could not find him. I didn't knock him down with the bullet, so I think I grazed him. I hope he makes it. Monday evening I took another doe. Thank you Lord for meat! I have 8 more days of vacation for deer hunting. This morning I am hunting with my bow in Ohio.

Teaching at Marshall University

I am currently teaching three courses at Marshall University. This semester I am teaching counseling theories, counseling techniques and counseling with parents. Paul made tents - I teach school. It keeps me fresh and current. It keeps me in touch with people and the community outside the church. It's so rewarding! The faculty in the counseling department and the students are great. I believe I am doing exactly what God made me to do. I love to use my gifts of pastoring and leading for the church and I love teaching at Marshall. I thank God for the opportunities he's given me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

Deer for Dinner

I killed a doe last Saturday. She walked about 15 yards in front of my tree stand. I drew my bow and shot her. The arrow pierced her heart. She ran about 50 yards and dropped. I could see her laying on the ground from my stand. I waited 20 minutes, climbed down, and approached her. When I kill a deer I always kneel and say a prayer of thanksgiving. I thank God for the thrill of the hunt and the meat. Deer are graceful. Strong. Wild. Agile. Fast. Beautiful. After my prayer and thanksgiving ceremony I field dressed her. The meat is now in my freezer. I'm going to share the meat with Ralph Larue, one of my shepherds. Ralph had a heart attached two months ago. He had to change his diet to fish and chicken but he ask me for some deer meat because deer meat is so lean. So I'm going to give him some deer tenderloin, steak and hamburger. I love deer meat. Last year I killed four deer and ate deer meat throughout the year. I had just ran out of deer meat when I shot her. But now I have some to eat and some to share. Surprisingly, I haven't seen many deer this year. The drought, lack of mast, and the late rut has left me wondering where they are hiding. I hope God gives me more success as this season continues.

Speaking at Reynoldsburg Ohio

Kim, the girls and I were in Reynoldsburg Ohio this morning. Kim and I enjoyed Gloria Hardy's Sunday morning class. Gloria is great! On Wednesday nights she teaches Greek and on Sunday morning she is teaching through 1 Corinthians 11-14. Jay Collins baptized a young woman before Bible class began. Jay has a heart of gold and he is a wonderful shepherd. Dion Frazier is the minister at Reynoldsburg. Dion is a dynamic, full-of-Jesus preacher of the Gospel. Dion is also a fantastic worship leader and he led the service this morning. Everywhere we turned it was holy hugs and kisses. The people at the Reynoldsburg church are full of the love of Jesus. As I was preaching I could see the faces of the people we love - a beautiful sight! I talked about heaven and how wonderful it would be when we will all be together with Jesus. After service we had a great fellowship meal and visited with all our friends. The girls got to see many of their friends and spent the night with Alex Frankie. It was a great trip. We just put the girls to bed and they were filled with excitement because of our trip. We thank God for our friends in Reynoldsburg. The church website is http://www.reynoldsburgcoc.org/.

Creating Environments that Connect us with Jesus and People

Last year Jay Barrow told me about Andy Stanley's podcasts on leadership called "Practically Speaking" (http://www.practicallyspeaking.org/) - All seven podcasts are great and I've listened to them several times. One of the many things that Andy Stanley and his leadership team talked about was creating environments. Stanley had summarized every role and goal in his mega-church to one sentence and every description talked about creating environments. So, I've been thinking about this a lot. I've been praying that God will help me. During a conversation with Allen Meadows who leads our small group ministry, Allen was preparing for a small group leaders meeting. It was just a simple phone conversation and I don't know how it evolved but I know that God was in the conversation. We were trying to reduce our mission into a single sentence that captures what we believe Jesus wants us to accomplish in our small group ministry. Allen ALWAYS emphasizes Jesus. He even counts how many times "Jesus" (his name) is used in the Bible, in conversations with people, in sermons, in classes - I mean, he really wants Jesus to be the center of everything. And I do to. So, we are talking about this and Allen is emphasizing how the mission of small groups has to focus on connecting people to Jesus. He said it over and over - the purpose of our small groups has to focus on connecting people with Jesus (that's why I love talking to Allen!). Well, as we talked we decided this sentence captures what Jesus wants us to accomplish in our small groups: "our purpose is to create environments that connect us with Jesus and people." That's it! Eureka! Thank you Holy Spirit! That's exactly what Jesus wants us to do. And I am convinced that it applies to every ministry in our church. That summarizes our purpose. Now we have a mission statement (our purpose is to know him, follow him, share him, and worship him) and that's great. I will continue to repeat it and encourage others to let it inspire and give direction. It's painted on our walls. It's on every piece of literature that we produce from bulletins, to CD covers, to letters. It's a good mission statement because it focuses on Jesus. But this "new word", for me at least, captures it because it summarizes how we can accomplish the four points of our mission. It answers this question: How can we know him, follow him, share him, and worship him? By creating environments that connect us with Jesus and people. Even more, it answers the deeper question that I've been struggling with every since Jay challenged me. The deeper question is: What problem are we trying to solve? That question lodged in by brain. I had no answer other than scattered ideas, all of them OK, but scattered ideas that left me feeling like I was trying to do everything at once and nothing well. So, I have wrestled with that question: "What problem are we trying to solve?" for months. It's a great question. If you were able to ask the people in Nehemiah's day "What problem are you trying to solve?" the people would answer together with one voice "The walls are broken down and we are building a wall for God!" Today, if you ask anyone in AA (who has some time under their belt and knows the purpose of AA): "What problem are you trying to solve?" they will respond together with one voice: "Our primary purpose is the take the message of AA to alcoholics who still suffer." Now that sentence inspires me. That's it! That says it all! Or at least, it captures our primary purpose and what we are trying to accomplish. AA exists for alcoholics and the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. Underneath that statement lies all the richness of a relationship with God, the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, the Big Book, and the fellowship of AA. The point is this: we need to know what problem we are trying to solve. For me (and many others), the problem relates directly to our lack of connection with Jesus and people. By "connection" I mean "relationship". Connecting with Jesus means so many things to me: Worshiping. Loving. Repenting. Obeying. Learning. Changing. Engaging. Enjoying. Receiving. Giving. Praising. And on and on. Connecting with Jesus means we have a close, personal, dynamic relationship that puts Jesus at the center of everything in life. Not only on Sundays but every single day, hour and minute so that our entire life is a sacrifice of worship - so that everything we do is to the praise of his glorious grace! Connecting with people is similar to connecting with Jesus (excluding worship of course) because the connections we make with people is nothing more or less than Jesus connecting with people through us. Understand? We are channels for God's love. I love people but the love I have comes from God. God loves and connects with people through us (1 John 4:7-21). Jesus' love is so dynamic that we not only receive it we share it with other people. So, it's really not our love, it's the love of Jesus Christ and the Father. It's the love that the Holy Spirit has poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5). I will get back to "creating environments" in a minute but first I want to get this idea of connecting out of my head and into my computer. God's eternal purpose is so amazing! He chose us in Christ before creation! In love he predestined us to be adopted as sons and daughters. He did it to the praise of his glorious grace so that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace and love. God is working out his eternal plan according to the purpose of his will (read Ephesians). He loves us with a love that is beyond anything we can imagine. He has accomplished it all through his Son Jesus Christ who prayed that through the message of the gospel believers would be one so that the world would believe HIM! Jesus prayed "Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them" (John 17:21-26). That's what I mean my connecting. It's more than a word. It's God's eternal purpose. "Connecting with Jesus and people" means that we are one in Christ like the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. Even more, I don't know how to say it other than how Jesus prayed: "I (Jesus) am in you (the Father) and you are in me and they (people) are in us because the Holy Spirit is in them." Now that is connection! It's a ONENESS that cannot be topped. It's a connection that cannot be stopped or disrupted because the power that keeps us connected is God's love that is so deep and high and wide and long and NOTHING can separate us from his love in Jesus Christ. Nothing in all creation can stop it! It's the most powerful force that exists. It's older than creation. God's plan is wrapped up in a man, Jesus Christ, who came to connect us and give us eternal life. The cross is the center and stands eternally as the ultimate demonstration of love. Now, back to "creating environments". Well, not yet. One more thing. The reason this grabs my heart is it's theological foundation. For me, it's not the latest fad. For me, it's like stepping into the flow of God's eternal purpose - the redemption and reconciliation of all things. I must admit that my interest peaks when I read leadership material, but deep in my heart I want something more than the principles of the world. Something more than "Seven Habits" or "Good to Great" or even the principles found in Christian literature (including Andy Stanley's podcast practically speaking). I'm not saying anything bad about these things - I like them and I see their value. I just want more! I want to know what God is doing right now. I want to join him and make it as simple as possible. Simplicity. It needs to be simple. Powerful, dynamic, God-driven simplicity without all the jargon. No esoteric language understood by only a few. God's message to the world is not helped with wise and persuasive words. God's message is simple and clear because it is revealed i.e., we can't figure it out with reason or logic. It is revealed. The Holy Spirit reveals it - he illuminates it and the cross of Jesus Christ stands at the center! God's ultimate demonstration of love - the climax of everything meaningful is focused on the cross of Jesus Christ by which God connects with us. That's why I want to keep it simple and I, like Paul, resolve to know nothing but the cross of Christ. That's my theology. That's my message because that summarizes everything God has to say. It's all about God loving us, saving us, and connecting with us. In response, we desire to connect with Jesus and all people. Now, back to "creating environments". I think of it like this. God was the first to create an environment. He created earth. Eden was the perfect environment for connecting with God and people but we messed everything up and we fell. The earth became so corrupt that he destroyed it with a flood, with the intention of re-creating another environment for Noah and his descendents. Then God called Abraham to leave his idol-worshiping country and move to an new environment which would be occupied by his descendents. Eventually, Israel occupied this new environment - the Promised Land, which was intended to be a "type" or a model of what God was planning to accomplish for everyone on planet earth by sending his Son Jesus. God made covenants, promises, and revealed his plans throughout history. Every covenant God made was focused on connecting with people, first with the Jews and then with us (Gentiles). We (Gentiles) can gain incredible insight into the importance of God's creativity by studying the Old Testament. For instance, the Sonshiners (the seniors at our church) and I spent several months studying Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus. We're taking a break through the winter because of weather but will pick up in Numbers and Deuteronomy in March. We've learned so much about God's creativity by studying the Old Testament, especially the book of Exodus. God's instructions for how to construct a tabernacle is amazingly detailed. It is so comprehensive and detailed that, at times, it left us scratching our heads in wonder. Why is this so important to God? Why did he choose the colors (e.g., gold, blue, purple, scarlet)? Why did he choose the fabric? Why did he choose the particular wood and metal? Why did he give the craftsmen special gifts to make it just like he wanted? Why did he prescribe the incense? Why did he give detailed instruction for so many different offerings and animal sacrifices? Why all the attention to diet and holidays? Why? Because he was creating an environment for people to connect with him and each other. Worship was central but it generalized to every aspect of life. Worship engaged all the senses; seeing, hearing, touching, and even tasting the fellowship offerings. And the beauty of the model does not compare with the glory of what John describes in Revelation - our eternal home. In the fullness of time God sent his Son Jesus. When Jesus saw how the religious leaders had ruined God's temple he drove them out with a whip. Twice! They had ruined the environment by turning it into a den of thieves. He accurately predicted it's destruction and pointed us to heaven. Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us but before Jesus takes us to this perfect environment - our home in heaven - he made is home in our body. Jesus lives in me and you. The Holy Spirit leads us to others as the Father calls them. I've seen him work in AA meetings, restaurants, city streets, homes, hospitals, and jails. When I went to jail God set me free. Ironic? Not really. God shows up everywhere if you look for him. He's made his home in me and he wants me to create safe environments everywhere I go. I do it with a smile. I engage people, smile on them, brag on them, praise them, and when the Holy Spirit opens their heart I put in a good word for Jesus. It is just that simple. No matter where you go or where you are Jesus is with you. He wants to connect, not only with you, he especially wants to make his home in the hearts of those who do not know him. So create warm safe environments in small groups, homes, coffee shops, schools, AA meetings, hospitals, jails - wherever you go love people and keep it simple, easy to understand. Just go about doing good things for people and put Jesus Christ in the center and watch the Holy Spirit work. He will connect you with Jesus and people. Connecting. Loving. Healing. Encouraging. That's what Jesus wants us to do. Don't ruin the environment with a bad attitude or a critical spirit. Target pain. Pay attention to their hurt and meet their felt needs. Divorce. Depression. Anxiety. Addiction. Guilt. Grief. Find where they hurt and show them you care. Create the environment by being completely humble, patient, loving, and empathic - then, once they know you care and understand – asked Jesus to make the connection.

From Birmingham.- Sweet Home Alabama

I am in Birmingham Alabama. I spoke at a state conference for the volunteers of the Alabama Hospital Association. My presentation titles were "Getting What You Want and Wanting What You Get" and "Serving Others is What Life is all About". During my presentation I play my guitar and sing some of the songs that I have writen. At their request I also played Sweet Home Alabama. It has been a wonderful trip but I'm looking forward to going home to see Kim and our girls.

Today, by the Grace of God, I am 5 Years Sober

Today (October 19), by the grace of God, I have been sober five years. I thank the Lord Jesus for saving me for a life a self destruction. I could not stop drinking by using my own will power and self determination. I tried to get sober on my own many times. I threw my liquor in trash cans, poured it down the sink, busted bottles by the road side, made solemn vows and promises - but I always went back to it. I could not do it on my own. God did for me what I could not do for myself and I am so grateful. Thank you Lord! I am so grateful for Kim who stead by me. I am so thankful to have Kim and the girls. I am grateful for my family - mom, Jeanie and Allen, Susan and Bob, Carl and Sharon. I am grateful for my brother and sisters in the church and for my friends in AA. For my previous sponsor in Columbus John C, and my current sponsor Tom J. I am grateful most of all for Jesus and my heavenly Father. Today, I am sober! Lord, keep me sober - one day at a time.

Monster Buck

My brother-in-law Bob Mays killed this monster buck last December. It scored 161. He was hunting on Bruce Johnson's property. For years I hunting on land that Bob owned or leased but now Bob and his dad are making trips to Ohio to hunt with me because I live in deer country. I was happy for Bob when he killed this 12 point. Bob and his dad have hunted all over the United States and in places like Canada, Alaska and Africa. They have trophy rooms with awesome mounts of bear, mountain lions, elk, and white tail. This deer, however, was taken on Bruce’s property in Lawrence County Ohio and it is the second largest whitetail in their collection. It’s a great picture of Bob with his trophy. Last Saturday I stood at the place where Bob took him and remembered the excitement of that day. We appreciate Bruce and Janet for allowing us to hunt on their land. The Johnson's are a great family.

I Want to Be a Rock Star (Solomon, the OT Rock Star)

Solomon was an OT rock star. When I read Ecclesiastes 2 I think of the popular song by Nickelback "I Want to Be a Rock Star". Read the words and think about how similar it is to the story of Solomon. Yes, God was pleased when Solomon prayed for wisdom in 2 Chronicles 1, but in Ecclesiastes Solomon indulged in the pleasure of a playboy it's the same kind of story Chad Kroeger sings about today. I'm through with standin' in line To clubs I'll never get in It's like the bottom of the ninth And I'm never gonna win This life hasn't turned out Quite the way I want it to be (Tell me what you want) I want a brand new house On an episode of Cribs And a bathroom I can play baseball in And a king size tub big enough For ten plus me (Yea, So what you need) I need a credit card that's got no limit And a big black jet with a bedroom in it Gonna join the mile high club At thirty-seven thousand feet --(Been there done that)-- I want a new tour bus full of old guitars My own star on Hollywood Boulevard Somewhere between Cher and James Dean is fine for me (So how you gonna do it?) I'm gonna trade this life for fortune and fame I'd even cut my hair and change my name [CHORUS] 'Cause we all just wanna be big rockstars and Live in hilltop houses driving fifteen cars The girls come easy and the drugs come cheap We'll all stay skinny as we just won't eat And we'll hang out in the coolest bars In the VIP with the movie stars Every good gold digger's Gonna wind up there Every Playboy bunny With her bleach blonde hair And well... Hey, hey, I wanna be a rockstar Hey, hey, I wanna be a rockstar I read this song in our Bible at church and compared it to Solomon. Ecclesiastes 2:1 I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." ... And what does pleasure accomplish?" 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. 4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well—the delights of the heart of man. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. ... Solomon was a big rock star. He tried it all - wine, women, and wealth but he was never satisfied. Solomon said in 2:11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." ... 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. I don't want to be a rock star. I want to follow Jesus.

Church Camp Dance

We're at church camp and our theme for the week is "Step into the Ring." Dan Barlette of Russell Christian is my co-dean this year and next year he will take my place. Dan rented these big blowups and the kids played like the fought each other with big boxing gloves. All the Bible lessons are about fighting the enemy. Round one - "Who is the Enemy". Round two - "God is in our Corner." And so on. Lots of campers and lots of fun. I wrote a song for the talent show and I hope the kids like it. Shayna and her friends are going to dance beside me as I play my guitar. The lyrics are below.

Church Camp Dance

Up in the morning about 8 o’clock. We eat a good breakfast so we never have to stop. Then we all go to chapel and we have our God Time. When we praise the Lord Jesus everything is always fine. Then we go to class and we have our workshop. We’re going to fight the good fight and we’re never going to stop.

Chorus

Cause everybody’s going to step into the ring. Everybody’s going to shout and everybody’s going to sing. You may be surprised so I’ll tell you in advance. That everybody’s going to do the church camp dance.

We all love to play the sports and games. But cabin-cleanup is just a necessary thing. We eat a good lunch and we get our rest. But swimming in the pool is what we all love the best. Then we all go to crafts and to the canteen. It feels so good that everybody’s going to “scream!”

Chorus

Free time is fun and so are special events. Everybody plays and no one sits the bench. When the camp bell rings we all stand in line. Cause everybody’s hungry at supper time. Then Dan leads the worship and he leads it so well. That everybody stands up and gives a great big yell!

Chorus

It happens in the evening when the sun goes down. We build a camp fire and make a great big sound. Cause we worship the Lord with all our might. We praise him every day and we praise him every night. Then it’s back to the cabins, tomorrow we’ll do it again. And everybody at church camp shouts “Amen!”

My Old Man Needs to Die (My new song)

I just wrote an new song. I hope you like it. It's called my old man needs to die. It's my story i.e. the story of how God saved me from alcoholism.

My Old Man Needs to Die

When I was young I got baptized to wash away my sins. But I did not have a clue that my old man could swim. I’ve struggled with him everyday since I was a child. But in my teens, about 15, my old man went wild.

I took a hit and had a sip and brother it was on. I drank it from a bottle and I smoked it from a bong. Three years passed, I turned 18, I said “I got to quit”. It’s way too much I’ve had enough my old man made me sick.

My old man needs to die. So I don’t act like Jekyll and Hyde. He’s my old man and he needs to die. My old man is not my dad. He’s the part of me that acts real bad. He’s my old man and he needs to die, he needs to die.

Twelve years went by and I was dry, I tried to be good. I went to church, I read the book, and I did those things I should. But my old man was still alive, waiting for control. I took one drink of whiskey and the devil took my soul.

My friends were Jack Daniels and his brother Jimmy Beam. I loved Smirnoff Vodka and everything between. It was like a little puppy to play with every night. But he grew into a pit-bull and took my away life.

My old man loves to drink. And he never turns the other cheek. He’s my old man and he needs to die. My old man put me in jail. But my wife came and paid my bale. She said “Your old man and he’s got to die, he’s got to die. (But he didn’t).

I was sitting in a biker bar 2am one night. Three bikers came to kick me out and I stood up strong to fight. I knew that I could take those three, but there were 15 more. Who grab me by shirt and kick me out the door. (Then one day it happened).

I was driving down the road one day, higher than a kite. I blacked out like so many times but this time I ran a light. Three cars were totaled in that wreck and no one hurt but me. They put me back in jail and that’s were I got free.

My old man went to rehab. And I gave up everything that’s bad. He’s my old man and he needs to die. My old man went to AA. And worked the 12 Steps day by day. He’s my old man and he needs to die, he needs to die.

Years have gone by and I’m still dry, I have not had a drink. But I still go to meetings, to change the way I think. I’m grateful for my family and my serenity. And most of all for Jesus Christ who died to set me free.

Now you may think since I don’t drink, that I am all cured. But my old man is patient and he knows just how to lure. I struggled with him every day, what a wretched man I am. Every time he rises up, I put him down again.

My old man knows how to sin. So I don’t want him back again. He’s my old man and he needs to die. My old man can’t be tamed. He’s always bad, he’ll change. He’s my old man and he needs to die, he needs to die.

My new song "Home Six Mile"

I just wrote a new song. Finished it at 7am this morning. It's about growing up on Six Mile.

Home Six Mile

No shirt, blue jeans, running bare feet. Honey suckle growing up and down the creek. Railroad tracks and a fishing hole I got a Rainbow Trout on the end of my pole.

Yes its been a while Still makes me smile When I think about … home Six Mile

White house, porch swing, chestnut trees Sunday morning church, Jesus set us free Jeanie and Susan, little brother, that’s me Childhood memories, good family

Front yard, green grass, all the cousins play Granny and Paw, “making-apple-butter-day” Don’t worry, don’t fret, it don’t make sense Just knock that whiffle ball over the fence

Yes its been a while Still makes me smile When I think about … home Six Mile

Cross cut saw in the blacksmith’s shop Floating down the river on an old car top Playing guitar at the Boone County Fair Family and friends, everybody’s there.

Full moon, crickets by old water fall Fireflies, hoot owl, listen as them call. Hound dogs barking, there’s a fox on the run Slipping through the woods with my old shot gun

Yes its been a while Still makes me smile When I think about … home Six Mile

Bridge Sometimes I wonder how the days have come and gone When I need break from life, I love to sing the six mile song … about …

No shirt, blue jeans, running bare feet. Honey suckle growing up and down the creek. Railroad tracks and a fishing hole I got a Rainbow Trout on the end of my pole.

Yes its been a while Still makes me smile When I think about … home Six Mile

Loving an Imperfect Church - My study in 1 Corinthians

I just began a new series in 1 Corinthians called "Loving an Imperfect Church." I enjoy preparing for topical sermons but my favorite type of preaching is expository. When I work through a book I live in it longer. In my mind I have sailed into the Corinthian port, watched the ships being pulled over the Isthmus on the "haul across", I have made tents with Paul, spent time with Pricilla and Aquilla, listen to Paul preach and persuade people to believe that Jesus is the Christ. I've felt the opposition and rejection, watched him leave the synagogue in protest as he shook his clothes out and said "Your blood be on your own heads, from now on I'm going to the Gentiles." One night I heard Jesus say "Paul, don't leave, don't be afraid, I will protect. Stay and preach because I have many people in this city." I've seen the church grow strong. I've sit in their spontaneous and sometimes chaotic assemblies, I've listened to them prophesy, sing, speak in tongues, pray, commune, and love each other. The church become such a threat to the established Jewish religion that a united attacked was aimed at Paul. In my mind I witnessed Paul being accused before the Roman procouncil and watched Sosthenes get beat up. On and on I go imagining, envisioning what it must have been like for Paul. Paul is in Ephesus now but I'm going to stay in Corinth for the summer and learn all I can about how to love an imperfect church. I'm posting my sermons at http://sermonsbyjeffgarrett.blogspot.com/

From Siesta Key

Kim, Amber, Tori, Shayna, Mom and I are in Siesta Key. We are staying with (my sister) Susan and Bob. We got to visit with Heather. Hiedi and Jason are here with Scout and Gus. We have had a great vacation. Bob has taken us on his boat twice. Mom and Susan went on the first boat ride. Today, Hiedi, Scott and Gus went went and we all we swam in the Gulf of Mexico, two miles from the shore. The girls giggled and laughed. Mom brought Molly (her dog) and she loves it here.

Kim and I went out late last night and heard a couple of bands and went for a late night walk on the beach. The weather has been beautiful. Sunday morning we worship at Bob and Susan's church. Sunday night we walked to the beach and watch people drum and dance as the sun set. We've caught a few fish. We've walked and talked and ate and visited and laughed. Bob and Susan are living a dream in paradice. We are so happy they invited us. The rest of the family is coming to visit this summer.

From Charlotte NC

I am writing this post from the Westin Hotel in Charlotte NC. I will be speaking three times (one is a repeat) in the morning. This conference is for the Southeastern Directors of Volunteer Services in Healthcare Organizations. My friend Pat Chambers has invited me to speak for the hospital on serveral occassions. I really appreciate these opportunities and thank God for Pat. Tomorrow Pat is going to be inducted as the the president of the association. She is great! This conference includes directors and volunteers from hospitals in 13 states in the southeast. The first is a class called "Getting What You Want and Wanting What You Get." The second is a keynote presentation called "Serving Others is What Life is all about." I pray I do a good job in the morning. I talked to Kim and the girls this evening. I will be back home tomorrow night and I can't wait!

From Pepperdine (God, why are you so good to me?)

I am looking at the Pacific Ocean as I write. The campus at Pepperdine University is stunningly beautiful!

This is my fourth trip to the Pepperdine Lectures. I love it! My class title this year - “Contrasting Healthy and Unhealthy Churches: Nursing Your Church back to Health.” Everyone is encouraging. I have to pinch myself every now and then to make sure I’m not dreaming.

I am staying in the Drescher Apartments with three other ministers that I admire and look up to. I’m rooming with Rick Atchley, Buddy Bell and Chris Seidman. Tuesday night Rick, Chris and I went to Mexican restaurant in Malibu and ate together. After dinner we went to an ice cream shop. It was great being with Rick and Chris. I download their sermons every week and listen. They are excellent ministers of the gospel. They are also very kind and gracious. It is a privilege to spend time with them. And Buddy Bell, well, he’s as humble and down to earth as can be. A true disciple of Jesus. Friendly, personable and very kind. I look up to and admire all of these men who are far ahead of me. They are solid as rocks and they live a life of integrity. They make me want to be a better man. It is a great privilege to be in the same apartment with them.

I got to talk to Harold Shank after his sermon Wednesday night. Harold’s sermon was amazing, as usual. His plea for the church to take care of widows and orphans was convicting. I hadn’t seen Harold in years. He said, “Jeff Garrett, yes, you are at Norway Ave in Huntington.” I said “How did you know?” I was very surprised that he already knew I was preaching at Norway Ave. But he had heard my story and said that he was thankful that God had saved me. About that time Lynn Anderson put his hand on my shoulder and said to Harold and me “You fellows almost hooked up at one time.” He was referring to a time, ten years ago, when Harold invited me to be his assistant preacher. (My heart pounds as I write this). Harold said, “Yes that’s right.” Then he pointed to the man sitting standing near him and explained that he was the one who took the job. A weird feeling came over me. I thought “perhaps I should have taken advantage of the opportunity to work with Harold.” It seemed surreal standing with Harold and looking at the minister that took the job he invited me to take. I was thinking that could be me. Maybe if I would have taken that position as Harold’s assistant preacher I wouldn’t have fallen. Maybe that was my way out. You see, it was before my fall. It just seemed so weird standing there – maybe that was my way out and I didn’t take it. Maybe I was disobedient to God by not taking it. Anyway, things worked out and I am still ministering through my own brokenness. It’s all good now. God worked it all out but It was just so surreal that I wanted to write about it so that I don’t forget it and so I can learn from it. And besides, after all I’ve done and all of been through, I was surprised he eve remembered my name. It was encouraging to me.

Wednesday night all the teachers went to Andrew Benton’s house, the president of Pepperdine. The view from the presidents house is unbelievable. The moon was full and shining on the ocean – it is amazing. President Bush has stead in that house. The house was full of people. I sat on the couch with Lynn Anderson. Lynn is great – he’s my coach, my mentor.

When I get to heaven I am going to ask God why he has been so good to me.