January 23, 2011
As always, I would like to thank each of you for the support that you have given me over the years. It seems as if every time a new opportunity comes up or a difficult time happens in my life, I always reflect back on the thoughtful words, timely advice, and unwavering love that many of you have given me.
I realize that many of you have not had a chance to come to any of my concerts or events, even though you purchased a CD. Recently, I had to opportunity to sing special music at the South Central Conference Women’s Ministries Retreat which was held in Gatlinburg, TN. So, I wanted to share that experience with you.
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“Supporting our Youth”
Our son is a part of school choir at our elementary school and they sang at a well-known Martin Luther King Jr. event, on January17, 2011, in Columbus, Mississippi. The Stokes-Beard Technology and Communication Magnet School choir sang at the Dream 365 Commemorative Breakfast and they did a wonderful job! I have attached a link to their performance.
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“There Is No Better Place”
Our son was inducted into the Birmingham Area Metro Pathfinders/Adventurer’s Club on January 23, 2011. Attending the meetings has been very beneficial to him and our family. During the Fall of 2010, we had an opportunity to go camping with the Birmingham Area Metro (BAM) Pathfinders/Adventurers Club and it was quite an experience. It was our first time camping and at times, we felt like the Five Foolish Virgins. Even though the temperature dipped down to the 30s at night, we made it through and had a great time. The kids enjoyed fellowshipping with Pathfinders/Adventurers from other Birmingham area churches. They also enjoyed nature walks, praise and worship, learning new camping skills, earning honors, and listening to the advice provided by older and more mature members of the church who were also in attendance.
During one of the down times, some of the parents huddled together to discuss why they would put themselves through this. One particular parent shared how he had grown up in the church but as he got older, he started to stray. After finding himself in some very uncomfortable situations, he came to realize that he already had everything what he needed within his church family. The reason why he makes sure that his child gets to take advantage of many of the opportunities that the church provides is the hope that his child will some day realize what he has had to learn the hard way. Even though the church has its share of problems, in his words, “There is no better place to be.”
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“I Know My Parents Will Take Care of Me”
A few weeks ago, Mike was visiting a local (Columbus) eating establishment when he overheard an employee telling a customer about her plans for college. After asking a few questions, he jokingly expressed how the employee seemed a tad bit spoiled. With a sincere look on her face and respectful tone, the young lady said, “No, I am not spoiled. I am a high school senior and I have made good grades in school. I have stayed out of trouble; and, I haven’t given my parents any trouble. I know my parents are going to take care of me.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone had the same testimony and faith concerning their relationship with God?
“Just Add Water”
Not long ago, Mike was in another eating establishment (notice the pattern) when the customer in front of him stated that she had “bad diabetes;” so, she wanted the lemonade that came with her meal to be watered down. Everyone within earshot was stunned. The employee kindly held up a bottle of water beside the syrupy sweet (and tangy) lemonade and said, “Would you like a bottle of water, or do you want me to add water to the lemonade.” With a smile on her face and a gentle voice, the customer said, “Just water down the lemonade please.”
I don’t know much more about that particular customer, but her order created a powerful object lesson for me that day. Some of us will never overcome certain problems; because, we are not interested in real change. We merely want the problem or situation “watered down.” There’s something about it that we are determined to hold on to. Someone say, “Just add water please.” Let us not be unwise in this area. If the shoe fits, by all means, please wear it. (smile) Give it ALL to God; because, as the song says, he wants it ALL today!
“Health Leadership Retreat”
In October , Mike and I attended a Health Leadership Retreat in Nauvoo, Alabama. Curtis and Paula Eakins, SCC Health Ministry Directors, conducted the seminar and did a wonderful job. Many of you may know them from Curtis & Paula’s Abundant Living TV program on 3ABN. During the retreat, we learned the many benefits of a plant-based diet, the benefits of drinking enough water, an easy approach to plant-based cooking; and, why it is so important to get enough exercise. They also gave us strategies that could help us to get enough exercise and water in during the day.
Saturday night, Mr. Curtis and his mom shared with us some of the games that their family played on Saturday nights while growing up. Everyone was having such a good time, playing games, that they had to practically kick us out (yes, we had a lights-out curfew…remember…”health” retreat. REST is vitally important.). It was pretty hilarious seeing us, adults, being told we had to go to bed; because, (get this) we had homework to do and also had to get up early the next morning. We were assigned chapters to read from “Ministry of Healing” over the course of the weekend.
All and all, it was a great weekend. The Eakins are some of the most down to earth, fun-loving people that you will ever meet; and, they definitely have the right spirit when they are teaching others about health and wellness. I would highly recommend their seminar or workshop, if ever they are in a town near you. I promise, they won’t bite!
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Sermon From Ephesus
“Secret Lies “
I want to close with a sermon that I heard last year at my church in Birmingham, Alabama (Ephesus SDA Church). The title of it is “Secret Lies” and it was preached by my pastor, Pastor Alex Horton. If you’re ever in the Birmingham area, please stop by and hear a powerful man of God as he delivers the Word of God in a way that only he can!
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| Secret Lies ( Go to the “Secret Lies” sermon on the page) (audio) |