Chasing the Leaks

This morning Stacy Murry, Shay Caldwell and I went hunting. We were hunting for the source of leaks in or around our church's steeple. Since none of us are in the roofing business we can't promise that the problem is fixed, but we are hopeful. We should know soon since it is suppose to rain again tonight or tomorrow.

Yes, that is me on the ladder propped against the steeple. It kind of reminded me of the time I set up the ladder in the back of my truck. Thankfully, this went better. Honestly, being on the ladder was not the worst of it. The hardest part for me was climbing into the heart of the steeple to check for obvious leaks. I don't like spiders and snakes . . . so that little boxed in area was not very inviting. I know, I know . . . there was no danger of snakes. But the spiders had found a home and it was into that home that I crawled. I think they were so shocked to see someone come into their space for the first time in nineteen years that they decided not to venture too close.

If the foyer stays dry the next time it rains it will have been worth it. If the foyer continues to leak, at least Stacy, Shay and I will know we gave it our best effort. By the way guys, thanks for hanging onto that ladder!

Hopeful,
Johnny

Air Bud

Last night we introduced Hutch to Air Bud. Honestly, I had never seen the movie but knew it was about a dog that played basketball. Hey, knowing Hutch loves basketball and dogs I thought this would be good. So, I recorded the movie and last night provided us with the right opportunity. Hutch crawled up into my lap and quickly became mesmerized by the dog that could make shots.

It is the classic family movie that ultimately has a "feel-good" finish after making you cry your eyes out. One scene actually made me think of Old Yeller. Ouch. But don't worry . . . Air Bud did not die.

It got even more interesting when Hutch hopped out of my lap and tried to get Jay Jay (our dog) to become Air Bud. It was pretty funny because Jay Jay was not having any part of it. Clearly she had slept through the movie.

Is there some spiritual application that I can now make to Air Bud? Probably . . . but its Monday, so it's not going to happen.

Blessings

A Lasting Legacy

Last Thursday Jan, Jana, David and I traveled to Duck Hill, MS where I participated in the funeral service for Curtis Riley. He was a dear friend and brother in Christ who was gloriously welcomed into Heaven last week. After ninety years on the planet, the Lord sweetly whispered his name and offered to bring him home.

Though I have certainly not been in regular contact with him during the past several years I'll miss him. Just knowing that he will not be sitting in his favorite recliner on Riley hill makes me a little sad. He left an enduring legacy not only in his family but also in his community. Though he was short in stature, he cast a long shadow that continues to impact lives. He was a faithful servant of Christ and his influence will continue for many generations, probably until Jesus comes. He was a true gentlemen who loved his wife, modeled Christian virtues and worked humbly with his hands.

Thanks Curtis, for your friendship, encouragement and wisdom. Thanks for making my family a part of your own. Thanks for helping me find joy in the simple things of life. I look forward to seeing you again.

Sons and Dads

As I watched Stephen and Hutch wrestling and playing on the floor the other night I was reminded of the importance of dads bonding with their sons. Boys can best learn what it means to be men by spending time with their dads. Jan and I are blessed to have a great dad for our grandson, Hutch. The pictures above tell the story.

Thanks

Thanks to everyone for making this past weekend's GIC such a great success. We had a wonderful time together and our vision for the world was truly intensified. Please continue to pray for the missionaries who were with us and to consider how the Lord wants you to be involved in His mission.

Global Impact Celebration

For many months a team of highly dedicated volunteers at HDBC have been planning and preparing to lead our church through a weekend Global Impact Celebration. That weekend is now here. Beginning Friday evening and ending on Sunday night HDBC will celebrate God’s passion for the world and the part that we play in that passion.

Missionaries from around the world and across town will be with us for this significant three-day event. It will involve large group gatherings, small group activities and one-on-one conversations. We will celebrate past victories and consider future opportunities. We will get to know some missionaries who are on the front lines of mission work. I am really looking forward to our time together.

If you are part of the HDBC family I hope you have already decided to participate. If not, make that decision now. Come on . . . take a chance! We promise not to waste your time or to leave you bored. It just might change your life.

Our theme is Raiders of a Lost World. Just as Indiana Jones was on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant, we are on a quest to find people around the world who have not yet had an opportunity to know that God loves them and that Jesus died for them. For us it is more than a quest, it truly is a passion.

So, I look forward to seeing all HDBC members and attenders this Friday night.

Sore Muscles

I love Fridays. Several years ago I developed the habit of taking off work on Fridays. That was a good decision. Normally by the time I leave the office on Thursdays I am completely prepared for Sunday. That enables me to be totally relaxed on Fridays. I normally sleep-in, then when I do get up, I hit the ground running. I may do a little house work (Jan loves that) then if the weather permits I work outside. The past few Fridays I have cut and hauled wood. I have also split some firewood the old fashioned way. It is therapeutic for me to get out and do some physical work and just let the mind relax.

This past Friday was a good one. The weather was perfect and I stayed at it most of the day. I moved seven wheelbarrow loads of firewood from one side of my backyard to the other. I finished cutting off what was left of a large limb still laying on my fence. Two more wheelbarrow loads. Why can't these trees and limbs fall close to where you need them? I then split wood for about and hour. That will get the heart rate up. I wrapped it up by spending several hours at Jana and David's cutting and hauling wood. They have a large oak and a very large pecan tree that both took a big hit during the recent ice storm. We've made some progress but there is still much to be done there.

I've said all that to say, "I am still feeling it today." The muscles are sore, but it is a good feeling. I am just grateful to be able to do it. And next year I will enjoy burning all of this wood in our new fireplace which we will soon install. Maybe, just maybe, we will get it in time to use it this year.

Blessings