Last in Q & A Series

This Sunday I will conclude the summer sermon series called Q & A. I'm looking forward to looking at one of the most perplexing of all the questions Jesus asked. It is the last of his questions before His death. While hanging on a cross, dying, Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" It was a question filled with passion and mystery. It revealed not only the brutality of crucifixion, but also something important about His death. I'm looking forward to sharing this Sunday at HDBC at 8:30 and 10:45.

Sports and More

We had a great time this past Friday and Saturday at the third annual HDBC Sports and More Camp. I had a blast hanging out with the kids. They participated in crafts, cookie decorating, yard games, putt-putt, football, soccer, swimming, basketball, etc. They also spent time in small groups for Bible study and sharing. What fun watching the kids open their Bibles, ask questions of their Heroes and Sidekicks (group leaders and assistants), and worship their Creator. They went 90 miles an hour for about 24 hours (including a few hours of sleep) and had a super time.

A big shout-out to all the volunteers who made it happen. HDBC volunteers are the best! As usual, Shay and Barbie did a phenomenal job putting this event together.

Family Weekend

I enjoyed a fun weekend with some of Jan's family. Mike, Teresa and Brody Miller came over from Alabama to spend the weekend with us and to celebrate Independence Day. We love having them. They know how to have a great time and are wonderful to be around. They are also very giving. We are always blessed to have them.

Thanks to David's parents for letting us enjoy their pool on Saturday. What fun to watch Hutch, Jackson and the big kids play in the water. The only downer for the weekend is that I definitely ate too much. Oh well, life is short. Though I try to take care of myself, I still enjoy good food, especially when spending time with family.

It was good to reflect on the blessings that are mine because I live in America. It is truly a wonderful nation that provides more freedoms than I can count. I am grateful to those who carved out such a significant document as our Constitution and for those who have defended and preserved the principles found in it for these 234 years. I am a blessed man.

Facebook Fun

I moved a lot when growing up. We moved to different towns the following times when I was young:

middle of first grade,
middle of the second grade,
after third grade,
middle of sixth grade,
after the ninth grade,
after the tenth grade,
before the eleventh grade.

How's that for bouncing around. I attended three different high schools in three states.

Now here is where the Facebook fun comes in. I have friends who graduated in 1975 (my year) from Corinth High School, Tallassee High School and Ouachita Parish High School. I actually attended Ouachita my last two years and graduated with that group. However, I have had no contact with most of them for the past thirty-five years.

During the past several months I have connected with several classmates from my high school in Louisiana. I have also been able to connect with a few from Tallassee, Alabama. Though I would like to connect with more. Though I had tried several times to find some friends from my Corinth, Mississippi days I always came up short. That is, until this past week. I finally connected with a few old classmates and that has opened the door to many more.

Though we will likely never be close, due to a number of reasons, it is still a lot of fun to catch up a little bit. It stirs the memories and warms the heart about places, things, events and people from years ago. It is a great reminder that our lives are constantly interacting with others. And each connection leaves an impression, either large or small. Those connections help to form the history of our lives.

I am not trying to be philosophical, but I do want to say thanks to all who have made an impact on my life throughout the years, be it large or small. Each of you are a part of my life story. I hope, as I move forward, that I will be more sensitive to the positive place that others will have in my life.

So . . . thanks Facebook, for helping me reconnect with a part of my story that has faded, but is not forgotten. A part of my story that is still bringing me great joy.

Heading for LA

Jan and I will be making a quick trip to LA (Lower Arkansas) on Saturday to attend a one-day reunion with her mom's family. We'll spend more time traveling than actually there, but it will be worth it. There is no way to put a price tag on family. It's a blessing that her family enjoys getting together and makes the effort to do so. I will enjoy visiting with many whom I have known for thirty-six years, and will likely meet others for the first time. Such is the nature of major family reunions. I'm also looking forward to some wonderful food. There definitely are some good cooks in that clan.

We will be back Saturday night and are looking forward to being with the HDBC family on Sunday. I will continue the sermon series, Q & A. Join us, if you can, Sunday morning at 8:30 or 10:45.

Busy Days

Just a quick note about Vacation Bible School last week. It was a big success. We averaged 124 children each day. They were involved in crafts, Bible studies, worship, music, missions, games, and much more. A big thanks to LeAnne Barnett (this year's director) and Shay Caldwell (HDBC's Children's Minister), along with dozens of volunteers. It was a fantastic week.

What Next? This week our Jr. and Sr. high students are attending Super Summer at Ouachita Baptist University. Sunday night, June 27 our choir will present a "Concert of Favorites." July 9th-10th will be our third annual Sports and More Camp for kids. Several Kids Days are planned throughout the summer, as well. Later a group will attend CentriKid Camp in Clinton, MS.

Busy Days? Yep. But each event is designed with a purpose.

Looking for a great place for your kids or youth to be involved in healthy, wholesome activities? Check us out at www.hdbc.org/kids and www.hdbc.org/students.

VBS 2010

Vacation Bible School has been an annual tradition at HDBC for decades. Each summer we set aside a week for intensive Bible training for the children in our community and church. We combine music, snacks, skits, crafts, videos, Bible memorization, games and much more in a comprehensive effort to share the love of God with these precious children. This year's VBS kicked off this morning with a great start. Kids from all over the area have assembled in our facilities and are having a great time. It is truly a joy for us to serve these children and their families.