Great Quote Thursday

We're not retreating, we're just advancing in another direction- George Patton

Me? series begins

This morning we began a new teaching series in our young marrieds Bible Fellowship class called, Me? It’s a study through the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. In my personal spiritual walk, outside of the Gospels and the story of Jesus Christ, I’ve probably been impacted by the stories of Nehemiah, Joshua and David more than any others.

The book of Nehemiah is a great book for young adults as it addresses leadership, service, maturity and knowing the heart of God. As I study through Nehemiah, I find myself being consistently challenged, as if God is speaking directly to me.

As I shared this morning from the first chapter of Nehemiah, I asked each class member to listen to hear if God was speaking to them about a specific area in their life; to ask, “God, is that for me”?

In chapter 1, as he learns of the disgraceful state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah finds himself wrestling with a huge burden. In this struggle, there are some questions that jump off the page for me:

V. 4- Does my heart hurt for the things that hurt the heart of God? or Do I ignore the needs of the world?

v. 5/6- Do I intercede on the behalf of others? or Is my prayer life simply a list of things I want God to do or give to me?

v. 6/7- Do I willingly and consistently confess my sin to God? or Do I overlook areas that I’d rather not address?

v. 8/9- Do I truly know what God has promised? Do I know Him deeply in all His richness? or Do I simply know a collection of stories, stories about God with really knowing Him in all His glory?

v. 10/11- Do I give thought to what God wants for my future? or Do I think I have a plan and simply hope He approves?

What is God saying to me? To you?

Fun on Friday

People watching at Dollywood is more entertaining than any ride or show.

Interesting how who I root for changes from round to round in the NBA Playoffs. I'm a big Atlanta Hawks fan but they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls in Round 2. However, I'm now pulling for the Bulls to defeat the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Anybody but the Heat.

Great Quote Thursday

One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes....and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility- Eleanor Roosevelt

Chad Mitchell selected for UT’s FUTURE Program

My friend, Chad Mitchell, has been selected to be a part of the inaugural class of 8 students in UT's FUTURE Program. The FUTURE Program is a post-secondary education program for special needs students.

A significant honor to be a part of the inaugural class, Chad was selected from among numerous applicants from across the state of Tennessee. He will begin classes in August.

Having been good friends with Chad’s family for many years, when Tonya and I were married in 1999, Chad was the ring bearer in our wedding. He now works part-time on our church’s Facilities staff. Now, he will also be a Tennessee Vol!

Congratulations Chad!!!

Book Review- Mark Batterson's Soulprint

Mark Batterson's Soulprint is a thought provoking work that encourages everyone to find their God-given identity, to live the life and be the person that God created each of us to be. Batterson takes the reader through moments in the life of King David to illustrate the purpose of finding our soulprint.

The book was initially difficult to follow as I looked for a progression of Batterson's thoughts as he chronicled the life of David. While the author presents "soulprint" moments in David's life in chronological order, one concept or idea does not connect to the next point. It was as if the author had thoughts in mind and then connected them to David's life.

While the book is, in effect, divided into 6 chapters (5 "scenes" and a closing), the book actually reads as a collection of what could be stand alone essays or blog entries.

As with other Batterson books I've read, this book spends considerable time relating psychological concepts to Scripture. The author is clearly intrigued by mental and psychological theories.

I reviewed this book in conjunction with WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Fun on Friday

Our (almost) 4 year old son, Turner, is at that amazing age where his speech is improving, his vocabulary is expanding and his thought processing is developing. As a result, he often shares with us what we've dubbed "Turnerisms". Here are a few recent gems:

I don't want to take a shower. I want to be stinky.

Always tell the truth. It can help other people.

Thank You, Jesus, for my wonderful life.

7 year old girls always like to go to Weigel's. Boys always like to go to Toys R Us.

Mango. That's an interesting name for a food.

Does Jesus got trains in heaven? (and) Can you jump out of heaven?

Great Quote Thursday

The farther backward you look, the further forward you are likely to see- Winston Churchill