Monday, September 17, 2018

Feeling fine in Conway, Arkansas. Ever looking up and forward.


September 17, 2018 – We’re doing fine in Conway, Arkansas.  Cindi’s position at UCA is going very well.  She’s teaching two business classes this semester, getting a better grip on her duties as the director of the center for insurance and risk management studies, and best of all; enjoying plenty of “Nana opportunities” with our three grands. 

I’m taking every day to pray, read, study, and prepare for what lies ahead in the coming days.  Cindi is keeping me pretty busy with plenty of “honey-do’s" and those three grandchildren of mine are keeping me busy with plenty of love and laughter.  We are blessed.  God is everything.

My speaking schedule has picked up a little bit lately.  I’ll be preaching at Harrison and Willow in Conway this Sunday (9/23).  Next Sunday (9/30) I’ll be presenting three lessons on “Tapping into Greatness” at the Mar’s Hill Church of Christ just outside Conway.  On Sunday evening, October 7th I have the great privilege of preaching in Morrilton at the good Downtown congregation.  Harrison and Willow has asked me to preach God’s word in October on Sunday the 21st and again on the 28th.  I’m so very thankful for my family and friends here in the central Arkansas area for your prayers for me and your continued words of encouragement as I seek a new ministry.  Thank you too to my friends back in my old Kentucky home for your prayers and messages of support.  I certainly miss my fellow Christian family spread out all around the world.  One day we’ll all be together again.  Meanwhile, we’ll just keep on keeping on. 

Allow me do a little promotion for the The Harrison and Willow Church of Christ.  The meeting facilities are located at 1130 Harrison Street in Conway, right across the street from Larry’s Pizza.  The congregation is very kind, loving, and friendly. Cindi and I visited with the church last Wednesday evening and heard a great lesson on the 12th chapter of Revelation.  Their facilities are well-maintained, up-to-date, clean, and inviting.  Every member was happy, friendly, and welcoming.  If you are looking for a group of Christians who remind you of Jesus, come and see.  The church has a very nice website:  www.harrisonwillowchurchofchrist.com.   Check it out.  I’ll be preaching this coming Sunday morning and evening.  Come and hear.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Conway, Arkansas - The Bears, the Wampuscats, and the "Ridges"


September 2018 – Conway, Arkansas…north and a bit west from Little Rock on I-40…population a little under 60,000…three colleges, good schools, and fine friendly people…F150s, Rams, Silverados, Canyons, and Jeeps just about everywhere you look…and mainly three glorious grandchildren to see, love, and experience.  I certainly miss my friends and Christian family at Watterson Trail, but the call of those grands finally won out.  Cindi and I are living in an apartment temporarily until we can find a house and I can find a ministry position.  The church of Christ is strong here and God has plans for me.  I’m patient and prayerful for His direction.  He certainly does work in mysterious ways.  And while I wait, He provides.  I am thankful.

Moving is tough, expensive, wearisome, and worth it when it is the right thing to do at the right time for the right reason. For example;  today (9/7) is my one and only grandson’s 12th birthday and you know what?  I’m present!  I'm here to see him, physically hand him his surprise and watch him open it.  That is an awesome feeling.  I’m having lunch with my youngest at her school today.  They tell me there’s nothing more exciting to a third grader than to have her PopPop come to her school with Chick Filet for lunch.  My oldest granddaughter will be acting in a play in the next few days and is the featured dancer.  And I'll be here to watch her.  I’m truly living the dream.  God is good.

I don’t have a ministry position yet.  Don’t worry (I’m speaking to myself more than I am to you).  God has everything in hand.  He does.  I am praying every day for God’s direction.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.”  Of course while I am trusting, I am active and awake to all the possibilities around me to work, to serve, to love, and to honor God in life and living.  I’m ready when He’s ready.  And I can wait as long as He needs me to wait.  And I'll be trusting and obeying the whole way to His next mission for me.