Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We returned to New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis this morning. 
• I preached a message titled "There is a little bit of Jonah in all of us." 
• We had lunch at a wonderful restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Great time sharing with new friends and the view was not bad either.
• Our appetizer was Oyster Rockefeller, yes there is a first time for everything! 
• The message focused on a reluctant prophet and a pursuing God.
• Yes, there is a little bit of Jonah in all of us!
• Our Life Group wrapped up our summer study Friday evening. We studied the "Red Sea Rules". This little study focused on the lessons God's people learned from their Red Sea experience.
• Our students return to JUFL Thursday. I am looking forward to hearing stories from a variety of internships.
• Freshmen move in on Friday. Was it really 45 years ago I was a freshman at Central Florida Bible College?
• Pumpkin Spice doughnuts are available at Dunkin' now. I would rather have an apple fritter!
• Our family celebrated one of my daughter-in-law's birthday Saturday evening, Good Times.
• Something to Chew on; Finding focus can be a lifelong pursuit. ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• This morning, I preached at New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis (Near Sarasota).
•  Great group of people, and very encouraging.
• The message focused on the role we play in helping people find Jesus.
• I visited New Hope 9 years ago and I was amazed at the changes the church has made over the years. So good to see what God's people can do when they diligently seek Him.
• We drove back home using state roads and avoided interstates, such a nice, peaceful ride home!
• Today was the first time Lori heard me preach live. She can't change her mind now!
• Football is back, at least preseason. It is impressive to see the difference between the first-string players and those trying to make the team.
• The first round of students moved back on campus this past Friday at JUFL, and it will not be long before everyone is back on campus.
• Praying for a dear friend who was in a bicycle accident this week. I am hoping the recovery will go smoothly for her.
• My neighbor's parrot is driving me crazy, does anyone know of a good parrot whisperer?
• Don't look now, but the big yellow buses are back on the road, which means school starts this week! Hang in there teachers Thanksgiving break is only 103 days away.
• Something to Chew on; What we can control is our performance and execution, and that is what we are going to focus on. ~ Bill Belichick 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at First Christian Church of Clearwater this morning.
• Mike preached a powerful message from John 1:14. Jesus came to us FULL of Grace and Truth.
• Great message focusing on living out Grace and Truth in a post-Christian world.
• It was great to connect with a couple of alums as well this morning. So good to see Alex and Ellie.
• FCC Clearwater continues to demonstrate generosity in unexpected ways.
• I know it is early, but Thanksgiving plans are set. 
• After traveling home from Clearwater this afternoon, I believe everyone was on I-4 today.
• Few things are hotter than a car's steering wheel in a Florida Summer!
• The first round of students show up at JUFL this Friday, I guess summer vacation is officially over.
• I was able to attend a concert with Jeremy Camp at Epcot this past week. He has such bold testimony! Thousands heard about the saving power of Jesus Christ through his message.
• Something to Chew on; Starve your distractions and feed your focus. ~ Steve Jobs

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Jim's message focused on the spiritual battles we all face. Yes, it is a jungle out there.
• While he pointed out the decaying culture, he also reminded us the battle is the Lord's and He will be victorious!
• After 2 1/2 years of zoom meetings, our Life Group is getting back together next month. So looking forward to our time together.
• Jeremy Camp concert tomorrow evening at EPCOT, we will be there!
• A week from tomorrow it will be August 1st. 7 months down 5 to go, and time is slippin' away.
• We had the opportunity to see Savannah perform this weekend sing music from Encanto.  Encanto may become my favorite  Disney Movie. With or without Bruno!
• If you are looking for a heartwarming movie, check out Jerry and Marge go Large. BTW it is not a Hallmark Movie.
• How can a six-inch sub, a bag of chips, and a  medium drink cost over $9 today?
• Yes, there are four traditional seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. But I prefer the four seasons of the College Football Season, White Chocolate Oreos Season, College Basketball Season, and just too hot to be outside season! This summer has been a scorcher!
• Something to Chew on; One thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~ Paul the Apostle.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. 
• Jim's message focused on Moses and his crisis of belief.
• Key thought today, you cannot experiences the Promise Land unless you are willing to leave Egypt.
• Something to ponder from today's message; What are you doing that is "God Sized."
• Great worship set this morning, thank you, Tony and Team.
• Gas has dropped to $4.25 in Central Florida and we are HAPPY. Listen it is still $4.25, Yikes!
• Lori made it back home, but it was an adventure.
• Lily believes Lori is simply a houseguest who will leave shortly. I hate to break it to her, but Lori is here to stay.
• We traveled to Jacksonville this weekend. I believe people think the highway sign labeled I-95 is the Speed Limit sign.  #driveitlikeyoustoleit
• We are 18 days away from the first NFL preseason game. Are you ready for some football?
• Something to Chew on; Instead of focusing on circumstances you cannot change, focus strongly and powerfully on the circumstances that you can change. ~ Joy Page

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• The message text was Jeremiah 32:38 - 40 and focused on having a heart of Christ. 
• Jim asked us a penetrating question; What would happen if you were Jesus for a day! How would it impact your relationships, your work, your attitude, and how you deal with traffic!
• I am participating in a funeral of a good friend tomorrow. It is an honor to share in this man's memorial.
• I was reading a blog post this week, and the writer asked us to name two ministers who made a difference in our life. Can you name two ministers who made a difference in your life? I can; Fred and Wayne!
• I have a wonderful Life Group; we have shared some losses and some victories over the years and I am glad I am on the journey of faith with this group of believers. 
• To all my teacher friends; August 3rd is WAY too early for you to start another school year. Try to enjoy your last few days of summer.
• Lori returns on Thursday. I am hoping for no airplane delays!
• I look at my weekly calendar and see new software training for four of the next five days. Yikes
• Speaking of calendars; Wednesday has been designated as "Clean the house before the wife returns" day.
• I found out tonight I am going to be an uncle again! Good Stuff.
• Something to Chew on; When you view your world with an attitude of gratitude, you are training yourself to focus on the good in life. ~ Paul Meyer

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Jim did a great job focusing on the importance of interpreting scripture correctly as it relates to patriotism.
• It was inspiring to see a number of youth who returned home from a mission trip in the Dominican Republic. 
• Thank you Lance for your leadership in the vital work of student ministry.
• Once again I was humbled by the generosity of others as I met with a couple today who are establishing a scholarship for JUFL students.
• As of Friday, I have had six airline flights in less than sixty days. 
• I will be honest, I am ready to stay home for a while.
• I have one more trip to the airport this month... to pick up Lori from her trip to Michigan, O Happy Day!
• I spent last week in Tennessee at our Advancement Retreat, laying out the plans for the next 12 months.  New Challenges, New Opportunities. 
• It is July, which means only 5 more months until the White Chocolate Oreos return.
• Something to Chew on; If you focus your thoughts on what you do have and not what you don't have you will always be grateful. ~ Ernie Johnson Jr.