Sunday Night Reflections - Reflecting on loss

When Tragedy Comes Home

There are times when life reminds us that we are fragile people who experience both pain and loss. For our family, that is what happened this past weekend. On Saturday evening, my brother called and asked me to pray for his family because his daughter had been in a tragic automobile accident that claimed her life. For 37 years she lived a full life. However, she was not finished writing her story.

When we are young, we expect a long life filled with victories, good times, and precious memories. When death enters the picture, we find ourselves going through a range of emotions—shock, inconsolable grief, anger, and sadness for a life that was not able to reach its full potential.

As someone who has walked through the horror of death, I can tell you that time will pass, but you will have a hole in your heart until we are reunited in heaven. So how do we move forward after such a tragic event?

1. Prepare for eternity. There is more to life than 70+ years. We are created to worship God and to have fellowship with Him. We prepare for eternity by putting our trust in Jesus. If you have not made Jesus Lord of your life, you are not prepared for eternity.
2. Remember that life is fragile. You are not promised tomorrow, so make sure you are ready to see Jesus in the twinkling of an eye. He and He alone will walk with you as you journey along this fragile path.
3. Remember that in this pain there is hope. There will be a day when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain or sorrow. That is the day we all long for, and I hope it is soon. The longer I experience life, the more I look forward to seeing my Savior.

We may feel that today’s pain is unbearable, but I thank God that He is the God of all comfort. Put your trust in Him, and eventually your mourning will turn into rejoicing. Believe me—it will happen.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Today I preached my first sermon as the minister of Salt Springs Christian Church.
• In preparation for Resurrection Sunday I began a series on the Power of The Cross.
• Today's message focused on the Roman Soldiers who found themselves Close to the Cross, but far from the Christ.
• Two reasons they were far from the Christ, they were too familiar with crucifixions and were too focused on the clothing of Christ not rather than focusing on what Christ was doing on the cross.
• Looking forward to part 2 of the series next week!
• Friday night we said good bye to our Life Group after 10 plus years of doing life together as a group it was difficult to say good bye.
• We have been through the deaths of 3 spouses, several cancer treatments,  great victories and heartbreaking losses and a whole lot of ice cream. We will miss this group of dear friends!
• Its time to fill out our brackets.
• Hopefully the Vanderbilt loss will wake up the boys from Gainesville. 
• Something to Chew on; Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. ~ Neale Donald Walsch

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn finished his series on Generosity this morning. 
• Key Point #1, God does not want something FROM you, God wants something FOR you!
• Key Point #2,  When we are generous we are able to do more than we can alone.
• Here is the big news, begining next week, I will be the minister of Salt Springs Christian Church.
• I am amazed how God opens doors in unexpected ways. 
• The comments from the congregation were both humbling and appreciative.
• SEC tournament this week, March Madness next week, it is the most wonderful time of the year.
• I guess if you are going to loose something, it is ok to loose an hour of sleep.#longerdaylight
• Something to Chew on; Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing yoou for a moment that is yet to come. ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn continued his series on generosity.
• Shawn was very transparent regarding the importance of generosity as it relates to kingdom work.
• We took a quick trip to Johnson Univeristy this past week to receive the honor of Distinctive Alumni.
• So good to chatch up with many of my Knoxville friends.
• Tonight I had the opportunity to play TOP GOLF. To be honest I do better hitting the ball through the windmill or the clown's mouth.
• Something to Chew on; We make a living be what we get. We make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill.

 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I peached at Salt Springs Christian Church this morning.
• The theme of the message focused on the Father's response to the prodigal son's return home. 
• Key Point #1, Undeserved grace is always shocking.
• Key Point #2, The prodigal's father reminds us we can always come home.
• Key Point #3, We all have prodigals in our life and if we are honest, we have all been the prodigal!
• Question. do  you loose your man card if you watch the women's freestyle skate in its entirety?
• Just a few more weeks until we fill out "The Bracket"
• It is amazing how sports bring us together. 
• Can you believe it, Central FL is experiencing Winter again this week! 
• Attended a funeral of a wonderful man this week, people made many kind comments, but what remember is how he faced death courageously. This is the hope of all who are in Christ!
• Something to Chew on;  I will prepare and someday my chance will come. ~ Abraham Lincoln

1. 
   

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn began a new series on generosity today.
• There is a battle between satisfaction and I just need one more...
• Generous people are joyful people. 
• To be a  generous person one must keep their eyes pure.
• I have preached on Matthew 6:24 many times, but Shawn brought a new spin on serving God and Mammon. Thank you Shawn.
• In the words of Rich Mullins, Everybody I know says they need one thing. And what they really mean is they need just one thing more.
• Question, what is your one thing? 
• I am fortunate to serve as the missions chair at KCC, our team is committed to global outreach.
• We made a quick trip to Atlanta last week for Lori's brother's funeral. So good to have all of her family together, even though it was a difficult time.
• Week 2 without football. However, March Madness is just around the corner.
• Something to Chew on; No one has ever become poor by Giving. ~ Ann Frank

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshipped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn wrapped up his series on everyday discipleship.
• The challenge for all of us is to eat like Jesus. 
• To eat like Jesus one must be compassionate and intentional.  
• A few of our elders and some of the church staff are spending a couple of days in Savannah GA at the Next Level conference.
• I am looking forward to spending some time with these fine people as we continue to seek learn new strategies for KCC. 
• We are seeing 2 Timothy 3:1-5 right before our eyes.
• New Sound System at the church, What a difference!
• How can it be this cold in Florida?
• I think snowball tossing should a an olympic sport.
• Now that I am retired, I want to make it my goal to grow old gracefully.
• Something to Chew on; You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old. ~ George Burns