Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. Today we celebrated Youth Sunday with a message by Lance and worship led by the student ministry of KCC.
• Seeing the heart of these young people is truly inspiring. 
• Lance was recognized for serving KCC for 5 years today, Lance, thank you for your faithfulness (and Kellie too).
• For 17 years I served as a youth minister, so I know how important it is for a church to invest in students! Thank you KCC for making students a priority.
• BTW, we watched the baptismal waters stir again! So Good!
• We kicked off our Life Group Friday evening with an introduction to the Book of Proverbs. 
• What? August is Tuesday! 
• Hey, Public School teachers hang in there, you are making a difference. 
• More info on the impact CFBC/FCC/JUFL has made, currently there are 110 alumni who serve in the education field as teachers, administrators, and professors. Think of the lives changed because of the alumni who are serving in the field of education. 
• We are 32 days away from the kickoff of the College Football season.
• Something to Chew on; The most serious failure of leadership is the failure to foresee. ~ Robert Greenleaf.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. Jim's message focused on the importance of keeping our minds pure and set on things above.
• Jim's message was a great reminder of the importance of every act and every word starts from one's thought life.
• Once again we saw the baptismal water stir at the conclusion of the worship time. This never gets old. 
• Last week I shared the influence CFBC/FCC/JUFL has had on the state of Florida, this week I am pleased to share there are currently 43 alumni of CFBC/FCC/JUFL serving as senior ministers outside the state of Florida, yes the influence of CFBC/FCC/JUFL is far-reaching. 
• I continue to be amazed at the generosity of people.
• Our Life Group starts back up this Friday evening with a study from the book of Proverbs. 
• We spent Saturday morning visiting Animal Kingdom. My new favorite ride at Disney World is the tram that takes you from the parking lots to the main gates, especially on days when the heat index is 107!
• You know it is hot when the outside temps and your utility bill are both in the triple digits! 
• Something to Chew on; Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. ~ Thomas A. Edison

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Jim's message focused on the important role the church plays in changing the culture from the Book of Habakkuk.
• I have heard very few sermons from this minor prophet, thank you, Jim, for bringing a message from a minor prophet who had a major message!
• Our Life Group resumes this week.  
• Since the closing of JUFL was announced I have received text messages, emails, and phone calls wishing me well. I am humbled by their concern, thank you!
• I have been looking at the influence CFBC/FCC/JUFL has made in the state of Florida; of the 195 churches in the state, Thirty-seven are led by graduates of CFBC/FCC/JUFL. More facts to come over the course of the next few weeks.
• We are halfway through July, which means college football is just around the corner.
• Rice Krispy treats are a simple but satisfying treat!
• Speaking of Snap, Crackle, and Pop, those are the sounds of my knees every morning.
• Something to Chew on;  When you are surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment and a common purpose, anything is possible. ~ Howard Schultz

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from a Difficult Day...

• First the Good. We attended Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. 
• Jim had a wonderful message focusing on taking responsibility for your life, from Genesis 3 and Psalm 51. 
• Who knew pop tarts can ruin one's day!
• We received many kind words of encouragement this morning. Weeping with those who weep.
• Now the Bad. By now many of you have heard Johnson University Florida will be closing its doors in May of 2024. So sad to see my alma mater close.
• Back to the Good. While many are saddened at JUFL's closing. We can rejoice in the number of alumni who have preached sermons, led student ministries, overseen worship services, operated non-profit organizations, Led VBS programs, visited the mission fields around the world, and helped churches grow stronger. Yes JUFL made and will CONTINUE to make a difference long after the campus is closed. We made a mark the world will never erase.
• Back to the Bad. Just like the loss of a loved one, we will grieve the loss of our alma mater. I personally know the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. The stages are not steps, but different stages. Some of you may be at stage 2 right now, others are at stage 4, but whatever stage you are in remember your grief is as unique as you are. One day we will all arrive at stage 5.
• Back to the Good. We are planning one last gathering in April of 2024, I hope you will be a part of this Special Day as we remember the Special College that has a Special Place in our hearts.
• Finally please remember in prayer the Faculty, Staff, and Students as we navigate the upcoming academic year. I am not going to kid you, it will be difficult. There will be job searches, new homes, tough goodbyes, and also unexpected trials. Yet I know God is faithful.
• Something to Chew on; May the Zeal never cease!

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• It was a two-fer Sunday. This morning I preached at Southside Christian Church in Fort Pierce, this evening we were blessed to attend the Liberty Voices in concert at Kissimmee Christian Church.
• So good to catch up with LOOOOONG-time friends tonight, Chuck and Nancy, it was good to see you guys.
• The morning message focused on the Power of God; God has the power to handle our difficulties, orchestrate our redemption and provide for our eternity.  
• I have to admit patriotic music stirs my soul! Thank you, Dirk and Liberty Voices.  
• I could listen to their rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic every day!
• Another preacher received his heavenly reward this week. I have known Larry since I was in High School. This week he heard Jesus say, "Well Done, Good and Faithful servant!"
• I first met Larry when he was a camp counselor at North Florida camp, back when senior ministers worked a week of camp.
• Six months of 2023 are now history, I wonder what the next six months will bring?
• We are only 55 days until the college football season begins! Get your pom-poms ready!
• Is it too early to be making Thanksgiving Dinner plans?
• Something to Chew on; People who enjoy meetings should not be in charge of anything. ~ Thomas Sowell