Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I concluded the series the Power of the Cross with a sermon titled ALIVE! The message focused on the first visitors to visit the tomb on Resurrection Sunday.
• Key Point, The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let the witnesses in.
• Can you imagine how the angel must have felt when he was tasked with announcing Jesus had risen from the grave!
• There is something comforting about a choir singing on Easter Morning.
• It is inspiring seeing all the posts on social media regarding the victories on Resurrection Sunday.
• Cancer, Memory Illnesses, tragic accidents; I am so glad there is more to life than life on this earth!
• Yes there will be a day when every tear will be wiped away.
• This week's wildlife report; I saw 1 bear, 1 deer, 1 fox and 3 very big squirrels. I love living in the forest. 
• Wow, 1/4 of the year is over! 
• I got Michigan as my national champ tomorrow evening. i believe they will experience the one shining moment!
• Something to Chew on; The very first Easter taught us LIFE never ENDS and LOVE never DIES ~ Kate McGahan 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day

• I continued my series on The Power of the Cross this morning looking at the bystanders at the cross.
• Key point  today, Innocent bystanders can be transformed by the cross and become active participants in the scheme of redemption.
• The illustration of Mary at the cross reminds us how brutal the crucifixion was and what is cost our savior to pay for our sins.
• Our family came together  at my niece's funeral. Saturday was a tough day, but we had God's comfort and one another's encouragement that brought us through the day.
• Thank you for the prayers and messages.
• There is something about our family cemetery that reminds us of our family heritage. There are now eight generations buried in the cemetery.  
• Dollar General has become our go to IYKYK! 
• There is something about church potlucks that bring on naps on a Sunday Afternoon.
• Some of these teams in march madness are men among boys.
• I do not believe it, today is #800 of SNR.
• ...and the reflecting continues!
• Something to Chew on; Grief is the price we pay for love. ~ Anonymous 

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

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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

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn continued his messages on Everyday Discipleship. 
• The focus of the message was on growing in community.
• Are you living in community with others?
• His illustration on running the Marathon was great, yes we do better together!
• I spent the weekend learning how to be a better elder and how to move the church toward God honoring growth.
• A good friend of mine joined the retirement team today. Thank you Steve for being an example of faithfulness to the Call! Well Done!
• Wow, Indiana is for real.
• How can January be almost over?
• Hey Northern Friends, Stay Warm, Spring is only 54 days away.
• Something to Chew on; Speaking of Community, Remember, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day... 

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn continued his series on everyday discipleship.
• Shawn preached a great message on a topic we seldom hear in today's pulpits - SIN!
• The impact of our sin is devastating to all of us.
• Because of Sin, we are powerless.
• He is correct we cannot fix our sin problem, we need outside help, and that help is Jesus.
• Our life group kicked or a new study Friday evening. Focusing on what it means to honor the Sabbath.
• God designed us to have a rhythm in this life and part of that rhythm is rest.
• Why is it when we set about time to rest we sometimes feel guilty?
• NFL playoff games played up north are brutal.
• With the college football season coming to a close tomorrow evening there is one question; Indiana or Miami?
• My first major project in retirement, organizing the garage, Fun Times - NOT!
• Something to Chew on; No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying. ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn focused on what it means to be a disciple.
• Loving God and Loving Others is the foundation of being a disciple.
• We attended the funeral of a Proverbs 31 lady Saturday. She was the ideal minister's wife and a wonderful adopted grandmother to my oldest son, David.
• Today she is resting in the arms of Jesus.
• Once again I discovered this is truly a small world as I reconnected with people from my first youth ministry over 40 years ago.
• So many good memories to share.
• Football wrap up #1, Indiana is for real.
• Football wrap up #2, passes intercepted after the ball is deflected should not be charged to the quarterback. Sorry Trevor.
• Something to Chew on; As we begin a new year listen to the words of Isaiah - Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing. ~ Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Shawn had a wonderful message based on the two lost sons of Luke 15. 
• Thank you Shawn for the different perspective on what we call the parable of the Prodigal Son.
• Shawn's application of the message was and will be transformative if you keep the resolution all year.
• It was great to witness a congregation practice generosity on Christmas Eve.
• Great things are happening at KCC.
• My first week as a retiree from full time work went well.  
• Curious, when should one take down their outdoor Christmas decorations?
• Dinner with Good Friends is always a treat!  
• Peanut Butter Fudge gone,  Chocolate Santa gone, Chex Party Mix gone, so glad I hide the White Chocolate Oreos!
• Something to Chew on; One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (ESV)