Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series "Questions and Answers" looking at a question about His return.
• The focus of the message was to provide comfort in a world that is chaotic 
• Regardless what the newscasters say, we can take comfort Jesus will return and we shall see Him Face to Face.
• I can only imagine!
• Key Point #1, the Second Coming of  Jesus is in God's hands and His hands alone!
• Key Point #2, When one realizes Jesus is returning, one must come to grips with the Lordship issue regarding Jesus.
• On Tuesday we will officially be at the half way point of 2026, how are those New Year Resolutions going?
• Sunday Afternoon naps are enjoyable.
• Following worship this morning,We were able to enjoy some Mexican food at a restaurant. You may think that is not a Big Deal, but it was ourfirst Mexican dinner since we moved here in March! 
• That is life in the Forest.
• Something to Chew on; And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take to myself, that where I am you may be also. ~ Jesus

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day..

• I continued the series, Questions and Answers, looking at the Questions Jesus asked of people.
• Today's message was a question of values.
• Values do not just happen, values are learned and lived out as they are taught to our families.
• We have the capacity to gain the whole world, however it can come with a price. We can lose our soul.
• Our guest ministry is working! We are blessed to have a number of guest returning each week.
• Key Point #1, of all the titles we have for God, the word Father  is the most endearing. 
• Key Point #2, In the middle of the word obedience is the word DIE. This is a reminder of what Paul mentioned in Galatians 2:20.
• I am enjoying the crowds watching the World Cup games, even if their team does not have a chance to win, they have a passion for their team. Next to Team USA fans, the Scottish fans are the most fun to watch.
• How can there be only 1 Sunday left in June, 2026 is almost halfway over.
• When one of my kids visit it is always a good time.
• Something to Chew on, The best way to pass on our values is to model our values in front of our children and grandchildren. Let them see what is important to you. ~ From today's message

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series, Questions and Answers this morning looking at The question Jesus asked Peter. "Peter do you love me?" From John 21.
• This is probably the most important question Jesus asked in the gospels.
• Has Jesus ever asked you to fugitively "Lower Your Nets"and watch him do something marvelous? 
• Key Point of today's message; When you fail ,it is always easier to go back to the familiar rather than stretch your faith!
•  Cleaning up my mom's personal items is bringing back a lot of memories. 
• My brothers and I had a wonderful childhood, Thank you mom and dad!
• Lunch with my brothers is always a treat.
• One item mom left us was a diary to help us understand life when she grew up, Mom and Dad were overcomers.
• I have lived in Salt Springs for 3 months and I amazed how clear the skies are at night. So many stars!
• Something to Chew On; The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We began a new series this morning titled Questions and Answers.
• Today's question, Who is my neighbor? Looking at the Good Samaritan's actions.
• The Good Samaritan is a portrait of compassion.
• Th most compassionate thing we can do is tell others about Jesus.
• We kicked off our new guest ministry today. Good Stuff.
• This week we were going through my mother's items and came across a biography she had been writing before dementia interfered with her life.
• Growing up in the 40's and 50's was a different way of living.
• If i did not see it with my own eyes, I would not believe it, we had a monkey in our backyard this morning..
• With the wildlife in the forest, I seldom go out after dark.
• We are 82 days away from the beginning of the college football season.
• Something to Chew on; From today's message - Go and Do, two words, four letters, yet they have the ability to transform a church and a community. 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We wrapped up the series on Grace Notes this morning.
• We focused on how to seek grace when we have given in to temptation.
• Our message focused on a dark period in David's life, his sin with Bathsheba and the consequences of that sin.
• Key Point #1, Sin is devastating
• Key Point #2, Sin has one purpose, to separate us from God.
• Thankfully Grace and Mercy make it possible to have a new start.
• So thankful for the many friends who joined us in celebrating my mom's celebration of life Saturday. I am blessed to have so many friends. 
• Good friends know distance does not matter! IYKYK
• I do not say it often enough by I blessed beyond measure.
• I am also blessed with a loving family. Saturday's family lunch has to be a glimpsed of what heaven will be like.
• Something to Chew on; He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for tehe old order of things has passed away. ~ Revelation 21:4

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the series titled "Grace Notes" by looking at the attitude of the Older Brother in. Luke 15. 
• Key Point #1, It is hard to receive grace when you believe it must be earned
• Key Point #2, Bitterness blinds us to our blessings.
• Key Point #3, Withholding Grace is not an option.
• I take comfort knowing my mom is in heaven tonight.
• For the Christian, Death is a time of rest, a reunion, and a reward.
• SSCC is a wonderful caring church family and may be the best kept secret among the churches in Florida.
• The unofficial start of Summer begins now, That means College Football is just around the corner.
• Speaking of football who picked the Dolphins 2026 schedule? YIKES!
• Something to Chew on; You can pick up a piece of chalk and make it a dividing line or you can pick up an eraser and forgive the offense. It is your choice ~ Quote from this morning's message.
  
   

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I began a new sermon series this morning titled "Grace Notes." 
• Today's topic, the sweet aroma of Grace.
• Ephesians 2 reminds us we have a Life worth leaving and a Faith worth obtaining; all because of Grace. 
• Over the last 6 weeks I have watched my mom's health deteriorate rapidily. Friday we made the decision to place her in Hospice care. 
• HEY, Call your mom tonight!
• I'm cherishing every moment.
• Something to Chew on; I know there will be a Day when every tear will be wiped away and every hurt will be erased.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Today's message focued on 3 women who made a difference in the Life of Moses. His Mother, his Sister and an Egyptian Princess.
• One gave him life, One watched over his life, and One opened the door for his life.
• Next week I begin a new series titled, Grace Notes; God's Agenda for Transforming the World.
• Writing new messages is energizing!
• I feel blessed to lead this small church.
• A good friend's mother passed away this weekend, she was definitely a Proverbs 31 woman.
• I am getting to the age where it seems every week another friend is experiencing loss. 
• Thankfully we have Jesus.
• Speaking of loss. Mother's Day can be very difficult for those who have lost a mother due to death or whose child is absent, Belief me I know from personal experience, remember God knows our tears.
• Something to Chew on; Mothers are the Gorilla Glue of the family. ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We finished the series "this is us", looking at the purpose of SSCC this morning. 
• Today we focused on serving others.
• Key Point #1 We are most like Christ when we serve.
• Key Point #2 In a period of 24 hours, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and made it possible to wash away our sins.
• The worship team did a great job this morning tying the songs and communion meditation with the theme the of message today.
• Tis the Season; Proms, Commencements and and summer vacations will soon be a part of our vocabulary. 
• Watching the MAGIC collapse was painful.
• I received mail this week informing me of my high school's 50th reunion. I wonder if I should wear my leisure suit?
• Maybe I should try to find a baby blue tux for the occasion.
• Something to Chew on; When we serve, we look like Jesus. ~ Quote from today's message.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the message series "This is us" looking at the mission statement of SSCC.
• Today's message focused on Making Disciples.
• Key Point #1, Disciple making comes through building a deep relationship with others.
• Key Point #2,  We must understand, Making Disciples is not a suggestion, it is a command. 
• The illustration regarding the Dust of the Rabbi was very powerful this morning.
• The illustration about the Creamed Spinach was not powerful, but will be remembered for a long time. Note to Self; Next time vent the package.
• I attended the funeral of a wonderful lady yesterday. She was a Proverbs 31 lady.
• Why are funerals like reunions?
• I am not sure, but I think I got a glimpse of a Florida panther last night.
• I enjoyed watching the NFL draft this week. It want be long before NFL and College ball starts back up.
• My granddaughter received her report card this week, she received all A's. It looks like she got her smarts from her Nana not her Papa, 
• Something to Chew on; Only a Disciple can make a Disciple ~ A.W. Tozer

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day... 

• I continued the series; This is us, looking at the mission and priorities of SSCC.
• Today's message; "The Most Difficult Priority, Loving like Jesus Loves"
• This is the kind of love that transforms our homes, our community and most of all ourselves.
• We are blessed to call SSCC our home.
• It is amazing what animals one sees on our RING doorbell each morning, the forest comes alive at night!
• Lori and I celebrate the birth of our 5th grandchild this week. GOOD TIMES!
• I will be attending the funeral of a wonderful lady Saturday, Oh how my heart aches!
• Something to Chew on; Let those who consider the brevity of life remember the length of eternity. ~ Thomas Ken

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I kicked off a new series this morning titled, "This is Us", looking at our mission and purpose as we minister in theForest.
• Key point this morning; To fulfill our mission we are to Love God completely.
• The illustration regarding the Sadducees and the Pharisees reminds us we will never measure up without God's grace.
• I enjoy writing sermons again.
• There is something about digging into God's word and bringing the text to life!
• Two dear friends have received their heavenly reward the past couple months.
• While saddened by their passing I know there will be a day when everything will be made new!
• It is always good to talk to people who value generosity.
• Something to Chew on;  In light of my friends who passed away recently; Starting Strong is Good, Finishing String is Epic ~ Robin Sharma (and they did, Well done good and faithful friends, well done!)

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

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

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)