Random Thoughts

Here are just a few things I thought about today:

* Tennessee football starts in 34 days!

* Where am I going to watch the game? (It is on ESPN and we do not have cable)

* We had a good time with Leah's sister and her husband this past week while they were here visiting.

* God isn't interested so much in how we pray, or how much we pray. He enjoys the process of us getting to know Him through prayer!

* I need some new pants for the school year.

* School starts in just over a week! Man this summer has flown by.

* We are looking forward to spending time with friends and family this weekend in Chattanooga.

* I have heard that statistics show that over 75% of Knox county did not attend church anywhere this past Sunday. Something needs to be done about that.

* Churches/Christians aren't doing their job. (See thought above)

* Looking forward to watching an episode or two of Everwood with Leah tonight!

Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear

I have students tell me all the time that the music they listen to is for entertainment only and it does not effect them in any way. Really? I do not buy it. I came across this article the other day and I thought I would share. Just take a minute and read it...maybe you will change your mind about the effect that music has on a ones thinking.

Burning Heart

Leah is out of town. She is in Panama City with the student ministry for camp. Landon and I have the wonderful opportunity to chill all week together (so far so good). While Leah is away, I am taking some time to watch some of my movies. You know guys, the movies that you have at the house that you watch when the wife is away. Ladies, you do the same thing. Personally, I have chosen the Rocky movies. Not only do you get a great underdog story, you get comedy, a love story and perhaps some of the greatest 80's music of all time. What you don't believe me? Watch this.



Ok, time for Rocky 4!

Reading Update

I have finished reading When God Builds A Church by Bob Russell. I think it is a excellent read and any Pastor, staff member or volunteer of a local church would highly benefit from picking up this book. It is an easy read. Pastor Russell is very pratical. The 10 principles that he suggests God uses to build a great church are without a doubt paramount for church growth.
I have failed to listen to all of the audiobook Leadership By The Book by Ken Blanchard, Bill Hybles and Phil Hodges. I assumed it would take a little longer to listen to a book, but I did not plan on taking this long. Once I have finished it, I will give you and update.

Summer Movies

Just thought I would let you know that the summer movie season is upon us...just in case you live under a rock. Leah and I are finding it a little harder to get away to see as many movies as we would like. (Landon has a ADD...like most 17 month old babies.)
About a week ago we were able to see Get Smart. I love the tv show. You just can't find quality like that on TV today. The movie has its funny parts. I really like Steve Carrell's sense of humor. There were a couple of times I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.
This weekend we are going to WV. to visit some of Leah's extended family. We already have an evening planned with her cousins to see Hancock. I have heard mixed reviews about it so I'm anxious to watch it. To be honest, the movie I am looking forward to seeing the most this summer is Wall-E. I have heard nothing but great comments about the new Pixar film.
I'll be back next Wednesday. Have a happy 4ht of July!

Guest Post From Leah

This past Saturday marked the first day of summer. Here in Knoxville summer often brings high humidity and unbearable heat. In an effort not to complain about those I thought I would focus on the many things I love about summertime.

I love when the days are long and it's light until bedtime. I love it when people sit outside on their decks talking and laughing until the fireflies come out. I love lazy days spent by the lake or a pool. I love summer picnics with juicy watermelon for dessert. I love fireworks on the Fourth of July. I love spur-of-the-moment trips to Brewsters for cake batter ice cream. I love the sound of crickets singing late at night. I love grilled corn on the cob. I love the smell of rain on hot pavement. I love the unexpected breeze that blows in the middle of a steamy afternoon. I love how the mountains are so green that they look like giant heads of broccoli. I love summertime fairs and festivals. I love fresh summer strawberries. I love wearing flip-flops every day. I love going bare foot in the grass. I love the sight of kids running through the sprinkler, and have to admit I love to do the same. I love lying on my back and watching fluffy clouds float by in an impossibly clear blue sky. I love the extra dose of sunshine that summer inevitably brings. For all of these reasons, and many more, I love summertime.