Since I was gone most of June it has been really busy getting back into the saddle.  But I must admit, I have loved every minute of it.  Missed being in my office studying and preparing.  Missed teaching God's Word to our people.  Missed seeing life change each week.  Already looking forward to this Sunday morning as we talk about how to find the center of God's Will.

Just a bunch of random thoughts:
* In our staff meeting Monday I asked the staff to memorize these verses:

Colossians 4:5-6 
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

* These verses bring home the vision of this church.  To reach people no one is reaching we must take every opportunity very seriously.  Our conversation must show others we love Jesus and we love people.
* I've been working out hard this week and watching what I eat (already lost 4 or 5 pounds) but have a long way too go.
* One of the greatest things you could do for me is pray.  If you would, please take the time to pray for me in these three areas:
    1. For God to open my mind and heart to His scriptures.  I desperately want to teach the Word of God clearly.  For me to do this
        I must know and understand His Word.  I love reading the Bible and take teaching it very seriously.  I want to be the best
        Bible teacher possible so we can see more changed lives. 
    2. Vision, leadership, boldness and wisdom.  Without these I can not lead our church to another level.
    3. That I will be a better husband and Dad.  I can never let the church become my first or second priority. 
        God, family then the church.
I would greatly appreciate your prayers.
* Received this e-mail form Ann.  Read about a phone conversation she had this morning.
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know about a call I received this morning from someone that visited the Fourth Event and came to church Sunday.  _________________ called to tell us how much they appreciated our church doing the Fourth event and that her grandson, age 2 had a great time.  She was in tears expressing her gratitude that a church cared enough to give so much to people that could not afford to do much for their families, due to limited incomes.  She said she would definitely be back and wanted us all to know that even though some of our workers were cursed at, they were greatly appreciated.
Ann
* Renatus (Pastor of 5 Point i Africa) just text me to let us know they received the funds for the chairs.  Yeah baby.  Our African brothers and sisters will not be sitting on the ground this Sunday.
* Really praying about some big leadership decisions.  Begging God for wisdom and guidance.
* Wal-Mart is moving.  I want that building.  Its going to be really cool to see what God does.
* Several people have asked if we'll be doing another marriage improvement?  YES!  Starts once school begins.
* The next two weeks messages are almost completed.  Get ready to be challenged.
* Begging God for people who have been in church most or all of their life to get saved during the next few weeks.
* I'd love to baptize 100 more people on August 29th, that is our annual Lake/Baptism day. 
* Going to the lake this weekend with the family.  LOVE IT!
* We'll be doing something totally different in worship this Sunday.  Don't be one minute late.
* You'll be seeing changes to our services every week.  Just tweaking with a few things.
* Don't forget tonight is Party Time.  For this you want to come and play we'll be meeting at Par-Tee Time in Easley form 7:00 - 8:30.
Great family and fun time.
* Enough for now. 

* One more thought.  Why is it that spell check on my computer doesn't recognize Colossians as a word?  Its only a book in the Bible?