I'm cutting back.
Throwing away...
Let me explain.
I love to read and as a pastor, I'm always looking for a good, new, fresh illustration (stories) to really top a sermon off. Because of that, over the course of my ministry I've subscribed to magazines and purchased books. The only problem is, I've had too many coming in. They pile up beside my chair. When we go on a trip, I would put them in a box and plan to go through them while we drove. And I went through many of them. But I never got through them all.
For years this has been somewhat of a sore spot w/my wife but she has always been patient and basically said nothing until the stack would get too large and she would demand action. Recently, I started taking action on my own. I've cancelled some thing, thrown away some things and it feels good. In business, it's called streamlining.
Do you need to streamline your life? Do you need to eliminate some things?
People are extremely busy today. I mean, we're always "running in a store" or hurriedly making a stop at a convenience store. It's almost like we take pride in being busy. But, is that the way God wants us to live? I don't think so.
I'm trying to cut back. Jesus said "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of His righteousness and all these other things will be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
Put the Lord first and allow Him to streamline your life.

Who am I?
That's a question that lots of people seem to be asking.
In an attempt to answer it, people spend money on clothes to try to project a certain image. Or, they purchase a new automobile to attempt to do the same. Or, they try to keep up with their neighbors and spend money they don't need to.
All of this is done in an attempt to be someone or act like someone that we admire. And through all of that, we never find out who we are.
Who are you?
First, you are a child of the king of kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.
Second, you are loved by the Lord Jesus.
Third, you are gifted by the Lord Jesus. That means you have been given a certain set of spiritual gifts. God wants you to use those gifts for His glory.
Fourth, you are called by the king. In the book of Acts, the Bible says that God called Saul to be a missionary to the Gentiles. God has called each one of us as well.
So, who are you? That's a key "life" question for most of us. Ask the Lord to reveal to you who you are... what your giftedness is, etc... and be who the Lord called you to be.

Last Friday I had an excellent day. Well, I've had some good days since then as well but that day was a particularly good day.
I was talking to Holli Friday morning and we were discussing Robert. I had just told Holli that I felt disconnected from Robert and that I didn't see him much. I know, it gets worse the older they get.
Well, about the time he comes up the stairs from his room and says that the boys who were supposed to be playing golf with him backed out so, he was trying to decide what to do. Immediately I thought, "Here's your chance. You've felt disconnected from him well, here's your chance to spend a day with him."
I thought about it for a few minutes and decided to go with him. I did have some other things I needed to do but I knew that all of it could wait another day. So, I played golf with my oldest son.
We had a blast. I felt like I got reconnected with him. Robert is a good golfer. He played on his high school golf team. I felt a sense of pride as I watched him gradually get better the longer we played.
Then, after finishing a round of golf, I took Will, my middle son, and a couple of his friends to see the Rome Braves play. We had a great time.
When I got home Friday night I was beat but, I had invested a day in my two sons. You can't beat that.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me three great kids. Thank you that each one is a Christian and trying to follow you.

I watched the MLB All-star game last night. Well, I watched it through the 7th inning. It was 11:00 then which is past when I want to go to bed so, I gave it up. The AL was winning when I went to bed and they hung on for the final two innings.
I enjoy watching the All-star game. I really enjoy the pageantry. Last night, prior to the game, there was a huge salute to the "say hey" kid, Willie Mays. The television announcer said "if he wasn't the greatest, he was one of the greatest to ever play the game." That's a strong statement.
I get goose bumps every time I see a tribute like that. There were the pictures on the jumbo tron then, Willie Mays made his entrance walking between the players on the AL and NL all-star teams. It was neat seeing a "former great" of the game walking among the stars of today.
I wish we had more moments like that. We need to recognize people, encourage people. There is an old saying "give someone their roses while they are living."
Is there someone today that you need to say a word of encouragement to? Send someone an email. Offer to buy them lunch. Give them a call. Write them a note but by all means, do something to offer encouragement and express appreciation.

In my post yesterday (7.09.07) I mentioned that one of the highlights of my trip to the coast last week was getting a fresh supply of Community coffee. Someone asked me what was so special about Community coffee. I mean, in a world that has gone crazy over Starbucks, what's so special about Community?
It's strong. I like strong coffee. Maybe that's the "Louisiana" in me. Louisianian's are known for enjoying "strong" coffee.
It has some "bite" in it. I'm not real sure what gives it the "bite" taste but there is only one other coffee that I have had that is similar and that is Hill and Brooks coffee.
I like the bag. No kidding. No, the bag doesn't make it taste any better but I like the "red bag" it comes in. It's got the picture of the antebellum home on the front. The bag makes it look like it ought to be good, strong coffee. lol
It reminds me of home. I hadn't thought about this until I started writing but every time I purchase a bag or bags of community coffee, I'm reminded of home. Maybe that's weird but it's true.
If you have ever lived away from the place you call "home", when you make trips back "home" there maybe a restaurant, or a store, or a place on the beach or a spot in the woods that you enjoy going to that is a favorite spot. Community coffee is like that for me.
Well, there it is... a theological treatise on why I like Community coffee. Now, I think I'll have a cup!
P.S. If you think about it, drop me a line at gepotts1@aol.com and let me know if you are a coffee drinker and if so, what brand you prefer.

I really had a good week last week.
We went to the Mississippi gulf coast to get away a few days. We ate some seafood, saw some friends and just "chilled" for a few days. I needed it. The month of June had been exceptionally busy so I was a tad bit tired.
The only regret from last week is that I didn't get to see more people. I just needed to hibernate and I did.
On our return trip home on Friday we even got to see my parents which topped everything off.
Then, I went in a Wal Mart and loaded up with a fresh supply of Community coffee. I even picked up some Zapps potato chips for the kids.
There are three weeks left before school kicks in again. I'm looking forward to three good weeks before get back in "busy" mode.

In an earlier post this week I wrote that we were visiting the Mississippi gulf coast and "reconnecting" some. One of the things I really look forward to in coming to the coast is eating seafood. I have had two opportunities thus far. I feel like "Bubba Gump"... I'm enjoying fried shrimp, broiled shrimp, etc... lol

We have had an opportunity to visit with some friends and the kids have as well. It's been a good trip. The only downside is we can't see everyone we would like to see.

A little quote from "Shrek"; last night we watched Shrek I. On one occasion Shrek says "people judge me before they even know me." That's pretty good. Shrek's right. We often judge people before we get to know them. Today, be careful not to judge others. Try to love people as Jesus would.

This post may ramble some today. I have thoughts but they are not necessarily all together.

Reconnecting...
I'm not totally sure all that means but I'm doing some of it this week.
We lived on the Mississippi gulf coast for 12 years. Our kids spent a big portion of their lives here. We have some very good memories from the coast. Last night we dropped our daughter off to spend a few days with one of her friends. We dropped her off at the softball fields. I walked around and remembered all the softball games Sarah played here. We have lots and lots of good memories there. We have friends here. Last night we got to visit with a few folks that we knew from our involvement in kids sports when we lived here.
Our kids have for the past couple of years enjoyed coming to the coast about once a year to see their old friends and just see what's changed. We drive around and look at the area. Of course, lots of things changed after Katrina.
We drove to the coast yesterday. Sarah is spending some time with some friends and Will is doing the same. Robert couldn't come. He has to work this week because he went on vacation with his girlfriend's family last week.
Holli and I will rest some, ride around some, see a few people, eat some seafood and I will take back a fresh supply of Community coffee. I might even take back some shrimp if I can convince my wife. lol The down side of something like this is we can't see everyone we would like to see. There's not enough time.
I need to reconnect periodically. I'm not sure why but I do.
Maybe it's remembering our roots. Maybe it's re-visiting the familiar. Not sure. But I need it.
You probably do as well. This week is a holiday week. Take some time and re-connect with someone.

What are we willing to do to accomplish something great? Any time anything great is accomplished there is normally an individual or a group of people who are willing to sacrifice and work toward a common goal. Such was the case with the American Revolution which led to the birth of our nation.
This Wednesday we will celebrate our nation’s birth. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed declaring the intent of the colonies to be free from the tyranny of England.
But that Declaration didn’t just happen. Events had been unfolding for some time that led to this moment. One of those events took place in the Virginia House of Burgesses on March 23, 1775.
There, Patrick Henry urged the legislature to take military action against the encroaching British military force. The House was deeply divided, but was very much leaning toward not committing troops. As Henry stood in Saint John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, he ended his speech with his most famous words: Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
The crowd jumped up and shouted "To Arms! To Arms!". This speech is credited by some with single-handedly delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War.
“Give me liberty or give me death!”
Patrick Henry wanted liberty so much he was willing to die if necessary. He declared that he would rather die in a quest for freedom than live in slavery. He wasn’t alone.
Our founding fathers shared the same passion for freedom. It was a passion that moved them and led them to take up arms in a battle for freedom.
Benjamin Franklin reportedly said as he signed the Declaration, “We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” He wasn’t kidding. He knew that if the revolution failed, the signers of the Declaration would be tried and convicted of treason. But, Franklin and others were willing to pay that price for freedom.
Great causes and great projects require great commitment and sacrifice. Let’s thank the Lord for the freedom we enjoy as Americans and for those who sacrificed for our freedom.

The iphone comes out today.
For weeks now there has been advertising about apples new iphone. It's projected to be the newest "gotta have" gadget. Some of the reviews I have read say that the iphone is indeed worth the hype it's received. One of the things about the iphone that supposedly makes it worthy of the hype is that it's much easier to view web pages on it than it is with many portable devices.
I love gadgets and I have noticed the advertising for the iphone. It seems like a pretty cool piece of equipment. However, I hadn't given much thought to the anticipated release of the iphone until I saw a picture in the paper of a man who has camped out in front a store for a day or two to be first in line to get an iphone. That guy obviously wanted an iphone badly.
The iphone will probably fall into the category of things that many will think "you just gotta have." It will be the newest "cool" gadget. I can see people gathered around someone that has purchased one looking at all it will do and being amazed and saying "I gotta get one of these."
Gadgets are neat and new cars are nice and clothes make us feel "new" but.... we need to remember what Jesus said about "stuff"; "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19).
There is nothing wrong with purchasing things we like if we can afford them and if we like them as long as we realize they are not the most important things in life.
We need to remember what Jesus went on to say in that same chapter; "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).

I guess I would be described as a "people person." I normally don't meet many strangers. At least, they aren't a stranger for long. And, when I meet someone, Holli tells me I warm up quick. I become "instant buds" with people who ten minutes prior were strangers. I don't know if that's good or not but it's pretty close to accurate. lol
And, I have a tendency to be a "back slapper." Maybe I was supposed to be a politican. It is natural for me in shaking someone's hand to touch/slap them on the back. Some say I have given people back problems with may hard slaps on the back (I don't think they are but I've been told they are). I have noticed that when I shake the hands of some people who know me well they draw up in the area of their shoulders anticipating my back slap. lol Holli especially cautions me to be careful with the elderly.
I have always enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them.
Recently, I met a guy in the gym who once played football for North Carolina State. We talked about some of their former coaches and players. I enjoy talking sports with anyone.
And, I met a guy at the gas pump who is an LSU fan. He had more LSU gear on than I have ever had. We talked and I discovered that he has a daugther in the band.
During summer baseball I have enjoyed getting to know some new people. In fact, thus far this year, that's probably been one of the highlights of the summer for me. I have met some new people and made some new friends.
There are 6 billion people on this earth. And, Jesus died for each one of them. God's plan is for those of us who have asked Jesus to forgive us of our sins to share the love of God with others. In order to do that, we have to meet new people. We don't need to stay in our same circle.
I encourage you today to meet someone new. Force yourself to meet someone new. Try to build a relationship with them and eventually, try to share the love of Christ with them. In doing so, you will have the privilege of leading some to Christ and making some new friends as well.

Today, instead of writing something inspirational or motivational... I am going to open up my soul to let you see a little of what God is doing in my life.
God has been speaking to me.
For some time now my heart has been heavy about a couple of issues. I'll not share those but God knows what they are and I ask you to lift me up in prayer whenever my name comes to your mind. A couple of weeks ago, in an attempt to seek answers to these issues I sensed a need to open up my heart and just allow the Lord to speak. As I have done that, God has been speaking to me.
Now, it hasn't been a bolt of lightning or anything... some of it is issues that I've known I needed to deal with but just kept pushing them aside.
I have asked the Lord to speak to me and lead me to make changes where changes are necessary. I've asked the Lord to not make me hurt but I'm not sure that part of my prayer is right. You may have to hurt at times to get things right with the Lord.
Pray for me as I continue on this journey.

This past Sunday, my oldest son, Robert, turned 20.
Twenty..
He’s an adult now.
It may take a while for that to sink in.
As my dad would say “he’s a grown man.”
Yep, he’s not little “Robert James” any more.
But, in my mind he is…
I can see his mom pulling him to church in his red wagon that Paw Paw and Maw Maw Potts had given him for Christmas. The church was just up the road from our house so she didn’t have to go far. Ha!
I laugh when I think of his fascination with his Houston Astros cap that his “Huncle Hemmitt” (his name is “Emmette” but Robert put that “h” in front of it.) brought him back from Houston. He wore that cap 24/7.
And, I chuckle when I think of taking him to his first day of kindergarten in Brookhaven. As I put him out I thought “well, he’s gone.. he’ll never be home during the day again.” He was only 5! It wasn’t like he was going off to college. But in my mind, he may as well have been.
Robert has brought his mom and me lots and lots of happiness.
He became a Christian during a revival meeting when Dr. Darrell Robinson was preaching. When I got home from church that night, his mom had let him stay up to tell me that when Dr. Robinson “prayed that prayer” he had “prayed with him.” In doing so, my son had asked Jesus into his heart.
He grew up in Vancleave. He was blessed to have been able to go through elementary, middle and high school in one school system. When we moved to Dallas, he wanted to remain behind and finish school there. It stretched us some but we did it and don’t regret it.
In the past two years Robert has been growing up. He spent a year at LSU as manager of the fast pitch softball team then, came to Dallas to be with us. He is working and going to college. In the past year, he has worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Kennessaw. He recently received a promotion to “front end lead supervisor.”
Robert is a very compassionate young man. He cares for people. He doesn’t want to let anyone down. If he is told to do something, he tries to do it. He has a good work ethic. He has gone in to cover for people who have called him at the last minute. And, at times, I’ve felt like his “good heartedness” has probably been taken advantage of but, he goes anyway.
As a dad, I’m proud of the man he is becoming.
Happy birthday, buddy. I know you’re 20 but you will always be my little “ball game watching buddy to me.”

Even when we are mis-matched, God still loves us.
I discovered that truth today.
Let me explain.
Have you ever thought you had it "all together" only to discover you really didn't?
Did I hear someone say, "Yeah, that happens to me all the time?" lol
I understand.
This morning, it happened to me...again.
When I'm dressing, I occasionally have a difficult time deciding if I have chosen black or blue socks. To solve the problem, I periodically put them up against somegthing that is black or blue to determine if I have the right color.
This is especially a problem for me on Sunday mornings.
We have an 8:30 service so, I'm dressing early. I'm trying to be quiet because Holli is still sleeping. I go to the sock drawer and hold up the sock to get enough light on it to see if it's black or blue. I face this problem during the week but it's not as important to get the right color socks during the week. But on Sunday morning.... well, you gotta have the right color socks. I mean, just in case folks are looking at your socks instead of listening to the sermon. It's really important to have the right color socks. They teach you that in seminary. It's right there in the book "Dress for Success as a Preacher"; "Thou shalt have matching socks." I'm kidding, of course.
Well, this morning, I went to the sock drawer looking for navy socks. I found a pair and finished dressing. It was only after I sat down in my office that I realized... I had a blue and black sock on. I guess today, I'm dressed versatile!
When I saw the two different color socks, I laughed. I thought I was doing so well and all along, I had two different color socks.
I had driven to work confident my socks matched.
I had greeted people confident, my socks matched.
I felt good about the day confident I had on matching socks.
Now, they don't match. Life's a bummer.
So, even when you think you have it all together, we often don't.
But I think the real question is, "what do you do when you realize you dont' have it all together?"
I think we realize that God loves us even if our socks don't match! Even if we are mis-matched, God still loves us.
So, right now, check your socks. If you made the mistake of putting two different color socks on, take a deep breath and say "Thank you, Lord, for loving me even when my socks don't match!"

The title of this blog is "if not for grace." When I created the blog about a year ago, I selected the title because I wanted to stress that God loves us, forgives us and enables us to start over in life. But, although I believe in the grace of God, I didn't even realize how often we see God's grace at work.
In my study of God's word I am continually confronted with examples of grace.
Last night, at our Wednesday night prayer meeting service we studied the ninth chapter of Acts. That's the story of Saul's conversion. Saul was a murderer before being converted yet today, he stands out as one of the most significant men in the history of the church.
Then, there is King David. The scripture describes him as a "man after God's heart" yet, David committed adultery. God's grace is seen in his life.
Then, there is John Mark. He deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Yet, God uses him to write what many Bible scholars believe was the first gospel written, the gospel according to Mark.
Then, there is Simon Peter. On the night of the betrayal of our Lord, he had denied the Lord. Then, on the day of Pentecost, it's Simon Peter who preaches the first Christian sermon in history.
I could continue but, you get the point.
Are you struggling today to believe that God could use you in his service? Are you focusing on a mistake you made and think that disqualifies you from service? God's word is filled with examples of people who, "if were not for grace" may have never been heard from again. Accept God's grace today.
"Grace, grace, God's grace.
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God's grace.
Grace that is greater than all our sin."

Recently I read a book entitled The Fred Factor. I
t's a small book but it has a great story and message. The book is about a mailman. And, the mailman's name is Fred. But Fred isn't an ordinary mail man. Fred is a mail man who gets to know every person on his route and tries to help each one.
The book was written by a guy named Mark Sanborn. As Mr. Sanborn tells the story he says that he first met Fred after purchasing a home that he intended to renovate. Just days after moving in he heard a knock at the door and upon opening it, he saw a mailman standing on his porch. "Good morning, Mr. Sanborn, My name is Fred and I'm your postal carrier. I just stopped by to introduce myself and to welcome you to the neighborhood and find out a little bit about you..." How is that for a greeting!Mr. Sanborn was startled. He had been receiving mail for years but he had never been greeted quite like Fred had just greeted him. Well, that greeting made such an impression on Mr. Sanborn that he began telling the story of his mailman, Fred, in speeches that he gave to various companies and, upon finishing the speech, people would want to know more about Fred.So, he decided to write a book entitled "The Fred Factor." It's how anyone can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Today, be a Fred. Be exceptional at what you do. Make a difference in someone's life.

Recently I read a book entitled The Fred Factor. It's a small book but it has a great story and message.
The book is about a mailman. And, the mailman's name is Fred. But Fred isn't an ordinary mail man. Fred is a mail man who gets to know every person on his route and tries to help each one.
The book was written by a guy named Mark Sanborn. As Mr. Sanborn tells the story he says that he first met Fred after purchasing a home that he intended to renovate. Just days after moving in he heard a knock at the door and upon opening it, he saw a mailman standing on his porch.
"Good morning, Mr. Sanborn, My name is Fred and I'm your postal carrier. I just stopped by to introduce myself and to welcome you to the neighborhood and find out a little bit about you..."
How is that for a greeting!
Mr. Sanborn was startled. He had been receiving mail for years but he had never been greeted quite like Fred had just greeted him.
Well, that greeting made such an impression on Mr. Sanborn that he began telling the story of his mailman, Fred, in speeches that he gave to various companies and, upon finishing the speech, people would want to know more about Fred.
So, he decided to write a book entitled "The Fred Factor." It's how anyone can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Today, be a Fred. Be exceptional at what you do. Make a difference in someone's life.

This past Sunday was Father's Day and I had a good one.
Saturday, I was asked to assist our new high school baseball coach in a tournament our team was in. My son went 7 for 7! Yeah, I was proud. Pumped. Ecstatic. Pick a word.. they all fit.
Then, on Sunday, all of the kids were together. That's becoming rare in our home. It was good having everyone together. Holli cooked on the grill so, I got to sit in my favorite chair, read the Sunday paper and eat in the comfort of our home. I love eating out but yesterday, eating at home was nice.
I love my family. I enjoy time spent with them. Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with three great kids and a loving wife. Thank you, for the priviledge of being a dad. Thank you for the joy I have experienced from being a father.

Pat Williams is one of my favorite authors. I just started reading his book The Warrior Within. It's a book based on Asher, one of the sons of Jacob in the book of Genesis. Asher is known as a great warrior.
In the first chapter of the book the author has a quote from Dr. David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Churchnear San Diego, California. Dr. Jeremiah is a very busy man. The church of which he is pastor is large and consequently, there are multiple demands on his time. In light of those demands, he makes an interesting statment. Dr. Jeremiah says, "There are others who can counsel, others who can make personnel decisions, others who can orchestrate the organization, but there is only one man in the whole world who can be a father to my children - and that's me. I had better be that father while I have the opportunity."
Wow! Strong statement!
That reminds me that I had better use my time wisely. It also reminds me that the meeting that I think I must attend isn't nearly as important as sitting in the stands during a ballgame for my child or a dance recital or an awards ceremony.
This Sunday is Father's Day. Dad, make time for your children. You won't regret it.

My television watching largely consists of ESPN, CNN, The History channel and trying to find a good movie periodically. I'm not much of a sitcom or reality tv guy. Each night, I will typically sit down and scan the channels to see what's on that, in my opinion, is worth watching. A good western normally normally stirs my interest!
Last night, Braveheart was on. I noticed that it hadn't been on but about 25 minutes so, I figured I hadn't missed too much so I started watching it. Like I said earlier, I'm not a big tv guy but, a good movie helps to transport me from my world into another world and sometimes, I need that. Sometimes, I need to stop thinking about things that's bothering me and a good movie helps me do that. I was a little down last night until I saw that Braveheart was on.
I love good quotes or lines from movies. (I'm always looking for sermon material...lol). There are several good lines from Braveheart.
On one occasion, Robert Bruce, the king of Scotland's son and the heir to the throne, was struggling with a decision. As the king observed this he said "Leadership is hard." Amen to that! It is challenging.
On another, William Wallace is encouraging Robert Bruce to lead. He says "leadership takes courage." I can agree with that one too. It's not always popular to make the tough decisions.
But the quote that I think I remember most from Braveheart is when William Wallace is in prison awaiting his death. He is visited by the wife of the heir to the throne of England. She pleads with him to beg for mercy and live and not die. William Wallace responds, "All men must die but not everyone lives." He was willing to die for the possibility of freedom for Scotland.
"All men must die but not everyone lives." That's a strong statement. Are you living? Or, perhaps the better way of asking that question is, "what are you living for?" What matters to you? All of us have things we are passionate about. We need to make sure we are passionate about things that matter.

What are you willing to do for things to be better in your life?
That's a key question we often confront.
Let's say you want to lose some weight. Ok. There are weight loss programs that work but each requires changing our eating habits. Are we willing to do that?
Or, let's say we want to get a second degree. There are plenty of opportunities for getting the degree but each one requires time on our part. Are we willing to invest that time?
Again, what are we willing to do to make things better in our lives?
There is a story in the Bible of a man named Naaman. He was an important man - he was the king of Aram's army. The Bible says that Naaman was a great warrior. He was probably a well respeced man. In today's vernacular, Naaman was "the man."
But he had one problem and it was pretty significant; Naaman had leprosy.
On one ocassion, the Aramean army had gone out on a raid and had taken captive a girl from Israel. She was then made a slave for Naaman's wife.
She told "Mrs. Naaman" that there was a prophet in Israel (Elisha) who could heal Naaman of his leprosy. "Mrs. Naaman" passed that along to her husband who in turn told the king of Aram.
The king wanted to take care of Naaman because he was such a great warrior. So the king gave Naaman permission to go to Israel to be healed.
Upon arriving in Israel and meeting Elisha, Naaman was told to dip seven times in the water of the river Jordan and he would be healed. Upon hearing this, Naaman was furious. He was so furious, he turned to walk away from Elisha.
Why was he so angry? It was becuase he felt if simply dipping in water seven times would heal you, why couldn't he have done that in his homeland as opposed to coming to Israel. But I think there may have been another reason.
Naaman may have wanted to make a big deal out of his being healed. Dipping in the waters of the river Jordan wasn't as glamorous as what Naaman had in mind.
But one of his servants spoke to him and calmed him down and reasoned with him. Finally, Naaman realized his pride was about to get the best of him and he followed Elisha's counsel and dipped himself seven times in the waters of the Jordan. Upon doing so, Naaman was healed.
What do we learn from this story?
We learn that pride almost prevented Naaman from being healed.
If we are not careful, pride can prevent us from doing some things that we need to do.
Proverbs 16:18 says "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. "
Today, be careful and don't let pride prevent you from asking forgiveness, or granting forgiveness or asking for instructions on something. Be willing to humble yourself to receive the blessings of God.

I'm reading a book entitled "Down, but not out." It's written by a guy named Barry Minkow. I've never heard of the author but the title was intriquing.
In the Introduction to the book the author explains why he wrote the book. He says "My resume is filled with failures." He goes on to add that if you have failed miserably in life, the book is for you.
We have all made mistakes. I certainly would do some things differently given the opportunity. And when we make mistakes we can think that life is over for us. But it's not. Now, we may have to live with the consequences of our mistakes but, our God is "the God of the second chance."
In the book, Minkow talks about one's "failure baggage." What he means by that is that whenever a person fails, they carry baggage with them that basically represents the scars of their failure. That "failure baggage" has he refers to it,can actually help us become better people. We can become more sensitive to others who have failed.
I have learned from experience that the people who have failed or often more forgiving and more willing to help. The reason? I think it's because they know how it feels. They aren't so filled with pride to think "everyone should have their act together." They remember how it feels to hurt.
So, did you make a mistake yesterday? What about the day before? What about last month? Last year? Well, join the club. We've all made them. But, by God's grace you can move on and use your "failure baggage" to help others.

Personal note: I have a list of people that I email when I publish a new post on my blog. If you read this blog regularly and would like to be added to my email list of blog recipients, send me an email at gepotts1@aol.com and I will be glad to add you to the list. Thanks. Gregg Potts

Last week was an exceptionally busy week for me.
It started with preparation to host two days of a high school baseball tournament held in our area. We spent quite a bit of time trying to get the field ready for the tournament.
Then, there were the actual games for the tournament.
Then, I had two weddings on Saturday.
And on top of that, our oldest church member passed away this past week and we had that funeral on Friday.
So, it was a super busy week.
But I learned a lot during this.
First, I learned that you can get a lot done when you have lots of folks involved. There were several people who stepped up to help out with the baseball tournament who really did a great job.
Second, I learned that at times, you need to say "know." I have a difficult time doing that. I always have. I want everyone to be happy. I didn't realize I had two weddings planned for the same day until about two months ago. By then, I couldn't really do anything about them. I found myself thinking, "I won't do this again."
Third, I learned that sometimes, you are just going to be extremely busy. During this extremely busy stretch of time I found myself thinking, "I'm not doing this again." But then, I thought, "I can't say that. It could happen again." Sometimes you are just going to be very busy.
Finally, the Lord gives you strength. When I left our baseball field on Saturday night, I was whipped. Then, I needed to go home and go over my sermon. But I was too tired.l Sunday morning, I asked the Lord to give me strength to preach two messages. As always, the Lord provided.
So, the Lord taught me some things during this time. I don't want to be that busy again for a few weeks or possibly even months but, the Lord used this one time to teach me a lot.

"One day at a time."
Ever heard that expression?
Most of us have. But I'm going to confess; I don't do that well. Whenever I am facing lots of projects, I have a tendency to worry about them. I tell myself to break them down, take them one step at a time and that normally works but, I really struggle in my mind to keep them all separate. Instead of taking one at a time, I think about how busy the day is going to be.
For instance, this week has been exceptionally busy and today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday) are REALLY going to be busy. I tell myself, "one thing at a time" but then the overwhelming thoughts come back.
But, I've been here before and it's all worked out. I remind myself of that.
Jesus said, "Take no thought for tomorrow..."
Paul said "In everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be known unto God and the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
I know the verses... now... I need to work on the "doing" of the verses. Probably most of us do.
I will pray for you and you pray for me to take it one step at a time.

My wife and I have been watching the Women's College World Series the past couple of days. It ended last night with Arizona winning.
The series featured some very good pitching. Up until Tuesday night, the Tennessee pitcher who was named the "player of the year", had held Arizona scoreless. Then, with the bases loaded, a ball was hit to the shortstop and there was a play at the plate.
It was very close. Very close. The Arizona girl had to slide around the tag in order to score.
That was the only run scored all night.
So, up until that game, the Tennessee pitcher had limited Arizona to one run and that run came on a very, very close play. It reminded me of how important little things are. Back in August, when girls softball teams report to school and begin workouts, few of them are thinking about how important the little things are. Yet, an entire season of women's softball had come down to one close play at the plate.
It was a reminder to me to take care of the little things.
Little things like a smile.
Little things like writing a note.
Little things like saying a word of encouragement.
Today, remember that the little things are important.

Decisions.
We make them every day but sometimes, they are tough.
Billy Donovan's recent decision/indecision about coaching the Orlando Magic is a great example.
Donovan is the head coach of the University of Florida Gators. Coach Donovan has led Florida to back-to-back national championships in college basketball. As a result, he has been a hot commodity in the coaching ranks this off-season.
Last Thursday, he agreed to be named the head coach of the Orlando Magic. But shortly after being named, he began to experience regrets. It was then he realized he really didn't want to leave Florida. So, he contacted the Magic to express his regrets and to let them know he had experienced a change of heart. Simple enough, right?
Not quite.
For a couple of days now Coach Donovan and the Magic have been "negotiating" to allow him to get out of his contract. Last night, there was a news report that a deal had finally been reached. My guess is that when this is all over, Coach Donovan will make a decision to be very, very careful the next time he has to make a major decision.
But, he's not the only person who has made a decision and then, had a change of heart. It's just a reminder of the difficulty involved in making decisions.
The scripture says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct Thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Today, in making decisions, lean on the Lord.

Saturday, May 26th, I turned 46.
I wanted to go to McDonald’s and have a party but Holli wouldn’t agree to it!
I wanted to get birthday hats and play in the balls in the play area. I even had those little blow things but I she didn’t think that was a good idea. I even had to take the pony back that I had rented! Just kidding, of course.
There was a time when birthdays were a big, big deal. I wanted to have people over, boil crayfish, barbeque or something. But that’s changed some. I still enjoy getting together with friends but my attitude toward birthdays has changed.
The last couple of year’s birthdays have made me do some reflecting. It’s probably because of the age I’ve reached and I realize I’ve probably lived half of my life if not maybe a little more than half of my life. As I reflected a little on “46” several things came to mind.
First, a key issue I am facing in my life is “I want to live a life that matters.” That translates into, “I don’t want to waste time. I want to make sure that what I’m doing is going to make a difference.”
Second, my family is more important to me than ever before. I love my wife and my three kids. I love it when we can them all together and have a meal and laugh.
Third, I love my wife. Holli is my strength where I am weak. She knows me, at times, better than I know myself. Outside of the Lord, she is my best friend.
Fourth, as I evaluate what I think are my strengths, the passion for preaching and teaching is prominent. I enjoy encouraging people and motivating. I enjoy meeting people.
Fifth, I enjoy reading and learning. I love sitting in my favorite chair with a good book and learning something new.
Sixth, I love the Lord. It still amazes me that God called me, a farm boy, to preach His gospel.
Seventh, I love living in north Georgia. I’m already looking forward to the fall and seeing the beautiful fall foliage.
Eighth, I can’t believe I have a boy who will be a senior next year. And, I have a daughter who will be a freshman in high school. Because of that, I want to spend as much as possible with my kids and family.
Ninth, I want to be myself. Deep within me, I have a desire to be a “people pleaser.” But doing that has for years, created some conflict in my heart. Several years ago, God began helping me to see the need to be myself and think for myself. I have learned the hard way that you are never going to make everyone happy. If you have to behave in a certain manner or think in a certain manner to be someone’s friend then, they are not really a friend. So, you try to do what’s right, work hard and be honest and trust the Lord with the results. That’s what I’ve begun doing in my life and as a pastor.

This morning I was reading in the book of Ecclesiastes during my devotional time. The book is about Solomon's quest for meaning in life. In that quest, Solomon tried all kinds of things in a pursuit of happiness. But Solomon didn't discover happines. Instead he repeatedly said "Vanity of vanity. All is vanity."

So, if laughter and accumulating stuff and traveling doesn't bring one happiness what does? In the final two verses of Ecclesiastes Solomon says, "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is; fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil" (12:13-14).

"Fear God and keep His commandments." That's the secret to happiness in life.

Today, remember to put the Lord first in your life. That will bring us happiness.

U.S.A. Today ran a full page article yesterday entitled "25 Lives of Indelible Impact." In celebration of its 25th anniversary the paper is doing some special things to recognize that.
Of the 25 lives, one of those is a man whose identity is unknown. He is simply known as "The Man at Tiananmen Square." Maybe you remember him. I remember watching his heoric act.
It was on a Saturday morning back in 1989. This man stood in front of a tank in a pro-democracy protest in China. When the tank veered left to try to avoid the man, he veered left as well. When the tank moved forward, he stood his ground. Eventually, on-lookers pulled him aside.
One man.
One tank.
The tank is obviously larger. I mean, the tank could kill the guy. But the man stood.
Sometimes we are afraid to take a stand. We don't want to cause trouble. Don't want to "make waves." So, we just keep our mouths shut.
But there are times when we need to take a stand.
Let this guy be a model for us.
There is a poem that I have taped in the flyleaf of my Bible. It reads like this;
"I am only one, but still, I am one.
While I cannot do all things I can do somethings.
And though I cannot do all things I will not fail to do the one thing I can do."

In 1869 H.J. Heinz coined a phrase that challenges us to do the common thing uncommonly well."

All of us face common tasks daily. Doing the "common thing uncommonly well" is what will set us apart from someone else.

Recently, I went into an automobile dealership. As I approached the door, a salesman on the inside pushed the door open and held it open for me. That kind of thing impresses me. It was a little touch and may have seemed insignificant but I thought it was something "a little extra" to set that dealership apart. Now, I wasn't going by there to purchase a car. But if I had been considering it, that little act would have made me more inclined to purchase one from them.

Today, "do the common thing uncommonly well."

Today's entry will be brief...

John Maxwell, in his book "Talent Is Never Enough" says, "Self Discipline is the ability to do what is right even when you don't feel like doing it."

I need to be more disciplined in certain areas of my life.

How about you?

I've had a stomach bug the past two days. Yesterday, it was stricly sprite, gatorade and chicken noodle soup. I think the thing I hated most was, no coffee. I normally drink several cups of fairly strong community coffee throughout the day. I missed my coffee.
I had plenty of time to think yesterday. I thought about how a small "bug" can inflitrate the human body and cause your entire system to hurt. But the same thing can happen to us spiritually and, to a church. Let me explain.
First, little ideas, little attitudes, little sins can infiltrate our lives and at first, we ignore them. We brush them off with a "no big deal." But, left unchecked, they can become a big deal.
Second, the same thing can happen in a church. Suppose there is a member who is disgruntled and they begin "sharing" their thoughts with others. In time, if that is left unchecked, it can affect the entire body.
So, don't ignore the "little sins" in your life and, if you know of anyone who is sharing "complaints" with others in your church, confront it and deal with it. A little bug can bring pain to the entire body.

When you make a mistake, how do you respond?
Do you blame it on someone else?
Do you get angry?
Or, are you able to laugh at yourself?
Prolific author John Maxwell says the ability to laugh at ourselves is one way to overcome pride. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Blessed are they that laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be entertained.”
Maxwell tells a story about a judge who had a distinguished career on the bench beginning in 1977 at age forty-four. But, the judge refused to take himself too seriously and maintained his sense of humor.
The judge commented, “Just because people stand up when you walk into court and you wear a black dress and sit on an elevated chair… you have to remind yourself you’re just another person who happens to be a lawyer elected to serve as a judge.”
So, don’t take yourself too seriously today. Laugh at your mistakes.

This Sunday is graduate recognition day in our church. It is always an exciting day for the graduates, their families and the entire church. As a graduate is recognized, some church members who taught them Sunday School, or volunteered in the youth department or coached them in sports will remember when the graduate was a just a child and they will feel a sense of pride that the "little boy" or "little girl" has grown up into a fine young man or young lady.
My sermon Sunday will focus on "How To Be A Successful Person." Most of those who graduate will think that success is making lots of money. They will believe that because that's what the culture they live in values and believes.
But years ago, comedian Richard Pryor made a statement that reminds us that money isn't everything. Pryor was critically burned in an accident in 1980. Later, he appeared on the Johnny Carson Show. During that appearance he insisted that when you are seriously ill, money isn't important. "All that I could think of was to call on God. I didn't call the Bank of America once."
Sucess in life is not about money. Money is definitely nice to have but if all a person has is money they will likely live an empty life.
Jesus said "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).

Perseverance.
That means hanging tough. It means to keep trying. It means "don't quit."
I like people who persevere. There are times when I have bought something from someone just because they persisted.
John Maxwell, in his newest book "Talent Is Never Enough" has a chapter on perseverance. He quotes Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who fought the Romans during the Second Punic War. Hannibal asserted, "We will either find a way or we will make one." Hannibal lived out that attitude of perseverance when he led an unexpected campaign that took him over the Alps to defeat the Romans.
Are you facing an obstacle today? Are you thinking "there's no way." Has someone said "there's no way."
Taking Hannibal's advice, "find a way or make one." Persevere.
The apostle Paul said "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9).
Today, determine to persevere.

I believe I was made with an "hyperactive crier."
I'm serious.
It doesn't take much for me to tear up.
I was thinking this morning, "what happens biologically that makes us cry." I know it's somehow tied to our emotions. I don't know what it is but my "crying system" works well.
I am especially prone to cry when my kids get recognition.
This morning, I attended an event at our high school where my son had to give a brief speech as President of the Junior class. I was proud and I misted up.
But, I've cried a lot lately.
I cried when Will got a key hit in a baseball game.
I cried when it was announced that he had been elected a "senior ambassador."
I cried when Robert told me he had been nominated for a promotion at Dick's sporting goods. Robert has been working there since last September. Those who have worked there for a period of time say that he is advancing quicker than normal. That makes a dad proud.
And, I cried when my daughter made the cheerleading squad.
"Lord, thank you for the three wonderful kids you have blessed Holli and me with."

Sunday was Mother's Day. A day that is devoted to expressing appreciation to mom and spending time with our family.
I used a quote in my message yesterday that talks about the importance of family. Nancy Pelosi is the first female speaker of the United States House of Representatives. She is also the mother of five children. While I don't agree with all of her politics, I do like her emphasis on the importance of family.
Last week in the May 10th edition of USA Today Pelosi said, "Nothing in my life will ever, ever compare to being a mom. Not being a member of Congress, not being speaker of the House. I wish I could do it all over again, but my children won't give me my grandchildren."
Family is important. Mother's Day reminds us of the importance of family. But, don't wait for another holiday to be reminded of the importance of family. Every day, let your family know how special they are to you.

Last night, I sat on the front porch and read the paper.
Now, that may not sound like a big deal but, last night, it was.
I realized I needed to do more of it. For the past, well, six months, we have been running.
We moved in November... that's a major deal in and of itself.
Then, we had Christmas.
From Christmas, we went to basketball season.
Then baseball season
Then soccer season
Then we moved into a new sanctuary
It's been a busy, busy time. Now, I know that others are as busy as that if not more so. But I need to slow down a little. I realized it last night.
My attitude gets sour when I get tired.
My fuse has a tendency to get a little shorter when I'm tired.
And, I don't eat right when I'm tired.
So, with the Lord's help, I'm going to try to slow down a little. Sit on the front porch some. I'm looking forward to summer.

I have a hard time waiting.
I also have a difficult time not acting when I feel like action is needed. I have a hard time believing nothing can be done. When somneone says "Nothing can be done" I want to say, "Wait a minute, this is the United States of America. We live in a democracy. Yes, something can be done."
But... I'm learning that at times, nothing can be done accept to trust in the Lord and wait. I have a hard time in those situations.
The Psalmist expressed what I need to do more of when he said, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
"Be still..." I really have a hard time being still.
While you are being still, know that God is on the throne. In other words, "Don't do anything, God is going to do all the doing."
Trust the Lord. Wait on the Lord.
Are you struggling with something today yet you feel like you just can't do anything? Give it to the Lord and know that He is God. I'm writing this to myself. You can join me in giving whatever may be a concern to you to the Lord.

I read a story in the book of I Chronicles recently that really spoke to me. The scriptures say that God was not pleased with David and punished Israel. Recognizing God's punishment David went to God and said, "I have sinned.... but... please now take away the iniquity of the Thy servant" (I Chronicles 7:8).
God spoke to David and said, "You have three options; 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months to be swept away before your foes or 3) the angel of the Lord destroying throughout the territory of Israel."
Which option would you take?
David thought about it and took option 3. I love David's reply, "...I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man" (I Chron. 7:13).
I really like that verse.
David is saying "Each of the three options are tough but, I'll take my chances with God... I believe I have a better chance of mercy with God than with man!"
I would affirm what David said! Sometimes, mankind has difficulty spelling the word grace. I'm being a little sarcastic in my response but, there is a lot of truth there.
People, all of us, struggle with grace.
Today, be filled with grace. Ok... what exactly does that mean?
It means trying to be a little less judgemental than we normally are.
It means being willing to forgive instead of hanging onto bitterness.
It mens doing a kind deed.
"...let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man."
What a powerful verse! God's grace is amazing!

All of us make mistakes. They are a part of life. If you live you are going to make mistakes.
Some people have a difficult time making decisions because they are afraid of failing... making mistakes. Therefore, their fear of failing paralyzes them and makes it difficult to make decisions.
Some people , due to mistakes they have made constantly live in the past. They have difficulty moving forward in life because of mistakes they have made. They dwell on their mistakes and seldom look forward.
I have made plenty of mistakes and there is a decent chance I will make some today. I got aggravated with the kids Sunday night and, I regretted getting aggravated. That was a mistake.
There are times when I have to tell someone "I'm sorry, I blew that one. I just dropped the ball and I will do better next time." I had made a mistake.
Most of the time if we make a mistake and admit it, it's ok. We move on and try to do better. But some people seem to keep a mental log of mistakes and they don't let you get up off the mat of life. They are constantly reminding you of your mistakes.
Thankfully, the Lord doesn't do that. The scripture says "If Thou, LORD, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, That Thou mayest be feared" (Psalms 130:3-4).
In other words, God doesn't keep a running list of our mistakes.
I am personally, very thankful for that.
Also, there may be someone who made a mistake and they have come to you and admitted it but you are yet to forgive. You want to remind them repeatedly of their mistake. Please be gracious enough to understand that everyone makes mistakes and forgive whomever made the mistake and let them and you move on in life.
Someone said "the only reason you look to the past is if you're going there." So don't go to the past. Look forward in life.

In my message yesterday, I preached on parenting. My kids are very special to me as I'm sure yours are to you. Last Friday, I had a special moment with my daughter.
She was all dressed up for her 8th grade formal. She was beautiful! It was a special night for her.
To conclude my sermon yesterday, I used a letter that was written to Ann Landers by a father who looked back with regret at not having spent more time with his kids. Here is that letter;

"I remember talking to my friend a number of years ago about our children. Mine were 5 and 7 then, just the ages when their daddy means everything to them. I wished that I could have spent more time with my kids but I was too busy working. After all, I wanted to give them all the things I never had when I was growing up.
I loved the idea of coming home and having them sit on my lap and tell me about their day. Unfortunately, most days I came home so late that I was only able to kiss them good night after they had gone to sleep.
It is amazing how fast kids grow. Before I knew it, they were 9 and 11. I missed seeing them in school plays. Everyone said they were terrific, but the plays always seemed to go on when I was traveling for business or tied up in a special conference. The kids never complained, but I could see the disappointment in their eyes.
I kept promising that I would have have more time “next year.” But the higher the corporate ladder I climbed, the less time there seemed to be.
Suddenly they were no longer 9 and 11. They were 14 and 16. Teen-agers. I didn’t see my daughter the night she went out on her first date or my son’s championship basketball game. Mom made excuses and I managed to telephone and talk to them before they left the house. I could hear the disappointment in their voices, but I explained as best I could.
Don’t’ ask where the years have gone. Those little kids are 19 and 21 now and in college. I can’t believe it. My job is less demanding and I finally have time for them. But they have their own interests and there is no time for me. To be perfectly honest, I’m a little hurt.
It seems like yesterday that they were 5 and 7. I’d give anything to have those years over. You can bet your life I’d do it differently. But they are gone now, and so is my chance to be a real dad."

Invest time in your children. You won't regret it.

A "blog" is short for a "weblog." In a "weblog" you record your thoughts on various things. Today is a day when I am going to open up the door to my soul just a little and allow you to peer in. It's a bit dangerous because doing so opens you up for all kinds of response. But, I'm going to give it a try. I will be curious to know if anyone else has some of the experiences I have.
I'm going through "withdrawals."
In fact, most of my life I've experienced "withdrawals."
And no, it has nothing to do with substance abuse.
I can remember experiencing withdrawals following the Christmas holidays. When I was kid and for several years, as an adult, I really, really, really looked forward to Christmas. I mean, I loved it. I loved the music, the color, the festivities, the television specials, etc.. And, when Christmas was over, I would have a day or two when I was down. I have since learned that lots of people experience this. It has something to do with the fact that you are so busy for a short period of time and all of a sudden, the season is over! That experience can cause you to get a little down.
Then, I started experiencing it following sports seasons. I looked forward to college football season so much, it was a little depressing when the last game was played. I felt the same with basketball season and then, baseball season. I can remember thinking, after the College World Series was played that there would be no college athletic events until September. That was two whole months! I would get a little down thinking about that.
Well, I'm experiencing some withdrawals now that high school baseball season is over. After our final game Wednesday night, when I parked my truck that night it hit me, "baseball season is over." Baseball practice started back in February. So, for three months, high school baseball has been a significiant part of our lives. Now, it's over for a couple of weeks... until the beginning of summer ball.
I felt this way following high school football season. After the final game of the year, I can remember thinking, "It's over for another year."
When our kids played Dixie Youth baseball and Dixie softball I can remember experiencing some of this because there were people we saw more during baseball and softball season than any other time of the year. Now that the season was over, we wouldn't see each other nearly as much for a while.
I guess I'm too sentimental. I have a tendency to walk to "hang on to moments."
Someone reading this will probably think something like "if you struggle that much with getting over ball season that means you need to get a life." They are probably at least partially right. Still, the withdrawal experience exists.
So what do I do? How do you deal with it?
First, time has a way of handling these issues. In a few days I will be all right. It just takes me a little time.
Second, you move on to something else. Yesterday, I wrote about "seasons" in life. A "season", by definition is a period of time. So, a "season" isn't intended to go on forever. It's a "season". So, one "season" end and you move on to another "season."
Third, we keep our focus on the Lord. The Scriptures tell us, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
There are different seasons in life. But the Lord remains the same.
I encourage you to worship the Lord in the church of your choice this Sunday.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."
In my life, I am experiencing the end of a season today. Last night, the ' 07 high school baseball season came to an end for my sons team, the Paulding County Patriots. It was an emotional night.
It was senior night. That's always good for a bucket or two of tears as moms and dads watch their boys, some whom have been playing organized ball for several years, receive recognition at the conclusion of their high school careers. But the emotion that was experienced last night was for more than just senior night.
Last night marked the end of a "season" of life for me and for others. For five years Coach Ryan Zaideman has been the head baseball coach at Paulding County. Two weeks ago, "Coach Z" announced his resignation effective at the end of this school year. He is the only high school coach my son has known. So, in that respect, this is the end of a "season of life" in our lives.
But in addition to Coach Z leaving, several parents that Holli and I have gotten to know over the last three years will be leaving as well. Their sons are seniors. So, next year, some faces that have been in the crowd at PC baseball games won't be there. Some of them read this blog and they know who they are. So, in that respect this is the end of a "season in life" in our lives.
In addition to Coach Z, a couple of the assistant coaches are leaving. It will be different looking over at the dugout next year and not seeing some familiar faces.
For three years I have had the priviledge of serving as chaplain of the baseball team. It's been a lot of fun and I've enjoyed getting to know the boys on the team. I have enjoyed working with Coach Z. I hope to continue in this role under the new coach but that will be left up to whomever the new coach is.
But, the boys who are seniors will move on to college and begin a new "season" in life. They will meet new friends and several of them will be playing baseball in college. While their memories of baseball at PC will always be special, they will make new memories.
"Coach Z" and the assistant coaches will move on to the next phase of life for them. They will coach new boys and meet new parents and invest their lives in other teams.
And, next year, there will be some new faces in the crowd at PC baseball games. Some of those will belong to the parents of kids who played junior varsity this year. They will move up, there parents will step up and life will move on.
But last night, I wanted to capture that moment. Lots and lots of pictures were taken. Tears were shed. Words of encouragement were spoken. It was a sweet moment.
There is a popular pop song that is played along with a collection of highlights from the NCAA basketball tournament every year. I think it would have been appropriate to play last night. The song is entitled "One Moment In Time."
It goes like this;
"Each day I live I want to be a day to give the best of me
I'm only one, but not alone
My finest day is yet unknown I broke my heart for every gain
To taste the sweet, I faced the pain I rise and fall,
Yet through it all this much remains I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time I will feel, I will feel eternity."

Last night was one special "moment in time" in my life. But, by the grace of God, there will be other moments.
"God, thank you, for making this season of my life as special as it has been."

In a popular television commercial, a man who provides voice over for movies is describing the situation a lady was in when a certain insurance company came to her aid. One of his lines is "this time, pay back is for real."
Pay back.
When someone does something to hurt a person they might respond "I'll get you one day." What they mean is they intend to retaliate at some point. And, the extent of retaliation is anticipated to be to the degree that a person has been hurt.
For instance, a coach might feel like another coach has run the score up on them. As the game is in progress the coach might think "I'll pay you back one day." They are thinking that when given the opportunity in the future, they may return the favor. That's "pay back."
Or, maybe on the job someone does something to hurt us. We have no choice but to take it but, in our anger and hurt we think "you will get it one day."
That's called "tit for tat." "You hurt me so I hurt you in return."
The Psalmist says "The Lord is compassionate and gracious... he does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."
I like that last line, "the Lord does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." The Bible says "all have sinned." I know that I have. Yet, it is comforting to know that God doesn't repay us according to our sins. None of us could stand up under the wrath of God if we were repaid according to our iniquities.
So today, thank the Lord that He doesn't repay us according to our iniquities. Thank the Lord that even though we sin, God loves us and removes our sins "as far as the east is from the west."

Have you ever had a plan that you thought was good but for some reason God didn't open the doors necessary to carry the plan out?
King David had a moment like that.
I Chronicles 28:2-3 quotes David as saying, "I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it. But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood."
Notice those words But God said to me. A conjunction in a sentence can represent a roadblock in life.
"I had planned to do this but God re-directed me."
"I had planned to major in this field of study in college but God changed my direction."
Have you ever had a but God moment?
I have.
Early in my ministry I was notified that a youth position in a larger church in our area was open and I was asked if I was interested. Sure, I was interested. This was like a dream!
However, at that point in my life God was beginning to re-direct me to the pastorate. If I had taken the position at the larger church I would not have had many opportunities to preach. I knew that but at the time, it didn't matter. I was enamored with the position.
I interviewed for the position but nothing ever happened. No phone call. No letter. No nothing.
After weeks had passed I finally learned the church went in a different direction. I was a little stung. I wanted that position and couldn't understand what I did wrong.
Well, I hadn't done anything wrong. God was just preparing to open another door for me; the door into my first pastorate.
In September of 1984 God sent a pulpit committee to hear me and the church eventually extended a call to me to become their pastor. That was the first of five churches I have pastored throughout my ministry.
I had wanted to take the youth position, but God closed one door because another door was about to open.
Maybe you have had a plan recently that didn't work like you had hoped it would. Perhaps you have gotten a little discouraged or frustrated. Know this; God loves you and wants the best for you. The but God moments are key moments in our lives. If you have had a but God moment recently, trust the Lord to do what's best for you.

King David.
He is known as "the man after God's heart."
He nailed Goliath.
He led the Israelites to capture Jerusalem.
In today's vernacular, "he was the man."
But even those who are popular have flaws.
David made a mistake with bathsheba. Then, he tried to cover it up. So, it's over for David, right? No hope for him?
As ESPN commentator Lee Corso might say, "Not so my fast, my friend!"
The Bible says that although David sinned, God forgave him.
In II Samuel 12:13 Nathan the prophet said to David, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die."
Whoa!
That's amazing grace!
David committed adultery and then tried to cover it up yet he was forgiven!
When we sin we can think that it's over for us. Don't misunderstand me... I'm not trying to minimize sin. What David did was wrong. When you and I sin, it's wrong. However, God forgives. PTL, God forgives!
Today, is there anything that you have not confessed to the Lord that you think God might not forgive? If so, come clean. Give it to the Lord. There is nothing that lies outside the realm of God's forgiveness!

What are you investing your time in? Is there a project you are involved in or an organization you are affiliated with?

In his book The Confidence Factor, Tom Mullins quotes the late Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. Lombardi said, "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."

I like good quotes and that is a good one.

So, what cause are you devoted to? Everyone is devoted to something. Some are devoted to making themselves happy. Some are devoted to laziness or selfishness. So, everyone is devoted to something.

I encourage you to evaluate your life and make sure you are investing your time in a good cause.

Of course, of all the noble things a person can do on this earth, a life lived for Jesus Christ is very worthy.

Someone has said, "Only one life, it will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."

We all need to make sure that the things we are investing our time in is worthy and will last.

I am not a "detail" man which means, I'm not a "direction" man. But, I'm not alone. In his book Facing the Giants Max Lucado writes, "I can get lost anywhere. Seriously. Anywhere. The simplest map confuses me; the clearest trail bewilders me. I couldn't track an elephant through four feet of snow. I can misread instructions to the bathroom down the hall."

I can identify with Max. Especially that last sentence. Recently, I was going to the rest-room at a high school baseball game. I saw a sign that read "men." So, I walked in. Whoops! Wrong door! Several high school girls were standing there looking in the mirror. I quickly backed out. I took a second glance at the sign and realized that I evidently missed the first two letters of the sign because it read "women."

All right. No harm done. It was an accident.

So, I went to the next door and.... you guessed it... yep, it was STILL the women's rest-room. Well now, I'm flustered. I'm embarrassed. And to top that off, our team is getting hammered so I'm a little aggravated.

So, I walk past the concession stand and ask "Can someone tell me where the MEN'S rest-room is?" One lady, sensing my frustration and embarrassment said, "It is a little confusing." Ok, that made me feel better. They were happy to tell me that the men's rest-room was on the other side of the concession stand. As I approached the door, I looked at the sign twice to be sure it was the men's room.

If you are "directionally challenged" you struggle reading maps, following directions, etc... My general approach to getting anywhere is get in the vicinity and stop and ask someone.

Just as we need directions in driving we need directions in life. The Bible provides those directions. Psalms 37:23 says, "The steps of a man are established by the LORD; And He delights in his way."

So, let the Bible be your road map in life.

Our family Easter picture, made on the steps of our beautiful new sanctuary. From left to right, that's Megan Eller, Robert's friend, Robert, Will, then, second row, Sarah, my beautiful wife, Holli, and me.

For three years I have been priviledged to serve as chaplain for the Paulding County High School baseball team. The team and coaches visited our worship service on April 15, 2007.

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In the first "Crocodile Dundee" movie (I don't remember the exact name) Mick Dundie's girl friend is attempting to explain to him how people handle their problems in America. She is explaining that people often go see a therapist.
Mick has never heard of a therapist and asks what that is.
She explains that a therapist is someone you go to discuss your problems.
She then asks who they go to in the outback of Australia to discuss their problems.
Mick responds, "our mates." "Mates" meant friends.
Most people have some "mates" they can take their problems to or they have family members they can talk with. But let's imagine that we don't have either. What then?
In I Samuel 30:6 the scripture says of David, "Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God."
Focus on the last sentence of that paragraph; "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." David had no where to turn and in a moment of great need, David strengthened himself in the Lord.
What does that mean? It means reminding ourselves that God loves us, God is with us and being strong in the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist and everyone needs "mates" and family they can talk to. However, every day, we can do what David did.
Today, "strengthen yourself in the Lord." Know that the Lord loves you and is with you.

I like continuity. I was reminded of that this past weekend.
Last Friday night, my son's high school baseball coach resigned. He is moving to North Georgia to be closer to family. You can't blame him. It's a good move for him.
However, he will be missed.
My son will be a senior next year so, we are faced with a senior year with a new coach. That's not always a pleasant thing.
For some of you who might read this, you might question "What's the big deal about the baseball coach resigning?"
Well, this is the deal... I guess there is a sense of security in knowing people and my son has spent three years with this coach. Now, he has to learn a new one. Also, baseball is our "home away from home" from February through April each year. There are people that we see only during baseball season. Our coach refers to it as our "baseball family." He's right. It is like a family. The family is about to be shaken up some and that bothers me.
It hit me recently that what is taking place is the end of an era. We will have a baseball team next year. But there will be a different coach and there will be some different parents around. Changes happen in life. You have to move on.
So, one era is about to end and another is about to begin. It's going to work out although right now, I'm a little sad.
I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It was a troubling week in the United States of America.
It began last Monday morning when a young Korean student took the lives of 32 people at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va. He was described by those who knew him as a “loner” who rarely spoke to anyone. For some reason, he snapped and took the lives of 32 innocent people.
Then, Thursday morning, across the country in Yuba City, California, officials locked classroom doors, lowered shades and kept 12,000 school children inside on Thursday after a man threatened to go on a killing spree. The idea for the killing spree supposedly came from the massacre at Va. Tech. The man said he intended to make the mass slaying “look mild.”
Then, Friday, a man walked into Houston’s Johnson Space Center, killed his supervisor, shot a hostage and then, killed himself. What was the motive? He was upset over his job review.
So, it was a tough week. It was a week in which many of us find ourselves asking, “Why are these things happening? Why, all of a sudden, are we having so many school and work-place shootings?”
Some of the incidents are of the “copy cat” nature. Law enforcement officials use this phrase to describe someone who sees an incident on television and “copies” that somewhere else. Some of the incidents that take place fall in that category. Officials say that some of those are carried out by people who want media attention.
But not all of these are of the “copy cat” type. Many of them are carried out by people who seem to be angry and want revenge. Maybe it’s a student who feels they have been “picked on” by their peers. Or, an adult who feels mistreated in the work place or didn’t get the promotion they desired. Or, maybe its a domestic dispute that erupts in violence.
What concerns me is that evidently there is a layer of anger under the surface in our country and at times, now, the manner in which people are dealing with their anger is by taking the life of someone. Instead of dealing with our problems or issues constructively, we are lashing out in anger by using guns.
Anger is a normal human emotion. Even the most calm, patient person has experienced it at some point. The scriptures say that Jesus got angry. When Jesus saw the carnival like atmosphere in the temple he was moved with righteous indignation and ran the money changers out of the temple (Matt. 21:12-13) So, it’s not wrong to be angry under certain conditions.
And, there are times we may get angry when it’s not justified. However, it’s how we handle our anger that is important.
The scripture encourages us to “be angry but sin not.”
The scripture also says “Do not let the sun go down on your own anger” (Eph. 4:26). Yet anger can consume us if we are not careful.
Also, as a church, we need to be aware of people who appear lonely or hurting and try to reach out to them with the love of Christ. All of us know people who are hurting. We need to share the love of Christ with them or just say a kind word to them.
There are troubled people in our world and troubled people need the love of Christ. Try to help a troubled person this week in Jesus name.

What happened at Virginia Tech?

This past Monday, the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history took place on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va. A senior Korean student, majoring in English went on a rampage that led to the loss of 32 lives. By now, most of you have seen the tragedy on television numerous times.

When the news broke of this shooting, my first thought "Not again." This type of thing has, unfortunately, happened too often in our society which has led some to believe that some of these incidents are "copy cat" which means someone saw one shooting on television and decided to try to the same thing for attention.

Obviously the young man who went on the rampage had significal psychological issues. Some had attempted to reach out to him but to no avail. From what I've read, he felt disenfranchised which led him to experience bitterness.

What do we learn from this?
1) We are reminded of how fragile life is.
2) Tell those close to you that you love them.
3) Make certain of your eternal destiny. Make sure that you know Jesus as your personal Savior.

We need to be much in prayer for the Virginia Tech family as they cope with this tragedy.

Last week one of the major news stories of the week was the uproar that ensued over radio commentator Don Imus comments about the women’s basketball team from Rutgers. I don’t intend to repeat those comments in this post.
I have never been a regular listener of Don Imus. Occasionally, if I have been in a public place and the TV happened to be on MSNBC I have listened to him, but that’s been the limit of my exposure to him. However, from what I’ve read about him he was one of the original “shock jocks.” That means he built a following by saying crude things on the air. He said things that perhaps some were thinking but none would say.
But about two weeks ago he went too far. He made a comment that has since been played and re-played and it touched a nerve. The result was MSNBC pulled Imus show and CBS did as well.
Imus has since met with the Rutgers women’s basketball team and apologized and they have reportedly accepted his apology. Nevertheless, the uproar continues.
This story captured the headlines for a good solid week. And it’s led to other issues in society being addressed. What do we learn from this?
My first thought upon hearing about the comment was that these “shock jocks” live on the edge to build a following and often, living on the edge gets them into trouble. The thing that built their career can also bring it down.
But secondly, it made us aware of the reality of the times in which we are living. In the past several years I have adopted a personal creed that you have heard me repeat. It is, “Accept people where they are.” I think we have to do that to reach people for Christ.
The Imus comment helped us see, again, where we are.
We are in a culture where words that weren’t spoken a few years ago are now routine.
We are in a culture where many people do not seem to understand what we once referred to as “manners” and “decency.”
We are in a culture that doesn’t seem to want to be corrected when it’s wrong.
We are in a culture that seems to be bent on “personal expression” of every kind.
We are in a culture where people seem to resist any type of authority.
We are in a culture where many do not seem to want to accept responsibility for a mistake they have made. The problem has to lie with someone else. It can’t be their fault.
We are in a culture where people are skeptical of those in positions of authority.
We are in a culture where much of the programming on television is questionable at the very least.
Yet, the church is called upon to minister to people in this culture. How do we do it? Do we retreat? Do go into our cave and hide there and talk about the culture but fail to try to change it?
No. We don’t do either. We have to engage the culture. That’s the only way to change it. It’s not a pretty sight. The things you hear may turn you off but, if we are going to reach people for Christ, that’s what we have to do.
Someone has said regarding our current times, “These are not the best of times but, these are the only times we have.”
We must share the love of Christ in these times.

She’s 14.
Last Friday, October 20, Sarah Alice Potts, our baby and my baby girl celebrated her 14th birthday. It doesn’t seem possible but, it is.
You know, it’s coming… yes, I’m going to walk down memory lane a little.
I remember when she was born. King’s Daughter’s Hospital in Brookhaven, Miss. In all honesty, I kind of wanted another boy. You know… another little ball player. I wanted a girl but I wanted the girl to be the fourth child. Well, the girl came on the third try and Holli said that was the last try!
We moved to the coast of Mississippi when she was six months old so Sarah basically grew up there. From the beginning, she sounded like a southern girl when she talked. She had a little southern drawl.
She played t-ball, upward basketball, was a “shheerrleadduurr”(cheerleader) for pee wee football. She went to tumbling and dance and all the other stuff little girls do. When she was 5 she played t-ball baseball with the boys. She was the prettiest one out there and… she made All-Stars! I remember feeling “pumped” when she went into the game to play second base. They hit one to her and she caught it! She was as good as the boys and prettier!
Moving to Georgia was a little tough on her. She left her friends behind and had to start over. I didn’t anticipate how tough it would be. But, thank the Lord, after making the cheerleading squad at HJMS for two years and the 7th grade basketball team she has made some friends and is doing better.
I look at her today and she is becoming a “young lady.” She wears make-up now. Her older brother, Robert, doesn’t like that. He kind of wants to “can her” and keep her as the little girl. Now that I think about it, that’s not a bad idea! Just kidding.
She has a lot of her mother in her. She looks like Holli but she gets her height from my mom. She is level headed like her mother. She has an ability to stay above stuff when she needs to and discern what’s really important. I’m proud of her for that.
She and I have had an opportunity to “bond” a little over the years because I’ve always taken her to school. On our drives to school, we talk and laugh and sometimes cry.
When she was little, the teachers used a discipline system that involved little bears. If you mis-behaved in class, you got your bear covered. That wasn’t a good thing. You didn’t want your bear to be covered.
So, when I would pick Sarah up in the “parent pick up” line she would get in the truck and one of the first things she would often say was “Zero baaauuurrsss (bears) covered.” That was her way of saying she didn’t get in trouble that day.
Sarah Alice and I have had fun. We have laughed, we have made funny faces we have done impersonations. She laughs at me when I find something funny and she doesn’t have a clue why I think it’s funny. Ha!
When she was little, I would tuck her in and she would say, “Huggy hug, Kissy kiss.” I would hug her and put my little girl to bed.
Sarah Alice, I wish you could stay a little girl for about 20 more years. But, that’s wouldn’t be right. I have to let you grow up. You will be a wonderful Christian lady.
So, baby girl, “Huggy hug, Kissy kiss…” Daddy loves you and is very proud of you.
Happy 14th birthday!

Stuff.
Jesus told us not to store it up. You remember the verse, don’t you? “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
Well, I’ve known that verse for years but recently, I understood it.
For a couple of months I’ve been changing the way I eat and have increased the amount of exercise I was getting in an attempt to lose some weight. One of my incentives, along with just getting healthy, was to be able to get back in some clothes I had been unable to wear for a while. Thank the Lord, the plan has and continues to work.
As a result, when I stepped on the scales and realized I had lost some weight, I would step over to my closet and pull out a suit or slacks or a shirt that I’ve been unable to fit into and try them on to see if I had finally lost enough weight to wear them. Holli referred to it as a “feeding frenzy.” You know, like sharks attacking something.
Well, early in this process, I had a suit I had been unable to wear for a while that I could finally fit into. I put it on, stood in front of the mirror, asked Holli how it looked, and always felt good when she would say “I believe you can wear that.”
I was pumped. I had a new suit without even buying one!
I wore it to church one Sunday. Man, I felt good. Wearing new suits does that to preachers. Ha!
My joy was short-lived however because that night, I discovered a huge hole the size of the grand canyon in my slacks. “This couldn’t be”, I thought. I’ve just been able to wear these again. “This isn’t fair” I thought. “I’ve lost this weight and one of my rewards was to be able to wear some clothes I had out-grown and now, that’s gone.”
Almost immediately, the scripture I quoted at the beginning of this article came to my mind. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
“Yeah”, I thought… “that applies to clothes.”
So, I threw the suit away (the hole was too big to be patched) and determined that even though part of my joy in losing weight was to be able to wear some suits I hadn’t been able to wear previously, I was not going to let one suit ripping steal my joy.
But I was reminded again of the folly of deriving joy/self esteem etc… from storing up “stuff.”
“Stuff” (clothes) rips.
“Stuff” (clothes) gets stained.
“Stuff” (jewelry/furniture) gets stolen.
“Stuff” (electronics/clothes) gets out of date.
“Stuff” (automobiles) gets wrecked
So, if your joy is in “stuff” you are going to have some disappointing days.
However, if your joy is in the Lord, He sustains you even in the days when you find a rip in your pants!

Have you ever had a day that you just sorta wanted to forget?
Maybe you made a mistake at work. Or, you accidentally hit the “delete” button on the computer screen and “Presto!” all your work was lost in cyberspace! Or, you spilled coffee on your favorite shirt and you didn’t think the stain would come out. We’ve all had some bad days.
Recently, Pluto had a bad day.
I’m not talking about the cartoon character Pluto. You know, Mickey Mouse’s favorite dog. Not talking about him. I’m talking about the planet. Well, it was a planet. Now, it’s not a planet any longer.
According to a news report, “Leading astronomers declared … that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight.”
When I read the news article I thought, “How can you do that?” I mean, I thought planets were pretty safe. Man, it’s a tough economy if planets are getting fired! I wonder if Donald Trump is the one who had to tell Pluto “You’re fired!”
But why do you fire a planet?
The International Astronomical Union (I haven’t been asked to be a member!) stripped Pluto of its planetary status that it has held since 1930. This Union created new guidelines on what constitutes a planet. And, Pluto doesn’t fit the bill.
So, “Pluto, you’re history!”
Fired!
Just like that, the planetary system as we know it changed.
We have all heard of companies “reorganizing” their structure, but planets? Now, I know that in reality, Pluto didn’t get fired. Pluto is still there. It’s like it refuses to give up its office cubicle. It’s just the way planets are defined has changed and consequently, Pluto doesn’t fit the new definition. So, God’s creation is the same regardless of the decision made by the International Astronomical Union.
What do we learn from this?
First, no one, or, for that matter, no planet, is exempt from trials and troubles. I mean, one would think that planets are safe. When people start issuing pink slips to members of the solar system, it sorta gives you pause.
Second, life moves on. The day that Pluto was fired from the solar system or, the day the solar system was “redefined” the world kept turning. Sometimes we forget that. When we are going through some tough times we can begin to think that a problem is greater than it is. I try to remind myself when facing problems that God is still on the throne and the earth is still turning.
Third, don’t let whatever people think of you bother you. You see, the International Astronomical Union decided that Pluto no longer fit the bill as a planet. So, they called Pluto into the office and said, “Effective immediately, you are no longer a planet.” Pluto may have asked, “Why?” If so, it was told, “Well, we don’t think you are a planet any longer.”
“But,” Pluto responds, “I’ve been a planet for years… School children have been taught that I’m a planet. You can’t just decide that I’m not a planet any longer.”
“Oh yes we can,” comes the response.
Now, if Pluto suffered from a self esteem problem that could really hurt! If we are not careful what people think of us can adversely affect us if we are not careful. So, we need to know that Jesus loves us and it doesn’t matter what others may think.
Pluto is no longer a planet. But, life moves on.
If you have a bad day, with the Lord’s help, put it aside and press on with your life.
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”