Did the title get your attention? That's my feeble attempt at marketing...lol Now, that I have your attention, let me invite you to take a trip with me in 09. No, I'm not planning a trip to the Holy Land. Sorry if I disappointed you. Instead, I want to encourage you to take a trip with me through the 66 books of the Bible.

This idea is just forming in my mind so... there will be more to come in the next few days but for now, would you consider joining me, beginning Jan. 1, 09 and let's read through the Bible? If so, it will help you grow spiritually.

I will find some type of guide that we can all go by and I will publish it in my blog and on our website. That way, all of us are going at the same pace. And, as we read, I will blog about how God is speaking to me as we read and you can share your experi ences as well. I think this could be a very neat thing.

I mean, I could see people in their Sunday School classes talking about what they had read and discussing what the Lord said to them about those particular texts. Again... it could be lots of fun and it could help us grow in the Lord.

So, for now... would you consider joining me and let's take a trip through the Bible in 09? If so, please email me to let me know "you're in"... If you get behind a few days in your reading, no sweat... we will help out one another.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Let's take a trip through God's word together in 09.

It's almost here... Christmas day, that is.
For weeks now we have shopped and sent cards and had gatherings. We have had parades and watched Christmas specials on tv. Tomorrow is the apex of the Christmas season.
We will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world.
Even though we have good intentions, it can be really challenging to remain focused on the real meaning of the season. Christmas is so commercial. There is nothing wrong with giving gifts but it can be wrong if it becomes the primary focus of the season. I battle it just like you do.
When our kids were young I would worry thinking "Do we have enough?"
"Enough?"
What is "enough?"
The fact is, I was succumbing to the temptation of commercialism.
I remember watching the Walton television special growing up. PaPa Walton came home and brought all the Waltons one gift each. John Boy, the aspiring writer, got a writing tablet. That was it. One tablet.
So, compared to the Waltons Christmas, we had MORE than enough.
I guess I'm writing this as much to me as to those of you who will read this. We have a tendency to want Christmas to be this magical moment. We want it to be perfect. You know... the Norman Rockwell scene.. everyone sitting around the table with the turkey in the center, Dad with the cardigan sweater etc...
Of course, TV reinforces this.
So, today, on the eve of the day on which we will celebrate Jesus birth, let's all try to allow the Holy Spirit to give us the peace on earth Jesus came to give everyone who wants it.
There is a story about a lady who tried to teach her children that Christmas is Jesus birthday. To reinforce this, she had an empty chair at the table for lunch reminding her kids that the day is about Jesus.
Christmas afternoon, the family had a guest. A lady entered the house and asked a little girl "Well, did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?"
The little girl responded, "No, but it's not my birthday."
I like that.
Join me this afternoon at 5 for our Christmas Eve candlelight Lord's Supper as we worship our Lord. If you are unable to make the Christmas Eve service, I hope you have a wonderful spirit-filled Christmas.
Merry CHRISTmas.

This morning I made a stop at a convenience store for come coffee. While checking out I noticed a guy with a cap that represented one of the teams playing for the Southeastern Conference Championship. I commented on his cap and we chatted a minute.
As we walked outside he volunteered the information that he had four tickets for the game and, that he had paid $750 per ticket. I was stunned!
$750 per ticket.
Let's see... some quick math reveals that.. hey, buddy.. you have $3,000 wrapped up in this game and you haven't eaten or paid for parking.
$3,000.00 wow... that's a lot of money..
As he got in this vehicle he said "It's a once in a lifetime experience."
Now, I know that at times we pay extra for things because it is a memory making experience. I understand that.
And, 3K may be the going rate for four tickets for a game of this magnitude. I have only been to one game like this so my experience is limited. Several years ago, I was given tickets to the Sugar Bowl when LSU played Illinois. But, I don't think they cost $750 each.
But as I thought about this, I thought how difficult it is to get people to give to missions but this guy is shelling out 3k for a football game.
Actually, I also thought that this guy could be one who would complain if he came to church and the preacher preached on money! ha! Yes, I know, I'm judging a little there. Maybe he wouldn't complain at all.
But what this whole experience taught me is... we spend money on things that are important to us. If we believe in something, we are more likely to shell out.
This guy is shelling out big bucks for tickets.
What will he have to show for it? Well, he will likely spend a day with his family. That's good stuff.
He told me he had three boys so it will be a "father son" day... That's good stuff as well.
They will have lots of memories.. That's good stuff.
They will have pictures... that's good as well.
All of those things are good and.. to this guy, at least, they are worth 3k. But what's important to you? Hopefully reaching people for Jesus is important.
Let's invest in eternity.

Yesterday, Tommy Tuberville resigned as head coach of Auburn University.
If you do not follow college football, you may be asking "Tommy who?"
But, my guess is that many of you are at least familiar with the name. You may not be strong followers of college football but, since football is so big in the South, you have probably at least heard the name.
Now, before I go any farther, let me make it clear to any Auburn alumni who will read this blog; this blog post is not a slap at Auburn. Please don't read it that way. Instead, it's a slap at college football in general. Auburn just happens to be the example used.
So, what am I referring to?
Well, first of all, even though I love athletics as much as anyone, sports has gotten absolutely, way out of hand in America. And that sentence is typed by a "sports nut." Yep, I said it. Sports is out of hand.
We are obsessed with it. Well, maybe "we" is too strong. "Many" are obsessed with it.
Recently, I attended a high school playoff game. It was cold. I'm talking cold... Hard cold. I had layers of clothes on to try to keep warm. Everyone else did, too. As I looked around at the crowd that night, I couldn't help but ask the question; "Would you be able to get people out in weather like this for a church service?"
I think you know the answer.
That is an example of how obsessed we are with sports.
The situation with Tommy Tuberville is another example. Tuberville was Auburn's head coach for 10 years. I don't know his exact record but, it was pretty good. He's a good coach. Several years ago his team went undefeated and then got robbed when they didn't get a shot at playing for the national championship.
But this year, Auburn struggled. They went 5-7 and Auburn fans weren't happy.
I'm an LSU fan and I wouldn't have been happy with that record either. I'm not happy and LSU went 7-5.
UGA fans aren’t totally happy and they went 8-3, I think.
So, here's the point; college football coaches are being fired when they don't win 8 or even 9 games. Why? Because we expect so much in our culture.
Now, to be fair, these guys are paid LOTS of money. Tuberville will walk away from Auburn with 5 million. I think I could live off of that. lol
So, it's not like these guys are destitute. But, they are being held to a very, very high standard. Very high.
And that is the point of this blog post. Throughout the Southeastern Conference, more money is being thrown at coaches, and with more money, comes higher expectations. Every school expects to win. So, every week, coaches being paid lots of money are running on the field to play other teams coached by men being paid lots of money. And, both coaches have great players. But, someone has to lose. They don't let games end in a tie.
So, we have a system that throws mega bucks at coaches and builds multi-million dollar facilities and with all of that, the expectations are outrageous. And then, when coaches don't win at least 8 games, they are fired.
Maybe we need to back away from the table here and put this in perspective. It's kind of interesting to me how quickly schools can come up with money to buy coaches out when they want them gone, but churches have difficulty getting people to give to win someone to Jesus. Go figure. I think we have our priorities out of line.

As we come to the close of the fall and move into Thanksgiving, Christmas and the holiday season, it's led me to reflect on the fall months. The fall of 08 has been absolutely great at FBCD. God has blessed His church.

First, our Sunday School attendance has increased. Several of our classes have grown this fall. I love to see good attendance in Sunday School and, I look forward to reaching the point where we average 300 in Sunday School. We aren't that far away now.

Second, God is blessing and blessing and blessing us with additions. I love to see additions to the church. God has poured out additions to FBCD during these fall months.

Third, I am very excited about our Wednesday nights. Harold Stokes has taken on the coordination of Wednesday night meals and our Sunday School classes have provided the meals. This has been a great asset on Wednesday nights. It's helped the fellowship and it has helped increase our attendance. Also, Word of Life has gone well with our children. Children's attendance on Wednesday nights has just about quadrupled. Praise the Lord!

And, there is a new spirit in the church. Our worship has been good and people are excited about new ministries that are being started.

"God is good, All the time, God is good." That definitely applies to FBCD. God has been good to us.

I'm excited about Christmas and about the future of the church. If we are willing to work, pray, share the love of Jesus and adopt a "whatever it takes" attitude, we will continue to reach people.

I am thankful, for what the Lord is doing in His church. Join me this Thanksgiving, in giving thanks for the Lord's blessings.

We are about to conclude the fall months. For the past couple of weeks, the foliage in this area has been absolutely beautiful. I have especially admired the foliage on the trees that line Hardy street just before it merges with Merchants Drive. That bank of trees has been a beautiful gold for a couple of weeks.

But yesterday, as I drove past that line of trees... the beautiful gold had turned to rust and many limbs were bare. The leaves are gone for the year. Fall is basically over. Oh, there are still a couple of football games left to be played but winter weather is almost here.

I love the fall but I also enjoy the cold of the winter. I enjoy reading a book and listening to a fire crackle and pop in the fire place. I enjoy drinking hot chocolate.

With the winter comes the Christmas season. With the Christmas season comes egg nog. I love egg nog. Especially a egg nog latte at Starbucks. My wife is not a coffee drinker but... she loves egg nog lattes. I think they should sell those year round but, if they did, I guess it wouldn't be special when they have them. I like the Christmas music. I like the Christmas lights. Those are good things about the winter.

I enjoy going to a basketball game and that season comes in the winter.

I enjoy eating good, hot soup.

And, if we are fortunate enough to get some snow.. I like that about winter.

So, fall is over. The beautiful color is gone for the year. So, do we just hibernate until next fall? No, we enjoy the next season. Winter is here. There are good things about winter. It will be followed by spring when God's creation comes to life and then summer.

The scripture says "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

The scripture also says, "This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24).

Enjoy today. Enjoy this season. Thank God for today.

Last night our entire family was at home.
Now that may not sound like a big deal but it was last night. We all gathered around the dining room table and had roast, green beans, corn, rolls and Sarah even made me some stuffed celery!
It seemed like Sunday lunch! I could remember many Sundays sitting round the table at home and having roast, potato salad, stuffed celery and other yummie dishes.
We ate and visited and laughed. It was great.
Now, you might ask, "why was that so great?" It was because, we don't get to do it that often any more. As our kids have gotten older, everyone is running and gunning and it's a challenge to get everyone together. Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about. So, getting everyone together was a good thing.
There was a time when families ate together more often. Meal time was a time to catch up on what was going on in everyone's lives. And, at times, life lessons were taught at the table. Stories were passed down and other memories were made.
In today's world, to some degree, we do that by text messaging or with a telephone call or an email. And while all of those means of communication will work and are effective, there is nothing like sitting down with everyone present and having a good talk.
I love my family. I enjoy spending time with them. Several years ago, as we were getting close to Christmas I asked my parents what they wanted for Christmas. They said "getting all of ya'll together is Christmas enough for us." I didn't understand it then. But I do now.
Getting everyone together is a challenge but it's worth the challenge.
Sit down around the family table as often you can and share some good times with your family.

Was reading this morning in my devotional about Elijah and Elisha. Elisha was a protege of Elijah. Elisha was told that Elijah was about to leave him. Elisha asked Elijah for a "double portion of your spirit."

I have several things on my mind today.
First, we are wrapping up VBS. VBS is ALWAYS a great week to reach kids and families for the Lord Jesus. And yes, it's always a very busy week but, the busy is worth it. Now, I have to turn my attention to sermon prep. for Sunday.
Then, there is sermon prep. I am preaching this Sunday on "Characteristics Of A Man Who Has Fellowship With God." It's based on Psalm 15.
The Psalm was probably written when David was moving the ark back to Jerusalem. Uzzah reached out to stabilize the ark and God struck him down. It was probably out of that experience that David asked, "Who can abide on thy Holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1).
I hope you will plan to express love and appreciation to your Dad on Father's Day. One of the best things you could do is find a local church and worship. I hope you will do so.
Next, I have a son who is out of town this weekend. Will, our middle son, is playing summer baseball with the FCA Mavericks. They are playing in Rock Hill, S.C. Holli and I didn't make the trip. This is a first for us. I'm staying in touch w/text messaging and phone calls. You think I could call him in the dugout? lol... Probably not...
And... finally... the LSU Tiger baseball team is playing in the College World Series in Omaha. It has been fun keeping up with the Tigers over the last two months. Up until last week, they had won 23 straight games. They may not win it this year (they've done well to get this far) but, it's been a good year.
Hope you have a great weekend.

This is VBS week at First Baptist. So, my weekly routine has been thrown out of sorts. I normally study in the mornings but I haven't gotten much done thus far this week. I pray the Lord gives me a few hours to study a little and pull a message together before Sunday.
Our VBS has gone great. We have had good attendance and, as far as I know, minimal problems which is always a good thing. I even did the "limbo" (sp?) this morning. Well, I kind of did a "half limbo." lol As a part of the VBS worship service kids have been bringing food to give to a local charity. And, they have to "mambo" to drop the food in the big buckets in the front.
In addition to VBS, we are trying to get our middle son, Will, off for a baseball tournament this weekend. Holli and I are not going. This is a first for us. Normally, when the kids do anything, one of us tries to be present. But, we are treating this weekend like a trial run for college. And, I don't really like it. I like to know how he's doing in the game. But, the Lord will get us through it. I know this is minor stuff but for me, right now, it's a little bigger. For some reason, I'm not wanting to turn loose."
So, it's been a busy week. VBS and preparing to get a kid off on a trip. And, trying to find a little time to study.
I'm reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6; "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."

I hope you had a good Memorial Day.
I did or, should I say "we did."
Our family had a good day.
We didn't cook out, although we ate out last night. Nothing against cooking out by any means but we just didn't do it yesterday. We did nothing accept watch tv, read and rest.
We told Will he could sleep late and he took advantage of it. He had two short nights of sleep the two preceding nights so, he was worn out.
Holli and I were just... well, we were lazy. Now that kind of cuts against the grain of my life. I was raised on a farm and on a farm there is normally something to be done. I can remember if you slept a little later than normal you were kidded by someone saying "you lazy thing." In other words, you're not supposed to be lazy. So, I grew up thinking if you slept late you might be lazy. If you sat around the house doing nothing you might be considered lazy.
But, "lazy" is good at times. In our day we "run and gun" all the time. Because of that, we can feel run down. And, we need rest.
But the summer is here and that will give us some opportunities for rest.
I hope you have a good, restful summer.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).

Graduation day is here.
For the past two weeks, our calendars have been filled with end of school activities. I have cried, and then, I dry those tears only to cry some more and some more. They are tears of sadness, joy, pride... etc... for a son that I'm proud of.
Will has had a good senior year. He leaves behind some great memories at Paulding County High School. It's been a good 3 1/2 years.
Now, he moves on.
In the past couple of weeks, I 've been working through the "letting them grow up and turning them loose" issue. And, the Lord is helping me.
I don't have it whipped by any means but, it's getting better.
I've asked myself, why I'm struggling with this so much. I think it's two things:
1) The hope that you have raised them correctly and done the right things. Will is not "totally raised" by any means but, a big part of it is done. Ok, how did you do?
2) The fact that he will now be moving on. Yes, I know, that's the way it is supposed to be. But, for some reason, I'm struggling with that.
Last Sunday, at a baccalaureate service, the minister said something that hit home for me. He basically said that the issue of letting them go comes down to faith. Trusting God to be with them and help them mature.
He was right. So maybe it's a trust issue. Maybe I'm having problems trusting the Lord to take my son and help him mature as he moves on. If so, Lord forgive me, because I know you are able.
Tonight, I will watch him walk down the aisle and yes, I will tear up again. Then, he will give his speech and I will probably do it again.
Like one of my friends said yesterday, "I'm a proud papa." I can identify. I am as well.
Tonight, William Kirk Potts graduates.
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

"It's the little stuff that makes a difference."

I've heard this phrase many times but about 2 hours ago, it really hit home. I walked into our local Zaxby's. I've eaten there about a jillion times in the last 2 years. Especially since I went on my diet. I order the same thing just about every time; a grilled chicken salad w/ranch dressing, a cup of chicken salad on the side, an order of zax sauce and unsweet tea.

I've ordered that so much that a young lady who works behind the counter can see me in line and behind quoting my order before I give it to her. I've always thought it was kind of funny. I also know it's her way of letting me know that she remembers me and that I'm special. Good customer service, I guess.

Well, today, I walked in and was talking with a friend of mine who is a member of our church. Then, I spoke to Will, my middle son, who was in there with some other kids who had gotten out of school early today because of a candlelight ceremony. After finishing my conversation, I made my way to the line.

As I stood in line, the young lady said "He's already cooked your order."

I asked, "What do you mean?"

The manager was in the kitchen helping prepare orders and he put my salad on the ledge for the young lady to pick it up and said, "I hope you want the same thing. I went ahead and prepared your order." I didn't have to wait 1 minute for my order.

I was stunned. Shocked.

As I ate I thought, "That was neat..." Now , I know.. it also means I'm predictable. But, right now, I'm focusing on the neat side. This guy is doing his best to do a little extra in customer service. As I left, I went to the counter and told the young lady, "Tell your manager I appreciate that." He heard me and said, "We love you and appreciate you."

Well, I know this; he made a friend and solidified a relationship with a customer.

Maybe it doesn't take much to impress me... maybe he's supposed to do that kind of stuff. Maybe so. But, the fact is, he did it.

I was reminded that it's the little things that matter.

So, do something for someone today. Hold a door open. Let someone pull out in traffic ahead of you. Pay for someone's lunch. Write a note of appreciation.

It's the little things that matter.

"Caught in a changing world"

For several years now I have slowly begun to realize what others have known for some time... the world is a changing and the way the church does its work must change as well.

Now that statement doesn't set well with many people. The reason is, of all organizations in existence, for some reason, the church has always been resistant to change. You have heard of the 7 famous last words of the church, I'm sure. They are "We've never done it that way before."

I've thought about this a lot. Why does the church have so much trouble with change. I think it's because programs and ministries become "sacred" to us. There are things that we have done in church for years.... revivals, January Bible study, R.A.'s... G.A.'s... Brotherhood, W.M.U... Sunday School and I could go on and on... that once was effective. And, some of the things I mentioned above may still work in certain places. But, those programs were created in a time when the world was different.

An expert in Southern Baptist church growth recently commented on the declining baptisms in Southern Baptist life. He said that many of the programs we use are somewhat dated. He then added, "If the 50's come back around again, we will be ready to go." That's not a direct quote but it's close. And, it's sad.

So, we have a program and ministries that were designed in another era and at times, they don't work as well today. When they don't, instead of "discerning the times" as the scripture encourages us to do, if we're not careful, we can become angry and judgmental and mean-spirited about the times.

I will probably write more about this in the days ahead. This is a starting place.

I know this; Jesus still loves people. The way that we tell the world that Jesus still loves people may have to change but the message doesn't.

Let's be open to the leadership of the Spirit in our lives and in the life of the church.

My blog entry today is the column I wrote for our church newsletter.

(From time to time, when there are special moments in the lives of my children or my wife, I have used my pastor’s column to write a personal note to them. The following is one of those occasions.)
Dear Will:
This Sunday, you will walk across the platform at First Baptist Church, Dallas, GA. And you will be recognized as a senior in the Class of ’08. As you do, my mind will go back to a Saturday when I was cutting grass in the backyard of our home in Brookhaven, MS, and your mom came to the door to tell me she was in labor. The problem was, you weren’t due for two more weeks. You couldn’t come that day. Besides, I was starting a revival the next day and, well, you just needed to wait a couple of days. But, you’ve always had a mind of your own and you decided that, ready or not world, you were coming that day. Later that day, Saturday, July 14th, you entered the world at King’s Daughters Hospital.
Just like Robert and your sister, Sarah, you have been a lot of fun to watch grow up. It doesn’t seem possible that 18 years have passed. But they have and they have been good years.
You were small when your mom and I moved to the Gulf Coast. You played t-ball, Dixie youth baseball, pee wee football, basketball and were in R.A.’s in church. I think you even played the drums in the band one time. When you were in the 3rd grade, you received the award for reading the most books at Vancleave Elementary. I guess your name is still on a plaque in the hallway of that school. You’ve always had a little competitive streak in you. I guess you get that honest.
When you were 7 you asked Jesus into your heart. I remember on Christmas Eve I was baptizing you and you slipped on the steps coming into the baptistery and sort of busted up the candlelight Lord’s Supper service. But, it didn’t bother you much… you’ve always like to make a splash!
We moved to Dallas in December of ’04. That move could have been tough on you and, it may have been, but you didn’t say anything. You were determined to make the best of it and you have. It’s amazing to me that in a little over 3 years you’ve gone from being the new kid in town to President of your senior class. That’s pretty neat.
You’ve always loved kids and you are good with them. I think that’s an indication of your soft heart. You’ve never thought you were too “cool” to spend time with a child.
You love sports. And, some of my most memorable moments as a dad have been watching you and your brother and sister participate in sports. Yep, I was some kind of happy… maybe elated is a better word…. when you got the game winning hit against Hiram last year and then, hit a home run against Hiram this year. Like the Mastercard commercial says, “priceless.”
One of the best compliments I’ve received about you came from Coach Watts recently. He made some remarks about you that essentially said “He may not be the fastest or the strongest athlete on the field but, he plays with heart.” You do and I’m proud of you for it. I’ve told you before, one of the things that made me proud as a Dad was, in football and in baseball, you always ran to your spot. Didn’t matter if your team was losing badly, you ran to your spot. I was proud of you for doing that.
Will, your mom and I are proud of you. You are a fine young man. The best is yet to come.

Another Mom's Day pic w/the whole crew

Our men's Bible study group that meets every Thursday morning at 6:30 at Rodney's BBQ in New Hope. The Lord has really blessed this and it has grown from a group of 6 on the first morning to as many as 22. From left to right: Maxie Camp, Ken McMichen, David Welch, Jimmy Lawrence, Hugh Rose, Gregg Potts, Tommie Graham, David Martinez, Ben Paris, Raymond McCollum, Dave Morelli, Earl Cunningham, Raymond Philips & Derek Lawrence.

Senior night for Paulding County High baseball. Holli, Will, Me.