TAYLOR SWIFT! 

 

As you know, Taylor Swift rolled into Nashville this past weekend and did 3 outdoor concerts, and each lasted three and a half hours! It was an incredible show! 

 

Before the Sunday night concert, big storms rolled into Nashville and delayed the concert for 3 hours due to “lightening protocol” at Nissan Stadium! However, Swift did not disappoint her fans as she did her entire show…which ended at 1:30 AM this morning!!

 

The thing I admired most was the loyalty and endurance of her fans…they rode out the storm Sunday night! Many, if not all, were drenched to the core…but they didn’t care! They knew what they were about to experience and there was no giving up and going home!  The reward was worth waiting out the storm, no matter how strong it was. They had their eyes on something greater on the other side of that storm!

 

That event leads me to a few reflective questions to ponder:

 

• What would it be like if we were as determined as the “Swifties” when it comes to the Storms of Life?
• What would it be like if we endured the pain and problems (storms) that we face, knowing that what was on the other side was greater? 
• Where is our endurance to ride out those storms?

 

One thing about storms to remember: Storms of life, like storms in the skies, always roll in, but they also always roll out! Depending on how we handle it, we can become greater on the other side!

 

Don’t forget that there is One who stands in the middle of the storm, and at the right time, speaks “Peace” into our hearts!

 

Have a great storm enduring week! 

 

Chaplain Joel

 

 

 

THE MOST DREADED DAY IS COMING

 

Welcome to Monday Maintenance! So far, we have survived January and February of 2023, however March is a different story. I hope all of you were safe from the big windstorm! I chased outdoor furniture all over the place! One chair was about 100 yards away! Clarksville had the State record of 79 mph winds! Go Us!! LOL

 

March brings about a distinct change in weather patterns and sends us hope of a coming Spring, although Spring started in February this year…can I get an AMEN? LOL 

 

March also brings about the MOST DREADED DAY OF THE YEAR - TIME CHANGE, or as many would call it - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME! It is where we “Spring Forward” one hour to give us “extended daylight!” (I don’t know about you but I wish “they” would set us on one time and leave it alone…can I get another AMEN?) 

 

Just as New Year’s Eve brings a spirit of hope, Daylight Savings Time brings a spirit of dread! We moan and groan and drag around for about a week and then we adjust - whether we want to, or not! 

 

So, how can we face “that day” without dread? By giving thanks! 

I know that sounds crazy, but if we could change our spirit of dread to a spirit of gratefulness, we can approach this day with hope! Remember what my favorite Book says, “This is the day which the LORD has made; (I will) rejoice and be glad in it!” 

 

It’s an attitude, followed by an action, that makes the difference!

 

Will you be different? 

 

Have a great “time change” week! 

 

Chaplain Joel

NEW YEAR – NEW NAME

HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome to 2023! And with a New Year we start to look ahead and not backwards! So, I thought I would start looking ahead with a New Name for my weekly posts to you! And here it is: MONDAY MAINTENANCE! 

 

OK, it sounds a little “cheesy” but bear with me for a moment as I give you my purpose. 

 

As you well know, machinery must be maintained to continuously give peak performance. Sometimes it may need an oil change; other times it may need a new part. And sometimes it just needs a good old-fashioned cleaning! 

 

We should also maintain our machinery to make it last longer! If you neglect to change the oil in your car, or keep air in the tires, etc., sooner or later you are going to breakdown on the highway. That breakdown could have been prevented with proper maintenance. 

 

It’s the same with the human mind, body, and spirit! You must do proper maintenance to your “SELF” so you don’t experience a breakdown on the road of life! 

 

I’m here to help you avoid those breakdowns! Each week, take a few minutes to read my posts and, if applicable, make it a part of your weekly maintenance plan. Feel free to share these with whomever you wish with the hope to help them as well.

 

To start 2023 the right way, I want to encourage you to NOT do 4 things: 

 

• Don’t Fear
• Don’t Faint 
• Don’t Fret, and
• Don’t Forget 

 

Think on these things and I will give more detail in the upcoming MONDAY MAINTENANCE plan. 

DON'T RUSH THIS SEASON!

The 2022 Christmas Season is here!!

Please, don’t rush the Season.

With all the hustle and bustle of traffic congestion, changes in the weather, long lines at the register, and some terrible grumpy attitudes of those around us, it would be easy to hurry it up and miss out on some inspiring things.

Pull back and focus for a moment. Ask yourself, “How can I make the most of this Christmas Season?”

Try this suggested list of things:

• Take the time to be nice – don’t be another Scrooge…there are plenty of them out there!
• Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
• Make the time with your family much more special (drinking hot chocolate; singing Carols by the tree; wrapping gifts together; baking Christmas goodies; watch some great Netflix Christmas shows (The Santa Clause Chronicles 1 & 2; White Christmas; etc.).
• Slow down! And maybe, if you have places to go, leave a little earlier than normal.
• Give – this is a Season of Giving – you could change someone’s life for the better! 

You’ve got this! Lead the way and others will follow!

Have a great safe non-rushed week!

Chaplain Joel

AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

I read the story of Samuel and David this morning in 1 Samuel 16. After the disobedience of King Saul, God sent Samuel to search and anoint the next King of Israel, and the LORD directed him to the family of Jesse. (By the way, Jesse's grandparents were Ruth and Boaz!) When the sons of Jesse were brought before Samuel, the first son, Eliab, had the outward appearance of what Samuel saw as "King Material." He must have looked good and must have been taller than his brothers. Maybe he even sounded like a King in the making! But the LORD spoke to Samuel and made a great declaration: "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)

As you know, the story moves on and none of Jesse's sons, who were present, became King. The one who was not present was later selected - David, the youngest, whom his father didn't even think to present him to Samuel. However, the LORD knew the person He wanted. He was looking for the right fit. And the young man, who had a huge heart that sought after the things of God more than anything else, was selected.

Think on this for a moment: Sometimes we get caught up in the "outward" things of other people - height, looks, speech, ability to sway the crowd, connections, etc. I'm not saying that God doesn't use these traits...He does! However, there is one true component that reigns supreme in the eyes of God when He is looking for those to use: A Heart that desires what He desires - a Heart after God!

May the LORD find us as He found David in the field tending the family flock...those after God's own heart!

 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Each year on February 14 we celebrate Valentine’s Day! It’s a great day to pause and express love to the one we most adore. Yesterday was preparation day for this Day and the stores were packed out…especially Publix. I guess it was a double whammy because of the Super Bowl! The Deli was lined up with people picking up party trays and snacks in preparation for the Big Game! Along with that line was the line around the Floral Shop. Arrangements of Red Roses filled the displays and of course there was Chocolate everywhere! Oh yeah…don’t forget the Valentine Card for that special someone! 

The theme of Valentine’s Day centers around LOVE. We say phrases like: “Would you be mine?” Or “Be My Valentine!” Or give juicy, mushy cards beginning with the words: “Dear Valentine…” Oh wow, can you feel the love in the air? 

True LOVE is really incredible. Of course, LOVE originated with God. He LOVED the world so much! Why? Simple: GOD IS LOVE! 

Since God is LOVE, here’s what true LOVE looks like and what it doesn't look like. Take some time and think about each line and evaluate yourself. Is this the type of LOVE that I am expressing or experiencing? 

LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind.  

It does not envy, it does not brag, it is not proud. 

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

LOVE does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

LOVE never fails. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a) 

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day expressing and experiencing that type of love.

HOW BUSY ARE YOU? 

Some days it seems we just can’t get anything done! It’s like spinning plates on a pole. 

Getting them spinning may be easy, but sustaining them is another story! When one slows down we run over and give it a spin, only to see another one slowing down needing a spin, and so on. And the more plates on poles we have, the more energy and effort it takes to keep them going. Sooner or later, because we are pulled in so many directions, plates begin to fall to the floor and break leaving piles of rubble. 

Do you ever feel that way? Do you have so many things going on in your life that it’s keeping you so busy and possibly headed for a crash?

 

Then, you are too busy! Which means it is time to evaluate. Are all of those “plates” in your life really necessary, or have you allowed yourself to be piled on…or have taken on too many “plates and poles” … and have totally stressed yourself out? 

May I suggest that you allow some things to be “dropped” or handed off to others so you can focus on the truly necessary and important things. And the most important thing I would encourage you to consider is your personal time with God. 

Begin each day with Him by reading a few Scriptures from the Bible, and then pausing to whisper a prayer admitting you need Him. Jesus said this: “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Another place in the Bible says this: “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders. He’ll carry your load; He’ll help you out.” 

Take the first step by praying this prayer:

“God, I need You to help me see what’s most important. I can’t see it because I have so much going on in my life. Today I give You my troubles because I know You will help me out. I’m weary and need Your rest. Thank You, God, for Your help and I gladly receive it today. Help me to start each day with You!” Amen.

 TALK DIRECTLY TO GOD

 

Did you know that you can talk directly to God on any day and at any time? Many people believe that in order to talk to God they must go through a priest, pastor, or preacher. But that is not true. 

 

Listen to these words from the Bible in Hebrews 4:14-16  

 

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

God gives us permission to come directly to Him! And when we do, we must be honest with Him. 

·      Tell God all your troubles and problems. 

·      Tell God all your sins. 

·      Tell God what you would like for Him to do for you. 

·      Ask God to give you wisdom in every situation. 

·      Ask God to help you be a better worker; be a better friend; be a better witness that will bring Him glory. 

 

It is limitless the number and types of requests we can bring to Him. He knows your situation and He waits for you to call on Him. He is ready to give you his mercy and grace. And they will be given to you. 

 

How wonderful it is to know we can go directly to Him with everything on our heart and mind.

 

Go ahead and give it a try. Call on God in prayer and watch Him go to work! 

 

Let’s pray: 

 

God, thank you for the opportunity to come directly to you with all my thoughts and prayers. Let me experience Your grace and mercy today in all my situations. 

 

In Jesus Name, 

 

Amen

SOMETHING NEW DAILY

The following is a repost that has been revised.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

I absolutely love New Year's Day! There is just something about this particular day that gets most people to thinking.

We regretfully think about the past, and with great anticipation, we think about the future. Sure, New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) is no different than the day before (Dec. 31), but there's just something about THIS DAY that puts great hope in all of us. 

Do you sense that on this day or is it just me? The Bible teaches us: “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to the things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way...” (Isaiah 43:18-19b CSB) 

I hope you realize that “something new” can come daily. With each morning we see a New Day. With each Day we see New Opportunities. With each Opportunity we see New Progress! Start each day with anticipation and remember: The past is past! Let's learn our lessons and move on toward our future. Life is better when you look through the windshield than through the rear-view mirror.

Until Next Time...

2022 GOALS

Goals for next year…REALLY??? I know…we haven’t gotten through Christmas yet and I bring up 2022?? Yep…2022 is just 19 days away!! Can’t believe it’s almost here. 

So…what are you gonna do differently next year than you did this year? Think about that for a second. Are you going to continue doing things the way you are doing them now, or are you going to try a new and different approach?  

And what about personal growth? What will you to to stretch yourself for the purpose of improving yourself? 

One of the goals I set for personal improvement for 2021 was to read the Bible all the way through…and I completed that goal this past Saturday!   And I learned some new things that hit home for me. Even though I have read it completely several times, I still saw ways to improve myself. 

How about you? Would you consider reading the whole Bible during 2022? There are lots of resources to help break it down into 365 daily segments to make it easier to accomplish. And there are so many different, easy to read translations to help with the process. 

Possibly download the You Version app to your phone for some ideas and plans. I’m gonna read it again this year on my paper-white Kindle. I’ve selected the New Living Translation and will read the Bible chronologically - in order of events as they happened in history. It’s gonna be a great year of growing. 

How about teaming up with me and we can encourage each other in our 2022 journey? Just send me a text or email to let me know you’re in! 

Now, let’s focus on Christmas…next week!! 

Have a great safe week and I’m praying for you!

HEART PROCEDURE

   On Sunday morning April 11, 2021, while experiencing chest pain, I entered the ER here in Clarksville with a BP rate of 213/100!! I know…that’s very elevated! The ER staff was excellent and took good care of me. I was admitted and given good meds to bring the BP down. My body responded well to the medication. 

 

My enzyme levels continued to increase indicating heart “abnormalities” pointing me toward a heart cath. So, on Monday (Apr. 12), I received a Stent in the famous Widow-Maker artery! None of us knew where the blockage was located until the cath was performed. The doctor successfully cleared the blockage and inserted the Stent. I was in worse shape than I believed prior to the surgery! The doctor and his assistants confirmed it! 

 

If there ever were an artery that you don’t want blocked, it’s the Widow-Maker! Reason being: it lives up to its name! Fortunately for me, it was not successful! Lana, the girls and I are very glad of this! All the credit and praise go to our Lord! He guided the hospital staff to success! 

 

We cannot say enough good things for the Medical Staff at Tennova Hospital here in Clarksville. They were very knowledgeable, caring and professional. Big THANK YOU to all of them! 

 

I especially want to also say THANK YOU to Lana for being there and helping to nurse me back to health! She has a big job on her hands, if you know me, you will say, “AMEN!” 

 

So now it’s time for some much needed rest and healing! I’ll keep you posted with the progress! And we appreciate your prayers! 

 

“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is a work within us, to Him be the Glory!” 

 

Eph. 3:20-21

 

TO DO, OR TO DON'T!

Many of us work our days with a “To Do” list. For me, it gives me direction because I have a hard time with focus (squirrel), so need I say more? LOL 

 

Anyway, back on track here; My “To Do” list makes me feel more productive, especially when I get to draw a line through a completed task, or place a check-mark in the column beside it. I also receive direction as to what is and what isn’t important for that day or week. 

 

Some days my list has things that had been put off and they just needed to be completed so my mind would no longer have to dwell on them. Yep, that’s called Procrastination! At times, I am a great master of the “P” word! Other days, I seem to be more on top of things with a great desire to “knock ‘em out” and so I turn on the productive rockets and blast right through them! On those days, and weeks, I feel really good about what I have accomplished. 

 

Then there are those days when I need to create a “To Don’t” list and work hard on that one as well. As a “To Do” list produces things to accomplish, a “To Don’t” list reduces things that don’t need accomplishing! 

 

Allow me to illustrate this and I will relate it to our personal lives, not our work lives. Perhaps if we practiced, in our personal lives, the following “To Do” and “To Don’t” lists, maybe our work lives would become more productive. 

 

So, here we go: 

 

To Do

Daily Quiet Time with Bible and prayer

Breathe slow and deep         

Relax                                             

Rest

Love

Refresh your spirit                

 

To Don’t

Worry

Fear

Panic

Be easily angered

Rush

Become stressed

 

I love the saying of Jesus to the stressed-out people of His time:

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out…? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 THE MESSAGE

 

That is a “To Do” list worth accomplishing this weekend!

 

HALF-WAY POINT!

2020 IS AT THE HALF-WAY POINT! 

I know it is hard to believe, but this Year called “2020” is halfway finished! Of course, the last few months have been a blur because of COVID-19! This Virus has made all of us rethink and redo a lot of things. Many priorities have shifted, hopefully to the better. 

This Year began, as most years, with lots of dreams and expectations. Many of those have been laid aside for the time being. BUT, what if we picked those back up? What would happen if we re-dreamed those dreams and moved forward in pursuit of them for the remainder of the year? What would your life look like at the end of December 2020? I think, if we stepped back into and leaned into those dreams and goals, we would all be better individuals than we are right now! 

So, here is my Mid-Year Challenge: GET STARTED AGAIN! Set a couple of goals to accomplish over the next six months. Do monthly check-ups to see your progress. Let’s strive to enter into 2021 as better men and women! Speaking of GETTING STARTED AGAIN, pick that Bible back up and read it everyday, and add a little bit of praying as well. Maybe start reading the Book of Proverbs to gain some great Wisdom. Read one chapter a day that corresponds with the date of the day. Today is the 6th of July so read Proverbs 6. Tomorrow read chapter 7, and so on throughout the month! 

I would love to hear what you wisdom and instruction you gained from your reading. Text me on the My Chaplain App,  email me, call me, or drop a note on my Chaplain FaceBook page, Chaplain Joel Walker!

Have a great, wise, and safe week and I am praying for you!

MEMORIAL DAY FACTS

Just a note to say, “Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!” If you have an opportunity, please take a moment to view these “5 Facts About Memorial Day” and how it came into existence. Much of this I did not know! Together, we pause and remember those who gave their lives to ensure the freedom of our Country! 

Speaking of freedom, let’s also remember another person who gave His life to set, and keep, us free: “If the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 

The Difference Between General and Specific!

In doing Chaplain Orientation for new employees, I let them know that I have been praying for them, and their families, and then I give them an opportunity to allow me to pray for them in a specific way. I will ask, if there is some way in which I can pray for them, to please send me a note or catch up with me in the hallway or give me a call. I want to partner up with them and go to God, in prayer, on their behalf. 

I have discovered that the more specific a prayer request can be, the more dynamic the prayers will be! I’ll illustrate it this way: All of us pray “general” prayers like, “God bless me!” And we think in doing so we can cover a lot of areas in one giant swoop! OK, that’s not a bad prayer, but there is no real dynamic in that prayer – it has no “specific” place to go or answer to give. All of us are continuously blessed by God – you just took a breath of fresh air; you just blinked; you are alive reading this; you had at least one meal today, etc. You are blessed!

But how do you really want God to bless you? Be specific! “God, bless me with safety today as I travel.” “God, bless me with the plan and ability to finish my project on time.” So be specific. 

Some people will pray another general prayer by saying, “God forgive me of my sins.” Again, that is not a bad prayer to pray, however God wants to know specifically “which sins” you want forgiven! Name them one by one! “God, forgive me for showing that guy in the sports car that cut me off that he was number one!” (You got that one, didn’t you?) “God, forgive me for that stupid thing I said to my spouse.” “God forgive me for…” (Name your sin here!).  

I relate general prayers to florescent lighting – with one flip of the switch, they light up an entire room, but no specific area. It covers it all. However, I relate specific prayers to a laser on the scope of your gun – it gives you pin-point accuracy to hit your target! That’s the dynamic we want to see as we pray – pin-point accuracy!

Check out this story of a specific prayer: “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

A person “like us” prayed for no rain (specific) and it didn’t rain. Then he prayed and “the heavens gave rain” (specific). 

The more specific a prayer request can be, the more dynamic the prayers will be! 

I can’t wait to see how God is going to answer you as you bring your specific prayer request to Him. And if you want me to join in with you, I am ready! 

What To Do When There Is A Change In Leadership Joshua 1

Passing On the Legacy of Motherhood May 10

KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING AND KEEP YOUR SPIRIT HIGH! Part 2

KEEP YOUR SPIRITS HIGH

Last time I talked to you about keeping your body moving and I hope you took the opportunity to “Talk It Out” and to “Listen Up” (see previous post) while you Got up; Got out; and Got your body moving!

Keeping your body moving has some difficulties, but keeping your spirit high is even harder…but you “CAN DO” it! How does one stay “UP” in a “DOWN” world? I’m glad you asked that question! 

It all starts with the mind. I learned a saying some years ago and it goes like this: “What goes into the mind goes down into the heart and comes out in the life.” What you put in your mind is what is going to come out of your mouth and shape your lifestyle! Remember “GIGO”: Garbage In, Garbage Out? That is true for computers and it is also true for humanity. 

Those “spirit downers” in your life had to come from somewhere. I would suggest they entered your mind through your eyes and ears…what you saw or read, and what you heard. Let’s turn ourselves around (Hokey Pokey) and take charge of everything that goes into our minds. Also, let’s make great choices as to how we respond to the world, and the people, around us. 

You actually have more control of your responses than you think. Have you and your spouse ever been in a “discussion” and the phone rings? I bet you answered it like everything in your world was going great! All of us have done this. The control was there because we made a quick choice. 

Try choosing these “uppers” over the next few days to keep your spirits high:

1) Turn off the negative. The media regularly pumps “bad news” into our ears and eyes 24/7/365. Limit your exposure. 

2) Observe your friends. Which friends of yours are constantly negative? Limit your exposure. 

3) Fill your mind. If what goes into our minds comes out in our speech and lifestyle, then start inputting positive things. Maximize your exposure.

Begin with memorizing Scripture. Here is a good verse to start on: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.(Philippians 4:8) Find yourself some motivational messages, podcasts, speeches, training seminars, etc. from people like Zig Ziglar and John Maxwell. You can’t go wrong with these speakers. 

4) Express thanks. A thankful heart is a happy heart and a happy heart is a thankful heart! Develop the “attitude of gratitude” and learn to express thanksgiving. If we will pause and reflect, we find things to be grateful for. That breath you just took…these words you just read…that meal you recently ate…that ability you used this week at work or play...as you can see, there are things to be thankful for. Maximize your exposure.

CHALLENGE: Take the next 7 days and practice only ONE of the items listed above. Then, the next week, continue that choice while adding a second. Within a month, you will be a totally different person. And I can’t wait to hear the changes that have been made in you! 

I am here for you! Feel free to comment below about your progress! We are in this journey together!

Get Up! Get Out! Get Moving! Get Your Spirits High!

KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING AND KEEP YOUR SPIRITS HIGH! Part 1

There’s a saying that’s going around today and it goes like this: “Keep your body moving and keep your spirits high!” Have you been hearing this? It is an interesting and encouraging statement that people are making to each other via Radio, TV, FB, Twitter, etc.

So, let’s talk about this for a few minutes. 

KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING 

That is a great idea, however that body of yours needs to do more moving than going from the couch to the frig or bathroom! If you are physically able, then get on that home treadmill or get out that door and at least walk. You don’t have to start out big; maybe five to ten minutes in your neighborhood, or up and down your driveway. The main idea is to get moving and keep moving! 

Being quarantined or sheltered-in-place can make us lazier than we already are. And talk about the extra pounds…no, let’s not do that! For some people, these days remind us of college again and how we gained the “Freshman 15” (or more)! 

When we keep our body moving, we experience some good changes. First, we can experience less stress! Being “sheltered” is taking its toll on many Americans. Cabin Fever is spiking! Nerves are shot! Patience is not a virtue! Those are clear signs that we need to GET UP; GET OUT; and GET MOVING! Your body and your family will thank you. 

During these difficult “new normal” days, don’t be like the lazy person referred to in the Bible as a “Sluggard.” (When I hear that term I immediately think about a “slug” (big, fat, gooey thing that leaves a trail of slime wherever it slides around!) that oozes along the carport in a very slow pace. The Bible says, “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.” (Prov. 26:15) 

Don’t let that be you! Get up! Get out! Get moving! Two things I like to do while walking. 1) Talk it out – I like to lay out before God all my questions, stresses, frustrations, praises, etc. as I put one foot in front of the other. It relieves my brain and allows me to work through issues that are bugging me. How do I spell relief? W A L K!  2) Listen up – this is a great time to put on the headset and listen to my Playlist. I have a group of songs that lasts about 40 minutes, which is how long it takes me to walk 2 miles. Now, if I don’t have anything to talk out, then I listen up. Some days the opposite happens as well. Sometimes, I do a little of both. This is refreshing to my body and my mind. I bet it will be to yours as well. What do you do to Get Up, Get Out and Get Moving?

Final Countdown

As you already know, we have been called to serve First Baptist Church, Dawson, GA.

The beginning of one ministry is the ending of another. I've spent the last 7 years serving the Lord by serving other people behind the front counter of @Chick-fil-A. It has been a great journey and certainly My Pleasure!

So this is my final week.  It all began when I was in need of a job. We were a few months away from closing the church we started and I wanted to find something "temporary" to tie me over until the Lord led us to our new ministry.

Little did I know the Lord positioned me in my "new ministry" at CFA and also gave me many opportunities to preach. Not only as a fill-in but also serving three interim pastorates: Gentian Baptist for 6 months; Wynnbrook Baptist for 9 months; and First Baptist Richland, GA for 12 months. And in each church people came to salvation in Christ and were baptized into the Church! Praise the Lord!!

Many friends have been made through these churches and also through my years at CFA. I will miss serving them all. And I'll miss my fellow team members. We have had such great times together and learned a lot from each other. And we have laughed!

Thank you, Todd Morgan, Operator CFA Phenix City, AL for giving my the blessing of working and serving with you, John Lech, Chris Magnus, and the rest of the team. You all taught me so much.

Thank you Alex Vann, Operator CFA Macon/Wynnton Rd. and Manchester Expressway. You also gave me an opportunity to serve alongside you, Brandon Alan, Stephen Vaughn, and the team members at two stores. You challenged me to step up as a leader! I came as a learner and leave as a better leader...and still learning! Most of all your love and friendship has meant so much. We may be living in different places but the friendship continues! Thanks for allowing me to be a pastor to many and the Chaplain of Chick-fil-A!!

So the countdown begins...there are 5 days left at CFA! Friday December 15 will be the final day. I will forever cherish these 7 years of my "temporary" job!

Ephesians 3:20