tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38462455708353515022024-03-12T19:39:40.555-04:00Travels of a Paintin' FoolThis blog is an account of the ideas, revelations, and experiences I have while living out the adventure of following Jesus.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-63054772765757467852010-09-09T22:04:00.001-04:002010-09-09T22:08:38.080-04:00WordleI ran across a cool website the other day. It takes groups of words (according to the number of usages) and makes sweet designs . This picture is an expression of the words from this blog. Check it out. Click on the picture to get a better look.<br /><br /><a title="Wordle: Paintin' Fools" href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2403589/Paintin%27_Fools"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ddd 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #ddd 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; BORDER-TOP: #ddd 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #ddd 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 4px" alt="Wordle: Paintin' Fools" src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/2403589/Paintin%27_Fools" /></a>Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-71054197470306731822010-06-02T22:54:00.002-04:002010-06-02T23:12:20.040-04:00So you want to be a leaderI was in New Orleans last week attending a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">workshop</span>. The class was worship leadership and I learned a lot. But the biggest thing I learned did not happen in the class room. On Monday night, I took advantage of the free supper being offered in the cafeteria. Due to the one hour break we had between class sessions, there were a ton of people cruising through the chow line. As I sat at the table with a couple of friends, I watched as a guy stood in front of the trash cans and took people's trays. As the time passed, this same gentleman started making the rounds throughout the room, taking trays from the tables and depositing them in the trash. He continued his efforts for well over an hour. In fact, he was working hard enough to work up a noticeable lather. And to top it all off, he was doing it while smiling like it was the greatest day of his life.<br /><br />I realize that it is not unusual to see someone helping in this way. The fascinating aspect of this story is not the what, but the who. The guy taking people's trash was the President of the Seminary. I repeat, the PRESIDENT of the Seminary! There were over 300 students visiting the campus as a part of the Red Carpet week. With this many folks visiting the campus, you would expect the President to be shaking hands, visiting, and speaking from a stage. Instead, the top leader of my Seminary was handling the trash.<br /><br />It was incredible to watch <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">people try</span> to refuse his offer, and him respond with, "It's not a problem. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Trash</span> is my specialty." I am not a rocket scientist, but I am sure that a guy with multiple degrees that runs a seminary has other specialties.<br /><br />My first dinner in New Orleans last week was very impacting for me. It was a tremendous reminder of what God has called Christians to do. We are here to serve others. Leaders are expected to humble themselves and serve others. Jesus continually met the needs of others. And when the situation called for it, He did the job no one else wanted to do. I would imagine people would want to wash feet as much as they would want to handle other people's trash.<br /><br />I have never been more proud to be apart of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary than when I saw my President <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">serving</span> others through trash duty.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-56372595370617772322010-05-23T22:57:00.002-04:002010-05-23T22:59:55.351-04:00Do you know what it means....The past two weeks away from school has been fantastic. I've played golf with Coach Hoffman. I've been to two Braves games. Watched a ton of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">baseball</span> and basketball. But the time has come to get back on the wagon.<br /><br />So I leave at 4:30 Monday morning for New Orleans. A week long workshop kicks off my Summer o' school.<br /><br />Let's do this!Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-83218973296963015732010-05-18T18:28:00.003-04:002010-05-18T18:33:11.415-04:00The importance of looking foolishI have been re-reading through "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Batterson</span>. This morning I was reading about how Christians need to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> with looking foolish. His argument was that many times Christians do do what God calls us to do because we are fearful that we 'll look foolish or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">uniformed</span>.<br /><br />The truth is that often what God calls us to do will look foolish to the world. He went through a pretty extensive list of people in the Bible who looked foolish to the people around them. He started with Moses, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sarai</span>, Joshua, moved to Peter when he stepped out of the boat and finished with Jesus hanging on a cross.<br /><br />Aren't you glad Jesus was willing to look foolish.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-59360624805097497502010-05-18T18:26:00.002-04:002010-05-18T18:28:00.071-04:00GolfingToday was great day!<br /><br />I spent the morning hiking at Ocmulgee park with the Kusnyer and the afternoon golfing with Coach. I'm about to eat some chicken fingers for dinner and watch the NBA playoffs.<br /><br />Life is fantastic right now.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-59303983157237753182010-05-14T16:00:00.003-04:002010-05-14T16:08:59.347-04:00Summer ReadingAre you looking for something good to read while sitting poolside. I have just the thing for you. A Christian fiction work called " Indivisible" by Kristen <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heitzmann</span>.<br /><br />This book is a story that follows the life of Police Chief Jonah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Westfall</span>. The reader follows <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Westfall</span> as he seeks to solve a mystery not only in his work but also his personal. If you enjoy a psychological thriller, this is for you.<br /><br />Below I have posted the necessary links for you to pick up a copy.<br /><br /><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400073092">http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400073092</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Indivisible-Novel-Kristen-Heitzmann/dp/140007309X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273867641&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Indivisible-Novel-Kristen-Heitzmann/dp/140007309X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">qid</span>=1273867641&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">sr</span>=8-1</a>Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-73246206151878925242010-05-14T15:57:00.002-04:002010-05-14T15:57:59.421-04:00FinallyMonday signaled the end of my crazy semester.<br />I am excited for the Summer and the adventures that will surely ensue.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-3801872198377571222010-03-24T23:39:00.001-04:002010-03-24T23:41:24.802-04:00Where you lookingC.S. Lewis said that pride makes you look down on people and things. He noted that it is impossible to look up at God if you are continually looking down in pride.<br /><br />So I ask you: Where are you looking.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-25604196007461559152010-01-18T16:56:00.003-05:002010-01-18T17:00:02.474-05:00Chalk another one up for the BearsMercer traveled to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">USC</span> Upstate this past Friday and claimed another win. It was a tight game from the tip to the finish, but the bears were able to hold on by three.<br /><br />I wasn't able to attend this game. I was in Dallas for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Kyle</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Goyer's</span> wedding. Thanks to my boy Brian Burton, I was able to keep updated on the score via his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">iphone</span>.<br /><br />I was on the first plane to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ATL</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Saturday</span> morning so that I could go to Jamie Burns' wedding Saturday night. It had the best music at a wedding that I have ever <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">experienced</span>.<br /><br />It was a good weekend. Two weddings in two time zones inside of 24 hours.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-89819189013551914872010-01-10T19:11:00.002-05:002010-01-10T19:17:47.801-05:00Draw them out of the crowdI heard a good message at church today. It was the first message in a three part series on what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. Tim McCoy preached from Matthew 5 where Jesus preaches the sermon on the mount. McCoy highlighted the insight that when crowds gathered to listen to Jesus, He drew disciples out of the crowd.<br /><br />Isn't that the purpose of drawing people to church? We do what is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessary</span> to get the crowds to Church, not for the purpose of having a crowd, but so that disciples can be drawn out of the crowd. The goal is disciples because fully devoted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">followers</span> of Jesus is what brings God glory.<br /><br />Why does your church meet?Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-79875572082117820152010-01-08T16:57:00.002-05:002010-01-08T17:02:08.187-05:00The camels go downMercer continued our winning streak last night with a win over the Camels from Campbell university. It was a back and forth game. We went up 18 early in the second half, only to see <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the</span> camels come back and take the lead. We were able to close the game on a good run and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">defeat</span> Campbell by nine.<br /><br />All five of our starters had double digits in scoring. Campbell is pretty athletic and we were able to overcome it with disciplined offensive sets.<br /><br />East <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Tennessee</span> State University (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ETSU</span>) comes to town Saturday afternoon @ 3:30. Hopefully we will be able to get a 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> win in a row.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-11036913819599551952010-01-06T22:57:00.002-05:002010-01-06T23:00:41.207-05:00Mercer's Got a Little bit of Mo.The Mercer Men's basketball team is on a two game winning streak. We beat Jacksonville University last Saturday on a 3-pointer at the buzzer.<br /><br />We completed the Jacksonville 2-step Monday night with a win at North Florida. Tomorrow we try to keep the streak going against Campbell @ 5:30.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-78811607532320360082010-01-06T22:52:00.002-05:002010-01-06T22:57:01.674-05:003 DaysI just completed a workshop class on Servant Leadership. <br /><br />Here are a couple of takeaways:<br /><br />1. Servant Leadership is the mode, transformation is the goal.<br />2. Servant leadership is not a position of weakness.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-25893013025602776962009-12-17T22:05:00.002-05:002009-12-17T22:18:16.459-05:00It's PrimalI have another great book to let you know about. <br /><br />One of my favorite authors has just finished his third book. "<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Primal,</strong></span>" by Mark Batterson should be in stores soon. The premise of this book is Mark encouraging and calling readers to get back to the basic, fundamental elements of our faith in Christ. He highlights the fact that we as Christians tend to cimplicate our walk with God. Batterson recognizes that the reformation our world needs will be a result of stripping Christianity to the raw elements of what matters in our relationship with Jesus.<br /><br />This is a great book and would be a great first book to read in 2010. Batterson does such a great job of writing in a manner that is easy to follow and understand. Any time I read his work, I feel like he is on the couch beside me, explaing his insights and truths.<br /><br />Below is the link to where you can purchase the book. Take the challenge to return to the fundamental aspects of your faith.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421319">http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421319</a>Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-67827805311082092642009-12-17T22:00:00.002-05:002009-12-17T22:04:44.529-05:00A Fantasy of Heartbreak.I have a had a decent fantasy football season. My team was extremely injury prone, but I was able to escape several close games to have a 7-5 record going into the last week of the regular season. I was one spot out of the playoffs, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">playing one</span> of the two people ahead of me by one game. The Johnson duo (Andre & Chris) both scored 41 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">points</span> and helped me win by five points.<br /><br />Unfortunately for me, the second guy I needed to lose <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">did</span> not. Therefore, I was left out of the playoffs in a tie-break. I have to say...IT STINKS!Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-56730836194537956132009-12-16T19:54:00.002-05:002009-12-16T20:03:10.039-05:00Book AlertWith only 9 days left until Christmas, shopping is in full force.<br /><br />I want to help.<br /><br />I have a book that would be a great gift or stocking stuffer.<br />The book "<strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">40 Loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day</span></strong>." It is written by C. D. Baker.<br /><br />This work is a compilation of daily readings with the purpose of helping the reader renew their spirit to hunger after God. Each day's reading is about four pages in length, centered around a specific spiritual question. For example, Day one is Why do I want Jesus in my life? Day nineteen is why is my life such a mess?<br /><br />I found this style of book to be very effective for me. The daily amount of reading is manageable, but the topic and insights are something I can take with me throughout my day. If you are looking for something to help you renew you walk with the Lord, this is a great option.<br /><br />Below I will link to a site where you can purchase this book. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forty-Loaves-Breaking-Bread-Father/dp/0307444902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261011734&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Forty-Loaves-Breaking-Bread-Father/dp/0307444902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261011734&sr=8-1</a>Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-85418415847094830072009-11-17T11:00:00.002-05:002009-11-17T11:04:21.933-05:00All Night LongI am a fan of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ESPN's</span> college basketball tip-off marathon. Heck, I had a waffle and a basketball game for breakfast. How great is that? Not only are there a bunch of games, but there are some really nice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">match ups</span> tonight. Here's to you Tip Off Marathon.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-15313317825698244292009-10-24T21:03:00.003-04:002009-10-24T21:06:07.251-04:00Q & AQ: You know what is the best part about having your fingers smell like chicken wings?<br /><br />A: There is a pretty good chance that you have recently eaten some chicken wings.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-1268833054054836032009-10-01T22:30:00.001-04:002009-10-01T22:31:58.782-04:00Blue WhalesDid you know that the tongue on a Blue Whale is the size of an elephant? And the heart is the size of a car? Its blood vessels are so big that a human can swim through them. Is God incredible or what?Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-78298408142833577242009-09-22T20:45:00.002-04:002009-09-22T21:20:13.655-04:00Depends on who you askThis past weekend, I participated in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">community</span> service project with a group of guys from Mercer University. We went to a neighborhood to pick up trash in the streets. As we drove into the neighborhood, there were several guys who commented that the streets were already clean and we didn't need to be there. As I scanned the same streets, I too noticed that the streets appeared to be clean.<br /><br />We got out of the cars and met up to begin the cleaning. As we walked the first street, one of the guys mentioned that he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>'t mind helping, but he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>'t think we were doing any good. Despite a few <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">trepidatious</span> attitudes, we continued picking up what trash we saw. It didn't take long to realize that when you look passed the asphalt and into the grass, that there was plenty of trash to be picked up.<br /><br />What I realized is that as we drove into the neighborhood, the streets appeared clean, consequently making our presence their needless. But we were looking at the streets only because it required less effort to clean the streets. The level of effort we would need to get the trash that was in the yards, the weeds, and in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">briars</span> was much higher. With trash bag in hand, it only took a few minutes to realize that the pieces of trash may be small, but the overall amount of trash was plenty. Sometimes, it takes more than a drive-by inspection to see the areas that need cleaning.<br /><br />As I worked in the back of our group and I was able to watch the group walk the neighborhood. The group began interacting with the residents as we picked up trash. I watched as the folks in the neighborhood shared their delight and appreciation for what the guys were doing. It was obvious that seeing a group of young men serving their neighborhood was a blessing in and of itself.<br /><br />I propose that the interaction with the residents was of greater influence than picking up trash. The act of removing trash had an immediate impact, and will be felt for a time. But the inspiration given to the young people who watched our group of young men do acts of service and the adults who drew <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inspiration</span> from the fact that the next generation can be selfless and serving minded can have an impact for the coming months and even years.<br /><br />Our purpose was to pick up trash. Instead we planted seeds of hope and joy. The needs we met were not noticeable from the comfort of our cars. If you had asked us if we were making an impact, the answer would have been a resounding NO. But we were't the correct people to ask.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-42007326322750892782009-09-18T22:11:00.003-04:002009-09-18T22:22:44.292-04:00Good Book AlertIn the midst of the mountain of school reading that I have this semester, I have been working my way through "<strong>You Were Born For This"</strong> by Bruce Wilkinson. I have not quite finished it yet, but I am loving every page.<br /><br />The premise of the book is that God desires to move through our lives on a daily basis. He points out that most of the time we try to do great things by our own might, when God would love to make things happen through us. The book encourages the reader to apply several steps that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">will</span> help the reader position themselves in a place that is ready and willing for God to move.<br /><br />The style of writing is very pleasant. The author does a great job of intermixing stories along with the teaching. If you want to better understand your purpose as a believer in Jesus, this is the book for you. I will list the link if you would like to look into it further.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/gm/results.pperl?title_subtitle_auth_isbn=you+were+born+for+this">http://www.randomhouse.com/gm/results.pperl?title_subtitle_auth_isbn=you+were+born+for+this</a>Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-18962767614504987232009-09-16T11:15:00.003-04:002009-09-16T11:39:19.968-04:00You Make An Impact Even When You're UnawareHere's the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">second</span> part of the lesson I learned about impact during the long weekend of Labor Day.<br /><br />2) You make an impact even when you are unaware. Perhaps, you make more unintentional impacts that intentional. Let me explain.<br /><br />When I was young, there were a handful of college students who were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">generous</span> enough to babysit my siblings and myself, so that my parents could go on dates and stuff like that. I don't remember <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of those times, but the memories of the babysitters that I do have are very clear.<br /><br />While sitting around the supper table during the Labor Day reuinion, one of the ladies (who was one of the baby sitters) asked me if I remembered her and her husband. More than likely, she asked me because it had been 15 years since I had seen them, I was a kid the last time we were around each other, and nothing out of the ordinary happened when we were together.<br /><br />Much to her and her husband's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprise</span>, I began rattling off memory after memory that I had about them both. With each detail hat I shared, her mouth dropped open a little more. She was shocked. In fact, she didn't remember most of the specific details that I remembered. After a few more minutes of talking about days gone by, she closed the topic with a very profound statement, and it was this, "It is amazing. You never know what people will remember about you and what impact that will have on them."<br /><br />That is exactly the point. We walk around doing the everyday things that make up our lives, and we have in our heads what it means to "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">make</span> an impact." When we enter a situation that we deem <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">impactful</span>, we prepare ourselves to put our best foot forward. But the truth is that every minute of every day is an opportunity to make an impact. And the tricky part is that you will rarely get to choose to make an impact. These opportunities will take place whether you decide to step up or not. The words out of your mouth, the actions you take, the attitudes you project are all things that are seen by others and make an impact in one way or another.<br /><br />Walk through your day with intentional purpose to exhibit Jesus in all you do. Some situations may seem insignificant, but you never know what someone will remember about you and the impact that will have on their lives.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-10717823733736630882009-09-08T20:35:00.003-04:002009-09-08T20:53:12.025-04:00It's All About ImpactThis past weekend, Mandie and I traveled (south) to Brooklet, Ga for a reunion of a bunch of folks who attended the same church during the late 80's and early 90's. I had a blast as I spent a day and a half with old friends at a beautiful retreat center. We ate, played volleyball, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">half-rubber</span>, ate, worshipped, and ate some more. The entire thing was a little surreal as I was surrounded, mostly by people I had not seen in 15 years. Fifteen!<br /><br />Now on the back side of the reunion, there are a couple of things that I carry away from the weekend regarding impact. I thought I would share them with you.<br /><br />1. The manner in which you deal with people is longer lasting than you can imagine while in the moment. The centerpiece of the reunion was my Dad. He would never say that and would be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> to see it written, but he was the pastor, therefore he gets thrown into the middle of all of the action. For two days, I watched a group of 100+ people fawn all over my Dad. Due to the impact that he had on their lives, these folks showed back up to not only see a bunch of old friends, but to spend some time with my Dad.<br /><br />It is the time he spent allowing Jesus to be Jesus through him all those years ago that still influences these people today. They can look back to a particular time in their lives and pinpoint a specific moment that Dad had an impact in their lives. This weighty realization has inspired me. If you had asked my Dad during his time in Brooklet, he would never have guessed that his impact would be this great. But that is exactly the point. You and I have absolutely no idea how big an impact we may have in a person's life. If we walk through our day, being obedient to the promptings of the Holy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Spirit</span>, we will perhaps look back, fifteen years down the road, and be able to see an impact that God made through us. <br /><br />I'll share the second one tomorrow.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-80284784168451183362009-08-20T11:22:00.002-04:002009-08-20T11:33:10.488-04:00BP MagicThis past weekend, I went to a couple of Braves games. My brother drove in with a couple of friends from Oklahoma, and the parents came up from south Georgia. Both games were good. We lost in the ninth inning Friday and won in the ninth on Saturday.<br /><br />The most memorable part of the two games was batting practice. I am a life long batting practice attendee. To this day, I bring a glove and long for a ball like I am 8 years old. In my career, I have officially grabbed 1 ball. I was in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">high school</span> and I caught a ball hit by Joe Carter. But that has been it.<br /><br />This past weekend, we had a batting practice for he ages. Between the four of us (Caleb, his two buddies and myself), we got five <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">BP</span> balls. That's right, Five!<br /><br />I started things off by catching one. Then five minutes later, Caleb picks one up off the ground <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">after</span> it bounces off of a couple of folks. Three minutes later, Riley makes a mid-air grab from a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ricochet</span> off of two guys.<br /><br />Saturday: We had just walked in the stadium, and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillies</span> were on the field, but had not started hitting. I look up and see Pedro <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feliz</span> take his first swing. Before I can get my glove out of my back, his second shot is a laser just in front of us and to the left. Caleb goes down three steps, crosses over the rail and jumps in between three people (who were not even watching) to make a spectacular grab. It was one of the best catches I have ever seen in batting practice.<br /><br />Five minutes later, he was outdone by Riley, who ran 25 feet to his left and spun as he jumped to correct his course. He made the grab over his shoulder, in a manner that would make Wilie Mays proud.<br /><br />The only one to not make a grab was Zack, who did a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tremendous</span> job of looking like a champ in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">outfield</span> with a catchers mitt.<br /><br />Both games were fun. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">BP</span> was a blast!Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846245570835351502.post-53002959607702159212009-08-08T23:42:00.002-04:002009-08-08T23:55:53.400-04:00Coke: It's Still the Real ThingWith some friends in town, we trekked up to the new and improved World of Coca-Cola. It was a blast to check out the new experience. It's in an entirely new location from the last time I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">visited</span> (4 years ago). It's right across the street from the Aquarium, and on the end the edge of Centennial Olympic park.<br /><br />Inside was just as impressive as the outside. There are only two levels instead of three, and it is much easier to get around. They have included an actually bottling exhibit, and at the end of the tour, you get your very own 8 oz. glass bottle.<br /><br />A tour of Coke world would not be complete without a trip to the flavors of the world exhibit. This is where you can taste 60 different flavors from around the world that are made by the Coke company. Beverly is one flavor that is so nasty, I can't bear to even put it on my lips. I always try my best to make it s<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ound</span> so good, and dupe my friends to try it. You will be glad to know that Teresa and Mandie both fell for my trickery. This was the third time that Mandie has been tricked by me. The first time we visited, I got her TWICE!<br /><br />In conclusion, the day was a blast.<br />Got to love the World of Coke.Jhohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01943044318093864518noreply@blogger.com