just thinking . . .

2009 is already 12 days old, and I’m already looking back at missed opportunities. Opportunities to do the best thing instead of a good thing. Opportunities to act instead of react. Why is it that every time we look ahead with anticipation, we typically look back with regret. I see 2009 as a wealth of possibility to do great things, but I must seize the opportunities that are given to me. A good friend once said, ‘potential never accomplished anything’. A very true statement, because it is up to me to accomplish those tasks that come my way.

So, here’s to 2009; A year of possibilities and opportunities. May it not be a year of regrets . . .

We’re in the middle of a week of revival services at our church, and I got to thinking how revival should be a time when we reconnect with God. When the ‘vived’ get REvived. It got me thinking that maybe I should reconnect my fingers to the keyboard and write a new blog. It’s pretty interesting how we often don’t have a lot to say about things because we don’t take time to focus on what’s going on in our lives. As I think about this week of REvival, I’m thinking that my connection to God needs to remain consistent and that I should always be mindful of what He’s doing in and around me. So, here’s to Reconnecting.

On March 19th, I picked the Tarheels to win the NCAA Championship. Well, they won’t. They got beaten by a pretty good Kansas team. I’m not ready to say that Kansas is better, but they were the better team that night. Anyway, here’s to a great season, and the national player of the year, Tyler Hansbrough. I figure they’re guaranteed a #3 finish in the polls.

We returned last weekend from our friends Chris & Katie Nalls’ house. They are leaving for Mozambique in July as career missionaries. We got to see some other friends as well. Jon & Anna Palmer, Beth Bland, Matthew & Katie Helton, Chad, Katie, & Charlie Cottle, and Corey Cottle

It was a bittersweet time. How fortunate I am to have friends like these. We don’t see each other often, but when we do it’s like we pick up from the last time we were together. However, I couldn’t help but think that this is the last time we may see Chris, Katie, & Abigail for quite some time. I admire them for listening to God and hearing His call to go and serve. They are true disciples! I look forward to hearing how the people of Tet and Mozambique (even all of Africa) are impacted through their service.

They are simply Heroes of the Faith!

Yep. It’s that time of year again. Some of the best basketball to be played over the next 3 weeks. Bottom line: I picked the Tarheels to win it all. They might. They might not. I’m thinking they have a good chance. If the referees will actually call some fouls. They don’t have to call all of them, just some.

Anyway . . . HEELS to win it all!

Very rarely can a man say he has maintained strong relationships with the same people for an extended period of time. And not just associates, but real friends. I am reminded today of the story of David and Jonathan. According to the Bible, these two young men had a deep, sincere love for one another.

There are three very special people in my life that I have that kind of relationship with. Chris Nalls, Matthew Helton, and Chad Cottle are three friends that I have known for many, many years. Chad for around 25 years, Chris for around 17, and Matthew for around 15. We have experienced many things together, some for which hilarious stories still are told. I consider each one of these men a hero and a friend. I feel that if I ever needed something, they would come through for me. I would do the same for them. We have each answered the call to ministry, and are blessed to have wives that all like each other a lot as well.

Last night was probably one of the toughest nights in a long time. Chris was ordained at FBC Tifton, and the four of us were reunited for that occasion. It was a special night, but a bittersweet one also. Chris and Katie, and their daughter Abigail are preparing to leave for Mozambique as career missionaries through the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. While I am proud of them for answering the call, and look forward to hearing the stories of how God is going to use them, it’s hard to know that one of the best friends you’ve ever had is going to be far away.

The awesome thing is, that just like David and Jonathan, we have a bond that is greater than the farthest distance. We are not only bound by our friendship, we are bound with the love of Christ. While we won’t be able to just pick up the phone and talk, or drive over and visit, our hearts are knit together by Christ. We’ll forever be brothers. I’m so excited to say that Chad, Chris, and Matthew are my brothers.

My wife and I have a little boy named Brady. He’s four months old, and a pretty handsome little guy. We’ve been waiting for the last three months for him to start sleeping through the night, and I think he’s beginning to get the point. He’s been so restless, and I find myself brokenhearted for him because as his Daddy I want to be able to fix any problem he has. It’s tough being a parent when your kids can’t tell you what hurts, or how bad. But there’s something awesome about being able to pick the little guy up and hold him and feel his body become less tense. He snuggles in right next to my chest and it seems as though everything is going to be alright. I love him so much.

That’s a lot like another Daddy I know . . .

I’ve been working with a personal trainer for the last month. His name is Jimmy and he’s a great guy. The only problem is, every time I go to work out he KICKS MY TAIL! I mean, this morning I could hardly breathe, my side was cramping, and I felt like I was going to puke. Jimmy, in his compassion, said “It’s just tough love”. Oh . . . so that’s what you call it! Anyway, hopefully by the end of the next month and a half, I’ll be a leaner me. Also, I’m working really hard trying to get Jimmy to come to church with me. Maybe it’ll happen soon.