Courageous...the movie

Recently I have seen several previews for the new movie "Courageous" coming out late September.  I must admit, I'm excited to see it since it deals with men, and I'm one.  I hope you will be able to go to the theaters and see it, and if you live close by, come to Cary and watch it with us on Sunday, October 2 @ 3:40 p.m.  For your enjoyment, I have included a few clips to see for your self.  Enjoy!

Courageous - trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs

Here is a great one for all dads!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw8_Ev6oy_Y

Another for dad's...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy8fVTElktQ

Take care...
Jack

Family

Last week I traveled back to my home town (Logan, WV) for a funeral service for my mom's brother (Uncle Jack).  Yes, I am named after him along with one of my dad's brother...also Jack.  I left home and headed for my dad's house (it was close enough to make this part of the trip since I never when I may get back there) to ride with him to the funeral home.  We enjoyed the ride and took part in the usual conversation...him talking and me listening.  I'm not much of a person to talk on the telephone, I prefer to communicate face to face, and I believe that dad does too.  We covered a wide array of topics: family, politics, religion, and sports...my favorite being family and sports.  I was able to see places where he worked (before my time on earth), and listen to tales of traveling BEFORE interstate roads were introduced to that part of the world.

In spite of the sad circumstance, I had a great time seeing family.  It has been two years since I visited back home, and I wanted to take advantage of speaking with and hugging the family.  Of course, Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, and for many of my conversations, it revolved around current events since most of them know what is happening.  At the graveside, I was able to sneak away and take a glimpse of several grave sites of family members.  Not sad, just relieved that we have hope.  My hope resides in the work of Jesus Christ.  Through His death, burial, and resurrection, I have hope that death is defeated and the grave cannot hold me.  Based on the Scripture, I am bound for the promised land where my Lord and Savior waits for me.  Also, the loved ones who have preceded me, I will see them too!

Even though it was a tough trip, 930 miles in two days, it was well worth it.  I am elated to spend time with those that I cherish, and am most thankful for their presence in my life.  Their fingerprints are on my life since they have given to me, and I now pass those gifts along to others with the purpose of telling others about Jesus Christ.  Blessings...

Bible Study...

This week I would like to bring you information about growing in your faith through the use of tools for a Bible study.  No matter if you teach a class or for personal growth, a good Bible study is essential.  Even if you don’t own a good study Bible, you can use these tools to sharpen your understanding on certain passages to increase your knowledge of God’s message.  Thus you will better understand the context of the message and properly apply into your life.

Just check out this link:

http://www.mystudybible.com/

This tool is made available through Lifeway, and I have discovered that it’s very easy to use and is a great resource.  The daily or weekly rentals are equally important since you don’t have to sink a lot of money into purchasing books or commentaries.  There are numerous assets to this tool, and I hope you will take advantage of this resource.

Blessings,
Jack

Technology

Yes, I am severely incompetent in handling the different nuances of technology…especially when things go wrong.  I can make my way around certain programs, but as far as knowing “why” things work or don’t work, or  “how” to make things work correctly…I am not even close to understanding the myriad maze of technology.  Hence, God has given me bestest person to handle this: my loving and beautiful wife. 

So recently my computer at work is having issues, and the CD ROM drive decided to retire with no notice mind you.  Not a big deal, so I thought, and then I started the process of notifying the proper folk so someone can fix it.  The bottom line, I went to Staples (as instructed) to purchase an external CD/DVD drive.  Mind you, I had to ask the young man the EXACT name of the product to ask for at Staples, and he willingly helped me.  Then I asked him about installing said piece of equipment…pause…“it should start right up when plugged in.”  Hence the operative word is “should” not that it will or did.  It should work.

So after carefully reading the instructions (that is what I do when I have no idea what I am doing) I did what they said.  Nothing happened.  Then I proceeded to read further along…in the “Troubleshooting” section.  When I come to that section, I have the same feeling come over me as I did in my first class on philosophy at seminary: scared.  So after following the instructions carefully, very carefully, I noticed a hum from the device.  Is that a good hum or a bad hum?  Soon, the computer screen showed some good messages: loading software, reboot computer in order to make device operative.  A smile broke out on my face, but not too soon, there had to be a test.  Once the computer came back up, I placed a CD into the device, and a few whirring sounds, tada!  Eureka!  It works!  I am now back in business.

Even when you feel overwhelmed with something, take a deep breath and look at your choices, think carefully and clearly before you make a rash decision.  This is applicable to all areas of your life.  Read the directions.  Understand the directions.  Follow the directions.  In spiritual terms: read the Bible.  Understand the Bible.  Follow the Bible.  You too will see success in life in following simple and basic instructions.

Blessings,
Jack

Dentist

“Yeah, I’m going to the dentist!”  That statement is not heard often, at least in my small circle of friends.  Dentists are necessary, even needed, but rarely do we get excited about going to see them.  Why?  Why are we not excited about seeing the person who is able to take a sharp instrument and probe around your delicate gums until blood excretes?  Why do we not arrive with excitement pursing from our lips “I’m here to see that wonderful doc!”?  Why do we place our selves into that chair only to hear loud noises produced by drills that will eventually be placed into our mouths to puncture our teeth?  (Let’s not mention the loud screams of small children; thanks to “Finding Nemo” for that great scene.)  Well, we need them.  We need to take care of our teeth and gums so we can enjoy solid foods well into our adulthood.  I mean, after all, I do love corn on the cob, but you must have good choppers to enjoy that sweet summer sensation.

Yesterday was my day to visit the dentist to have a wisdom tooth removed since it has decided to invade the personal space of the molar sitting next to it.  It went according to plan.  In less than 5 minutes, I received the numbing shot and the tooth was extracted.  A little discomfort and awkwardness in talking (did someone say that Lisa was happy???), but a successful visit still occurred.  Eating supper was an entirely different situation, but hey, I need to lose weight anyway. 

Now the spiritual connection, at least to me, is quite easy to make; we need to make regular visits to our dentist (God) for a check up.  Instead of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, we need to pray, read the Bible, share our faith, and attend corporate worship.  Yes, there will be moments that are unpleasant (where God confronts us in our sin), but is totally necessary for a healthy spiritual body, and a vital congregation.  So now, let’s get excited about seeing and meeting our spiritual dentist for a check up that is needed and is most helpful.  See ya Sunday!

Relaxation...

Ahhhh, the joy of relaxing and spending time with family; in other words…vacation. Last week the Lee family visited the mountains of Tennessee to check out Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the various shops. Of course that included the many candy and other sugar-sellers, but they did offer coupons, so it was a “sweet” deal. Get it? Indeed it was a good time to get away and enjoy some family time.

Along the journey, Lisa and I noticed several things: we are getting older (climbing hills is more noticeable now); we still love water (used the pool often and enjoyed the water rides); we still love desserts (hey, who doesn’t?); we still love, and I mean LOVE spending time with each other (especially driving in a car). She is certainly the jewel in my crown, and I thank God each day for her being in my life. Obviously it is apparent to anyone who knows us, that she is wonderful, beautiful, and important in my life…she is my all (apart from God). Perhaps you too need to recognize that person in your life, and then let that person know how thankful you are to have him or her in your life.

For my wonderful wife…I love you so much, and thank you for being in my life. Love ya babe!