A Mind Is A TERRIBLE Thing To Waste

They say it is a good character trait if you can laugh at yourself. Sometimes I just have to, or I would cry. While watching the local TV news night before last, they showed the picture of a school in Tuscaloosa where some event had happened. The view was the front of the building which included the school sign which read:

"NO SCHOOL MILK DAY- 1/21"

They showed this picture a second time and I wondered out loud to Susan, "Why would a school have a day with no milk? That just makes no sense to me!"

With a really big chuckle, Susan replied, "Honey, the sign said, "NO SCHOOL 'MLK'(i.e. Martin Luther King) DAY 1/21".

Well, I only missed it by one letter.

A Parent's Example

"Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice"

I couldn't find the source for that quote, but what a good one. The 3 most important essentials for being good parents- example, example, example.

Another good anonymous quote along these lines is this one,

“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.”

Whatever the position or place of leadership- church, home, work- nothing is more important than setting a good example.

Think about it. If you smoke, you children are very likely to do so. If you curse, junior won't be far behind. If you are unkind to the spouse, just watch the children and see how they treat your mate.

But on a positive note. If you do set a good example, it will be much easier to get them to do what they should. Remember- they want to be like you!

Too Sick To Preach

Last Thursday I began to have symptoms of a stomach virus which I thought would be of the 24 hour variety. It turned into about a 4-5 day bout with fever, body aches, and all sorts of symptoms. My stomach just now seems to be returning to normal and my energy level is still a bit off. The worst thing is that I missed my preaching appointments last weekend. I was to teach a class(two) at a Youth Rally at 9th Avenue Church of Christ in Haleyville on Saturday. Believe it or not, this was the first time in 32 years of preaching that Susan and I can remember I ever missed an out of town appointment, and only about the 3rd or 4th time that I missed a regular Sunday. God has blessed me with good health, far better than I deserve. I really missed you Sylvan Springs folks Sunday, but appreciate Bro. Spivey and Marty for filling in.
On a positive note, it did get me off to a good start on my diet that I had been planning for the New Year. But I hope I don't lose any more weight that way!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to those who are still reading my "seldom updated" blog. I do hope to do better in the new year. Anyway, here are a few random updates:

Exposure Camp
On Dec 27-30 Susan and I went with a group from Sylvan Springs(17 of us) to Huntsville to Exposure Camp. It was at the Embassy Suites(Sweet!) The program was fantastic and I take my hat off the the board that did a wonderful job of planning. It was very enriching for adults and teens alike. I am already looking forward to next time.

Mom and Dad-They are both at Cherry Hill Healthcare and doing some better. I am very thankful for the caring staff there. They do a great job.

Mary- We found out last week that she was 6th on the list. Her liver transplant could be any time. Pray for her.

Bill Ward's Mother- I talked to Glenda last night and Bill's mother, Alma Ward, is very low. She has lung cancer. Pray for her and her family.

Funeral- I am to conduct the funeral today of Nell Graham. I don't know her well, but am very thankful that she decided to make things right with God recently. That is the only thing that is important to her now. What is important to you? Her's is the first funeral that I will attend this year, and it almost certainly won't be the last. Death plays no favorites, it takes no holidays, it does not discriminate regarding age, sex, national origin- it will come to me one day, unannounced, as it will to you. My prayer is that I will live every day this year as if it were my last, it might be.

I love you!- Whether you are an old friend or a new one, a dear friend or a casual acquaintance, a family member or a stranger, I love you. Everyone needs to hear it regularly, and everyone needs to say it, regularly. What a great way to start the year and every day of the year. Or to end it.

God Loves You! So much that he sent his son to die for you! Remind yourself often and others, as well.