LIFEsync

I'm glad Gibson is average!

This morning I was at the hospital very early.  Normally, I would be there to pray, comfort, or just visit with someone that is somehow connected to our ALC community.  However, today was a day for "me" to have a minor procedure.  It really did turn out to be nothing major at all.  It seems as though it is always easier to say "nothing major" after its over, right?  What do they say about hindsight?  

I must admit that I was very anxious about my "visit" to the hospital today.  My mind is very good at producing an array of possible bad outcomes. Ha. Ha.  When you have a Father who is battling cancer, you tend to be a bit of a hypochondriac.

We were sitting in the Consultation Room waiting for "my turn on the gangplank" when me and "The Gib" had a moment!  For a moment, my mind was erased of all fear, anxiety, and worry.  I remember reading that children smile an average of 400 times per day. Adults smile an average of 15 times per day.  Do you ever wonder why? 

I am not a real fan of "average!" Today, however, I was glad that Gibson was "average"!  I didn't actually count how many times he smiled, but I am sure it was at least 400.  His simple, innocent smile changed the rest of my day.  His "average" smile brought joy, hope, courage, and a renewed confidence in the power of God to create life!  Every time, it felt like anything but average.  When you check out "The Gib's" pic, I hope it brings a smile to your face.  Relive that moment with us.  

I think we adults should start working on increasing our "smile count!"  What do you think?

Fresh Oil Ahead

Caution: FRESH OIL ahead! Do not drive any further! STOP! Turn around or you'll regret it!

That was my "take" on the sign that we saw in front of our truck recently. I officially dub Monday each week as my "Day Off" even though a "day off" is hard to accomplish in the world of a Pastor. On our "Day Off", you may find us on one of our driving expeditions. We simply drive, dream, and try to discover new and interesting places. I am hoping to get lucky on one of these trips and locate that perfect acreage we could afford to purchase and build that horse ranch we dream about! Anybody got about 30 acres you'd like to hook a brotha up with? (I see those hands going up across the building - God Bless you sir, God Bless you ma'am.)

Anyway, the "Fresh Oil" sign captured my attention! Here we were in the middle of nowhere and somebody had added fresh oil to the roadway.

It is Friday, May 9th around 5:30 pm, and I am sitting in a waiting room getting the oil changed in my big truck and I remembered the "Fresh Oil" sign. Fresh Oil is necessary for forward motion in life. The road needed it. The truck needed it. I need it!

This Sunday, were having a special on "Fresh Oil" at every ALC Worship Experience. Pardon this slick parallel, but the "Oil of the Spirit" is necessary for forward motion in your spiritual life. Royce Wilson will be back again to minister and I feel something really special is going happen. Last week, there was such a rich anointing of "Fresh Oil" in the worship service, during the ministry of the Word, and at the Invitation. It was powerful! I used to hear the old timers say..."It was so thick, you couldn't cut it with a knife!" The manifest presence of God was so thick...you could cut it with a knife!

I am looking forward to this weekend! Fresh Oil available for you! Hope to see you and your Mom on "Mother's Day" at ALC!