I Wish I Were A Better Blogger

I guess I don't even know how to blog. I think I have some good ideas, but nothing seems to work out.

I'd like to pick a topic and wear it out, but I don't have time to think about and write another article...let alone every day. I preach and teach at least 5 times a week, and it is all I can do to keep those times fresh and relevant. Plus I write a weekly article for Riverview's copy of the Baptist Messenger, and I've started writing a book. That ought to do it.

I might like to write about my family, but who really cares. The boys are fighting over the Wii, and we are going to a 66'ers game tonight. Not that exciting. Hamburgers tonight for dinner, they are seasoned with Essence of Emril, so that is close to blogging material, but that is about as exciting as it gets around here.

Things at RBC are going GREAT !! The multiple Sunday Schools and Worship Services took off without a hitch, and there is a wonderful sense of love and unity in the church. I love our staff, and we have many dear, dear friends in the church already. What a blessing.

Quote of the Day -
"Dude that was a giant iceberg, and I couldn't get up it."
Nolan, playing Super Smash Brothers Brawl

Falling In Love With Jesus

I can't speak for other ministers and pastors, but I hate it when the line between my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my vocation gets blurry. And when I say I hate it...I really HATE it. Why? Because it is sin, and God hates sin, and if God hates sin, well then I hate it too. Even in my life. Especially in my life.

What I want is to fall in love with Jesus all over again. I don't think there is a specific prayer to pray or spiritual formula to make this happen, but I know it can happen. I honstly think it simply comes from spending time with Jesus. I really need to spend time with Jesus. Not preparing sermons or Bible studies, or reading the spiritual book de jour...just quality time with the one who loves me more than any one on this planet.

"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

Jesus Christ, to the Church at Ephesus - Revelation 2:4

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for creating me, loving me, saving me, and carrying me through each day. Forgive me when I ignore You. Forgive me when I get too busy for You. Please help me fall in love with You all over again. This is my deepest prayer. Amen

aj

God's Protection

Psalm 121:7

The Lord will protect you from all evil...

As I drove to work today there was a surveyor in the middle of a busy intersection. For those of you who know Bixby / Tulsa he was at 151st (which is Highway 67) and Memorial; not to mention it was right at 9:00 am. There is only one bridge in Tulsa that crosses the Arkansas River, and it is a mile and a half north of where this guy was standing. It is an understatement to say this guy was taking his life into his own hands.

There he was peeking through his theodolite (the little telescope looking thing) protected only by his hoodie, and three small orange cones. As I sat at the stop light and watched him work, I thought to my self. If someone loses control of their car, or if they are not paying attention, this guy is a gonner. But he never flinched...even as I passed only a few feet away.

I don't know if that guy was a fatalist, or if he thought those cones could actually protect him...but it sure made me think. I am so glad God is my protector. I imagine we all race through life...brushing elbows with death, and never know it. All the while God is around us like a hedge of protection.

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - aj

The Flip Flop

Hello, my name is Andy, and I am a sporadic blogger. The first step is just admitting it.

I haven't been very consistent in my blogging. I can give you all the reasons I've been sooooo busy that I haven't had time to write, but you already know them. I'll just say. This week I'll do better.

What I'd like to do over the next few months is simply blog about going to 2 Worship Services and 2 Sunday Schools. I've been holding lots of emotions and thoughts in over the last few months, but now that the cat is out of the bag I have some freedom to start talking about the plan.

Riverview is a great church. We are 54 years old, and have only had a few pastors. I'm probably 7 or 8 on the list. My wife and I (and the kids) love it here. When I came to Bixby we saw immediately that the church needed to move to dual services. Going to 2 worship services is no big deal, the church has been planning this for a while, but adding a Sunday School has really raised the anxiety level at RBC.

As of today (Monday, September 22, 2008) we have held 2 Town Hall Meetings in which I 'roll out the plan', and then answer questions. My gut feeling about the THM's is that they went very well. I really hope to keep people informed and encouraged about this transiton. There were several questions, and I think they helped me understand the needs at Riverview at this 10 seconds.

I know there is not much meat in this post, but it is just the beginning. If you read this please pray for me. I wan't God's will to be done. I wan't to follow God's leadership, and I wan't God to be glorified. I am the pastor of a great church, and I know God is going to use us to do indredible things for His Kingdom and His Glory.

aj

Why Do I Cry...Everytime...

Every time I watch this video I cry. Why? Maybe its the song. I love this song. Maybe its Dick Hoyt's love for his son reminds me of my love for my sons. Maybe its because I can see Rick Hoyt delighting in his father's love, and I am once again blown away by my FATHER'S love. Sometimes I think it is because I like guys who gut it out. Who sacrfice. Who lay it on the line for others.....nah...it's the love.

Part VII - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Conversations with the Father

If My People…Pray

When I travel I love calling home to talk to my children. Just hearing their voices makes my heart well up with joy. They usually tell me about their day, and what fun they had, or maybe about a new ‘owie’ they have suffered. I then hear Dustie in the background say, “Tell Him what you did.”, and a full confession ensues. I don't even mind hearing them ask, “What are you bringing me?”

However, I don’t like coming home from a long trip to be ignored because the boys are distracted by a video game, the television, or some other toy. Just for a short time I want their undivided attention. I want to know they love me, and that I am important to them. Especially more important than the plastic noise makers that do not care for them nor love them like I do. Somewhere in the back of my mind it clicks; they are captivated by the gift, and not the gift giver.

I wonder how often conversations with our heavenly father resemble the conversations between us and our children. When you talk to God is your main concern what He is going to give you? Do you only go so deep with God so as to tell Him about your most recent ‘owie? Do you ignore God while giving your attention to the trivial things of this world?

I am certain of this; our Father in heaven longs to have a meaningful relationship with His children, and a fundamental part of that is simply spending quality time talking with Him. Will you spend quality time with your Father this week?

aj

Summer Recap

Our first Summer at Riverview has been a wild one. In May our Music Minister Charles Collins retired (it was expected), and we had a great retirement reception for he and Linda in our Fellowship Hall. The best part of the evening was when close to 100 former and current Youth Choir Members came to Riverview to surprise Charles with an encore performance of three of their favorite songs.

In June Dustie and I went to Falls Creek, and my mom came and stayed with they boys for that week. Also in June Riverview called Susan Pisarra to be our new Director of Childhood Ministries, and somewhere in that mix Victor Mendoza also started as our Associate Pastor for Adult Ministries. Not to mention on the Friday of Falls Creek we made a quick trip back to Bixby for David and Ruth's wedding. David is our Interim Music Minister, who, Lord willing will lose the title interim in the next few weeks.

In July Susan started on a Sunday, and we held VBS the following week. Dustie's mom and niece were here from Alabama for 3 weeks during that time, and the week after they left we left town for a week going to Grand Lake, and Ponca City for a short getaway. And then, school started the week following our return.

As of today (August 21st, 2008) - The building project is almost completed, and it will be very helpful as we are making lots of plans for going to Multiple Sunday Schools and Worship Services in January of '09. Sadly enough though we are now praying for God to send us a great Youth Minister. Mike Keahbone has been called to a church in OKC. We will miss him greatly, but we know God has a plan for him and for RBC. No worries.

Dustie is working 3 days a week at OSU Medical Center, Nolan and Mason both ride the bus to School, and OB is going to Pre-School 2 days a week at a local church. In fact...I need to leave to take him here in a few minutes.

Thought I would simply catch you up on the Summer excitement. Hopefully I'll get back into a groove, and can do some more writing this Fall and Winter.

Keep us in your prayers. We need it.

aj