Pastor’s Thoughts

I have absolutely no comment on the Anna Nicole Smith debacle. I’m sure you are not disappointed.

What I am concerned about these days is the continued vacuum of conversation in our community and in our country. Aside from a refreshing exchange of ideas last week via e-mail (thanks, George!), most of what I hear is one attack after another.

This week, however, we’ve seen a marvelous conversation of concession and agreement, right here in Calloway County. You can read the story here.

Essentially, the two competing and combating school systems in our county, Murray Independent Schools and Calloway County Schools have agreed to set aside several disputed issues. The reasoning seems to be the notion that the schools have a fertile future, promising competition as well as cooperation.

I am impressed that two parties of such opposing view points can put aside their issues in an effort to better serve the kids in the schools. Bob Rogers, MISD Superintendent says that this agreement “will allow us to continue to provide the quality education that we have been providing to our students.”  Calloway Superintendent Steve Hoskins said the resolution would bring an end to existing disputes between the two systems to the mutual benefit of both districts, students, and the community.

Now, maybe we should line up the political parties of our nation for a little give and take. Again, this is where I irritate people on both sides of the aisle…

The only party I’ve ever seen to be right every time is the one-member party of God Almighty. The rest of us need to be more open to listening and talking. Its not an accident that we have one mouth and two ears.

Filed by Joey at 4:52 pm under Church Leadership,General Rant,Political Landscape,Society at Large,Uncategorized
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This morning, we had to cancel services at South Pleasant Grove. I imagined that some were disappointed. Others may have whispered a silent prayer of thanks…but I won’t spend any more time on that.

What I wanted to share with you is the Sabbath I spent with my wife and kids. Our day was a phenomenal mix of board games, the Curious George movie, and a shared effort to come up with some memory verses. After I finished all the calling and notifying that went along with the cancellation, I was summoned to the kitchen for a “Daddy Breakfast.” I should note that this basically involves me cooking on a Father’s Day gift of a griddle that is slightly smaller than the hibachis you find at Benihana. Pancakes anyone?

Before breakfast had ended, we had already planned an all-out effort to play a new board game that the kids absolutely love. I should mention here that I dislike board games with an intense passion. Keep that in mind…

The game was moderately interesting, but two hours into the contest, we had a minor blowout. This led to a long conversation about respecting and honoring each other. I couldn’t imagine a finer lesson for the kids. Incidentally, we finished the game in stellar form in time for lunch together. Good stuff.

We watched Curious George together, taking a brief time out to chat with Uncle Andy and Aunt Rachel online with their spiffy new webcam. Uncle Andy was in rare form, and the kids loved it. More good stuff.

After a little cooperative housecleaning (I was as shocked as anyone…), Jack and I played Monopoly. Did I mention that I detest boardgames?Let’s just say that Jack is going to be very good at driving bargains when he gets older.

We wrapped in time to help with supper. I spent more time than usual with the kids getting ready for bed–mostly because I was in the swing of things from being involved with them all day long. I hadn’t started any major projects or been out and about as I would be on most days, so they had my undivided attention for the entire day.

When the kids settled in, Laurinda and I talked for a great length of time about how wonderful the day was. We talked about how much the kids were growing up and how we might anticipate the struggles that were on the way.

This was a fantastic day.

So why put this on a Pastor’s Blog? Because it took a snowstorm to cancel church for me to interact this closely with my family. It was a wakeup call. It was Sabbath like I haven’t experienced it in a long, long time.

I suppose that what I wanted most to do with this entry is to let you know that I will be praying for you to get snowed in with your family. Or maybe trapped in an elevator. Or stranded briefly on a mountain top, desert island, or perhaps the vacation destination of your choosing.

I recommend it with the highest regards.

May God bless your time together. And may you take it early–and often.

Filed by Joey at 12:05 am under General Rant,Society at Large
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