Cycle of Life

Yesterday I sat at the hospital while a dear friend of mine passed away. Vernon Casebolt is an elder at the Nitro Church of Christ where Kerry and I served for 15 years as the volunteer youth ministers. We lived across the street from Vernon and Mildred for 15 years. We even bought our first house from them. They were like parents to Kerry and me and Mamaw and Papaw to our kids. Max, our 8 year old, is having a very difficult time. He was Papaw's helper. He would spend hours working in the woodworking shop with Vernon and come home with bird houses, signs, mail boxes, etc. He has been begging us for the past two months to go work with Papaw, but time and schedules didn't allow it. What a shame on us. Max said today that now he won't get to work with Papaw. Please pray for Vernon's wife Mildred; his children Steve, Debbie, and David and their spouses; his grandchildren and their spouses; his church family; and for those of us who were "adopted" family. We lost a good friend yesterday, but now he is home and safe.
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I read today that Jim Gardner's sister finally had her twins. The wonder of childbirth and the beauty of becoming parents cannot be described. God is definitely at work and it is the height of his creation. Congratulations to Jim and his family on two new additions from God.
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This cycle of life from birth to death is God at work. As much as we try to understand what God is doing and why, most of the time we just need to sit back and watch the master at work. Death, life and everything in between is all about him. The sooner we accept that, the better off we will be.
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Quote for the day:

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

Benjamin Franklin

Fall Festival

I am amazed at how God works in things. The Fall Festival (which doubled as an internal growth and external outreach) was so successful. God came through in such a big way. We had around 115 - 120 people in and out throughout the day. The largest crowd at any one point, that we were able to count, was 77. It was just an awesome day. Our best guess is that around 40 people were there who had no connection to the Cross Lanes Church at all. What an opportunity!

There were so many people who helped that I won't even begin to name them. I just want to say thank you.
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Quote for the day:

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." John Wooden
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My 8 year old son Max is having a MRI tomorrow. In addition to recovering from a broken leg (the cast is now off), he has endured two x-rays, an ultrasound, and several trips to the doctor to give blood and be "checked out." He has has a fist-sized lump under his left arm that the doctors just can't figure out. Hopefully after the MRI we will give us a better idea.

Please pray for him today and tomorrow.

Being Quoted

Well, I don't know what it means, but the Cross Lanes Church was mentioned in the Christian Chronicle. In the section where they highlight happenings across the nation, Cross Lanes was recognized. I had written in this blog a few weeks back about the Sunday when we had 17 first time visitors. I don't know who shared it with the Chronicle or how they may have come across this blog, but thanks for recognizing us.

I always shudder when someone says I saw your quote. My mind immediately begins to race and wonder what I may have said and why it merited being quoted. I'm sure that is a reasonable fear.

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Let me encourage you to read Patrick Mead's blog (www.tentpegs.blogspot.com) this week. He has two great posts that are worth reading. Be sure to click on "Patrick's other blog" to read the second one.

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Last, but not least, the Cross Lanes Church is having a "Fall Festival" on Saturday, October 14. It will last from 10 am til 2 pm. This is a community day to re-introduce ourselves to the surrounding community. We want people to have fun and to be introduced to Jesus. There will be games, activities, puppet shows, food, horse/pony rides, and fun. Please feel free to come and support our outreach.

Have a great week!