Grandchild 5 arrived

Charleigh Anne Marshall arrived at 8:22 this morning. 9 lbs 10 oz 21.5 inches long. She missed my birthday by 8 hours and 22 minutes.

She must have heard me say I wanted her named Johnatina Edwinaletta if she were born on my birthday. She said "No way to that" and held out just long enough to escape that name.

Mommy and Baby are fine. Amanda is extremely tired. She had a C-section. It will be a while before she is up to visitors.

Charleigh is named for Amanda's dad, my dad, and my brother. She is a beautiful baby in every way.

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Big Country Bells

Thirteen years ago, Second formally adopted an unreached people group we cryptically call the Bells. They live in what we call the big country.

On Friday I received an update from a member of our church who attended on our behalf the international conference on the Bells. It met in a large Asian city,

When we began our work thirteen years ago, there were less than ten known Bell believers. Now there are several hundred. This is good news. I am grateful. And yet the task remains daunting.

They are hard to reach. Trips to them are long, expensive, and arduous. None of us speak the Bell language. None of them speak English.

We made a twenty year commitment to work with the Bells. Another church made a 25 to 50 year commitment. We have seven years to go. "Oh God, please send laborers into the harvest. There is yet much to do."

Twitter @john316marshall
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Relieved

I'm glad my first day as Moderator of the MO Bapt Conv Exec Board is finished. I'm relieved. It went well. I did not make any huge gaffs.

More important than any concerns about me is the fact peace and harmony prevailed. There is a sweet spirit among us.

Dr David Tolliver is doing a great job as our Executive Director. My appreciation for him is growing with every passing day. He has a wonderful staff backing him up. I am more excited and confident about the MBC than I have been in a long time.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Parliamentarian

There's a word that scares me to death. One of my assigned duties as President of the Missouri Baptist Convention is to serve as Moderator of the annual session and of the quarterly Executive Board meetings.

Today is my first plunge. It's unnerving. Second, being a staff-led church, has quarterly business meetings, in essence for accountability, not approval. Thus, "Robert's Rules of Order" is not used much.

As a result, I am rusty. Wes Hammond, my friend, First Vice President, and Pastor at FBC Paris MO, told me, "Don't be nervous. If you make a mistake you'll have 55 people in the room who will set you straight immediately." Somehow, that did not comfort me. All prayers appreciated.

Twitter @john316marshall
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LTG

For the first time in 52 years as a believer, I have started a Life Transformation Group.  Two of us meet once a week to discuss Bible passages we have read every day the week before. At our first meeting we discussed Titus.  This week it was Hebrews 1-4.  Next week it will be Hebrews 5-8.

My partner already has an unchurched friend who wants to start meeting with us.  We'll do that a while and then when we reach number four, we will split into two groups.  Only two or three at a time are allowed in a Life Transformation Group.  Who knows?  I may end up winning more people to Jesus by accident through this than I ever have on purpose using any other method.  I'll keep you posted.

Humor helps.  Mars has 37% of the gravity of Earth.  This means a 200-pound person (like me) on Earth would weigh only 74 pounds on Mars and could jump three times as high.  I have no interest in the jumping, but love the weight idea.  I am quite an anomaly.  As you know I am a perpetual pessimist.  I find this to be the best way to live, because life is full of pleasant surprises this way.  My oddity is that my blood type is A positive.  Pessimists usually have B negative.

Twitter @john316marshall

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M.E.N.D.

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death. The Southwest Missouri MEND Chapter held its first annual Christmas Candle Lighting Ceremony tonight at the Elfindale Chapel.

It was a deeply emotional time. Families who have suffered the loss of a baby by miscarriage, stillbirth, or soon after birth were able to come together to be comforted at this Christmas season.

Our very own Heather Fann is the local director for MEND. Her tender touch tonight blessed a lot of people. Her husband Jonathan is writing a book dealing with how fathers can more effectively deal with their grief in these types of situations.

Jesus loves the little children. I think he smiled at what He saw tonight at the Elfindale. I was honored to be there.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Cold December Morning

I drove the Falcon to work this morning.  Twas a cold December morning in 1970 when I totaled its ancestor. I was winging my way through a yellow light when my dear friend, my 1963 Ford Falcon, began to choke down on me.  It stalled.  A young guy who was reading the light came barreling through the intersection and plowed into me.  He also totaled his car.  He hadn't made the first payment yet.

A major sidelight to this story is, when I married Ruth 3 months later, my insurance company had cancelled me.  I had no auto insurance the day I married.  Fortunately, my in-laws trusted me enough to let us take their car on our honeymoon.

Ruth owned an AMX, a souped up sports car, when I married her.  When I called an insurance agent to see if I could buy drivers insurance on it, he laughed out loud.  No kidding.  We sold her much loved AMX and bought a tiny Opal, which we never did like.  But at least I was able to secure insurance. Wow. What a saga.  All because of a cold December morning exactly 40 years ago.

Humor helps.  A lady at a restaurant asked for minimal lettuce.  The server replied, "I'm sorry, we have only iceberg lettuce."  A pedestrian heard a buzzer on a pole at an intersection.  She asked what the buzzing was for.  A friend explained it signals blind people when it's safe for them to cross.  The lady, appalled, gasped, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?"

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Lunch with Dr. Tolliver

Today I will meet Dr David Tolliver for lunch in Lebanon MO.  This will be our first meeting since my election as President of the MBC.  Dr Tolliver is our Executive Director.  He and I really do like each other.  He laughs at my jokes.  I always appreciate that in a person.  By the way, I laugh at his jokes too.

I'm enjoying my role as MBC President.  I thought it would be a ceremonial burden, but I was wrong.  It is a position that matters, and one for which the obligations are not terribly stringent.  I'm glad I have this chance to serve the Convention I've been a part of for most of my life.

Both of my grandpas, my dad, my brother, and three of my uncles, have served as MBC Pastors.  It's safe to say our family loves the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Twitter @john316marshall

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Money sermons. Ouch.

I have decided to return to my custom of preaching money sermons to start the new year.  Few subjects are more distasteful to a large percentage or our listeners.  At the same time, few topics are more important for them.  Many who dislike money sermons the most are the very ones whose lives are being torn apart by their own poor money management. For anyone with money troubles to be against sermons on the subject is like a person who is in danger of drowning refusing to put a life jacket on. It doesn't make sense.

In my younger years, I admit I preached on money to make sure we had a steady stream of money in the church offering plate.  I still hope to see good income in our offerings, but as I've age, I've seen the devastation bad management brings into lives and families. It makes people miserable.  Therefore I feel compelled to speak on the subject.  To avoid it would be dereliction of duty.  Pray for me as I prepare these lessons.

Humor helps. A lady, told her garage door opener needed a larger motor, said it was 1/2 horsepower.  The repairman said she needed 1/4 horsepower.  When she said 1/2 is bigger than 1/4, he replied, "No it's not.  4 is bigger than 2."  A lady asked the city to remove the "Deer Crossing" sign from her street.  She said too many deer were being hit by cars there, and she didn't think it was a good place for them to be crossing anymore.

Twitter @john316marshall

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The Young Bucks and Me

I've been preaching 43 years.  That's quite a bit longer than the ages of the six guys I met with this morning to discuss the sermons I will preach in all three morning worship services January, 2, 9, and 16.  I was 20 years old before any of them were born.

What is going on here?  Well, I'm determined to stay in the learner mode.  I want to communicate well with this younger generation when I preach.  I felt I needed help on my 11:00 delivery and content, and decided these were the guys who could help me most.

I think I was a good listener this morning.  I received several helpful insights.  The guys and I will be getting together a few more times before I take to the pulpit in 2011.  Pray for us.  Pray we will be a blessing to each other. I'll keep you posted.

Humor helps.  A 3-year-old prayed, "Our Father, who does art in heaven, Harold is His name." A 4-year-old prayed, "Forgive us our trash baskets as forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

Twitter @john316marshall

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$75

Today I drove to work and back home in my brand new 48-year-old Falcon. I've named it the Millennium Falcon, after one of the spaceships in Star Wars. We nicknamed it Millie, in honor of grandson Caleb's dog that recently died.

My original Falcon cost $75. Nothing on it worked--no radio, no heat, no air, no nothing. In the winter I drove with a blanket over my lap. In the summer all windows were down.

My car was purple, except for a white left front fender. It had been in a wreck. I totaled it one cold December morning on the way to a college class.

My new Falcon looks better, runs better, has better working accessories, and Lord willing, will last a lot longer. Huzzah!!

Twitter @john316marshall
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First Time in 40 Years

As best Ruth and I can remember, tomorrow will be the first Thanksgiving Day we have not spent with our parents. Through all of our married life, we have always found a way to make it to the Hueys or my parents.

When in seminary at New Orleans, when a Pastor in Mississippi or Arkansas, we faithfully made our Thanksgiving pilgrimage. Ruth's parents are in Heaven now. Every day for them is Thanksgiving.

My parents live in St. Louis County. Ruth and I slipped away to spend two days with them last week. Ruth and I are now officially on grandbaby watch. We want to be here when our new granddaughter comes.

Tomorrow Ruth and I will eat at Rebekah's. John and his crew will be there, as well as Nathan's family. When the Marshalls and Williams get together, we all have a blast.

By the way, before tomorrow is done, I will call Mom and Dad to wish them a happy Thanksgiving. Oh yes, one final note. Go Cowboys!!

Twitter @john316marshall
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47 years ago today

We who are old enough to remember November 22, 1963, can tell you precisely where we were and what we were doing about 1:00 pm that day.  President Kennedy was assassinated.  I was in the sixth grade.  Our school secretary came into our room and whispered the news to my teacher.  She told us and then said maybe we would want to say a prayer for the President.  It's the only time in all my education that prayer was ever mentioned.  The whole country came to a halt for five days.  It's still an unpleasant memory.

Less dramatic was the death on that same day of the Christian Apologist C. S. Lewis.  His passing was completely lost in the Kennedy story, but as the years have passed, Lewis' star has continued to rise.  Many consider him to be the most brilliant mind ever to espouse the Christian cause.  His books are as popular as ever and continue to be effective defenses of our faith.

Albert MVP?

I have to admit I am anxiously awaiting Major League Baseball's announcement on Monday regarding the National League Most Valuable Player award. I think it's safe to say it will be Pujols or Votto.

I remember a few years ago when Albert was upset because he lost the MVP award, though the Cardinals made the play-offs, and the player he lost to played on a team that did not make the post-season.

If Albert wins the award this year, will he regret it since the Cards did not make the play-offs, but the Reds did? Everyone knows I'm a radical Pujols fan, but I think this year's award should go to Votto. However, if Albert wins it, my grief will not last long.

Twitter @john316marshall
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At Mom and Dad's

Ruth and I are spending today at my mom and dad's house in Bridgeton MO, a northwest St Louis suburb. This is my home away from home. I'm relaxed, at peace, definitely in my element. I enjoy the familiar.

This is our Thanksgiving time with my parents and brother. Once we arrive back home we are officially on grandbaby alert, ready at a moment's notice to help when grandchild 5 arrives. These are exciting times. Bring on that baby!!

Grandparenting is all it's cracked up to be, and more. May all your grandchildren be twins.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Me and 2200 women

Last night Ruth and I attended Jennifer Rothschild's Fresh Grounded Faith conference at Second. It didn't take long to figure out why it is so popular.

Michael O'Brien started things off with congregational music. Ever heard 2200 women sing? Move over, Heaven.

Jennifer's message was superb. I'd be sweating bullets if Southern Baptists allowed women to be Senior Pastors.

Chick-fil-a sent over some dancing cows. Yep dancing cows. Baptist preachers are skiddish about dancing people, but dancing cows are okay.

Comedian Tim Hawkins did a one hour and fifteen minutes set. Maybe the funniest 75 minutes of my life. I couldn't believe how he was sustaining unbroken humor that long.

Way to go, Jennifer!!!

Twitter @john316marshall
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Thank You

Second will celebrate our 15th anniversary tonight after church.  People have been extremely kind to Ruth and me, expressing their congratulations and gratitude for our years of service here.

Please let me return the favor.  You have blessed Ruth and me far beyond our wildest expectations.  It seems we weekly see things happen that many people never see at church in a lifetime.

Ruth and I plan to be around for many more years.  Let's buckle our seatbelts, give ourselves to prayer, and zoom off into the future together.  It truly is an honor to be your Pastor.  Thanks for this weekend's celebration.

15 Years

Has it really been a decade and a half since Ruth and I first arrived at Second? We were younger then. My hair was all brown, and I had no grandchildren.

Did any of us have even in our wildest dreams any notion of what lay before us? Rapid attendance growth. New buildings. Missions revival. Ministry expansion. Debt paid off. Church planting. MBC President. Four grandchildren (one more coming).

Be assured Ruth and I think this ride has been wild and fun. No boredom here. We're set to jet for another 15 years. We both believe Second's best days are yet to come.

Ruth and I hope you will join us at the church-wide party Sunday night. I'll preach at the 5:00 worship service, and then we'll celebrate in the gym to our heart's content. Huzzah!! Let the games begin.

Twitter @john316marshall
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World Series

The Giants win!! In November. November?!!? Baseball wasn't meant to be played after Halloween, but no one seems too worried about it.

I'm too young to remember the last time the Giants won the big show. The last two teams I've never seen win it are the Cubs (102 years), and Indians (62 years). Wouldn't a Cubs/Indians World Series be historic?

One thing that made this World Series extra special is that our dearly beloved Pilgreens live only one block from the Giants stadium. They can hear the sounds of the game from their home. I wish the Giants would have won at home. It would have been an experience none of them would have ever forgotten.

Come to think of it, the Series was won by a city where Second started a church. We also started a church in Chicago. Go Eric Arnall. Go Cubs!!

Twitter @john316marshall
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President

On Tuesday I became President of the Missouri Baptist Convention. I am humbled and honored by the chance to serve our 2000 MO Baptist churches.

I feel ready to take the reins. Three years of training and experience in MO Baptist denominational life has helped prepare me. Working closely with Bruce McCoy was priceless. He mentored me in learning the mechanics of being MBC President.

I look forward to working closely with our Executive Director Dr David Tolliver, and with my fellow officers, Wes Hammond, Micah Fries, and Jamie Hitt.

Pray for me. I really want to do a good job.

Twitter @john316marshall
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50-year-wait

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers on their first trip to the World Series in their 50 years of existence. I had no idea they were that old. I had to do some google research.

They used to be the Washington Senators, not to be confused with the Washington Senators that became the Minnesota Twins about 1960, but the Washington Senators that played in the Capital during the 1960s.

I remember the latter team well. They were one of the worst franchises in baseball history, a fact that is, as of last night, ancient history.

My chief loyalty still lies with the National League, but I'm glad to see Nolan Ryan's team in the big show.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Preaching to the Chinese

The Lord gave me a huge privilege today.  I preached at 11:00 this morning for our brand new (one week old) Chinese Baptist Church at the Baptist Student Union on the Missouri State University campus.  It is remarkable to stand up to preach, knowing that a good number of your listeners have virtually no knowledge of the Gospel.  It forces a preacher to choose his words wisely.

I did not use an interpreter.  They told me they like to hear a sermon spoken in English.  Everything else was in Mandarin.  Ruth and I could not understand a word. The music was beautiful. The Eastern sounds were strong, the harmony was perfect.  A trio of students sang.  Two were new believers. I was enjoying a foretaste of Heaven, where people from all over the globe will gather as one to lift praises to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I assume we will sing in Hebrew in Heaven.  I’ve always been told it is God’s native tongue. Whatever language we sing in, I am confident we will all be able to sing and understand every word.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Colorful Sermons

You’ve often heard me say or write, I do not have the best sermons, but do have the prettiest ones. I use multiple colors to highlight all my sermon manuscripts, which are printed out in 24 point print.  Greg Bunn, via Facebook, became the first person ever to ask me what each color stands for. I answered him and thought you might like to know, too.

Green is Bible addresses.  Yellow is Bible words.  Purple is quotes.  Orange is important pronouns.  Blue is the main thought of the first paragraph of the page.  Red is the second paragraph highlight.  Brown is the third paragraph highlight.

I use other colors to accent other items.  For instance, black asterisks in the margin call my attention to look at the screens or reach for a sermon prop. Now you know.  Thanks, Greg, for asking.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

The Pursuit

Our chuch-multiplying focus now hones in on our next new church plant, The Pursuit. This Sunday evening October 17 there will be an information cookout at John David Edie's about the new church plant.

We will have information in the bulletin this Sunday about the event. You are also welcome to contact John David personally and directly on his cell phone 840-8828 (yes, he told me to share his cell phone number. He's committed to this new church, and wants others to join with him).

It's been a blur of church-planting for Second of late. Burmese, Bolivar, Strafford, San Francisco, Chinese, and now The Pursuit. We at Second are a blessed people. I am proud to be your Pastor.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Huge Weekend

Tomorrow two new churches from our church will be started. The Chinese Church will begin tomorrow at 11am in the BSU at MSU. Our church is providing 100 English/Chinese Bibles for them as a gift. They chose 10-10-10 as their starting date because the Chinese symbol for 10 is a cross. Thus, tomorrow's date for them included three crosses.

Ben and Shauna Pilgreen, and their team, will start Epic Church in San Francisco tomorrow morning at 10-10-10-10. 10am Oct 10, 2010. They are one of many churches being started at that precise time in California.

The Pursuit Church is ready to start receiving commitments to help with the church plant. There will be a big food and fellowship time at John David Edie's on Sunday night October 17.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Millie is gone

Caleb's beloved dog Millie had to be put to sleep on Saturday. Arthritis in her hip had become so painful that she couldn't get up.

For many months Millie was a leading star of this blog as I tried to keep everyone apprised of my interaction with her and with her canine sidekick Jake. I never grew fond of the dogs but did appreciate them.

They provided a level of comfort and companionship for Caleb during a very sad time in his life. That whole experience increased my appreciation for pets. I have no desire to have one, but do better understand the role they can fill in a person's life.

Farewell Millie. Thank you for being Caleb's friend.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Mom is home

What started out as a 3-day pleasure trip to Branson ended up as a 19-day hospital saga. One misstep at a Branson show, resulting in a broken hip, changed everything.

It's been a very trying experience for Mom. Surgery and rehab have been tough. We have all been impressed with, and blessed by, the personnel at Skaggs Hospital. They treated Mom like a queen.

For me, the silver lining in the cloud has been the large amount of time I was able to spend with Mom and Dad. I drove to Branson essentially every day to visit Mom. Dad stayed overnight with us each evening.

I'm grateful Mom is better. I'm thankful for the people at Skaggs. I'm pleased with the time I had with Mom and Dad. The Lord does all things well.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Mom is better

It’s now been 11 days since Mom fell and broke her hip at a Branson show.  Ten days ago she had surgery.  She has been in rehab ever since.  Ruth and I try to go see her everyday.  Dad is driving back and forth to our house every day to stay overnight.  We are all tired, but other than that, all seems to be going well.

I’m not in the therapy sessions, but the workers are complimenting Mom’s progress.  I can for sure say her attitude and strength are improving daily.  She should go home next Saturday, one week from today, if all continues to go well.

We all hate that this happened to Mom, but I do see a silver lining in the dark cloud.  I have been able to visit with Mom and Dad every day for over a week.  It’s been a long time since that happened.  I love hanging out with them. The Lord has his ways of turning our lemons into lemonade.  Keep praying.  Mom is better, but still has a ways to go.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Preachers are a hoot!!

My dad always said preachers are the funniest people in the world.  I’m about to decide he’s right.  I spent the last two days with seven preachers in an informal conference setting.  I don’t know how I could have had more fun.  We share the same situations, and are able to help coax each other through tough waters.  Sometimes the best medicine is to lean back and guffaw.  That’s what we do.

Don’t misunderstand.  We cry together too.  One of the brothers is going through a hard time.  We stopped everything and had a special time of prayer for him.  We will continue praying for him.

I find myself more and more grateful God called me to preach.  He rescued me from a life of shuffling widgets.  I can’t think of anything I could have done that would have been a higher calling.  On Sunday say a kind word to your Pastor.  He can use the encouragement.  Thank you, Second Baptist, for being my larger support network.  I love you.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Therapy

Mom's topsy turvy broken hip world continues to be a guessing game. We thought Mom was heading home soon, but she is way too weak. Mom, always frail at best anyway, is struggling to gain strength. She will probably be in therapy another 7 to 10 days.

Please understand. We are not complaining. We all unanimously agree she is right where she needs to be, doing what she needs to do, receiving the care she needs to receive. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Twitter @john316marshall
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A day with Mom

I spent the bulk of today in my mom's hospital room. She is doing well. Physical therapy is hard on her, but she knows it is for the best.

If all continues to go well, she may go home on Saturday or Sunday. Home Health people are already lined up to come care for her at her house.

Thanks for praying. This whole situation could have been much worse. We have seen the Lord's hand at every juncture.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Yay for Mom

Dr. Chris Reeves, son of our very own Corky and Carole Reeves, did Mom's surgery. He was wonderful. We are grateful he was available.

Mom did great. They were able to put a rod in her femur. A few weeks of therapy should do the trick.

We are rejoicing. Thank you for praying. The Lord has smiled on us.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Mom's Surgery

Mom is in pain, but not in agony. Any moment now, the nurse will check her blood to see if it has thickened enough to do the surgery. She takes blood thinner.

If all goes well, Mom will only need a pin in her femur. Otherwise she will need a total hip replacement. I'll let everyone know something tonight after surgery.

Twitter @john316marshall
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My mom's fall

It's Wednesday, September 15, 12:17am. I can't sleep. My mind won't shut down. It's obsessed over Mom's situation.

Mom fell yesterday at a Branson show. She missed a step. Today or tomorrow she will have surgery for a broken hip.

Please pray for Mom. Her health is already delicate. Pray for Dad. He is at home in St Louis recovering from a cold. He will head this way when confident he's no longer contagious.

Pray for my brother Charles and Mom's sister Evelyn. They are in Branson with Mom. Pray for Ruth and me. We are clearing our calendars for the next two or three days. I'll try to keep you posted through this blog.

Twitter @john316marshall
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McDonalds 1968

I was standing in line at McDonalds and taking in all the commotion behind the counter.  My thoughts floated to the summer of 1968, when I worked at a McDonalds. If I remember correctly, the only items on the menu were a hamburger, cheeseburger, French fries (one size), fish sandwich, Coke, Sprite, an orange drink, vanilla and chocolate shakes.  Ketchup cost a nickel.

Payment is for sure different.  Now the counter tops have all kinds of computerized equipment.  When I worked there, one person took the order and tallied the total with pencil and paper while a second worker rounded up the food for the order.  Our goal was to have all the food on the tray by the time the money transaction was done.

I always felt sorry for people who made a special order.  We had to write their request on a piece of paper and set it on the grill.  Many times the request sat there a long time before being picked up.  Variety was not the order of the day.

The dreaded shift was the closing crew because you had to keep pouring boiling hot water through the milkshake machine until it came out the spouts totally clear.  We were told it was necessary to kill all the bacteria, and if we didn’t do it, people would die.  When you’re 16, you don’t want to cause people to die. I’m glad to report we were faithful in the discharge of this duty.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Favorite Forms of Communication

I surveyed 23 of our ministerial staff to see what their favorite forms of communications are.  I listed 8 possibilities and asked the ministers to mark their three favorites. The top choice received a vote of 3, second choice received a 2, third favorite was given a 1.  The highest possible score was 69 total points.

Here are the results.  Text and email each had all 23 people mark them; texting won by 56 points to 52. Telephone conversations came in third; 12 people, 18 points.  Then came Direct Inbox on Facebook: 8 people, 11 points, followed by Telephone Voice Mail; 5 people, 7 points, snail mail; 2 people, 2 points, inner office Voice Mail; 1 person, 1 point, Direct message on Twitter; 0 people, 0 points.  (Smoke signals and telegraph also received no votes.)

It seems texting and email are the reigning kings of the hill.  My guess is, that’s true not only for our staff, but for most people.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Final Words on Jeans

My wearing jeans to the 11:00 service created a stir. I thought one last look at some of the Facebook posts about it might add a little levity to your day.

"I think this is one of the signs of Jesus' second coming, right?" "How did you feel in them?" "Do your mom and dad know?" "You made us very proud to have a hip Pastor like you."

Two parting quotes. "One of the awesome things about Second is people can come dressed in a fancy 3-piece suit or jeans and a t-shirt. All are welcome." "But, did you go home and change into a suit and tie?" An utterly profound and insightful question. Only Ruth knows the truth.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Serious Thoughts About Jeans

By far and away, most responses to my wearing jeans at the 11:00 service these past two Sundays have been humorous in nature.  A few, though, have cut to the heart of the issue by intimating how we dress does have a huge impact in USA culture.  Clothes do make a statement in our society, like it or not.

One commenter admitted, “I am old school,. . .but I do hope this is not habit forming. . .I think God deserves our best on Sunday morning.”  Another wrote, “I want to be able to recognize my leader. You speak volumes dressed in a suit, without saying a word.”

Coming from a different perspective, a young missionary shared her serious thoughts.  “If you put your mind to it and wear those jeans more often, you could rock and reach the younger/out of the box generations/thinkers.  Thank you for modeling “stepping out of comfort zone” to reach some! This sister is proud.”

Leave it to my sweet Ruth to bring a message with a wallop.  She shared in her post a family story that has become a legend.  Her dad volunteered to wear overalls instead of his suit in order to get a friend to come to church.  The man came.  He and his whole family became believers as a result. The man went on to become one of the most godly Christians Ruth has ever known.  Interestingly, he became a longtime pillar of a Southern Baptist church here in Springfield.  Ruth also wrote about me, “I love your suit and your jeans.  You example the ROCK in both.”  I love impartial analyses of myself.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

More Jeans Feedback

I’m been at my mom and dad’s these past three days.  I arrived back at the office about two hours ago.  Ruth and I intended to be home last night, but storms forced us to stay the night at a hotel in Pacific.  It was horrific to say the least.  It’s good to be home.

People are still talking about my wearing jeans to the 11:00 service these past two Sundays.  Facebook is a great recorder of people’s thoughts.  “Lookin’ good.” “Is that con-textile-ization?” “Now get that hair messed up with some gel.  If you need a tattoo artist or piercer, call us.” “Dr. Cool.”

One of the things I like about Facebook is the opportunity it gives us all to be silly. As you know, I love to laugh, and I love to make others laugh. I believe laughter is God’s gift to us. In my next blog, I’ll pass along some of the more serious comments about my jeans.  Stay tuned.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Exciting Clothes

I had no idea how much excitement would be generated by the jeans I wore to church. I think it's my biggest clothing splash since, as a young naive teenage preacher, I wore a black suit with white socks and oxford shoes. I stood out in the crowd.

Preachers are to be nondescript, and not call undue attention to ourselves. This is why Calvin required his preachers to wear a black robe. Nothing was to distract from the Bible being the focus of attention.

One fact is sure. For better or worse, my attire captured a lot of attention. I posted a picture on Facebook, and received 88 responses, the most I have ever received on a post.

I read words about my clothes I had never seen before. "You are stylin'." "Lookin' good." "Keep it up." "I can't tell you how proud I am." "Glad I'm rubbing off on you."

Stay with me this week on my blog. I will try to process this episode, and see what it might mean.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Princess Pink

It's amazing how much good will a few donuts buys for a grandpa. The moment I arrived at my daughter's house, with a white sack in my hands, I became a super-hero. They especially like the ones with "sprinklers" on them.

I had to do some fancy mental gymnastics. Lilly Ruth, age 3, likes pink icing. They only had orange. This presented me with a dilemma. I devised a plan as I drove to their house.

I told Lilly Ruth that kings and queens like the color purple, so the donut maker had mixed purple in with pink to make this special icing. I told her the icing was princess pink. She was very pleased and tore into her donut.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Change

I hate change.  I think the only change I ever fully embraced was when I went from being single to being married.  I like things the way they are.  Consistency keeps life simple.  I come by this trait honestly.  My Grandpa Hill sat in the same chair every day for 25 years, watching PBS, preachers, baseball, and soap operas. He was the most contented man I ever knew.

We would ask him to go to the mountains with us.  He’d say, “I’ve seen a mountain.”  We’d offer to take him to the beach.  He’d say, “I saw the ocean once.”  That was it.  He was satisfied to sit next to Grandma every day.

Speaking of change, I’m learning a new way to post my blog.  Well, actually, I’m relearning an old way of doing it.  It’s complicated.  See what I mean.  Change is painful.

Again speaking of change, I’m going to do a few blogs about my wearing jeans to church last Sunday. It’s been a hoot of a trip this week as people have responded by Facebook and other ways too.

iTunes Ruth Marshall
Family blog www.yeebird.blogspot.com
Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

This is a Test

I am trying out a new way of posting my blog.  If you read this, it is a waste of your time.  I apologize.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Why Jeans On Sunday

Since Facebook is abuzz about my decision to wear jeans at the 11:00 service this Sunday Aug 22, I decided I had best explain my sudden change in attire. I got burned on a dare.

Daniel Hood, our college minister, always wears typical college fare, which I do not need to describe. A few weeks ago he conducted a wedding.

Daniel bought a beautiful suit and a world class tie. By the way, I had to tie the tie for him. He looked so classy that I told him if he wore that suit to church on Sunday morning I would wear jeans later.

I never for one second believed he would wear the suit to church. Uh oh. He did. Now I'm behind the eight ball.

Today I went to Express in the mall and bought my shirt and jeans. I'll be decked out on Sunday. People will probably mistake me for a college student. I doubt it.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Our new churches

These are exciting days at Second. I feel a stirring among us I really like. One huge evidence of God's hand being on us is the way He is blessing our new church plants.

Epic in San Francisco had its first outreach event last night. 43 came to a big community cookout. Our team there was touched by how desperately people want community.

Harvest Hill in Strafford has averaged 120 in attendance these first two Sundays. We will ordain their two co-Pastors this Sunday night Aug 22 at Second.

Eric Arnall conducted his first baptism at our church plant in Chicago. He sent us pictures of seven new believers being immersed.

The Pursuit is gaining momentum. John David will host question and answer sessions at Second on the next two Sunday nights Aug 22 and 29.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Pessimism all bad?

Lo and behold! While looking at a bookshelf in my office yesterday, I saw three books I had long lost. Each had a humorous albeit significant impact on my life. I remember them well.

The books are Murphy's Law (books 1 and 2) and The Peter Principle. The latter taught, in an organization, people are usually promoted to their level of incompetence. I've seen it happen too often in ministers. Blessed is the person who finds their stride and stays hitched.

The Murphy's Law books helped me look askance at a skewed world and not be upset thereby. Too much pessimism leads to defeatism. Too much optimism leads to disillusionment.

I think the best way to live is with a limited amount of pessimism. This way, life is filled with pleasant surprises all the time, which in turn allows you brief interludes of true optimism. You will be happier when you accept as a normal axiom of life, if anything can go wrong, it will; also remember its first corollary: and at the worst possible time.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Dog Days of Summer

The first three weeks of August, in church parlance, are called the dog days of summer. This is when summer church work grinds to a screeching halt.

The children's sports leagues and summer school keep many in town through July. People with children have to be back in town by the fourth week of August for the opening of school.

Many families take their annual vacations during the first three weeks of August. We even have an unusually high percentage of staff members out on vacation right now.

Though we are in the lowest days of summer, I have to admit we are doing very well at Second. Attendance and offerings have remained relatively strong, and the energy level in our worship services has remained high. I love you, dear people of Second Baptist. You are a truly remarkable congregation.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Harvest Hill Launch

4,3,2,1. We have lift-off. Harvest Hill, our new church plant in Strafford, will launch in the morning at 10:30am.

Months of prayer and planning have gone into this event. I vividly remember the first time Craig Coppenbarger shared with me his desire to start a church. I've learned a lot about church planting by watching it through his eyes.

Craig and his co-Pastor John Edwards have been very close friends a long time. John recently graduated from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. He has moved back to Strafford to help start Harvest Hill.

Their Minister of Music is another Second Baptist member. I have been Jackson Campbell's Pastor for over 14 years. I'm proud of him.

Take time to pray for Harvest Hill tonight and tomorrow morning. Only the Lord can make the day a success.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

It's A Girl

An ultrasound today gave us the big news. Grandchild 5 is a girl. We are thrilled.

Lilly Ruth will have a cousin friend to play with. Ian will have another girl to help protect. Caleb and Sam will have a little sister to dote on.

It is amazing to see your grandchild while she is still in the womb. We are grateful Amanda let us be there to experience the wonder of the moment.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Caleb is 14

Did I say 14??!!! I am aging faster than I want to. I remember when he was born. Jana went into labor on Aug 5. It seemed Caleb would be born Aug 6, my mom's birthday. But Jana did not deliver until a C-section on Aug 7.

Caleb and family moved to Spfd when he was about 5 months old. He has lived here or in Marshfield ever since. He's a proficient cellist, an excellent student, and a grand grandson.

My four grandchildren are wonderful. I thought that would be my quota, but God has decided to give us a fifth one. Maybe I'll end up with six, eight, or ten grandchildren. The more the merrier. Bring them on.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

No Machine Guns

In many places around the world, voting places have to be guarded by military or police personnel toting machine guns. Not in Springfield.

Yesterday when I entered the voting location, I saw five sweet, older ladies sitting at a table. They were the bosses, in charge of law and order at the polling place.

To me, those ladies were beautiful representatives of what it means to live in a land of liberty. Thank You, God, for freedom.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Harvest Hill

Harvest Hill, our new church plant in Strafford, launches this Sunday August 8. All prayers are appreciated.

Many months have passed since Craig Coppenbarger came to my office and told me he felt the Lord may be calling him to plant a church. His first inclination was to start a church in Charleston SC. I encouraged him to pray about Strafford. The rest is history.

Craig and Maggie will be working alongside John and Alaina Edwards, who have been appointed as NAMB missionaries. We will be ordaining Craig and John on Sunday night August 22.

I feel stress mounting in Craig and John as D-Day approaches. Pray the Lord will give them peace this week, and will anoint Harvest Hill's first Lord's Day as a church.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

My Food Friends

People ask me how I lost weight and kept it off. My first answer is, it's a miracle. Only God could intervene in my addiction to food.

A part of the Lord's workings in my life has been to send me some great food friends. First, He sent me salsa. Bland food could not fill the bill. I needed food that would fight back, yet not be full of calories.

Decaf unsweetened tea is a Godsend. Literally. I've tried water, but it never caught on for me. Tea worked.

Kosher dill pickles are also my friends. I love the crunch and strong burst of flavor they provide. Also, no calories doesn't hurt.

Lemons have been my buddies since I was a kid. I used to buy them at Henson's Grocery Store in Cape for a nickel. I have always enjoyed the way they contort my whole face.

When God thought of a tomato, He had a wonderful thought. When tomatoes are in season, I try to eat one with every meal. I cover them in pepper.

I'm suddenly hungry.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Superman Taught Me To Read

When I started school, and first learned how to read, the thing that helped my reading skill the most was Superman comic books.

We could buy them real cheap at Womack's Drug Store. Mr. Womack was a collector of comic book front covers. Thus we were able to buy the mutilated copies cheap. It didn't matter to me. I devoured every issue. Reading was my ticket to adventure.

Why am I mentioning this? Because yesterday my five year old grandson told me he had watched a show about Superman's birth and escape from Krypton.

The story so impressed Ian that he switched his allegiance from Spiderman to Superman as his favorite super hero. He and I have argued this point often. I'm glad he has finally come around. My cosmos in congruent again. The planets are aligned. All's well with the world.

Let's all celebrate by reading a comic book. It's educational.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Reading

Have you ever fed the fish at a park and watched their feeding frenzy? I'm in the midst of an intellectual frenzy, reading like a wild man.

I had an interesting observation about the last three books I read. One was a paperback. The second was on a Kindle. The third was on an iPad.

I enjoyed all three. Times have changed, and the mode of delivery is different, but the sheer pleasure of reading a book remains unchanged, thankfully. Happy reading!!

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Celebrate the 4th?

I feel a hesitation among some believers about our churches having worship services that are patriotic. Folks say they don't want to wrap the Bible in the Constitution, hide the Christian flag under the USA flag, or have the National Anthem drown out Amazing Grace.

I realize patriotism can be overdone, but I wonder if we have equated it with being happy with all our government is doing? In other words, are people reluctant to show patriotism when they disagree with decisions being made by the Supreme Court, with laws passed by Congress, or with who occupies the White House?

Be careful, fellow American Christians. No matter how upset we are with the political status quo, as long as we have liberty, we need to celebrate. For 43 years I have preached without government interference. I am grateful for this land of the free. Believers, I'm celebrating the Fourth. I urge you to join me. God bless America.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Lilly Ruth is 3

Three years ago today, an angel was sent from Heaven into our lives. After 3 wonderful grandsons, we received a precious granddaughter.

Lilly Ruth has lived up to all the billing about what a granddaughter should be. She has for sure had this grandpa wrapped around her finger from the first day.

Today's birthday party was perfect. My two favorite moments involved her parents. It was delightful to see Rebekah seated on the floor helping Lilly Ruth open her gifts. It was as if for a few moments they were the only two on the planet, reveling in each other's attention and affection.

The other arresting scene involved Nathan. Ruth gave Lilly Ruth a Snow White dress. She immediately put it on. Her dad then started playing the theme from the Snow White movie. As Lilly Ruth began to sing and sway, Nathan took her hands and danced with her.

I thought I would burst into tears. It was precious. Maybe at her wedding, instead of Nathan walking her down the aisle, he will waltz her down the aisle to the Snow White theme.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Velma

Mrs. Huey, Ruth's mom, would have been 88 today. I still miss her. Every time I called, and asked, "Would you like to go. . .?" she interrupted me with a yes before I could finish my sentence.

The Holman Bible I use in my daily devotions was hers. Her name written by her own hand is on the inside cover.

When Ruth or I go to a restaurant, if we are asked what name should be called, we say "Velma". There are many John's and Ruth's in the world, but few Velma's. Using her name assures us we are the ones being called.

This custom works well when Ruth is with me, but certainly raises eyebrows when I'm alone and do it. I simply smile and explain it's in memory of my mother-in-law.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Is Spurgeon the greatest?

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, London Baptist Pastor in the 19th century, is the number one selling author in the history of the English speaking world. He has often been called the greatest preacher since the Apostle Paul.

I have always been fascinated by him. I did a doctoral paper on him. To read of his life and accomplishments is nothing short of stunning.

Of all the things I admire most about Spurgeon, the most amazing trait of his ministry was his astounding grasp of Scripture. I know of no one who can explain the Bible better than he does.

I feared Spurgeon would become forgotten, but the Internet has increased interest in him. His devotionals and sermons are being quoted regularly on Facebook and Twitter.

Do a google search. Read about him on Wikipedia. Download his daily devotions. You will not be disappointed.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Cataract Surgery 2

Today I'll have my second and last cataract surgery. After 52 years of
wearing eyeglasses for nearsightedness, I will as of today have to
start wearing cheater reading glasses for farsightedness.

I'm ready to have this second surgery done. It's been a tough month
visually. One good, yet farsighted, eye; one bad, extremely
nearsighted, eye. My brain has not been able to focus the two. It's
been a blurry month.

I have tried to have fun with my handicap this month. In order to get
work done, I had to put patches over the right eye lens in my glasses.
On one patch I drew an eyeball. On the other patch I wrote, "Ahoy,
Maties!"

One of our church housekeepers said she didn't know what to say in
response to "Ahoy, Maties!" I suggested she say, "Polly want a
cracker!" Life is a long journey. Take every chance you can to enjoy
the trip.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

The Fun of Reading

Tonight I finished reading Timothy Keller's book, "The Reason For
God." It had to be one of the best apologetics ever written in defense
of our faith.

I hated to see the book end. That's one of the ways I know I'm truly
being blessed by a book. I want them to never end.

I even read the acknowledgements and pages of footnotes at the end.
That's another way I gauge how effective I feel a book is. Every
tidbit of info is priceless.

I had to stop every once in a while and think. Thinking is hard work.
When a book makes me do it, I know it is really reaching me at my
deepest levels.

Through the years, I've had hobbies come and go, but one has remained
remarkably consistent: reading.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Fathers Day Cometh

Fathers Day cuts a much smaller swath than Mothers Day does. In the
USA, Mom's day reigns supreme. I'm grateful for my mom.

I'm thankful for my dad. He was always busy, usually out doing the
Lord's work. Nightly church visitation was the norm. My earliest
recollections center around my being at home with my mom and sister.

We never questioned Dad's work, or ever felt cheated. We shared his
heart and ministry. Dad was alway the chief spiritual enforcer. If he
sensed anything even the least bit iffy, it met a fast demise. Once
again, I don't ever remember resenting this. I got in trouble all the
time, but again, I just thought that was normal.

When it came time for me to enter the ministry, I had only one role
model. He was more than adequate. Again, I never felt cheated. Dad's
example was enough.

I still have my dad. He's in excellent health at age 83 (in August). I
don't go visit him as much as I should. Now that I do regret.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Yell Boo In Church

On July 4 we will in the Sunday morning church service re-enact the
debate and vote on the Declaration of Independence. It was a raucous
event, very different from the stayed, dull decorum we see and hear in
Congressional proceedings today.

Our re-enactment will give the children (and adults) a front row seat
on the action. We'll boo, yell huzzah, and pound on the back of our
pews. It will be an unforgettable re-living of a wonderful event in
American history.

You won't want to miss this day. Your children will never forget it. I
promise.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

The Athlete

I decided I would enter a new world today. Athletes live in a
different zone somewhere. To be one of them means to boldly go where
many have never gone before.

I entered the one mile walk at the Cox Health Miracle Mile today. I
felt a tad bit out of place. First, they dress different. They have
timing watches, heart monitors, and Ipods attached to their arms.

Second, they look different. I feel I'm about an average sized guy,
but in that crowd I looked like a roly poly blob. Too many of the
people there today looked anorexic.

Third, they act different. There's a swagger about them. They are
incessantly warming up and stretching. All I wanted to do was eat a
hot dog.

In all seriousness I had a wonderful time. The best part of it was
time spent with my daughter Rebekah. As she finished the 5K run,
someone called her "a runner." That she is. I'm proud of her.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Cemetery Speaker

Today at 1pm I will speak for the annual Memorial Day ceremony at our
veterans cemetery. Since the first moment I was asked to speak, I have
carried this assignment in my heart with a deep sense of duty. It is
a huge honor. It is a huge responsibility.

I have to bless the families of those who gave their all for our
freedoms. I have to discuss our freedoms. I have to challenge the
hearers to never forget the fallen, and to remain vigilant in
protecting our liberty.

Please pray God will make my words a benediction to everyone present.
Thank you.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Cataract Surgery #1

The saga of my eyes is the stuff legends are made of. When six years
old I lived in Illmo MO, which eventually merged with Fornfelt and
Ancell to become Scott City. In other words, ill-mo-mo is-no-mo.

One night our town high school was playing a basketball game against
our arch-rivals, the Chaffee Red Devils. This, by the way, was Ruth's
home at the time.

As the game progressed, I kept asking Dad what the score was. He kept
telling me to look at the scoreboard. I told dad I couldn't see it.
That's how Mom and Dad first realized I needed glasses.

Thus began 52 years of strong prescriptions to undo profound
nearsightedness. I had cataract surgery on my right eye Wednesday. I
guess tomorrow will be the first time in over half a century I have
attended church without wearing glasses. Wow.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Westward Bound: Epic Church San Fran

For a year, I've watched Epic Church San Francisco being birthed. It became one of the most amazing sagas I've ever witnessed. Five U-Hauls. 12,000 miles. From seven states. A devoted band of believers is heading west, leaving homes, families, jobs, and familiar culture.

Who are these spiritual pioneers? Ben and Shauna Pilgreen and their three boys are heading out from Second. Brad and Mary Keel are heading out from FL. He's a pharmacist who will be the church's worship leader. They are a family of four. He had to take and pass the CA pharmacy board exam to be able to work out there.

Tim and Kristin Milner are heading out from my alma mater, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Tim will serve the church as Executive Pastor. Ben and Lindsey Lee are coming from AL. She will serve as Director of City Life. Ben hopes to find a marketing job in the financial services sector.

Also coming from AL is Josh Hamilton, an accountant who took a job at the Charles Schwab headquarters. TX will be represented by Lee and Lindsey Pilgreen. They are school teachers. Lee is Ben's brother.

Shauna's sister and husband, Matthew and Katy Strickland, are coming from GA, bringing a baby with them. Matt is a computer science software engineer. Coming from CO are Phil and Kaci Rippurger.

22 in all. Horace Greeley would be proud. "Go west, young man, go west." This group of dedicated believers is fulfilling he wish.

423 Verses Memorized

I attended the annual Awana Awards ceremony last night. I think I have
attended them all the 14 years I've been here. Ruth and I love Awana.
She started the program at our church in St. Louis.

Bible memory is Awana's strong suit. Children learn 100 or more verses
a year. Last night four children were given awards for having
memorized 423 verses in 4 years. Their picture is on my Facebook wall.

I've known of children memorizing whole books of the Bible. This
astounds me. I grew up during a time when Bible memory was not
emphasized. I feel I was cheated.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Outpatient Surgery

Yesterday I had outpatient surgery, following up on a procedure that
was done twelve weeks ago. Everything went well. Prognosis is
excellent. "Thank You, Lord Jesus".

Anesthesia is wonderful, but made for a long night. I had stomach
pains till about 1am. Not real bad, but aggravating enough to keep ne
awake.

Had a headache, something I almost never experience. Again, not
terribly painful, but hurting enough to not let me fall asleep till
after 1am. For a guy who goes to bed at 9pm, 1am is late!!

I will try to rest as much as possible today. I was able to redeem
much of the waiting time yesterday afternoon and evening by editing
two upcoming sermons.

By the way, Ruth is the world's greatest nurse. I love her, and am
grateful for her.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Sunday May 16

Sundays are always a big day at Second. Five worship services (3
morning, 1 evening, 1 Burmese) and 3 Sunday Schools get us started
each week.

Tomorrow seems to be shaping up as an extra special Sunday. We will
honor high school seniors at 9:30 and 11:00.

Tomorrow night at 5pm we will vote on a prospective youth minister, be
blessed by the "I am the Vine" presentation, and take the Lord's Supper.

I'm spending tonight mastering my sermon manuscript for in the morning.
Pray for me.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Grandchildren May 2010

At 6:19am Ian and Lilly Ruth came walking down the hall toward our
bedroom, dragging their loveys behind them. I asked why they got up at
the same time. Ian said, "I woke up Lilly because we wanted to go find
out if it was still dark."

At the grocery store, Sam broke into a box of white powder donuts. He
tried to look innocent, but incriminating evidence was all over his
face.

Caleb is receiving more and more invitations to come play his cello.
He's good. He has begun taking guitar lessons from Ryan Myers.

Amanda says Grandchild 5 is doing well in the oven. I trust her
judgment.

I love being a grandpa. I also enjoy being married to my
grandchildren's grandmother.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Mothers Day 2010

Ruth said, without doubt this was one of the grandest Mothers Days
ever. I agree. The day began with a resounding start--3 glorious
worship services at Second.

We then headed to our daughter Rebekah's house. She set the table with
nostalgic heirloom tableware from several sides of the family. We
laughed a lot, ate way too much, and took a ton of pictures. I'm
confident several will show up on Rebekah's blog at www.blogspot.yeebird.com
.

An added special touch was the fact Amanda is pregnant. We are all
excited about the coming baby.

To end the day Ruth and I ate supper with my aunt and her new husband.
They are giddily happy. It blesses me to see widow/widower marriages
that bring happiness in the golden years.

Twitter @john316marshall
www.facebook.com/john316marshall

Church Planting Novice

I am safely home after a roundtrip visit to Kansas City. My task was
to preach to Baptist KC area Pastors on the subject of. . .you won't
believe it. . . church planting.

Word has begun to circulate about Second's new church starts: San
Francisco, Bolivar, Strafford, Greene County next Easter, etc. I fear
people may be tempted to think I'm proficient in church planting.

Nothing could be further from the truth. I am a novice, franticly
reading, talking, and learning every other way I possibly can. This is
new territory to me. It's a pilgrimage Second and I will have to take
together, one step at a time.

Ruth made the trip with me. Made the journey a piece of Heaven for me.
She went to Bannister Mall to shop, but it was closed, out of
business, buildings torn down. For a shopper, devastation like this
can be disconcerting.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Triathlete

My daughter Rebekah completed a triathlon today in Columbia MO. Ruth
and Nathan were there to share in the joy.

I don't know what to say. No one in our family has ever done anything
like this. I couldn't be prouder of Rebekah if she had won an Olympic
medal.

She joined an elite club today. Less than 1% of USA Americans have
completed a triathlon.

She trained for months at the Meyer Center. She took swimming lessons,
rode endless miles on a bike, and ran long distances. Her goal was to
lose 40 pounds in the process. She made it.

An interesting footnote to the day. John Edie's daughter was in the
same race. Neither he nor I knew the other one's daughter was there.

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San Fran Epic Church

In less than a month, the Pilgreens will be moving to San Francisco to
start Epic Church. They are not going alone. A total of 22 (13 adults,
8 children) are heeding the call, "Go west, young man, go west."

Ben will be the only full-time staff member. All the others will be bi-
vocational. This transition is not a minor matter. Lives are being
totally uprooted to birth Epic Church.

One couple has divested themselves of almost all their earthly
possessions. They are moving into a 460-square-foot apartment (step it
off) for $1800 a month. The husband has a job interview coming up soon
out there. Pray for him.

I envy the brave, free thinking spirit of the young. They don't know
enough to know it can't be done. They therefore do it. I think the
naysayers have met their match in this westward bound band. A part of
my heart is going with them.

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Silver Dollar City

SDC is having its 50th birthday party this Sunday night May 2 at 6pm
in Echo Hollow. I plan to be there.

Since SDC has always been a family and Christian friendly place, it is
appropriate the birthday festivities will be family and Christian
oriented. The combined choirs of James River Assembly and Second
Baptist will be providing an evening of blessing.

It should be a memorable night. Come share it with us. We'll add it to
the already huge collection of memories we have of good times spent at
SDC.

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GIC 2010

Too many highlights to remember them all. A few events help capture
the essence of this year's GIC.

The music, as always, was stellar. Thank you, Kevin and Ryan. The
preaching and teaching were rivetting. Thank you, Al and Josh Gilbert.

The food was delicious. Thank you, Belinda. The testimonies, stories,
seminars, and interviews made me want to pack my suitcase and go.
Thank you, missionaries.

Our missions staff made it happen. Thank you, John David, Kaila, Todd,
Kayla, and Bev.

It would all be for naught were it not for you, the dear people of
Second. Missions has been on your front burner for over a decade. Your
commitment seems unabated. Thank you for your bulldog determination to
take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, beginning next door.

Ruth and I love you. It is an honor to be your Pastor.

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Cowboy Church

I loved it!!! I preached tonight at the Cowboy Church west of
Springfield. They sang Mrs Huey's favorite song, "A Beautiful Life".
They sang a song I used to hear in southeast Missouri, "Ain't No Grave
Gonna Hold My Body Down".

There were words on the walls I never saw in church before. "Cow
Pregnancy Chart", "Heifers", "Bulls". The sign that scared me most was
one that read, "Total Weight". I was afraid I might step back onto a
scale and have my weight revealed to the whole world.

They gave me a good honorarium, plus a dozen eggs. Best of all, they
laughed at my jokes, all of them. Once again, I think I maybe should
become a comedian when I retire.

Thanks to Pastor Scotty Killingsworth for inviting me to come. I will
long remember the sweet spirit of his people, and the gentle mooing of
cows in the background of my preaching.

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A Friend

Ruth and I moved into a parsonage 31 years ago. A lady from the church
was there when we found out the dishwasher did not work. She quickly
let us know she was able to get along quite well without one.

Ruth never uttered a complaint. She used the dishwasher to put towels
in to dry dishes. One evening we had company over. My mother-in-law
opened the dishwasher and took out a towel.

One of our guests was humiliated that the church had not fixed the
dishwasher. He got it fixed. He was so hurt that we became a special
project to him. He made sure our household needs were taken care of
for years.

He has remained our friend across the miles and through the years. He
turned 80 today. He is dying of cancer. He was too weak to make it
through the whole party. He'll be in Heaven soon. Ruth and I are
grateful for the gentle Christlike life he lived, and for the love he
showed us. God bless you, Charlie.

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Too Much 24

I'm home after two days away for a preachers meeting. Two
observations. One, I thoroughly enjoy preachers. They are the funniest
people on the planet.

Two, I miss Ruth when I'm away. We text each other often. She texts me
photos of the grandchildren to make me feel like I'm sharing their
life when I'm away.

I received an odd message from her. She said she was about to go into
a meeting, and was "going dark."

Going dark? What did that mean? Was she in a room with little light?
Was she wearing dark clothes?

I texted her, "What is dark"? About two hours later she wrote and
explained it is a code word from the TV show 24 meaning undercover,
out of communication, unreachable.

Laughing out loud, I called her. I said I was maybe the only husband
in the USA who needed to watch 24 in order to be able to communicate
with his wife. What a hoot!!

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I am a Thespian

Yes, I am a histrion. It sounds more exciting than merely saying I am
an actor.

After I retire, I may pursue a career in comedy. But if that doesn't
work out, I may try acting. Today I test the waters. I have my first
rehearsal with Second Act for my role in "I am the Vine," a dramatic
portrayal of the Last Supper.

I'm trusting our new drama director, Vanessa Burks, will go easy on
me. I'm sure my feelings will be very sensitive.

I am experiencing the jitters Harrison Ford and Meg Ryan felt the
first time they went on stage. This is tough, but the show must go on.

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Ordination

Forty years ago today, I was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Hooe
Baptist Church in Southeast Missouri. The church (pronounced hoe, not
hooey) sat on Base Line Road, between Morley and Bell City.

Dad preached the ordaining sermon. My Grandpa Hill was there, as was
my future father-in-law. Ruth had planned to come, but had the flu.

When I was born, Dad had named me for John the Baptist. At my
ordination, he preached from the text, "There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John." Dad challenged me to exhibit the traits of John
the Baptist's ministry.

By today's standards, my ordination was a very simple affair. But it
evidently worked. It's been a marvelous four decades. Thank You, Jesus.

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Mom and Easter

I talked to Mom a few minutes ago. She is in the hospital. The plan
was to put in a pacemaker, but at the critical moment, she coughed up
a little blood.

The pacemaker will have to wait another week. After two days of tests
on her lungs, she has a clear bill of health. She is sitting in her
room, waiting impatiently for the doctor to send her home.

Easter is here. Resurrection Sunday. Please pray the Holy Spirit will
have freedom to work mightily among us. Ruth and I are both bringing a
guest to church. Who are you bringing?

Humor helps. At breakfast this morning at a restaurant I suddenly
noticed Ruth had her blouse on inside out. We were both howling as
she dashed off to the bathroom to make the change. I love Ruth. I have
never been bored in her presence.

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A Great Day Off

I spent the bulk of today with Ruth. I always enjoy her. I've never
been bored in her presence. She played the piano a lot today. It's
like Heaven when she plays on and on and on. You would have to be here
to understand me on this one.

I had time today with Rebekah and Amanda. They are both excellent
conversationalists. It was nice to have talk time with them.

My day included time with all the grandchildren. Two of them had a
birthday today. Sam turned 11. Ian turned 5. Caleb ran errands with
me. Lilly Ruth jumped on the trampoline alone today for the first time
ever.

I wish I could have spent time with John 2 and Nathan. They are fine,
Godly men. It's always a pleasure to be around them.

Prayerwalked the neighborhood. Had a good devotion time. Ruth is
already asleep. I'm following suit. It's past my bedtime. I hate to
see this day end.

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Prayerwalking Conclusions

I've now prayerwalked my block five times. I am drawing some definite
conclusions.

I don't think there's any extra merit or some kind of magical power in
walking as we pray. However, I do see some spin-off benefits of
praying on-site with insight.

It slows my praying. I pray regularly over a list of neighbors' names,
but sometimes I do it with lightning speed. Prayerwalking gives me
opportunity to take time to focus my prayers.

Prayerwalking gives us a chance to see neighbors outdoors and talk
with them. Another thing it's doing for our church is, it is bringing
us together to join in united prayer for outsiders.

At Second we have 399 people who are praying over their neighborhoods.
That's a good number of people praying, who might not otherwise be
praying. Pray on. Walk on.

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Easter Prayerwalking

We're trying a new twist on Easter-praying at Second this year. We are
encouraging our people to daily prayerwalk their neighborhoods until
Easter.

We are not the only church doing this. Scores of Missouri Baptist
churches are trying it.

I have now walked my block three times, praying for each house as I
pass it. I'm analyzing my efforts. I pray for my neighbors every day
by name anyway. Why would prayerwalking improve what I already do?

Let me do some processing of this question over the next few days.
I'll get back with you on that one.

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Pastoral Pastoring

I thoroughly enjoy the people centered aspects of being a Pastor. Ruth
and I went to a nice restaurant with friends today. Gift cards are
great. Friends are far greater.

Went to a funeral home tonight for a viewing. I was blessed by the
privilege to go from person to person being a true shepherd of a
flock. This is what I signed up for 43 years ago, when I entered the
ministry.

Remember to prayerwalk your neighborhood each day from now till
Easter. Pray for people to come hear the resurrection story on Easter.
Yesterday I forgot to prayerwalk my block. Tonight I prayerwalked it
twice.

Humor helps. Lilly Ruth is being potty trained. When her mother said
she was going to the restroom, Lilly Ruth said, "Thank you, Mommy, for
telling me you needed to go potty."

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39th Anniversary

Ruth and I celebrated 39 years of nuptual bliss today. The day started
inauspiciously. I woke up deaf due to ear wax.

I used Murine ear drops. Used kleenex in both ears to keep the drops
in. Ruth howled when she saw me. She secretly took a picture of me. I
forbade her to post it on Facebook.

Ate lunch at Maria's downtown. Ruth said, "It's extra loud in here
today," I said, "Really?" We looked at each other and laughed out loud.

Tried hydrogen peroxide in my ears this afternoon. Once again I had
the "toilet paper growing out both sides of my head" look. Ruth has
been having trouble taking me seriously today.

Ate supper at Ocean Zen. Sat side by side so we could communicate.
Ruth asked if I liked the background music. I said, "What music?" We
looked at each other and again laughed out loud.

Pray my hearing is restored by morning. It would be good for me to
know what I'm saying while I preach.

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My Irish Roots

Happy St. Patrick's Day. We all have a wee bit of the Irish in us,
don't we?

My family's Ireland story revolves around the ancestors of my Grandma
Sally Bird Marshall. Three Puckett brothers were conscripted by the
British to fight in the War of 1812.

The three refused to fight against the USA and chose to flee here for
asylum. They first settled in eastern Kentucky, but eventually settled
in western Tennessee, near Obion.

Years ago I went to see the old homestead. A house built over 100
years ago was still standing. It was the house where my Grandpa and
Grandma courted. I even found the grave of one of the three brothers.

I am preaching this morning. Yes, I will be wearing a bright green tie.

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Happy Ending

My niece has faced seemingly insurmountable odds to become a prime
example of a Godly single mom. One part of her story I want to tell
here.

Her husband died years ago, leaving her with a young son. She knew her
husband had been married before and had a daughter, but there was no
contact with her whatsoever.

Recently my niece decided her son needed to find and know his half-
sister. Twenty minutes after my niece joined Facebook, she found the
half-sister and the first wife.

After months of FB contact, they decided to meet face to face. My
niece came from St. Louis; the others from Oklahoma. They met
yesterday at Bass Pro Shops here.

Long story short. Nervousness gave way to sheer joy. You should see
the pictures. DNA speaks truth. They are without doubt siblings. It
was a precious time. The Lord smiled on them.

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Time Change

We now have about 8 months a year of Daylight Saving Time. Most people
like the later daylight hours after work. I do too, but I also wish we
made the change on Friday, not Saturday, night. It's tough on churches.

Facebook is abuzz with info about the time change tonight. Pastors are
rightly worried about church tomorrow. At least two have confessed
their fear that they themselves might be late.

Some people are admitting they had forgotten. Others are grieving,
especially those who attend early worship. Every Sunday morning at
7:11am several of us gather at the pulpit to walk through worship
service details. We will be a sleepy bunch tomorrow.

One parishoner said he had asked what the Pastor's sermon was going to
be before deciding whether or not to move his clock forward. One
person said, if your church has an early service, move your clock
forward, or your Pastor will be very lonely.

I've already moved my clocks forward. Maybe I'll be able to trick my
mind and body in the morning.

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Barbie Stand-off

Lilly Ruth, age two, found her mother Rebekah Ruth's old box of Barbie
dolls, and instantly fell in love with them, as her mom once did.
This created an interesting stand-off.

Lilly Ruth said, "Mom, these are my dolls, but you can play with them
too" Rebekah replied, "No, Lilly, they are my dolls, but you can play
with them too." This conversation continued a while, with neither side
budging an inch. It will be interesting to see how this debate turns
out.

Remember to move your clocks forward one hour Saturday night.
Otherwise you will be one hour late for church on Sunday morning.

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Biographies

Devout Christians have long known the Bible has to be our number one
reading material. Often reading biographies comes in as number two.

The lives of others have been of inestimable wealth to me through the
years. Ravi Zacharias' autobiography "Walking From East to West" has
reminded me again how powerful people's stories can be.

How do you know a book has deeply affected you? In this case I grieved
when there were no more pages to read. I had laughed and cried often
in following Ravi's story.

As I finished the bio, I sat in stillness, my mind wondering. Have I
done all I could for God? Has my life mattered? What can I yet do in
the time remaining to me? Is my life worth writing and reading about?

What makes a great biography? It's one that reminds us holiness
matters most, and compels us to seek a higher level of holiness.

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"Oh Aunty Em"

"There's no place like home." I agree, Dorothy. I'm now back from
preaching twice at a world missions conference for FBC Gulf Breeze
(Pensacola) FL yesterday.

I woke up early this morning and wrote out a sermon rough draft in my
hotel while watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico. I ate
lunch in the Memphis airport. I will soon eat supper with Ruth in
Springfield MO. By the way, R-u-t-h is how I spell the word "home".

Tomorrow we will burn the note in all three morning worship services.
Bye bye debt. 31 years together is long enough. Happy 125th
anniversary, Second Baptist Church.

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Authorship

Thanks for the kind words some of you have shared about the
quasquicentennial book we released last Sunday. My name is on the
cover, but a host of people made it happen. Be sure to read the
acknowledgements.

We have sold 250 copies, about 200 more than I thought we would sell.
Thanks. You have spared me a bruised ego.

This Sunday March 7 our church's 125th anniversary continues. We will
burn the note, celebrating the fact we no longer owe anything to a
bank, for the first time in 31 years, almost one-third of a century.

I'm reading and being deeply blessed by Ravi Zachariah's
autobiography, "Walking From East to West." God lifted Ravi from a
life of utter despair, loneliness, and attempted suicide to become one
of the most gifted apologists or our era. I would like to meet him
someday.

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Where to take sweet babe

Yesterday I told Ruth I would take her to the place of her choice for
our 40th wedding anniversary in 2011. She cried for joy. Yes, I am the
husband of the year--no, the decade.

I decided to poll my cyberspace friends for suggested places to go.
I've had about 60 responses. Hawaii wins the vote (interesting--I
think that's Ruth's choice anyway).

Hawaii is no surprise, but the other leading choices were unexpected.
Italy was the choice of several. New Zealand was a popular selection.

Humor accompanied the poll. One said wherever they film 24. Another
noted none of the choices mentioned McDonalds. Someone said we should
go to their city, Dayton OH. My Pastor friend in Joplin, John Swadley,
voted for Joplin.

And the winner is....wherever Ruth wants to go, as long as we go there
together.

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Pocket Knife Barbs

Once I posted on Facebook and Twitter about my having donated a 13th
pocket knife to airport security, the responses came flying in. Enjoy.

Ruth's was the best. Lay down your weapon, Honey. Stand down!

Others were witty too. I heard you were in the giving spirit again.
Maybe you could remember not to take a knife to the airport. Someone
was in need of a pocket knife; you made their day.

Maybe the govt can sell those knives to help pay down the deficit. You
are officially on the terrorist watch list; shame on you. Hurts to
lose a good knife; like losing a good friend. You might be a redneck
if....

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Travel Woes

As always, my time spent at the Large Church Roundtable was wonderful.
It is always one of my favorite events of the year.

LCR is a group of about 25 Pastors of Southern Baptist churches that
run 1000 to 3000 in attendance. We laugh, learn, and love. I'm
grateful for the guys. They always bless me.

The only downer is travel woes. It has gotten to where it is almost a
given there will be a flight delayed or cancelled. This makes for a
feeling of insecurity each time I travel.

I miss the precision and exact timing the airlines were once noted
for. My dad and grandpa witnessed firsthand the demise of the
railroads. Fortunately we were able to replace the RRs with cars,
trucks, boats, and planes. I fear we don't have anything to replace
planes with. Our commercial livelihood depends heavily on them. I hope
we can find ways to make the airline industry stout again.

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February

February is a special month to me. My daughter was born on Feb 6. I
recall it with wondrous amazement.

Ruth was born on Feb 12. God smiled on me that day.

I started preaching in February, 43 years ago. I regret I don't know
the exact date. I just remember it was close to Valentine's Day. I
know that because I lost a girlfriend right then due to my decision to
become a preacher. Thank You, God, for protecting me.

This February has been tough. I've been sick for a month. But as of
today I think I have turned a corner. I think February is once again
going to bless me. I'm already praying for a good March.

Humor helps. Saw a great cartoon. Two men are being rescued from a
deserted island. One says to the other, "It's been two years. I can't
wait to see my portfolio."

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Long Good Day

Ruth and I spent about nine hours at the outpatient center today. I
experienced several surprises.

I was not expecting a six-hour wait for the procedure. A patient
before me had an unexpected complication, and required extensive
emergency surgery. He was eventually taken to the hospital by ambulance.

I was not expecting to have extensive blood work, or to have an I-V
inserted. I was surprised to have an EKG. I was not expecting to have
a drain inserted which will be removed on Friday

I was taken aback by the overwhelming kindness of every person we came
into contact with. Their gentleness and friendliness made a long day
much more pleasant.

My prognosis is excellent. Thank you, Dr North, Dr Henderson, and the
army of servants who ministered to me. Thank you, Ruthie, for staying
at my side all day. Thank you, dear people, for praying for me,

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My Health

I'm doing much better these last four or five days. I will have a
procedure under anesthesia on Tuesday which should take care of my
condition.

The worst thing about this flare-up was not the twelve days of misery,
though that was not a piece of cake, but having to cancel my trip to
India.

A few months ago, my cardiologist released me to travel at will. The
India trip was going to be my coming out party, my way of proving I
was back in the saddle again. Fortunately, our tickets are still good
for a year.

Humor helps. Comments on patient charts. She is numb from her toes
down. In ER she was examined and X-rated. The skin was moist and dry.
Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.

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Family Blessings

Yesterday was a perfect day off for Ruth and me. We had lots of good
family time.

Four-year-old Ian and two-year-old Lilly Ruth came to the house to
watch the children's movie "The Sword in the Stone." When I called it
the Stone and the Sword, Ian said, "Grandpa, your brain isn't working
right." my consolation is, it took him four years to figure it out.

After school Ruth and I took Caleb to his cello lesson. If a young man
ever loved his instrument, it's Caleb. Sam rode with us. He enjoys
watching the world go by as he plays his gameboy and eats a Granny
Smith apple.

John and Amanda are doing well. He oversees computers at his work. She
is a nanny (a very good one, by the way) for a set of twins.

Nathan is a pro at web layout, Internet work, and TV advertising.
Rebekah is a crafting, scrapbooking, blogging whiz.

Ruth and are, of all couples, most blessed. Thank you, Jesus.

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Why Still Sick?

Yes, I am still sick, essentially homebound and bedfast. I have an
appointment with a proctologist Monday morning.

I plan to take my daughter out to lunch for her birthday tomorrow, and
intend to be in church Sunday morning. Till Monday I am otherwise
staying home with Sweet Babe.

I don't question God's Sovereignty. This is giving me opportunity to
live by example what I preached about last Sunday morning. The why is
not as important as the what. Is there a lesson I am to learn, a
higher plane of patience to reach?

These mind games present an extra level of challenge to me because I
do not handle sickness well. Poor Ruthie. Mother Teresa has nothing on
Ruth. My wife is Mother Saint Angel Babe Ruth.

Thanks for your prayers. I have finished editing four upcoming
sermons. That's good. At least I don't feel totally useless.

My daughter Rebekah Williams will be on the KY-3 weekend early show at
7am in the morning. She is the craftiest, scrappiest person I know.
She's also a great daughter.

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Quasqui Book

After much ado and fanfare about the quasquicentennial book, it
arrived today. It took an army of people to make this book happens.

I literally burned out on it many weeks ago. A team of editors and
professional assistants refused to let it die. There's something
indescribable about holding in your hand a book your hand helped write.

I tried to thank everyone in the credits at the end of the book, but
there's no way I could thank everyone involved.

Since I'm home sick in bed, my assistant Angie delivered a copy to our
door. Ruth and I oohed and ahhed over it.

Then Ruth, who does all things well, took the book and began reading
it. She is right now next to me providing commentary and
encouragement. That's so Ruthie-like!!!

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