Seen A Black Cat Lately?

Friday the thirteenth. I’ve never been superstitious. However, I do knock on wood for good luck (just kidding). I was given a rabbit’s foot one time for good luck. I wondered, if it brings good luck, what went wrong with the poor rabbit that had four of them? I was told a broken mirror brings seven years of bad luck, but throwing a handful of salt over my left (or right?) shoulder brings seven years of good luck. Thus, these two neutralize each other.

I do think it is bad luck to walk under a ladder if there is an open can of paint on it. I don’t step on sidewalk cracks; this keeps me from breaking my mother’s back. Mom is grateful. Yes, superstition is silly. But just in case, I’m right now knocking on wood (just kidding).

Tomorrow morning I offer the dedicatory prayer at the Victory Garden our church members will soon plant. Thanks to the Campbell family for letting this prime piece of dirt be used to help feed people going through a hard time in the economic climate we find ourselves in. When the land was plowed, only one rock was turned up–nothing short of an Ozark miracle. I take it as a harbinger of good things to come. Is that superstitious?

Mooing Ducks

I spent my day off yesterday with the grandkids. I took 20-month-old Lilly Ruth to the premiere children’s site in all of Missouri, Bass Pro Shops. My grandchildren have always been able to wander in there for hours and enjoy it.

A huge catfish came swimming toward us and suddenly turned up toward the surface. Lilly Ruth said in amazement, “Whale!!” When we saw the ducks, I asked, “What do ducks say?” Without a moment’s hesitation, she replied, “Moo.”

At McDonalds I bought Ian ice cream. I asked if I could have some of his. He said, “Sure,” stuck the tip of his finger in the ice cream, and then held it up for me lick a little off. I could tell he wasn’t keen on sharing much of his ice cream.

At supper, Ian was talking with his mouth full. His dad said, “Don’t talk with your mouth full. I can’t understand you.” As seriously and innocently as possible, he replied, “But, Daddy, I was talking to Grandma, not you.” Unassailable logic.

I cooked 3 turkey patties on our George Foreman grill. I forgot about them. By the time I remembered, I had 3 turkey nuggets. Jake and Millie enjoyed them.

Fred Winters

Fred Winters, the Pastor killed in his pulpit this morning, was my friend. He and I served on the Large Church Roundtable, a group of about twenty Pastors, whose churches are near the size of Second. I visited with him at last week’s meeting. He was telling me about his college days at SBU in Bolivar. While attending there, he came to church at Second. He told me how much he appreciated the investment our church had made in him.

I spoke with him by phone this week on Thursday. We had a wonderful, delightful conversation. That’s the way he was. I am saddened to the point of numbness. I think all of us on the LCR know it could have been any one of us. As Ruth said, she could have come home a widow today. Sad. Please pray for Fred’s widow and two children.

We have top notch security personnel here at Second. A guard is assigned to me at all times. They watch me like a hawk. About a month ago, I had to leave the service to use the restroom. By the time I got out of the auditorium, and reached the bathroom door, three of our security guys were waiting for me. It was a bit of a letdown when I told them I only needed to go to the bathroom. Thanks, guys and gals, I’m more grateful for you today than I have ever been.

Livingstone

Last night I finished MacKenzie’s classic biography of David Livingstone, who is considered by all to be one of the most important men who ever lived. He was a missionary who fought Africa’s East Coast slave trade and almost singlehandedly brought it to an end. He called slavery the open sore of the world. When I read of a life like his, I am deeply moved. To live a life that counts is what counts.

Tonight is First Friday Artwalk. I hope to see you at the Bellwether. It has gained a good reputation in the Springfield arts community for displaying high quality art.

Yesterday I finished this Sunday’s sermon manuscript. Hurray. But wait!! I just looked at my calendar and noticed next week also has a Sunday attached to it. Back to the salt mines I go this morning.

Humor helps. In civics class a girl stated how unfair it was that the President of the USA had to be a natural born citizen. She felt this kept many capable people from being allowed to serve. She ended her argument by saying a natural born citizen isn’t any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section.

Livingstone

Last night I finished MacKenzie’s classic biography of David Livingstone, who is considered by all to be one of the most important men who ever lived. He was a missionary who fought Africa’s East Coast slave trade and almost singlehandedly brought it to an end. He called slavery the open sore of the world. When I read of a life like his, I am deeply moved. To live a life that counts is what counts.

Tonight is First Friday Artwalk. I hope to see you at the Bellwether. It has gained a good reputation in the Springfield arts community for displaying high quality art.

Yesterday I finished this Sunday’s sermon manuscript. Hurray. But wait!! I just looked at my calendar and noticed next week also has a Sunday attached to it. Back to the salt mines I go this morning.

Humor helps. In civics class a girl stated how unfair it was that the President of the USA had to be a natural born citizen. She felt this kept many capable people from being allowed to serve. She ended her argument by saying a natural born citizen isn’t any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section.

Go West, Young Man, Go West!!

Go west, young man! This admonition from John Soule and Horace Greeley over a century and a half ago is being heeded by our very own Teaching Pastor, Ben Pilgreen. In June 2010 his family and at least two other couples will move to San Francisco to start a church in the USA’s least churched city.

The target area is in the city, not the suburbs. It is near the San Francisco Giants baseball stadium, and within close driving distance to Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Seminary.

Second Baptist will work with the North American Mission Board, the California Baptist Convention, and the San Francisco Baptist Association to start the church. Pray God will soon begin sending us partners to share in this God-size task.

This is a project I can give my heart, soul, and mind to. With God’s help, I intend to do all I can to help it succeed. Be praying about what you can do to contribute. All can pray. Many can give. Some can go. I pray God will nudge some of our people to leave the Midwest and move to San Francisco.

Go West, Young Man, Go West!!

Go west, young man! This admonition from John Soule and Horace Greeley over a century and a half ago is being heeded by our very own Teaching Pastor, Ben Pilgreen. In June 2010 his family and at least two other couples will move to San Francisco to start a church in the USA’s least churched city.

The target area is in the city, not the suburbs. It is near the San Francisco Giants baseball stadium, and within close driving distance to Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Seminary.

Second Baptist will work with the North American Mission Board, the California Baptist Convention, and the San Francisco Baptist Association to start the church. Pray God will soon begin sending us partners to share in this God-size task.

This is a project I can give my heart, soul, and mind to. With God’s help, I intend to do all I can to help it succeed. Be praying about what you can do to contribute. All can pray. Many can give. Some can go. I pray God will nudge some of our people to leave the Midwest and move to San Francisco.