Funny Foto Friday

".. they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalm 59:6b

Kev's Klip of the Week

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - II Chronicles 7:14

You're As Young As You Feel

Benjamin Franklin said, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

Mr. Franklin, all I have to say to you is .. go fly a kite.

I got up at 5:30 yesterday morning.

I went to bed last night just before 9 o'clock.

According to Ben, I should at least "have my health." So, why do I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck?

Perhaps it has something to do with the numerous activities crammed in between those hours. Whatever the reason .. it ain't pretty (or rather .. I ain't pretty with these puffy, bloodshot eyes).

Yesterday was certainly jam-packed with enough "stuff" to make your head swim (I tried to stay in the shallow end .. unfortunately, I was way in over my head).

After yesterday's post, I selected and rehearsed the day's music (I'm at a retreat, remember?) and then had breakfast with my new/old bffs, the senior adults from FBC Bolivar.

Starting at 9 A.M. I led music for three morning sessions .. playing possibly the worst, most out of tune piano I have ever encountered .. ironically, it was a Hamilton.

After lunch, I went to see Bro. Ray's "little cabin in the woods" and let me tell you, it was sweet.

I led several group activities in the afternoon which included a wordsearch, trivia contest, and the old "drop the clothespin in a jar" game like we used to play at children's birthday parties.

The day concluded with a riverboat dinner cruise on the Tennessee where I was the entertainment.

I love senior adults, but they will wear you out!

"I am weary with my groaning .." - Psalm 6:6a

Singing with the Seniors

I am at a retreat (Pickwick Landing State Park) with a group of senior adults (yes .. hanging out with my peers) from First Baptist Church, Bolivar today. So, I'm going to say to you what Elizabeth Taylor said to her seventh husband:

"I won't be keeping you long."

Since there is no internet access from the rooms (evidently a Tennessee State Park 'thang' .. I've been this route before at Paris Landing), I had to come down to the lobby area to provide you with today's post (I hope you appreciate the extra effort .. a security guard just asked me to leave immediately .. or go put some pants on).

I am responsible for leading the music before each of the speakers (two of them are former pastors, Dr. Ray Newcomb and Dr. Ed North .. a 'pair a docs' I suppose??) and for providing some light entertainment (it is all scheduled before nightfall).

Since we combined choirs from Humboldt and Bolivar last August for a joint-musical project, I am no stranger to the seniors from FBC (no stranger than any other minister of music, I've been told). In fact, it has often been suggested that I belonged in Bolivar.

I don't know if that is true, but for now they sure have made me feel a sense of belonging.

Senior citizens are the best, no matter where they're from.

Plus when I hang around with them .. they make me look younger.

"Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." - Psalm 71:18

You Can't Get There From Here

Because of Funny Foto Friday, Silly Song Saturday, and RevKev's Day Off I haven't had the venue to share what's been going on in our area over the past two weekends.

Those of you who live in West Tennessee know we have had heavy thunderstorms, tons of rain (some have reported over 16 inches this weekend alone), flash flooding, and tornado watches/warnings/touchdowns .. one, right in my pastor's backyard (perhaps a message that Greg should consider 'going another direction' with next week's sermon).

Speaking of going another direction, that's what Bro. Steve and fifty retreaters (one is my wife) are having to do as they return .. make that .. attempt to return from Fall Creek Falls.

They should have gotten home yesterday afternoon but because a number of major highways were closed .. Interstate 40 included .. they were forced to stay in Cookeville last night.

For crying out loud (I know, strong language for a minister .. sorry, I'm a little frustrated) until late yesterday afternoon you couldn't get from Humboldt to Jackson (12 miles) without going to Dyersburg (48 miles .. in the opposite direction) and looping back.

Hopefully, the water has receded enough today so Cheryl can make it home.

Unfortunately, I am leaving this afternoon for Pickwick (great, just what I wanted to see .. more water) Landing, an 80 mile trip that should take me roughly ... 5 or 6 days, and we will probably be as "two ships that pass in the night" (an ironic analogy, wouldn't you say?).

Even with all the flooding (today's pic shows the corner by our church), we were able to have a Sunday morning service complete with MUSIC, MESSAGE and the collection of MONEY (a tried and true Baptist formula).

It was a little tricky, but the ushers came up with a great way of receiving the offering .. with fishing nets.

Nice catch, boys...

"And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth .." - Genesis 6:17a

RevKev's Day Off

"Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest." - Exodus 34:21a

Silly Song Saturday

"And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort .." - Genesis 6:19a