Andy
The Hard Part
FINDING HOMES FOR MY VALUED STUFF For forty-plus years now my belief pertaining to generous gifts given to me by gracious church members and friends is to display them proudly on the walls of my office and on the adjoining shelves. If you have ever been in my office over the past years you can see how many donations have been received and how generous people have been. I appreciate these items and for a sentimental person who may someday…
Thoughts on Retirement
I have always liked short succinct bits of wisdom, whether it’s a quote from a famous author of legendary intellect, statements from wise friends and family members, or something I have learned in my personal life. Many times the words of the scriptures speak timely wisdom to me in the most appropriate ways and I find encouragement and hope. As I approach retirement I find myself looking for wisdom in this inevitable approaching change. Lately, folks have been asking me,…
To Live Is To Adjust
I should’ve known it was Mark Twain as I had a great quote come to mind during my early morning pondering today. He is one of my favorites and always a good source of understandable and often humorous commentary on the human condition. I was thinking about my inability to articulate my thoughts at times and how I get so frustrated and impatient with myself and this little bit of personal insight came to mind. It described my dilemma to…
Introspection
Introspection is defined as, “looking into one’s own mind, feelings, and reactions,” and I will be the first to admit to you that I have never done a whole lot of this. I am not one to make a habit of self-analysis. I like to go with the flow and seek forgiveness when necessary or find a good excuse for my actions trying my best not to blame another for my lack of wisdom or impulsive action. Kim purchased a…
Adjustment: A Part Of Life
Thankfully, I realized about thirty years ago that adjustment was a part of life and you have to accept it. I have for the most part learned to live with this truth. Change is simply inevitable. If we live long enough we will experience a wide variety of transitions and decisions involved with our choices. I am one who is somewhat fond of the comfort zone and that had been my focus throughout childhood and youth and young adult years.…
Deserved Commendations
This morning I feel led to offer some well-deserved commendations for services rendered to good old PSBC and of course our Maker, God Himself. First, I think our interim search committee deserves a shout-out. Committee chair Randy McBride and members of the group Ben Brooks, Kerri Melton, and Heather Bryson did a superb job of securing a qualified, caring pastor for our interim. During a time when interims and pastors are hard to find our paths crossed with this compassionate…
Refresh… How?
As a rather new computer guy, I have found that I am somewhat limited in my interaction and activity on my laptop. I have realized I will be in trouble when I retire and will not be able to call Katherine in the Poplar Springs I.T. department when I find myself lost and confused in the world of computers. Kim is a former software programmer who worked with some small companies and eventually with IBM when I was in seminary.…
The Flay Carpenter Golf Tournament
I quit playing golf, I believe it was on October 13th, 1993 at the Pine Mountain Golf Course at approximately 2:58 pm. I had consistently played on two fairways that day for each hole. My best shot was a drive that landed in the middle of a body of water. I was just pleased that the ball left the ground. Drives were supposed to do this but instead mine often just left a flaming trail on the earth beneath the…
ADDRESSING THE DISCONNECT
Back in the early nineties, I decided to do a career assessment. I was searching for answers, and I was somewhat confused concerning Thee Almighty’s plan for me. I was a minister of miscellaneous, a generalist who did quite a few things, but none of the tasks were up to my self-imposed standards. At the time and I simply wanted to do one or two things well. I filled out numerous evaluations, reflections, and I think a few tests for…
…To Be Young Again
I first met my dear friend Paul back in the late eighties when he was a student at our own Gardner Webb University. Paul was a part of a group of students that were called a FOCUS TEAM. This group of seasoned 18-20-year-old students were the cream of the young Christian crop, sent out by the University as ambassadors of goodwill, exemplary champions for Christ, and just plain old good PR for our beloved GWU. They also provided youth ministers,…