How I Know I Live in the Bible Belt

I just read the Gallatin News Examiner, and I now know that the Bible Belt is still in charge of Sumner County.

The reasons:

The lead story the last two weeks in the paper has been about a fight in the local Baptist church that caused their preacher to leave.

In a pitiful scenario, the article states:

"He (the minister) also elicited sympathy from the congregation for the difficulties his family has faced, including threats that led to extra police protection in his neighborhood and his family being placed in protective custody. Gallatin police spokesman Lt. Kate Novitsky confirmed the department had patrolled LaBorg’s home over allegations of vandalism, but said, “He has never been under protective custody.”

Both the threat and the exaggeration of the threat are ridiculous.

The article goes on to quote this preacher as saying: "find a Holy Ghost, corn-shuckin’ man of God." He goes on to say, “Pray for him, because he ain’t got a clue what he’s coming into."

If you have to shuck corn to be a man of God, I am in trouble.

I do agree with the pastor's quote that said:
“If you’ve got time to sit at the computer and read those stupid blogs, then you’ve got too much time on your hands,”

Wake Up The Sun

I have been saving this story for a special occasion, but its time to write it down. Earlier this year my family and I took advantage of some hotel points, and we stayed at a high-rise hotel in downtown Nashville. We entered our room for the first time late in the afternoon, and the sun was very bright as it descended over the city. It was an impressive sight. We left the hotel rooms and spent the next few hours downtown for dinner and a walk. When we returned, the view from our hotel of the dark city was a huge contrast to the sunset we had seen a short time ago. I left the room for ice, and when I returned my 5 year old had grabbed a toy plastic flute and was playing a tune to the window. I asked him what he was doing, and he responded, “I am waking up the sun.”
I was struck by the boldness of this child who still believed he could do anything. When did we get so jaded by reality that we quit such ridiculous attempts? I think more of us should keep a child-like faith that causes us to try the impossible. Why can’t the solar system respond to our toy plastic flute? Let’s wake up the sun.

Gatlinburg and Beth Allison's Birthday

Galtinburg, TN has become one of my favorite places. It has its paradoxes: Its an odd mixture of commecialism and rugged nature; It is very congested, yet everyone seems very relaxed. Right now I am listening to the combination of a mountain steam and the morning traffic. Is this the place where the modern world has met nature and agreed? Like I wrote, it has its odd combinations. But if you want a pancake place, this is the place.

This is the first time I have been here in the summer, and it is absoulutely packed. I can't imagine how congested it will be over a summer week end.

Today is Beth's Birthday. I don't have anything spectacular planned (yet), but I am thrilled that we are together today. Several times over the last decade I have been on youth group trips when it was July 12. Beth either patiently worked her job to supplement my income, or later on took care of the kids at home. It was always ironic to me in my former job that I was paid to chaperone other people's kids while that same job often took me away from my own.

I am greatful for Beth because she is such a loving person. She truly loves people for who they are, regardless of their popularity or social status. I can't imagine a person loving her children more than Beth does. She has put up with a lot in me, and still loves me. I hope I can make the rest of her life a joy.

Red Eye

Last night I watched a suspense movie called "Red Eye." It was one of the worst movies I ever watched, but I loved it. Beth, Shelby, Jackie and I laughed and laughed last night; we are still laughing today. Dreadfully funny.

Why I did this

So many of my friends have blogspots I want to read, I decided to get my own site.