Its Christmas Time

Well, its December and im sitting at my desk listening to Brian Free sing Christmas songs. What a great time of year. Its busy around here but once Christmas actually gets here things should slow down.
This weekend was ok. Ive been sick for about a week and a half and dont seem to be getting better. It seems almost everyday that I come up with a new symptom. But hopefully I'll be better soon. Just pray for me.
Sunday was good. Attendance was ok. I began a series Sunday morning entitled, "What does Christmas teach us about God?" I talked about God's Limitless Love for His children. Its always a good reminder.
Two Christmas parties this weekend and then our Christmas Cantata Sunday night. It doesnt slow down. But its still the greatest time of year!

God Is So Good

Right now I feel like someone ran me over with a truck. Yes, my physical body is sick thanks to my big brother. But on the inside, I thank God for all He has done in my life.
We had a great Thanksgiving. April and I and kids went to Mom and Dad's in Knoxville, TN where we spent three days with them and my brother and his family. It was loud and kids were running everywhere, but it was good, because I was with family.
The funny thing is is that I'm a home body. I like being at my house and usually dont like being away from it very long. But this trip was different and I was good with it. God has given me a great family and I know that that is very different from others.
Today was a good day at church. I dont feel well but I preached and I feel like it was well receieved.
Now I'm on my way to FAITH class and then service. Im not preaching tonight because its the fifth Sunday and trust me, Im not upset.
By the way, ROLL TIDE ROLL! They beat Auburn and I dont care if they win another game this year.

Looking For Some Relaxation

The weekend has come and gone and I am glad.
Friday night I went to call the Hamilton HS football game in 25 degree weather and let me just say it was COLD. Plus to top it off Hamilton got beat down 55-21. So HS football season is over, at least for this year.
Saturday was just laid back. We hung out around the house and then April and I went to our Sunday School teachers house for Game Night and we had a blast! But we always do around those people. No Bama game Saturday but they do play a game this Saturday against somebody. (Who might that be???)
Sunday our crowd was LOW. Im not sure you could have even called it a crowd. A bunch of people were out. Cowboys won so that is always a pick me up.
Today, Im just trying to make it to Wednesday. Wednesday we will be going to Mom and Dad's house for 2 1/2 days of relaxation and good food. It should be a blast.
Anyway, Im just looking for some relaxation. It will get here soon enough.

Weeked Update and Wore Out

Well, this weekend seemed like a long one even though it went by quickly. (Does that even make sense?) Anyway, Friday night our local high school played in the 2nd Round of the State Playoffs and Hamilton won in OT in a thriller. (So, my teams are 1-0 for the weekend) For some that do not know, I call the games on the radio and got pretty excited this past week. Saturday April had a ladies meeting and so the boys and I just hung out at the house and then watched Bama play Saturday night and yes, they won. (2-0 for the weekend) Yesterday was Sunday and we had decent crowds for both services but it completely wiped me out.
I'm in the middle of a series entitled, "Where is History Headed?" in reference to the rapture of the church and it seems to be creating quite a stir in our church and even in our TV viewing audience. We even had a couple come to church last night that had watched me on TV yesterday morning and wanted to hear me in person last night. Pray for this series because it is of the upmost importance right now in our church and nation.
Last night we had choir practice and then I went home and watched the Cowboys beat the Redskins! (3-0, not a bad weekend)
Anyway, Im in my office this morning and trying to get motivated but all I want to do is go home and lay on the couch. But I will fight that urge.

Time For An Update

Well, I know that it has been a long time since I have updated this blog but let me give a few updates because a lot has happened since the last one.

First let me say that our church is going well. Last month I preached an entire series entitled, "The Greatest Business in the World" and it was all about soul winning. I really believe it challenged our people and I am excited to see the results. Yesterday I began a series entitled, "Where Is History Headed?" It is about the return of Jesus Christ to come get His children and how that day is quickly approaching. I really believe that the signs of the times are all around us and we need to be prepared for His return. The service yesterday morning was great and we had a GREAT response. Please be in prayer for me and our church during this series.

We've elected a new President since my last post. I dont agree with the outcome but do believe that we MUST as Christians pray for our new President. God COULD change his heart and that would make a world of difference. God is in control and I will trust Him.

The family is doing great. April and the boys went to Virginia last week to see her mom and they got home safely. I think she is really glad to be home.

My weight is still under 200. Yesterday I weighed 194. So I think I am maintaining well.

I'm excited about my favorite time of year, the Holidays. We will go to Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving and then stay around the house for Christmas. We bought Caleb a Wii and I cant wait to play with it!!!! But dont tell him, its his Christmas present. (Hopefully my 7 year old doesnt read his daddy's blog)

Well, I will try to update again soon. But I cant leave without saying one more really important thing: ROLL TIDE ROLL!

I DID IT

For many who read this post, you may never know that I've struggled with my weight. In high school I weighed 185. Now granted, I was a little scrawny. But married life and age had allowed my weight to get somewhat out of control. While living in VA, I had actually let myself get to 235+. For me, that was fat. My doctors had warned me and tried to get me to lose weight but nothing ever seemed to motivate me. Here in Bama i had leveled off at around 225-226.
But about 7 weeks ago, I just decided it was time. I no longer wanted to be fat and look fat. I wanted to be able to take a picture and not be ashamed of how I looked.
So, this morning I weighed 198!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I lost 27 pounds in 7 weeks. Many have asked, what is the secret and the truth is there are no secrets. I eat right and run EVERYDAY. Even the days I feel like garbage, I still force myself to run.
What makes me even more happy is that my father has the same determination and so it seems that I DID get something from him. And that, I like.

Weekend Review 10/5

Well, that was a LONG weekend. Which I have had a bunch of long weeks here lately. Life needs to slow down and I hope until Christmas it will. I am getting excited about the Holidays even though it is just October.
Last week was long because I had a man pass away in my church. His viewing was Thursday and I preached his funeral Friday. Then Friday night we went to Carbon Hill where I called the High School football game on the radio. The upside was that my awesome wife got to go with me and so that made it much more enjoyable.
Saturday we had our Jasper Association meeting of Free Will Baptists here at our church. After that I went home and ran and then watched Bama scare me to death against Kentucky. I think all Bama fans have to expect games like that especially because this team is so young. All that really matters though is they won.
Sunday was our churches 40th Anniversary and it was good. We had a good crowd and good services and I think that it really blessed our people. It will be interesting to hear the comments.
We didnt have a Sunday night service yesterday so I went home and watched the Cowboys scare me to death. Sometimes Tony Romo can be so stupid. But like I said about Bama, I'll say about the Boys', all that matters is they won.
So now its Monday morning and I'm sitting at my desk getting ready for a new week and probably a new Sunday morning series.
Hopefully by the time I write again, I'll have reached my weight goal of 199. For those that may not know, it wasnt too long ago I weighed 235 pounds. This morning I weighed 202.8. I havent weighed below 200 pounds since 1997. April has never seen me below 200. So hopefully I'll knock it out this week.

What A Weekend!!!!

A lot happened this weekend so let me start:

#1 Our church rented out the theater and went to see FIREPROOF the movie Sunday afternoon. It is THE best movie I've ever seen. It is well worth the price of admission. I'm not a crier and I cried like a baby. It will make you think like you never have. Great, Great movie.
#2 Church was good yesterday. I preached about all the great things God has done. When I think about all He has given me, it makes what I dont have seem so small. Last night I preached about "Doubtful Things". It seems in our lives as Christians that there are time we arent sure if something is ok or not. The Bible says at those times to wait for clearance.
#3 Bama WON!!!!! They are now #2 in the WHOLE country. I think Nick Saban needs a raise. 4 million a year is just not enough.
#4 The Cowboys lost. And not only did they lose, but they lost to the gulp Redskins. If Bama wouldnt have won, Id be crying again.

Anyway, thats about the extent of it. I played golf Saturday morning and did good on 16, 17 and 18. Otherwise, I stunk.

This week is our churches 40th anniversary so it should be a real good week,

Weekend Review & Other Tidbits

Well, I realize its Tuesday afternoon but I figured Id give the weekend update and then comment on a few more things in my life.
We had a good Sunday. In the morning I continued a series entitled, "Rejoice". This week I talked about how we need to rejoice even when the feeling leaves. We had a good response but many were under conviction.
Sunday night was good as well. I am preaching a series called "principles to live by" and this week was called the "principle of separation." After the service I baptized two. So all in all it was a good Sunday.
I am extremely busy these days. I began a series on Wednesday nights on "Cults". The study time is unbelievable. This is taking up a lot of my time but the first week went great and many were enthused. So, even as I write, I continue to prep for Wednesday.
As far as my sports teams go, Bama rolled on a pathetic Arkansas team but face the toughest challenge of the year Saturday vs. Georgia.
The Cowboys on the other hand are AWESOME! Man, I hope we win the Super Bowl.

Well, thats all for now. Hopefully next week i talk about Bama smacking down the Dawgs!

Back In The Saddle

Man, I have had a crazy, crazy week. I think I should have been a truck driver. In the last week I have driven from Hamilton, AL to Pensacola, FL (5 Hours), from Pensacola, FL to Crewe, VA (12 Hours), from Crewe, VA to Richmond, VA (1 Hour), from Richmond, VA to Gatlinburg, TN (6.5 Hours) and from Gatlinburg, TN back to Hamilton, AL (6 Hours). It may not seem like a lot but in the span of 7 days it is a bunch.
Once I got to Richmond for a few days I had a relaxing time. I stayed with a man and his wife that were friends of mine from HS. Actually, I was close friends with their children but they were always good to me. We played golf on Wednesday and then I went to my old church Wednesday night. That brought back a lot of memories.
Thursday I officially began my vacation by meeting April and another couple from our church in Gatlinburg, TN. We had a great time.
Today, I get back in the flow of things and hopefully can get my MS Word to work.

GREAT Weekend!

What a great weekend this has been! It has just been Caleb and I but I enjoy the time with him.

Yesterday, April and her crew went to Pensacola, FL to take family back to college. They will be home Tuesday. So I started the day by mowing grass. It has rained so much that it was high, so it took a while. Then I had to weed eat. (Which I hate)
After running, Caleb and I played X Box. Then we got ready for the finale of the day: The Crimson Tide! Bama wasnt supposed to beat Clemson but they put the smack down on them 34-10. What a great game. RTR!!!!
This morning I finished a series on Discipleship and talked about how today is the day of salvation. We had a good response and I think it challenged some lives. BTW, if you ever want to see our services, go to www.wmty.net Sunday nights 9pm cst (10pm est).

Now Caleb and I are just gonna chill. (I think we are playing X Box again)

One more thing: Ive dropped 8 pounds this week. I hate working out and eating right but I sure do love the results.

P.S. RTR!!!!!!

Some Random Updates

Man I'm getting bad at this. But anyway, let me give some updates:

We had revival with David Crowe last week and it went real well and was very well attended. God did some things that were of great importance but might not have been outwardly apparent. He certainly did some things in my life and answered some prayers. So for that I am greatly blessed.
This past Sunday #1 It poured down rain off and on all day and yes it affected attendance. One thing I know, people do not need an excuse but sometimes it always helps. #2 We had good services. But last night was especially a blessing. We had a teenage boy preach and he did a great job! The whole service was a blessing. We even had a baptism at the end which always encourages.
Friday was my birthday. April took me out Saturday night for dinner and bought me a present. I have been wanting a CD player for my truck but have been too cheap to get one. But April got me one for my birthday and I let Best Buy install it too. I've tried before (because of cheapness) and it never turns out right. Im enjoying it.
This week will be busy. So much is going on here at church and in Hamilton. My niece who has been living with us this summer is going back to college Saturday. There are days I feel like I run a boarding house. But I guess that's ok. Anyway I can help I guess.
Pray for April. She'll be traveling to Pensacola Saturday with my 2 nieces, two sisters-in-law, mother-in-law and Josh. Should be intersting. Pray God will keep them safe. I dont know what I'd do without that girl and Josh.
If I havent said it recently, God has blessed me with a great woman for a wife who is my best friend. I also have two GREAT boys.

One more thing: 6 days till the Tide plays!!!!!!!!! RTR!!!!!

Man I'm Dumb

I know there are many times God says, "Tommy, you are so dumb." Now I know to my family and friends this is no big revelation, and really its not earth shaking in my own heart, but sometimes its good to be reminded.
You see, I've had some pretty big bridges to cross lately and I didnt know how they were going to turn out. For some, I still dont. But here is what I know, God is in control and loves me totally and completely. My PawPaw said to me last night, "All things work together for good" to which I responded, "To them that love the Lord." How true that is. God's kingdom is going to go forward and Satan will not win. Why I think God's gonna let him, i have no clue. (Remember, Im dumb)
For those who read this, all bridges havent been crossed yet, so keep praying for this preacher. And soon, God will show HIS power and love again. And again, I am sure, He will say, "Tommy, you sure are dumb. BUT, I love you anyway."

Sorry, It's Been A While

I havent posted anything lately because it has been so busy. So let me catch you up.

Last month we had VBS and 2 Teen Camps! It has been crazy. The VBS was called "Boot Camp: Back 2 Basics". We had a good crowd of kids and 5 saved that week. It was a lot of work and profitable. Last week I went to Teen Camp with some of our kids and it was great spiritually not only for them but for April and I. I was SO tired when I got home but it was well worth it.

Church has been going well and finally the vacations are over with and this Sunday things should go back to normal.

On the family front I finally added some pictures. We have expanded by one. We now have a puppy named Emma. She started in the house but I just do not have the patience to see that that dog gets trained. So now she is outside.

Caleb starts the 2nd grade tomorrow and seems to be excited. Caleb has liked school so far and gets good grades so hopefully this year will be the same.

Josh is Josh. He loves his puppy and would sleep in her pen if we let him. Honestly that boy is crazy. (I'm pretty sure this is what the Bible meant when it said, "You reap what you sow.")

April and I are just trucking along. They went to the beach and few weeks back which explains why my family is so dark now.

Other than that, everything is still great here in Bama.

BTW, 24 more days till Bama kicks off! Roll Tide!

Weekend Review & 4th of July

Well it has been a long but good long weeked. Last Thursday we went to my parents in Knoxville, TN and had a great time and was very relaxed. Dad still owns the lead in our basketball games that have lasted the last 23 years but I recorded 1 win this past weekend. And BTW, there is NO shame in losing to your father.
We came home Saturday (without the kids. They are staying with mom and dad until later this week) and had a good Sunday yesterday. I finished my series on the "Holiness of God" by talking about the Battle to Live Right. Last night I continued our Series on "Characteristics of Character" by talking about having Endurance. Folks seem to really enjoy that series. There have been many requests for the DVD's. (BTW, if you'd like the DVD's you can have them for the cost of DVD's)
Anyway, new series starting this Sunday and its still a toss up. It is between two but havent decided yet.
VBS kicks off Sunday night and officially begins Monday. Should be interesting.
Not much else is going on. And still have plans to put up pics. They are coming.

TIRED

Well that was a tiring and busy week and weekend. Where do I begin?
First, my week started with high hopes for a church member, Mrs. Linda Ridgeway. She has been waiting on a liver for sometime and word came Tuesday Night that she would get one Wednesday morning. So off to UAB I went Wednesday morning. When I got there the doctors let us know that the liver was contaminated and that she'd have to wait a little longer. But then on Friday she had a slight heart attack in the morning and that put getting a liver to rest and they called the family in. So back to UAB I went. I had been there about an hour and Mrs. Linda went to be with the Lord. Yesterday I had the priviledge of conducting her funeral. They are always easier when you know where they went.
Thursday I was in Tuscaloosa for another serious surgery for one of my members. He was having back surgery that actually took two days. He is doing well now.
Yesterday morning I took a break from my series and preached, "Why Does God Allow His People to Go Through Storms?" I'm afraid that when people go through storms in their lives, they miss the opportunity to bring glory to God and in turn become disenchanted with God. We must always remember that whatever God does, He does so that His Son Jesus Christ will receive glory. It must be about Him.
Last night I had another viewing. A dear member of mine' s grandmother passed.
So, yes, its been busy.
Today, I'm doing NOTHING. Well I might go play golf.
We are going to see Mom and Dad later this week for the 4th. That should be relaxing.
I will have pics. I promise/

Weekend Review 6/22

A little late on the update but it was a pretty slow weekend. Not much happened.
I continued a series on The Holiness of God and spoke on the subject "BE Holy". It is a topic that is left alone but is so clear. Let me say something very quickly: The Bible is clear and understandable no matter what Barack Obama says. And BTW, the more he speaks, the more I am offended and want to puke. But thats another story.
Sunday night I talked about having Discernment. It seems these days our churches are filled with folks that have no discernment. They are making bad choices every day.

Check back this week. Pictures will be up. Ive got it figured out.

Weekend Review 6/16

We had a pretty good weekend. Saturday we had an association meeting and Bro. Danny Williams preached a great message. The rest of the day was relaxing.
Yesterday was Father's Day and it was a good day. I talked to my father yesterday morning and I sure do love and appreciate him.
The crowd was big yesterday. Just about everyone is home from vacation. Some were at their father's yesterday but all in all in was a great day. As is usual for me I was in a series so I didnt preach a Father's Day sermon. If you remember, I'm in a series on the Holiness of God and spoke on "Why Must a Loving God Allow People to Go to Hell?" I talked about Adam and Eve and how sin broke the perfect fellowship God and man had. Ive had MANY say that it was great and I think it got some thinking.
Last night was youth night so Bro Andy preached and I took the night off. I couldnt have preached anyway because my voice gave out Sunday morning. If you are one of the ones that watch the program via the internet, you'll see there were times I sound like a girl.
This week is my wedding anniversary. April has put up with me 9 Years. Amazing. Its been good and bad for 9 years but i wouldnt change a thing. Not sure what we are doing yet but maybe we will go somewhere for a day or two.
Braves won 2 of 3 this weekend and pulled out of their stink mode. (man they can be bad sometimes and dont even get me started on Bobby Cox)
Its my day off so Im gonna watch Tiger this morning in the US Open playoff and then go try to emulate him this afternoon. Problem is, I'll look more like Tigger from Whiney the Pooh.

The Atlanta Braves

I need a new team. The Braves stink. They just dropped 3 in a row to the stinking Phillies and now have to go on the road. And if you think they were bad at home this weekend you haven't seen anything yet.
And to think it all came down to Kelly Johnson dropping a fly ball in the 9th inning Friday night. I mean, these are major league baseball players, right?
And I don't know if I'm watching little girls or men but these guys get hurt all the time. Chipper;s got a problem with his quad, Kotsay's back is hurting, Soriano's arm is sore, and don't even get me started on Michelle Hampton. Boo hoo hoo. Good grief, when we played ball they'd have to cut off our arms to get us to stop playing.
And Bobby Cox, I think the poor guy is senile.
There is only one bright spot. The Crimson Tide and Cowboys arent far away.

Not that any of you care but thanks for listening. I need a support group.

Weekend Review 5/8

Well, we had a good weekend for the most part. Caleb got home Friday from camp and he had a great time. He is getting so big. He wanted to go back this week.
Saturday was a slow day. I finished up my Sunday PM sermon and then April and I went out on a date. We havent had a date in who knows how long. It was good just to be together.
Yesterday we still had a bunch on vacation. (Folks here go on vacation in shifts. At least they dont all go at the same time.) But we did have a good crowd. Amazingly we had 74 come in after Sunday School. So we had a crowd.
I started a brand new series entitled, "The Holiness of God" and the 1st sermon was a simple message on what it means that God is Holy.
Last night I continued in my series on "Characteristics of A Person With Character" looking at the life of Joseph. I preached on Self Control. It is the battle of all battles because if you have no self control you'll lose all other battles.
Then last night we had a baptism. A woman in our church got saved in my office Friday and she was baptized last night. It is truly a story of the power of God. Call me and I'll tell you all about it.
On a personal note, pray for me. I have really been struggling with my voice. It has been coming and going at will and in my line of work it is kinda important.
Well, thats about it. Im going to do a rant in a seperate post.

Weekend Review 6/1

Is it really June already??? Good grief how time flies. Anyway, we have had a busy weekend. April's mom and sisters have been in this weekend and so April has been tied up with them. Saturday I had a funeral and then cut grass.
I watched my pitiful Braves drop 3 to the Reds. I just cant figure them out.
Today was a good day at church. Our attendance was back up some but we were still missing a bunch. I finished my series on "In Times Like These" with a message about longing for Heaven. I think many Christians have gotten way too comfortable with this world, so much that if Jesus came and gave them the option they'd stay and ask Him to come back later.
Tonight, we had a real good crowd. (Amazingly at our church our Sunday PM and Wed PM services are very well attended. I spoke on the 4th Characteristic of A Person with Character and talked about being dependable. (Doing what you say you'll do no matter what). It went well.
Pray for Caleb this week. (and his parents) He is going to camp for the FIRST time. I dont know who is more nervous, me or him. Plus, I just like him being around. But this will be good for him and hopefully he will draw closer to Christ.
Inlaws going home tomorrow. But it hasnt been bad.
Getting ready for a new week. Its always something. Have to prepare a brand new Sun AM series. I'll let you all know what it is when I know what it is. If anyone has any suggestions I'll be glad to hear them.

Finally Over

Well, I hate to see it go but baseball is finally over. We won in the 1st round by beating Brilliant 14-1 but lost to Hackleburg in the 2nd round 9-1. I sure did enjoy it this year but most of all just like being around Caleb. Man I wish I could slow time down!

Weekend Review 5/26

Yes, it was Memorial Day weekend and it showed. Sunday morning we had a good service but our crowd was way down. Many of our regulars were away on vacation - many even go together. But we still had a great service and good altar response. I'm in the middle of a series entitled, "In Times Like These" and I talked about how we really need to learn how to pray.
Sunday night was better attended. I am 3 sermons into a 10 sermon series on "Characteristics of a Person with Character." It seems to be going well.
After church Sunday night we kept a tradition going by playing volleyball. Many stayed and we had a blast. The fellowship is always great!
Today, my family and I went to see my grandparents for a little while. (They live about 20 minutes away) Then we went to a family in churches house for a cook-out and have been playing rook for the last 3 hours.
Tomorrow is back to the grindstone.
BTW, Caleb's baseball team (which I coach) is the the 1st round of the Marion County tournament against Brilliant. I'll give an update Tuesday. All I can say is "Go Aggies!".

Rejoicing and Being Glad

A couple of months ago, a group of men and I from our church went to a Men's Golf Tournament and while we were there heard a devotion on "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." And for me, there are many days that is difficult. But, I'm learning because God has so blessed my life. First of all, he saved me, which is simply amazing that He'd want anything to do with me. Second, I am married to my best friend and companion. That's not saying that the last 9 years have been easy, but I wouldn't change them for the world. He has also given me 2 boys who keep life interesting every day. The only thing I'd change about them is their ability to grow. And only because I wish time could slow down and enjoy them more. And finally, I have the greatest job in the greatest church in the greatest town. You see, with all God has blessed me with, how can I not rejoice?

I'll try to keep these coming. Maybe i can learn to download pictures and maybe there is a way to download sermons. I'll figure it out before long.