tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.comments2023-05-23T10:16:19.463-04:00Pastor Michael's Thoughts!Pastor Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-47035232673160089762015-05-18T14:33:56.497-04:002015-05-18T14:33:56.497-04:00I made this video, using the song from Plumb calle...I made this video, using the song from Plumb called IN MY ARMS! Hope you like it!Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-30493758187039506902009-03-24T16:41:00.000-04:002009-03-24T16:41:00.000-04:00Thank you for taking the time to read the book in ...Thank you for taking the time to read the book in the first place, and for your kind words about the work, and for sharing it with your friends.<BR/><BR/>Namaste — <BR/><BR/>R. BensonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-10898079843760199432009-03-14T09:35:00.000-04:002009-03-14T09:35:00.000-04:00I think it is possible to feel that blessedness (t...I think it is possible to feel that blessedness (though to a lesser degree...). I think of times when God has used me, and I didn't get in the way. Afterward, I felt a sort of delight that I had been able to really help someone in their hour of need. I felt God put me in the right place at the right time and gave me the right words to use. It was great to be part of something like that. I really felt like an instrument of God, and that he spoke to me. And I didn't let my natural shyness and cautiousness interfere. So I think it's possible to have that blessedness, but only if it's part of something directed by God. Otherwise I think it would be more like false pride or vanity ("I'm so great for what *I* did!").indywriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14108023297967433564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-46339635217764904232009-02-23T08:41:00.000-05:002009-02-23T08:41:00.000-05:00There was a comment on this post. I agree, most p...There was a comment on this post. I agree, most people cannot spot a fake smile, which is why we use them so often. How often to do we fake being happy and content and people don't catch it? How many times do we give hints that we are not okay, but people miss them as well. Environment is important, but if there is no warmth, no sense of community, I don't believe people will stick because we all want a sense of belonging and security. <BR/><BR/>Here is a link to test you ability to spot a fake smile . . . enjoy . . . <BR/>http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-20783616645033287062009-02-23T02:45:00.000-05:002009-02-23T02:45:00.000-05:00in a sense, that's why so much effort and resource...in a sense, that's why so much effort and resources went into building the cathedrals. because the environment, while not critical, can help draw people closer to God.<BR/><BR/>of course, a house church has it's own "environment" that also helps people draw closer to God.<BR/><BR/>actually i'm not so sure if people can spot a fake smile =) <BR/><BR/>http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-21934732025014404382009-01-29T22:36:00.000-05:002009-01-29T22:36:00.000-05:00Hi MichaelI thought the pastor sure was good looki...Hi Michael<BR/>I thought the pastor sure was good looking, cept he needs a well trimmed beard:-)><BR/>I also heard that we had these at Big lots in Anderson, but they weren't there when I looked.<BR/>My guess is that this is a horrible marketing blunder. It makes sense to send dolls like this to Muslim children that speak English. Wonder how many of those there are?<BR/>ArtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-9429440037424536602008-12-05T14:04:00.000-05:002008-12-05T14:04:00.000-05:00I think there has to be a way they can serve, beca...I think there has to be a way they can serve, because I would hope that through serving with believers they, in turn, would become a believer. But I do believe this could get dangerous.<BR/><BR/>If someone openly doesn't believe, they should not be a leader of anything in the church. They would become a distraction at best, and a stumbling block at worst.<BR/><BR/>Only God knows the inner workings of our heart, but if we espouse a belief that runs counter to the church's very foundation, then what does that say to others who don't know Jesus? And doesn't that say something negative about a person that does serve in a ministry that they have no belief in?<BR/><BR/>I would hope that the non-believer could be swayed to know Jesus as their Saviour (and maybe they have a place in service), but I do think it could be a dangerous game for the church to play. I think that any ministry that is truly working for the Lord will be tested by Satan. When that happens, it can be hard enough for a Christian to stay on track, but what is there to guide that non-believer?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-61135170606542244282008-12-05T10:02:00.000-05:002008-12-05T10:02:00.000-05:00It's amazing how self-centered we can be. People ...It's amazing how self-centered we can be. People trampling over one another just to save a few bucks for something we really don't need!<BR/><BR/>I didn't realize there was a line cutting issue. Sounds like 4th grade stuff.Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-84915405363902686522008-12-05T09:53:00.000-05:002008-12-05T09:53:00.000-05:00I was just reading an article about this... They ...I was just reading an article about this... They think that it was sparked by a dispute of line-cutting. Apparently people who waited in the cold vs. people who sat in their cars and then made a beeline for the door around opening time.<BR/><BR/>It's bad enough that it happened at all, but then those people who still wanted to shop even though a man had been killed there (apparently trying to protect a pregnant woman).<BR/><BR/>Is a big screen TV really worth that? Do you really need a GPS that bad?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-25077125909082726982008-12-02T22:21:00.000-05:002008-12-02T22:21:00.000-05:00We all need to be more forthcoming about our weakn...We all need to be more forthcoming about our weaknesses, and stop holding them against each other.<BR/><BR/>Easy to say, but hard to do. We need to be more willing to lift each other up (instead of ourselves).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-86040687716531419782008-12-02T22:17:00.000-05:002008-12-02T22:17:00.000-05:00My concern about people leaving... Obviously some ...My concern about people leaving... Obviously some people will leave for petty reasons or what are essentially non-issues (like moving), but we do need to have a feel for why someone is leaving. Are we being unfriendly to people who haven't been members for 10+ years or shooting down ideas or offers of help because it came from someone who is new (and wears jeans to church! gasp!).<BR/><BR/>Sometimes we need to say goodbye to someone (especially when they are here for the wrong reasons... i.e. personal glory), but we also need to periodically examine ourselves as a whole to see if we are part of the problem too.<BR/><BR/>And I agree with the other comment about examining the by-laws. Are we being too narrow in our interpretations of scripture, or ignoring some parts altogether (because it challenges our comfort zone or our own position)?<BR/><BR/>How do we want the congregation to give feedback? If I am unhappy about something, how do I let it be known? It may not always be obvious to members who they should talk to. It may be a more trivial aspect to someone else, but it may bother that person for a legitimate reason. If you complain to the wrong person, that won't usually get any results (and, sadly, can generate gossip) and they may not refer you to the proper person (because they don't share the concern, or because they don't know,or because they are annoyed, whatever).<BR/><BR/>But the point is: is there a way to give concerns a voice and to prevent grumbling?<BR/><BR/>Change for the sake of change is wrong, but resistance to change because of our insecurities or discomfort is also wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-48713871759085439472008-12-02T20:53:00.000-05:002008-12-02T20:53:00.000-05:00We have not led our people to evangelize. We are g...We have not led our people to evangelize. We are good at taking care on each other once people are here. We have an opportunity to learn to promote our church, invite others to come, and follow up on those that are missing.<BR/>Lots of opportunities there<BR/>Gossip. Think to yourself, is that story feasable? Could there be more to that story?<BR/>Is that story worthwile for me to know? WHAT GOOD DO I DO TO PASS ALONG SOMETHING THAT I ONLY HEARD SECOND HAND? <BR/>Mission and passion<BR/>Do we as a church all know what our church vision is and how we all fit into that vision. Do we have a clear cut vision? or are we shooting for nothing and hitting it?<BR/>The rules should fit the mission. We can't just choose to ignore the rules sometimes and follow them others. That is how people get hurt, mad and leave. We need to tackle the church by-laws (Divorce, Women etc) and adapt them to what we need to do. The rules should work for us and not against us. But we must have rules and all follow them. It will work.<BR/>People leaving<BR/>I don't want unhappy people to stay where they are not happy. Life is too short. But I have a more bold approach. I want to teach, convince, educate, that the mission is good, and to jump on board and come along and be part of something exciting and worthwhile. If I take the approach to show the door to everyone who doesn't agree with me I will soon be standing in a room by myself!<BR/>Outside the box thinking.<BR/>Not everything has to be new to be good,nor is everything old the only way. A mixture of our heritage, mixed with new thoughts, and new generational thinking, situational adaptations of the practice of faith while protecting the fundamentals of the faith will create a new box.<BR/>Are we brave enough to look at a new box. Do we want a new box or do we want things to never change? Thought-- We were lucky to have had years with little change and we were unlucky that we got comfortable that we didn't have to change!<BR/>You asked for thoughts you have some of mineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-54235128575859776412008-11-21T10:56:00.000-05:002008-11-21T10:56:00.000-05:00I don't too have much of a comment, but do have lo...I don't too have much of a comment, but do have lots of questions. So, here goes. I understand a passion and calling are not the same, although it would be so much easier if the calling were a passion! Both are hard to define...at least for me. I should feel the passion, but sometimes I find it hard to be passionate about anything! Also, it is very difficult to determine what the true calling is. Does a calling need to have affirmation (like a spiritual gift) from another Christian? Do we just know it internally? Does it keep us awake at night? Do we always enjoy doing the work of a calling? Probably not. Can we resent the calling and still do a good work? Is it OK to continue with what we feel called to do when we continually come up against brick walls? Is that a sign it isn't a calling or is it a sign satan doesn't like that I am obeying the calling? How do I determine the difference? Who holds us accountable in our calling?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-82618744113212233992008-11-21T09:49:00.000-05:002008-11-21T09:49:00.000-05:00I have left a comment. It is easy to do.I have left a comment. It is easy to do.Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-12029583215825455702008-07-07T09:43:00.000-04:002008-07-07T09:43:00.000-04:00that's really cute..wish i had one too.that's really cute..wish i had one too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-7313246926387489172008-06-16T08:34:00.000-04:002008-06-16T08:34:00.000-04:00Way to go Pastor Michael!Way to go Pastor Michael!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-48295251132799745572008-06-13T23:50:00.000-04:002008-06-13T23:50:00.000-04:00Congrats! It must be a huge relief to not only be...Congrats! It must be a huge relief to not only be done, but to also receive a positive note. By now this dissertation probably feels like your third child.<BR/><BR/>Good for you!indywriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14108023297967433564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-43998425262587281692008-05-27T10:36:00.000-04:002008-05-27T10:36:00.000-04:00so what do the 'checks' mean. I can only assume t...so what do the 'checks' mean. I can only assume the !!!!!!!!!!!!! is your proclamation that Toby is the man!<BR/><BR/>Don't know about DCB, RED or Stellar kart. Any clues.Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-13436730295377958152008-05-27T09:40:00.000-04:002008-05-27T09:40:00.000-04:00- Skillet - check- Stellar Kart - check check- RED...- Skillet - check<BR/>- Stellar Kart - check check<BR/>- RED - check<BR/>- DCB - check check check<BR/>- Toby - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-55527562623751494322008-04-20T02:05:00.000-04:002008-04-20T02:05:00.000-04:00Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is ver...Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the <A HREF="http://oled-brasil.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">OLED</A>, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://oled-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.<A HREF="3707730052" REL="nofollow"></A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-24739060495540996182008-04-18T00:15:00.000-04:002008-04-18T00:15:00.000-04:00First grade is way too early. It's amazing that s...First grade is way too early. It's amazing that some of Joshua's friends have cell phones and talk to their 'girl friends' everyday. I think they are way too young for all of this.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your 2 cents. He needs first and foremost to respect all people.<BR/><BR/>Good luck too, maybe we could start the first Baptist Convent; instead of American Baptist Churches (ABC) it could be American Baptist Convents, still ABC.Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-48226968433150754012008-04-17T23:13:00.000-04:002008-04-17T23:13:00.000-04:00Oh dear. This is much too early. My daughter is ...Oh dear. This is much too early. My daughter is in first grade and has already gotten phone calls from a boy. And he gave her a mood ring. I'm not ready for this. On the one hand, I can see why anyone would adore her. She's beautiful in spirit, personality, and visage. But on the other hand, SHE'S MY LITTLE GIRL! Back off little boys!<BR/><BR/>I know it's not really the Baptist way, but I'm thinking about sending her to a convent.<BR/><BR/>I like the advice you gave your son. Very thoughtful. Two more bits of advice for boys who don't want to go out with a certain girl: Don't ever laugh when a girl asks you out or says she likes you. And don't just pretend she never asked either.<BR/><BR/>Good luck!indywriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14108023297967433564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-60262328589105920692008-03-31T17:52:00.000-04:002008-03-31T17:52:00.000-04:00I think we need to be reminded about all the ways ...I think we need to be reminded about all the ways to serve and reach out. Too often everyone's mindset is "what's in it for me?" instead of "how can I help?". We see the hurdles, but not the finish line. Even those who are the most active sometimes shoot down and idea (or worse, let it die a slow painful death by committee) because they see it as someone asking them to do it. Instead we need to find a way to grow our ideas to make things happen. Don't assume that because we aren't personally interested in that ministry that others won't be either, or that it isn't needed in the community.<BR/>Sure we don't do the Angel Food Ministry and someone else in town does. But that doesn't mean it couldn't be successful in our church, nor does it mean that we couldn't do more with it than another church does. (And are we going to do this one? I'm pretty excited about this as a ministry possibility.)<BR/>I just think that we too often look at church as a job or another requirement. "What are they gonna want this time?" We need to find ways to energize ourselves and look at every situation as an opportunity to do more for the Lord. And i think we need to recognize those that are serving more often. I know service is not about recognition, but there is no reason that the church cannot express gratitude to those in the trenches. The higher levels are often acknowledged, but the grunts are overlooked. I felt bad when Jenny asked for nursery workers on Sunday, but I really cannot find joy serving there any more. I worked in our nursery for over 16 years (which at the time was over half my life), but in the end was made to feel unwelcome and unappreciated. Some very hurtful things were said to and about my husband and I. So I see that role differently now. I think this happens a lot. Most believers don't want a parade in their honor, but they don't want to be punished or pushed out because of politics or human emotions. I don't think that the church should be like the government, whenever there is a change of leadership (whatever the level) the underlings shouldn't be cleared out to make room for cronies or people who adore the new leader. We shouldn't work against someone just because they are new either.<BR/><BR/>Sorry this went on for so long, but I still get upset when I think over what happened. I seriously contemplated leaving the church. And I feel like I have struggled to find my place ever since then. And it was all due to only a couple of people, I bet hardly anyone else knew about it.indywriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14108023297967433564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-50895513133439961472008-03-21T10:58:00.000-04:002008-03-21T10:58:00.000-04:00Didn't she have knee injury? I hope they go far, ...Didn't she have knee injury? I hope they go far, but I think Tenn or Conn will win it, it seems one of those 2 usually does.<BR/><BR/>I wish I was here when Jodi played. It would have been awesome to see here in action and someone from Alexandria getting state wide attention.Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36296294.post-17179154523363644412008-03-21T10:56:00.000-04:002008-03-21T10:56:00.000-04:00Great suggestion!! I'll have to remember that to ...Great suggestion!! I'll have to remember that to announce that next year. You were right on with the amount, I heard $2 billion. WOW!! Think of how many people that could feed or teach to feed themselves. <BR/><BR/>I'll take the fruit, but pastors don't eat celery, I think it is the 17th commandment.Pastor Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723208240911959972noreply@blogger.com