Jerris' Thoughts

got-r-done

2006-02-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today I found myself wondering aimlessly from meeting to meeting. They were all good they just took up more of the day than expected. This eveing I finished a project for the class I'm taking at Logsdon. With the editing help of my sweet bride the paper was ready a day early. For me this is a huge victory considering most of my papers in college were -- well -- hardly ever finished! I am so glad this didn't turn into an all-nighter. I don't think I could handle the all-nighter, about 10pm this big boy is ready for bed. After all a good nights sleep for me is just living responsibly. No big surprises today but some good victories.

What an amazing church!

2006-02-26T23:06:00.000-08:00

I love serving at Pioneer Drive. This morning at "the gathering" was so good. Brad and Joe were used to lead us and teach us in powerful ways. The good surprise was when morning church was over about 10 guys stayed and helped move all our stuff to the sanctuary, what commitment. They mad sure everything was set up and ready to go for "the gathering" to lead during the evening service. The worship service tonight, with folks who regularly attend services in our sanctuary, was life giving. Our older adults at PDBC are truly amazing!! At the end of the service I couldn’t get away from the folks saying thank you and blessing the ministry of "the gathering". When the service was over the same guys helped breakdown and get all the equipment back to the gym. WOW! God, thank you for servant hearted people who love you and love this church. I so enjoyed God today!

2006-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

This morning I sat and watched my nine year old daughter play Upward Basketball. I realize my strong bias, but she is really good. She understands the game, finds the open place on the court while the blob follows the ball, she is relentless on defense and all the time she is laughing and enjoying not just the game, but the other players in the game. It made me consider how I live life and the "game" called church that play in every day. I think I understand the church, I try to stay in place, (not easy for me) and I am at a place where I am not compelled to follow the blob of church leaders looking for the next program or philosophy. But I can't say that I play the game called church with a smile on my face and truely enjoying all the other players. I can tend to focus more on the fundementals of the game and forget the rest of the team or teams. God, Help me to enjoy this week, to laugh and smile as I play the best I can.

2006-02-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

This morning was spent preparing for and attending Reggie's funeral. It was a very special morning. I got see an old friend and catch up. It rained all day and wish it had not stopped. After the funeral I stopped by Dillards for the annual "we are giving this stuff away" sale. It's one of the two times each year I shop at Dillards. This evening my wife and I attended the premier of "Medeas Family Reunion"---I laughed a lot, probably needed to. We enjoyed the movie and dinner while our ever faithful babysitter took care of the kids. Lisa and I try to go out each week but it had been awhile. I have a beautiful wife and thank God for our life together.

A simple-beautiful prayer

2006-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a hard day, spent most it on the road. While in route to a friend’s grandpa’s funeral in Wichita Falls we received word that Reggie B. had died. Reggie has been fighting, and I mean fighting, cancer for a year. It seemed that every time there was some good news it was quickly followed by the discovery of more cancer. I will miss his smile and humor. There were times in staff meeting he would get me to laughing so hard I honestly thought I would wet my pants. (no comments please) This evening I sat by my daughter, who recently turn nine, as we had prayer time. I don't have it word for word but it went something like "Dear God, thank you for this day and thank you for my family. Be with Darlene and help her feel better, thank you that today Reggie has no more pain and thank you that he's running and jumping for joy in heaven with you, amen".

Another Monday

2006-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

So this morning started out at the bone and joint clinic. Seems I have Tendonitis? Basically my knee really hurts. But after some heavy doses of Aleve I should be fine. As I finished at the doctors office I headed home because our washing machine tried to catch on fire over the weekend. The repair guy says he fixes this problem all the time. I was wondering how many homes have been filled with smoke billowing out of the washing machine? I also remember how many times we leave the house with the machine still running--not good. Anyhow, a pretty normal day--flew by quickly. This evening a group of college students met at my house for “home teams”, so my 3 year old (Trey) and I went to McDonalds--Otherwise known as "heaven" to a child. I watched him run the same circle for an hour and never stop. I was exhausted just watching. The funny thing was when it was time to leave he made sure I knew that he had played with 3 new friends and he had not pushed or hit anyone. He was very proud of himself. I think God would be very please with me if at the end of the day I could report. I made new friends and I didn't push or hit anyone. Maybe it would be more I didn't judge or condemn anyone or I didn't criticize or belittle anyone. I don't know--but I do know there is something to a "childlike faith".

I don't feel so good

2006-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

The day began with a 5:30am phone call. Anytime the phone rings after midnight and before about 7am it seems to be bad news. My friend and colleague was very sick and could not preach today. He told me this was not a cruel joke or an opportunity to have something cool to write about in his surprise me blog. So, surprise, you’re preaching in 4 hours. I have to say that I didn't panic or get stressed-I just went to work--praying and searching. I can't tell you how many hours I spend preparing and thinking when I have one, two or three weeks notice. This morning was a great reminder of the power of God and his Word. It wasn't packaged nicely or worked out completely, but everything went alright. I really believe that most of the time we (me) try way to hard to see and understand things that are simple and right in front of us. Jesus said what matters most is to "love God and love you neighbor" Paul said at the end of the day all I want to know is Jesus and in knowing him we are compelled to tell His story. Thank you God for a 5:30am phone call, people praying and for showing how great and powerful You are.

I love Fishin'

2006-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend was spent in Brady Texas over seeing a fishing tounament. I love fishin' and I love being a part of the Still Waters Bass Club. Today was cold!! At 5am when I arrived at the ramp the temp was 34 deg. After all the teams got on the water the wind began to blow and the temp dropped to 24 deg. You would think everyone would give up, but most stayed with it and caught great fish. My joy in today was David and Domingo. A couple of young guys who were fishing in there first tournament ever. They didn't catch any fish but they stayed with it. For whatever reason these gusy being in their 1st tournament reminded me of the first time I ever fished in a tournament. I was a young teenager, me and my day fished a week night jackpot tournament. My dad won the thing--it was a great evening. As random as all this sounds--the whole thing made think about my dad. Recently my parents moved to the Northwest following work and kinda starting over. And I really miss being able to see my dad whenever I want. He has always been a few hours away and now he is a couple of days away (by land). I guess the surprise has been the joy of remembering how much time my dad actually gave to me as a kid. It wasn't perfect, but at least he tried. Thanks dad for teaching me how to fish, hunt, fix things and to never give up no mater what life throws at you.

2006-02-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

Today was busy. I feel like I didn't sit down until about 10pm. I missed a staff meeting, fed some colleges students, talked Church and life with a student on campus, took a test, taught a class at church and enjoyed a rather quick game of checkers. It was just busy day. The surprise is that God used the business to keep exactly were I needed to be and I can rejoice in that!

A good nights rest

2006-02-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

The idea of a full night of sleep at our house is kind of a joke. If it's not one of the kids it's the dog needing attention every night at 1:30am or 4:30am. The past two nights have been a great surprise. A good nights rest makes a day start so much more positive. I actually got up when the alarm went off and got ready on time. It's also much better for our kids when we don't feel rushed as we are starting a new day. Maybe we are turning the corner on this sleep thing or maybe its just for a season. Anyhow, I'm thankful for the gift of rest.

I also have had some really good talks with my nine year old daughter. I pray every day that she and I will keep talking so she doesn't absolutely hate me when she is a teenager.

Oh well, I'm going to get some more rest. Thank you Lord for another good day.

I really don't like this....

2006-02-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

So I missed a few days.... this experiment has been hard the past few days. I'm learning more about myself than I really want to talk about.

I seem to have a reputation for being willing to at least talk about the hard issues at work or in other peoples life. I'm not so great dealing with or speaking to what I'm seeing in myself. Maybe I can find better words in later days.

The surprise hasn't been looking around me so see God at work---it's been seeing within me the things God wants to work out..... ouch!

Thursday, Feb 9

2006-02-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

I went fishing today. As my friend and I drove up to Lake Allen Henry (after a 4:30am alarm and 1:45 drive) I had a moment. Not everyone enjoys or sees a good sunrise--- yesterday's was exceptional. I love being outdoors and enjoying all of creation. But the deep redish-purple on the horizon was one of the most beautiful ever. As we stood at the ramp, the crisp air (temp 24), and all the views and aromas of day starting on the water---well, it was just good.

In our family we have one natural early riser, my son Trey. At the same time I was enjoying the sunrise he was looking out a window of our house and saw the sun rising. He woke my wife a little startled at what he was seeing. He told Lisa she had to come and see the big spider. The sun rays were coming through a tree and the tree looked like a huge spider. After her assurance that it was a tree in neighbors yard everything was all good.

How do these relate? I have no idea! It is funny how people can see or hear the exact same thing and have such different responses. I've been thinking a lot about how I see things verses how they really are. How many times have I reacted poorly or differently than everyoneelse who saw or heard the same thing. Do I expect some things to be exceptional and others to be scary and choose not to look for simply what God is doing or saying. I don't know?

Last night ended as good as it started. Some friend came by and we enjoyed sitting around the table, talking about life, making decisions, dealing with some of the things before us and enjoying the aromas of a day ending under the stars. I had a good day! (It was overcast for most of the day)

By the way, Chris kick my tail by catching a 10 in 1/2 lb bass. I had three bites- flat missed two, and broke one off at the hook set. Oh well, at least I was on the water which was a nice surprise.

What a great lunch...

2006-02-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on my day I find it immpossible to put some of it into words that make sense. So, for now, I'm not going to try. I met an Air Force Chaplin today and had a great visit. I'm thankful for the small distractions from the mundane.

A good reminder...

2006-02-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

I sometimes get lost on Monday. It seems to be a day of continous meetings and then go home. On my way home I remebered that we had company, a good friend from a previous church was here for the day. We enjoyed a good catch up conversation and all the usual small talk. Without getting into all the details I was reminded of how blessed and happy I am to be in Abilene at Pioneer Drive. Thank you God for a good reminder.

2006-01-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

It seems the topic of "love God and love others" is coming up everyday. Yesterday in my effort to inspire folks to go and love others I made a serious blunder. My daughter is as strong willed as any child is, but she also has very tender spirit. I forgot to ask her permission to show her picture as an illustration during our service. It was actually more of a "how to" so those who wanted to could add a blog to this site. Anyhow, when I got to the car she was in tears. Dad had royally embarrassed his daughter. In trying to convey loving others to our church I blew it with my daughter. The great thing is that after a long string of "I’m sooo sorries..." she smiled and everything was all-good. Actually everything was all-good once I removed her picture from this blog---she was having bad hair morning and hated the picture. So---as I continue to understand who the "others" are in Abilene I was reminded to show just as must passion and respect and love for the "others" that sleep down the hall. I hope and pray that she and I will always find a way to say I'm soooo sorry.... and smile..... and everything be all-good

2006-01-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

In one week our 30 day journey begins at "the gathering". I have an unexplainable excitement about what's about to happen. I believe many of our lives will be radically changed in coming days. I can't wait to get strarted.

2006-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

This morning we celebrated Marybeths birthday. Instead of a cake we had "sticky buns". This day has already been more than I could have ever imagined. My daughter is amazing!

2006-01-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

2006-01-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

I'm just getting started . . . see you later