MoviePastor.com: Church, Culture, Christ

Mr. Magoo?

I realize I dated myself with the Mr. Magoo reference.  For those who dont know, Mr. Magoo was a hit cartoon in the 60's about a man who couldn't see very well and usually got into some sticky situations and escaped death and disaster in most every episode.  The funny thing was he didn't know how close to being squashed he really came.  Here is a classic episode on Youtube called Magoo's Buggy from 1961

Mr. Magoo's Aventures in Church Planting

Chris Elrod calls me "The Mr. Magoo of Church Planting."  As I look back over the last year (and at other near disasters I've had in the past) I think he's right!  Here are some of the highlights from my Mr. Magoo's Adventures in Church Planting:

• In 2006 at our baptism & BBQ bash - before the event started I slipped at the boat dock and cut my foot badly.  I stuck the day out, ate ribs and baptized people.  Then I went to the ER and got stitched up and shots.  A few days later I had the worst infection I ever had.  Turned out to be e-coli.  I was down for 2 weeks and nearly lost my foot!
• Late 2006 we announced we were moving to Regal Cinema.  We could never get the contracts signed and in early 2007 we canned that idea.
• I decided to quit my job in early 07 and go full time.  A couple weeks later I totaled my car in the interstate in a rear end collision at 75mph.  I lived - the car didn't.
• The week I quit my job the movie theater called and said we could get the contracts signed after we spent 1000's upgrading our rented facility.
• A couple weeks before we were supposed to go live our Insurance company informed us they couldn't write the policy the theater required.  We almost had to quit.  We shopped hard to find insurance and found some at the last minute while I was on vacation in Mexico.
• A couple months in to meeting in the theater our new insurance company sent us a letter terminating our policy. 
• Thanks to Chris Elrod's recommendation we found someone to insure us right before getting kicked out.
• On my way to Gary's office one day for a meeting - on the hottest day of the year (100+) - the AC in my car blew up!
• During our most controversial series ever - my colon perforated
• While I was in the hospital ripped open and stoned on morphine the local news channel did a segment on our billboards and made it sound like I was ignoring them.
• We took the kids skiing in WV last week.  My wife forbade me to ski - she was fearful I would get injured.  I have no idea why.  I was worried about one of our kids (especially mine) getting hurt.  I went to the van to get something and while standing on the running board reaching across the seats I slipped off the board and fell on the edge of the van floor.  My belt caught me on the way down and the buckle cut a sizable gash into my new scar and I bled like a stuck pig.

Its been a roller coaster ride this year and some days I wanted to scream and beg to get off.  But I am stoked about 2008 and I don't care what it brings or what the devil throws at me - I am on the greatest adventure of my life!  I can honestly say I feel like Mr. Magoo sometimes and Im never quite sure where im going or if I'll arrive in one piece - but it sure is a lot of fun to watch!

Downhill Slope

• Just got back from Winterplace Ski Restort in WV with our students.
• Our students ROCK.
• It was good for us to do something different this year.
• It was good for me to watch other pastors doing it.
• Michael was gracious and worked behind the scenes mostly - but said some funny things during the games the kids played - and Gary was...Gary.  I really get pumped up hanging around him. 
• It's easy to offend religious people!
• It rained the first day on the slopes-the kids were soaked to the bone
• The next day they skied like pros.  Even had a few brave souls tackle the black slopes.  None of them had skied before.
• Im so proud of Jordan - She did AWESOME
• For the money we spent - we could do a really good ski trip on our own I think - maybe even for less money - but having the resources of larger churches for a worship/preaching venue was nice.
• It got me excited about what we could do this summer with our kids.
• Today was our last Sunday and I missed it - im bummed.
• Im pumped about 08.  Got a lot of my calendar done
• Next Sunday's sermon will be a first at Crosspoint.  Dont miss it!!!!
• I missed my wife - going to spend time with her.
• If Bama loses tonight I might slit my wrists!

Checking Out For a While

Im disconnecting from the internet for a while.  I also set comments to require my approval to prevent spam and abuse.  Have a great remainder of 2007!

Merry Snotmas!

Had a good Christmas in spite of a lot of sickness.  Seems like we all have sinus infections, bronchial infections, colds.  Lots of snot at the Anderson house.  But we had a nice time relaxing, visiting family, watching kids play with toys, watching new DVDs and sharing our cold with people.  Got one more visit to Dana's mom's in Chattanooga today.

Then tomorrow I leave for Winterplace WV to go skiing with our teens.  This is the last year my daughter Jordan will be part of a "youth ministry" as a student.  Love hanging out with her.  Look forward to hanging out with Gary too.

Wont be blogging much over the next week or so.  Hope you had a terrific Christmas and have a happy new year!

6 Days Left

With my Christmas and travel schedule I wont be able to finish the 21 Day Challenge online.  Here is my latest entry

John 15:

• I am the branch - He is the vine
• Sometimes I get pruned - its painful but necessary
• I've been through a LOT of pruning this year
• Obedience is the test of love
• 3 times he said if I ask I will receive.
• We are Jesus' friends
• He gave his life for us!
• The world hates us - but that doesnt give us the right to be hateful
• The Spirit always testifies of Jesus

John 16:

• Jesus left for our good
• he left so the Spirit could come - and convict us of sin
• The Spirit speaks what he hears from God
• As Christ followers we must cultivate and ear to listen
• We will have trouble in the world (can I get an Amen?)
• Jesus has overcome the world!

The thing I will remember most about THIS Christmas

I will probably forget the gifts I received, and even the ones I gave.  I wont remember exactly what we ate or what was on TV or which toys the kids played with the most.  What I will remember on this Christmas eve is a 3 year old girl picking up a 2.5"x3" framed portrait of a marine corporal in dress blues, kissing it, and saying "Goodnight Daddy" and then hurrying off to bed so Santa could come.  While we enjoy peace in the US, remember there is not peace on earth and that service men and women give their lives every day to give us what we have.  Curtis we are proud of you.  Come home soon.

Merry Christmas

I hope that you and your family have the very best Christmas possible.

8 Days Left

I missed a day - sick as a dog.  Anyway:

John 13 & 14

• Imagine the creator of the Universe giving you a foot bath.
• Peter thought it was inappropriate
  
• Jesus set him straight
• I love Peter - one minute you cant wash my feet - the next minute he wants a full body hose down.
• Jesus even washed Judas' feet. 
  
• A follower of Jesus is a servant of other people.
• The disciples were kind of dense
• I wonder what was going through Judas mind once he knew that Jesus knew
• People will know we are disciples by our love for each other.  I see a lot of backbiting and backstabbing among Christians on the internet - STOP ALREADY
• I love Peter!  Sometimes I act like he does - on fire one minute - cold as ice the next. 
  
• Jesus is preparing a place for me in his father's house - I wonder if it has a big big yard where we can play football?
• Jesus is the way!
• We can ask for anything (in his name) and Jesus will do it.
• Sometimes I dont feel like I ask for big enough things or the right things.
• If you love me - obey me - thats pretty powerful.
• Im glad Jesus didn't leave us here by ourselves - He sent his Spirit to be my guide.
• Jesus is coming back for me!  That rocks!
  

Sunday Stuff

• Im sick as a dog and its making me dizzy too.
• Today I lost my place teaching several times and I have no idea what I said - the Dayquil Factor in effect!
• Today was the first time I used the word "wiener" in a sermon
• I may have grossed people out when I talked about dogs eating vomit - sorry its in the bible
• Our lighting and generator wigged out again during the first song today - we need to run some power in the auditorium.
• The play dough illustration was fun and hopefully people will remember it.
• Terrell Owens got injured but at least he racked up 10 points before he went down.
• I still don't think I'll be able to win the consolation round of the playoffs.
• Tomorrow is Christmas Eve - Dang!
• I think I might sleep through Christmas
• Where did 2007 go?