The Bones of Jesus

The Bones of Jesus. They have gotten a lot of attention, haven't they? If you have been under a rock, or fortunate enough to miss the hoopla, the Discovery Channel has a program that will be airing soon entitled "The Lost Bones of Jesus." Although it probably shouldn't, it still amazes me at the lengths people will go to in their effort to deny Jesus' resurrection.

I guess a few thoughts instantly come to mind...

1. It's hard for me to take these kind of claims seriously. Identifiable DNA from 30 A.D.? Come on! Who will we unearth next? Julius Caesar. Maybe next year, it will be Alexander the Great. My vote is for Hannibal. And, why are people always trying to disprove the biblical account of Jesus? Why would he be the target, year after year, of a barrage of skepticism?
   
   
2. It seems like there has to be another motivation ($) for these kinds of things! If you can generate a buzz (i.e. The Da Vinci Code), then it means success ($). People from both sides of the debate will show interest, and that interest can translate into something very valuable ($). Who cares about whether it is fact or fiction? The important thing is the attention ($) you can get. Another factor with these types of things is that they always seem to come out around Easter. Since many people are thinking of Jesus, it must be an excellent time to get people's attention ($).
   
   
3. These types of things come and go all the time. I mentioned Da Vinci, but we also have been treated to such things as the Gospels of Thomas and Judas, and their farcical suggestions. To question the validity of Jesus' ministry and resurrection, you will have to stand in a long line of people since the days of Pilate. Many skeptics have come, many have gone, and yet the message of Jesus still remains.
   
   
4. Christians should not be scared of such "revelations." If anybody should be desirous of the truth to come out, it should be us. We know the Truth personally (see John 14:6). He lives in us, and the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth (and one of his ministries is to guide believers into truth).
   

Well, these things come and go, and the Word of God stands forever. Here is some additional reading, if you're interested.

• John Piper has written here concerning his belief that Jesus has risen from the dead.
• If you enjoy going deeper, another theologian, Ben Witherington has written a more complex article here.

Thankful they will NEVER find the bones of Jesus,
--Curtis

Arrival

Our pastor and his wife have arrived in Munich, Germany. Pray that God will bless his efforts in encouraging European pastors. He will be preaching with Jim Henry and Phil Waldrep. Also, pray that God would give he and Vicki safety in their travels.

Freedom

"Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance...
I just want to praise you, I just want to praise you"

I love that song. It is about freedom. Even as I type the word- freedom-something happens in my heart.... my lungs swell, my pulse races, and a great sense of relief comes over me. There was a time in my not so distant past, that I knew only the dictionary meaning of this word, but not the experiential meaning of freedom. In my 20's and early 30's, I was shackled by so many chains, it is a wonder they were not visible. I was consumed by feelings of guilt, shame and fear. I desperately sought others approval to somehow compensate for my own feeling of inadequacy. This need to be "liked" or the "center of attention" became yet another shackle around my feet. To beat all, I strove to portray the image of a young woman that was confident, Godly, and "put together". Trying to live this way entangled me in more chains. Inwardly, I was a mess.

"But God".

God stepped in and drew me to Himself. Through the in-depth study of His Word, He began to open my eyes to the prisons and pits that I was living in. He graciously showed me my weaknesses and allowed me to experience His power. Slowly and deliberately, He worked with me to set me free. Free to love Him and others, free to be who He created me to be, free to dream of how He could use me for His glory, free to be transparent, free to share with others how good He really is.

Last Saturday was a celebration for me personally. I, along with 230 other women, attended the Beth Moore simulcast at the BX. The simulcast was shown throughout North America at 500 different sites with an expected attendance of 150,000 women. That's HUGE! Beth talked about freedom in Christ. She shared so much of what I already knew, but needed to be reminded of . Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free". Jesus sacrificial death not only pays our sin debt when we die, but as we live. It is through His blood that we are set free to live victoriously and abundantly. Wow!

Throughout the conference, worship was led by Travis Cottrell. He said something that has come back to my mind countless times this week... He said, "We sing over and over 'How great is our God', well ladies, how great do you need God to be in your life?"

I don't know about you, but I need Him to be as Great as He can be. My freedom depends upon Him. And what brings tears to my eyes is the fact that He has never let me down. He truly is, "my strength, my rock, my fortress and my rock... He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold". (Ps. 18)

As I finish writing this, I am searching my i-tunes for just the right song... I feel the need to dance.

-Ruthie

Staff Restructuring

As was announced in previous Sundays (by our pastor and our personnel committee), our staff is being (and has been) restructured to be more effective in ministry. To read more details, you can see an explanation on our website by clicking here. There is an explanation and a chart. I think that the accompanying chart should help make things clear as to who reports to whom in our staff structure. I would add a couple more things:

1. The church will be kept posted on how our staff situation is developing, but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
   
   
2. Please pray that God would send us the right people to fill the positions that are open right now. Pray as well for those staff members who are making changes in their daily responsibilities.
   

Some of these changes affect the church in a very public way, others are more behind the scenes, but we hope that all of them will equip us to reach people and change lives.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

--Curtis

"Christian" Businesses

I am not a big fan of the term "Christian" business. Jesus died for people, not for businesses (Don't worry, this is not a rant). However, I do believe that businesses that are owned by Christians should be the best businesses around. Our work ethic (see Colossians 3:23) ought to be better. Our customer service should reflect the love of Christ (see Philippians 2:3). Having said that, there are 2 businesses I have had experience with lately which show the evidence of being managed and led by someone who wants to honor Christ or at least reflect Christian principles. They are both restaurants. (Hey, I like to eat, what can I say?)

• The first is GollyWhoppers. This is a local restaurant off of East Brainerd. I have enjoyed lunch there many times. I have never been disappointed by the service, the atmosphere, or the food. Recently, we had an event for nearly 250 people. GollyWhoppers catered it, and did a great job. The food was excellent, and their staff was great to work with.

• The second is Chick-Fil-A. I went there for lunch. I love that place. Great food, great atmosphere. I love the cows. Have you had their milkshakes? (Cookies and Cream is my recommendation). They take any coupon, valid or expired. They willingly give me free refills on their world-class lemonade. They have fountain Cherry Coke.

As you can tell, I am a raving fan of both places. I honestly believe that these businesses honor God by the way they take care of their customers. So, I guess running a "Christian business" is not just about putting the fish symbol on your business card.

--Curtis

How do you celebrate

Wednesday night is a great night for students at Brainerd Baptist Church. The 1:one Student Ministry has a worship service just for students held in "The Crossing". Our student led worship band is great! Right now we are wrapping up a series call Retro - Getting Back to the Basics. It is all about what we believe as Southern Baptists. Take a minute to check out the promo video for "Taste Worship". We call it "taste" for: Taste and see that the Lord is Good! Psalm 34:8.

-Lee

"...Your chosen precious child..."

All of our soloists at Brainerd Baptist Church are tremendously talented and bless me whenever they sing but Melissa's song tonight was special. This modern treatment of "Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed" really fit in perfectly with remembering Jesus' death by taking communion. I was reminded once again how amazing it is that God would give the life of his son to pay my sin debt. That I can be called his "chosen precious child" brings me to my knees in humble gratitude.

Melissa has been fighting sickness this week and for her to sing tonight was a testimony to her spirit. Thank you Melissa for your song.

--Collin

The Gathering

This Sunday night, March 4, Curtis and I will have the privilege of sharing all the details of the new simulcast service. We'll explain the new Sunday morning schedule and how you can get help us launch the simulcast. As a special sneak preview to BBCblog readers, here's what the new service's logo and graphics look like.

Here is a great article to get you thinking about why we're starting our video venue in the BX on April 1. It's written by Dr. Ed Stetzer, a missiologist at the North American Mission Board and one of my favorite SBCers.

--Collin

Hebrews 9 & 10

The pastor read a portion from Hebrews 10 tonight in the service. It reminded me of a video of Ryan Furguson reciting Hebrews 9 & 10 at this year's WorshipGod conference at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD. It helped me understand this passage of scripture in a different way by hearing it as if it was being preached or communicated orally by the author. Check it out.

--Collin

Two Days Too Early

Everybody loves BBQ, don't they? On Monday, Collin and I went to lunch, and decided to eat at Porker's BBQ. If you haven't been there, you have missed a great lunch, and a piece of Chattanooga heritage. The atmosphere is...like you expect a BBQ restaurant to be. Well, if there was any doubt as to whether we can pick good places to eat, the President also decided to eat there yesterday! We missed him by 2 days. However, we did have the same waitress who took the President's order. Does that make us important?

Here are some pictures of "W" in Chattanooga at Porker's.






It's always an exciting day when the President comes to town. (Unless you're stuck in downtown traffic, like our pastor was.)

--Curtis

What a privilege….

As I think about Bro. Darryl’s sermon from Sunday morning and as I visit with people who are either homebound or in nursing homes, I am reminded of the tremendous privilege it is to be able to listen to and read the Word of God.

I am reminded that I may not always have the ability to read the Bible with my eyes or hear God’s Word with my ears. One day I may only have of the Bible what I remember and have memorized. This underscores to me the importance of spending time in the Word and internalizing its message.

One resource I have found helpful is the Weekly Memory Plan available as an RSS feed through the web site for the ESV Bible. Each week they choose a different verse to memorize.

If you are new to the world of blogging (like me), there is a description of what RSS feeds are, along with a few other feeds (Verse of the day and Bible reading plans) you might find helpful by clicking here.

--Mark

Pics from a Hispanic Ministry Conference at the BX

Recently, the BX hosted an event for our Hispanic Ministry. We had a guest speaker, and it was very profitable for encouraging and discipling new believers. Over 70 people were in attendance, including children. Pastor Carlos Betancourt organized this effort.

Here are some pictures of the event.

Some of the Greatest People at Brainerd You Might Not Have Met

I was thinking this morning about how privileged we are to have such a great custodial staff under the direction of Bob Rann. Many of our church members never see these employees in action, but they definitely benefit from their work.

Our custodians are active serving members of other churches, but they treat this church like their own. When we have an event on Saturday night (like a wedding), they are here pitching in until everything is clean and presentable for Sunday. They also respond quickly to anything that comes up throughout the week. They are here to serve, and are a HUGE encouragement to the staff here. I have never, and I mean NEVER, heard a complaint from any of these friends when they are asked for their help. They work in a way that honors God! What they do is an invaluable piece of the puzzle here at Brainerd.

So, here is a public thank you to Gary Howard, Victor Lavette, Julia Wise, Melvin Varnell, Alice Carruthers, and Gilda Stephens! You guys are the best, and Brainerd appreciates all you do.

--Curtis

BBCKTD (Brainerd Baptist Church Krystal Throw Down)

Contrary to popular belief, I am not an "all you can eat" kind of guy. I left those days behind me several years ago when I came to the realization that I am getting old. For this reason I did not enter the BBCKTD (Brainerd Baptist Church Krystal Throw Down). The event was held Sunday night in "The Crossing" with over 100 people in attendance. We watched middle school and high school boys and 1 girl (Leah Wilson) stuff Krystal hamburgers and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in a effort to lay claim to the title of "Eating Champ". At the end of the night we crowned 5 winners in 5 different divisions. Here are our winners.

Middle School:

• Krystal: Jay Yates
• Krispy Kreme: Andrew Barber

High School:

• Krystal: Tyler Watson
• Krispy Kreme: McLain Still

Adult:

• Krispy Kreme: Bill Lane

For a side note, Bill Lane put on a show as he downed a dozen doughnuts to defeat the likes of Robert Rabon, Jim Barber and Travis Rann to be crowned adult "Eating Champ". Not sure he is ready to challenge McLain Still or Tyler Watson, but I am sure that his small group Bible Study is very proud of him for bringing home the crown. Not sure that his girls would say the same, but hey, you can't make everyone happy.

For all you Kobayashi wannabe's, get ready. You have a year to work up the skills needed to lay claim to the title of "Eating Champ" at next years "BBCKTD".

--Lee

3 on 3 Men's Basketball Tournament

Brainerd Crossroads is putting together and 3 on 3 Men's Basketball Tournament! First let me give you some of the information:

Date: March 30th & 31st

Time: March 30th, starting at 5pm, and Saturday, March 31st tentatively starting at 8am
Age: 18 and older

Cost: $10 a person

Sign-up Deadline: March 18th

You will get all the information through the church website, and email. I would also like to ask for volunteers who might not want to play, but who would be interested in helping this tournament be successful. If you would like to help please contact me @ 423.624.2606. I hope to see you out there playing hard for the Lord! May the Lord bless you through this week!

--Ryan

B-Ballers came out of the Woodwork!

Last night as I walked into the gym, there were already 25 people ready and waiting to play basketball, at our open gym! Just as I was about to get started about 10 more people walked in, and by the evenings end we had about 37 people, wanting to play basketball! It was very exciting. I got to meet some new faces and see some old faces as well. During the devotional time I shared about sports ministry and how we can use our talents and gifts to praise the Lord (Colossians 3:23). It was a great time, and I was very encouraged to see everyone come out and play. Next week, I hope to see everyone back again. I will be sharing about worshiping God in the sports arena. I was thinking about how many people we had last night and if we keep getting these kind of numbers will might have to have extend our hours!!!

--Ryan

A Readable Bible

In Bro. Darryl's message yesterday morning, he mentioned utilizing a "readable Bible" in your quiet time. For me, that has become the English Standard Version (ESV). Although I know that there are MANY beneficial translations, my spiritual life has greatly benefited from the ESV. I have enjoyed reading it, studying from it, memorizing it, and preaching and teaching from it. I ran across this website that highlights some of the benefits of it. If you have a minute take a look at it.

--Curtis

Glory

I came home from church tonight and in trying to unwind from my normal Sunday-energy high, found the movie Glory on TV. I love this movie. The soundtrack is one of the best of all time and many of my favorite actors are in the film. It's hard to imagine a time when hate and bigotry was as blatant as is portrayed in this movie about the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment during the Civil War. As soon as I think that thought though, I'm reminded that bigotry is not relegated to a time of slavery.

If we are not aware of the potential for racism and bigotry in each of us then we are as vulnerable as any of the racists in the movie. The Bible teaches us that we are completely depraved and our natural tendency is not towards love and acceptance but rather hate and bigotry. It is only because of God's gracious kindness towards us that we have been saved from our sin.

God keep us from the sin of racism. Whether black or white, Asian or Indian, we were all made by you and loved by you. May our church be a reflection of the congregation of worshipers around your throne, made up of every nation and every tribe.

--Collin

Where in the World Are We Going?

This weekend we will have a group come back from Uganda. They will have been a part of God's global purposes in a unique way. I wanted to pass along some dates for some upcoming mission trips we plan on taking in the not-too-distant future. If you are interested in going on one of these, please give me a call. I would love to talk to you about it.

• Venezuela Partnership - July 12-18
• Ecuador Partnership - August 31 - September 6

In addition, we are planning a trip to Ukraine in the late summer/early fall, and we have some possibilities of taking a trip to Asia in the fall.

Much more detailed information will follow, but I wanted to whet your appetite. Also, be on the lookout in early April for another OnMission 101 class.

--Curtis

I'm no Michael Jordan

We have started back up with Open Gym Basketball here at the BX. I must say that it is going well, We have been averaging about 20-25 people each week, which is great! I have really enjoyed getting to meet the guys who come regularly. The really cool thing about sports is that no matter where you are from or what you did, it brings people together. It is the universal language and it brakes down all kinds of cultural boundaries. It is great to use sports as a way to develop relationships, and share Christ. So whether on the court, field, or mate, wherever our arena of competition is, you have the opportunity to impact the lives of the people you come in contact with by your actions and your words. So, next time you compete be intentional about playing in a way that will bring God all the glory, and honor as well as being a example for Him!
I hope to see you soon!

--Ryan

Lee's First Blog

Well, here it is! My first blog. I need everyone to understand that it has taken a couple of weeks for me to get over UNC loss to NCSU. The win over Duke helped, along with the fact that NCSU has lost 3 in a row. Well, on to more important information.

Camp is just around the corner! The dates for camp are June 24th - 29th. The theme for camp this summers is "The Cost: here & now". Our speaker is Michael Bayne from First Baptist Norfolk Virginia. Michael was the morning speaker for camp 2 summers ago and we are excited about having him again this summer. Our worship leader will be Nashville recording artist Josh Wilson. Josh was part of a concert that we hosted in the BX back in November. I know that our students will be blessed by Josh and we will love how he leads us in true worship at camp.

We are also in the planning stages for our summer mission trip that will be opened to all High School students. The dates for the mission trip are July 22nd - 28th. We have partner with First Baptist Asheboro NC to work with a Habitat for Humanity work site and Cross Road Retirement Center. Our student praise band will also have the opportunity to lead 2 or 3 worship services that week.

For more information about camp or the mission trip get in touch with Christie or myself. We would love to tell you more!

Lee

Communication You Might Be Missing

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Sunday Reflections

What a great day.

Sundays are always exhausting but for some reason I can never get to sleep early, I think it's all the energy that goes into Sunday. Anyway, I was just thinking about how great today was and how much I love worshiping God with the people of our church.

The day got off to an interesting start when the choir director got "off" by one beat during the choir opener. I'm going to have to talk to him about that : ) Our very talented musicians covered the mistake of course and the rest of the service went off without a hitch. Heather Shaw did a tremendous job in the 2nd service introducing us to the Todd Fields' song, "Help Me to Find You". What a great song to get us thinking about our intimacy with God. Thank you Heather.

Tonight I enjoyed leading worship that included a couple of my favorite hymns. "Come Thou Fount" and "Be Thou My Vision" are some great old songs to me because of their prayerful message and timeless style. I must say I was shocked to see the hands raised when the pastor asked how many people had never sung "Be Thou My Vision". The theology and artistry of great hymns like this should be preserved, even as new songs and modern music is made. Maybe that's why I love efforts like this to bring songs like this to the 21st century.

Well, God was present in our worship today. I hope you were.

--Collin

An Afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese's (and the Power of Extra-Strength Excedrin)

We pulled up Saturday to the parking lot of Chuck E. Cheese's. Although I tried to persuade my son that the Chuckster was a rat, he assured me, "No, it's a mouse, daddy!" We got invited to this wonderful place because of a birthday party one of my son's friends was having. Thanks, Todd and Tara, for the invite!

Have you been to Mr. Cheese's abode on a Saturday afternoon? Unbelievable! I stopped counting at 936 children. I realized, though, that a transition had taken place. I only got to play skee-ball 1 time, and I didn't even make it to the MarioKart game. This day, however, was not about me, but about my son. Instead, I was in the preschool playland most of the time, watching Canaan ride the Barney ride, the Bob-the-Builder-Ride, and the School Bus Ride (which I must say seemed to be the exact same ride with a little different music). We even got to see the main mouse himself, in a little choreographed routine (Canaan wasn't so sure about this).

As I took some Excedrin, I thought about my feelings toward the Chuckster's domain. I thought of a couple of things, but they didn't matter when I saw Canaan's face light up because he had just gotten (drum roll, please) TWO TICKETS for playing a certain game in which you knock ducks down. Then, I realized, nothing can be better than a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party on a Saturday afternoon!

--Curtis

Someone Is Always Watching

So I have been running a lot these last couple of months. There is a wood trail that I run through and in our apartments we have a fire place. So for the last month or so I have been running with a Army issued Ruck Sack, which I have been filling with wood for my fire place. One of my neighbors has seen me run and about a week ago, she stopped me and asked me what I was doing. I informed her that I was running to pick up fire wood, and to train, and she said "Well next time you get firewood, get me some." I replied with the southern "Yes ma'am".
Two days ago it was about time for my run, it was dusk, and the sun was beginning to hide behind the mountains, and time was not on my side. I found my trail, filled up my ruck sack full of wood, finished my run, and headed back to my neighbors. I knocked on the door, and immediately began unloading the firewood. She came to the door with a smile when she saw that I had actually got some wood for her. This is where the story get interesting.
She stopped me and asked me why are you trying to get in such good shape? My normal answer of 'I just like it' was not going to do, I felt the Lord leading me, so I said, "Well, The Lord gave me this body, and the gifts, talents, endurance to run, and so I want to stay in shape for Him." She did not look surprised by this answer, and she gazed out past her porch light to see that it was dark. She turned her focus back to me and began questioning again. "Why, are you running out side at this time of night, we are not in the safest neighborhood. If I was a thief and want anything from you I could kill you, and I know you do not care any protection with you, I do not think it is safe." Calmly I said " Do you really want to know why? This is going to blow your mind. You want to know?" She gave an anxious nod. " Well, Ma'am, I believe in Jesus Christ as my personal savior, and because I believe in him, he has promised through His word that, when I die I will be in heaven. Now what I know of heaven is that it is a perfect place, a place without pain, tears, sadness, and in the presence of the Lord. So my question for you is, what would I lose if someone took my life?" She paused for a moment and replied "Nothing...you would have gained everything."
I finished with saying "Then I have nothing to fear." We made small talk after that for a couple minutes. I left that conversation not realizing what the Lord had done. I have been running for months now just because I love to run. I did not realize that people were watching. The Lord was using my passion of running as a door way to share with someone about Christ, and the freedom we have in Him.
There is always someone watching. There is always someone noticing the things you do. God will use your passions to further His kingdom. I hope you are encouraged by this short story and you are reminded that God is Awesomely Big!

- Ryan-

Look Mom, no music!

We had another great choir rehearsal last night! I probably could have said that every Thursday for the past 4 years but the last few have really been special. You see, even though the choir may have looked the same the last two weeks something was different... the music was memorized!

Now that may not seem like a big deal to you but you're sitting in the pew listening so let me just tell you, it's big! I'm so proud of you choir. Your willingness to work extra hard to memorize your music has made a huge difference in how you sound and the expressions on your faces. Thank you.

Now, if you're not singing in the choir right now, why not? The choir is the best place I know for anyone who enjoys music to use that for God. Not everyone can play an instrument or preach a sermon but anyone can sing in the choir!

Stop waiting for your schedule to clear or your life to become less complicated, it's not going to happen. Come to choir rehearsal this Wednesday at 6:30pm and we'll find you a friend to sit with. It will be great!

"Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!"
Psalm 66:1-2

--Collin

God is enough

I seem to get a lot of questions prefaced like this, "You're a preacher/pastor, so what do you think about..." I normally start feeling very awkward because (although this might come as a big shock) being a pastor does not equal being an expert in every biblical detail. But, I was relieved that I had some answers to one of those questions today. My sister emailed me asking me for references that remind us that God is enough, so I shared these with her.

• Psalm 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

• Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

• 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

• Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

I hope the verses encourage you like they encouraged me when I shared them with my sister.

--Curtis

Still Waiting

The BBC world is still waiting for a post from Lee, our competent minister to students. However, because of this it is likely he is in mourning.

Three More Additions for Curtis

Three more additions for Curtis to the C.M. Hill Regional Library that is. Yes, I admit, the habit has been fed again. As of 11:30am today, I gave into temptation, but I promise they were all good deals. The latest three are:

1. Suffering and the Sovereignty of God edited by Justin Taylor and John Piper for $7.97
   
2. The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism by Carl F.H. Henry for $4.95
   
3. By His Grace and For His Glory by Thomas J. Nettles on sale by 40% (I couldn't pass it up)
   

I am sure that many are eager to acquire these books as well. Undoubtedly, I will have them read by the next time you see me, so be sure to ask me about them!

Well. I feel better now that I have confessed!

--Curtis

"Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow..."

Our family life is full of winter traditions... matching pj's at Christmas, the BCS, the kick off of American Idol, and tons of extended family events. But this week, one Panni tradition blessed all Chattanooga!

Whenever the weather report predicts snow, ice, or a "wintry mix", our children know instantly to wear their pajamas inside out! While meteorologists have multiple computers, satellite imagery, and radar, our family has the sure fire way to make the snow fall. At bedtime, or before, depending on the urgency of the need for snow, our children put on their pajamas-usually the matching sets from Christmas- inside out. All tags and seams must be visible. If the need for wintry weather is extremely important, we wear our pajamas inside out and backwards. We reserve this more intense version of the tradition for times when homework is not completed or a test is scheduled for the next day at school.

Well, Wednesday night was no exception. After hearing the forecast for snow on all four local channels, then confirming it with weather.com, we decided it was indeed time to flip the pj's! We headed to bed full of anticipation with hopes that Thursday would be filled with hot chocolate and snow men. From looking at your own backyard, our deeply scientific method worked!!

Now, I know you may be doubting the effectiveness of our input in the weather, and your probably also doubting our parenting skills by encouraging this for our kids. Let me put your mind at rest... At about 5:30 a.m., our middle son, who had been up through out the night conducting "ground checks" for winter precipitation, had come and gotten in bed with us. He and his dad had seen the snow hours earlier, but I guess he just had to be sure. As he lay beside me, I said, "Well, our inside-out pajamas worked this time." He then put his arm around me, and said, "Mom, you know, God is the One who made it snow. He did it all by Himself." At that, he closed his eyes and rested.... until the sun came up.

-Ruthie

Winter Storm of '07

I left a giddy three-year-old (hey, he had never seen Tennessee snow) to take these pictures of the church.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!
--Curtis

WALKING WITH GOD

This morning is incredible! I love to get up early when it has snowed and see the untouched beauty of God's creation. He truly is an amazing and an awesome God! I am overwhelmed that this awesome God wants me to enjoy a close and intimate relationship with Him.

Sunday I begin a new series of messages entitled "WALKING WITH GOD." Over the next several weeks I will be sharing biblical principles that help us to have an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I pray that we can all say as the psalmist said,

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? And having Thee, I desire nothing else on earth." (Psalm 73:25 NEB)

Darryl