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A Special Blessing Returning from Phoenix

I had a wonderful trip to the Association of Marriage and Family Ministers (AMFM) conference in Phoenix last week. Got to lead a workshop on The Parent Adventure along with Scott McConnell from LifeWay Research. Then I attended several helpful workshops myself. Always good to meet some new people "in the business".

The running was interesting for sure. There is no feeling like running just before sunrise in Phoenix, AZ, and the temp is 96 degrees! And I never need to have that feeling again.When you are training for a marathon and the high for the day is 114, you run when it's the coolest, even if the coolest is 96.

On the last leg of the trip home - from Dallas (where else?) I sat beside a college girl, Ellen, who was reading her Bible. The conversation easily went to where she had been and where I had been. She then told me her story which touched my heart.

Flashback for a moment ...

For 12 years I worked in collegiate missions for the TN Baptist Convention. It was a most fulfilling ministry. I supervised college student missionaries from across the state through Baptist Student Unions (BSU's or BCM's as they are now called). These were campus ministries at some 40+ different schools.

Now back to the present ...

Ellen told me she was coming back from Texas as a summer missionary. And it was through the TN Baptist Convention! It was great to get an update on how things looked from her perspective. She was headed straight to the TBC for her debriefing weekend, just like when I was leading it.

I couldn't wait to introduce  my new friend to Selma when we got off the plane. It was a joy for both of us to meet Ellen.

It is heart-warming to know that the next generation of missionaries - and a program to help facilitate their calling - is alive and well.

I am most grateful to serve where I am right now. LifePoint Church is where God has called me to minister and it's still awesome after serving here almost ten years. Yet the experience on the plane with Ellen brought back some fond memories of a ministry from long ago.

God is cool like that. He places people in your path to remind you of previous times. He really wants to bless us and looks for ways to do that if only we will acknowledge that those blessings are from Him.

Have a great week and look for those blessings from the One who sends them your way.

No Air but a Nice Trip to Denver

Just an update on our trip last weekend. Denver has almost no air. Hard to breathe throughout the trip. What should I have expected going to a city known as "The Mile High City"?

And yet, it was a most productive engagement as we got the chance to share our passion for encouraging parents through presenting our book The Parent Adventure to a group of English speaking Christian book distributors. What a literally global opportunity.

    

We did get to see the Rockies play. And guess who they played? The Atlanta Braves - my fav team! Actually we saw 6+ innings of it. The tarp came on and the rain came down.

                                        

                             

A beautiful light show provided by the Lord Himself in the form of 2 hours of constant lightning - WOW! Widespread lightning like I've never seen. A lot like the Lord - beautiful, and a little scary.

Probably the coolest part of the whole trip though was lunch Friday with two other guys very much in my position. Selma and I sat down at the conference hotel to eat when a couple of conferees needed a seat. It was divine appointment for sure. As we got to know them we soon found out that they wore "similar hats" as mine. They were pastors and did a great deal of pastoral counseling.

As we discussed principles and approaches, issues and affect this all had on our own marriages and families, it was a cool thing.

Here's the kicker: one was from Africa and the other was from Southeast Asia. Three ministers, three cultures, three continents ... all the same issues. Fascinating in that wherever you go, people have the same needs.

Thanks for your prayers about the trip. I made some interesting new friends from a long way away, saw the Braves beat the Rockies, and learned some pooignant lessons like the fact that people also need the Lord - wherever they live.

                                  

Mile High City Trip

Please remember Selma and me as we make a quick yet important trip to Denver, Colorado at the end of this week. We will be speaking at the International Christian Book Distributors convention.

They have asked us to do a presentation on The Parent Adventure, our new book and study guide on preparing your kid for a life with God.

What a privilege to share our material and hearts with people who manage Christian resources around the world!

Please pray that God will use our resource - and any other means He sees - to get a helpful and godly word to parents everywhere as they seek to raise their kids in a way that glorifies Him.

May TPA be an encouragement to parents and may those moms and dads bring glory to God as they love their kids.

Tsunami of Events Coming in 2009

Here they come. They seem like a long way off right now, but moving toward us, like a tsunami in the northern Pacific honing in on Hawaii - they are getting closer by the day.

Unlike the disasters the water tsunamis make, the one I am referring to is not bad news, just busy news. Here's what I mean.

I was reviewing my 2009 travel and speaking schedule with Susan, my assistant recently. It certainly looks to be another active year for Rodney and Selma in terms of speaking. Lots of stuff. Different stuff. In fact, the cool thing about it is the variety that of assignments. I think the Lord gives us that diversity just to keep us from getting bored.  (Or perhaps to keep us from being boring!)

Let's look at a sample of what's coming up and see if you know what I mean by diversity:  

Spring: I am doing two weddings: one for Chariti Law and one for Tyler Dulaney. These are both precious young ladies that I've known since they were kids They both grew up with our girls so they are like my 3rd ... and 4th daughters!

June/July - Camp Whatever counselor. I think Chris, David and Mel just ask me along so I can keep in touch with what it used to be like to be young! Actually, it is always an incredible time worshiping, encouraging, teaching and yes, counseling these kids.

July - Denver, CO -Selma and I are speaking at what is called the "International English Consultants Seminar". (Are you impressed, yet?) I think this is a group who distributes books world-wide. We spoke to them on Extraordinary Marriage 3-4 years ago. This time it's The Parent Adventure.

July  - LifePoint's Marriage Cruise to the Caribbean. This is a wonderful opportunity for marriage enrichment. We meet as a group each morning. Then, you can be on your own as a couple or spend time with other couples. It worked out great last year. NOTE: There is still availability if you are interested. Call Sabrina at just Cruisin' Plus for more info (833.0922, ext. 303).

August I am speaking on several family ministry seminars at a Texas Church Leadership Conference. It is somewhere in TX!(?). (Don't worry, I have a contact person, I'll find out where!)

September will find us leading Real Marriage at our church along with Selma and me hosting a one-day marriage conference called Marriage Design in Scottsdale, AZ.

October I will be back in TX for the LifeWay National Kids Conference.

Whew!

There are actually a few more states and events but you get the picture. Just look at the myriad of places, locations and topics we'll be doing. Oh and by the way, I still plan to do some work counseling and teaching at Lifepoint Church while Selma plans to continue as Associate VP at LifeWay, too!

Please do not let this come across as boasting, except in the Lord for His providing such opportunities for us. And for a wonderful church and LifeWay that support us in these "outside" activities.

Consider this listing as an "advance prayer concern" offering to you: for travel safety, strength, wisdom in preparing, and for articulation & confidence in delivery and any follow up counseling that may arise. We cannot do any of these alone. As Christ said in John 15: "Apart from me you can do nothing." That ought to keep any of us humble. It certainly does the trick for us. So please pray for us as this year unfolds.

So thanks for letting me "vent" the tsunami of events coming our way. As always, let me know what is going on with you that we can pray about.

Mucho Marriage and Family Stuff Going On!

Happy New Year everyone! I pray that 2009 will bring much praise and glory to our Lord through your life.

There is lots going in our Marriage and Family ministry on as we crank up for '09. Here are some things coming down the pike:

The Parent Adventure - Jan 11

Bobby Goins, manager of CrossWalk, has been so supportive of our new book. He wants to have us in the CrossWalk, our church's bookstore, this Sunday for a signing. We told him we'd be in there to dialogue about parenting issues, but it wouldn't be a formal "signing" as such. You can purchase TPA and many other Christian books in our CrossWalk. Facing the World Cup, it's immediately to your right - at about 3:00. And yes, we'll sign your copy. As always, we'd be honored to do so.

 

Romance and Roses - FEBRUARY 13 at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro

Tickets go on sale soooon! More about R&R later, but don't miss this one.

 

Marriage Enrichment Cruise Info Meeting - Jan 25

We are planning a marriage cruise again this year for July. Details about it and questions can be answered at this info meeting to be held after the second service in the choir room, directly behind the auditorium. The meeting will last about 15 minutes. Informational packets will be available at the meeting.

It's a "kinder, gentler" cruise. For example, it will cost a lot less than last year.

Blessings on your new year.

Mark Gaither P.S. Oh, and I did hear from Mark Gaither, the author of Redemptive Divorce. Thanks, Mark for acknowledging my blog!

 

New Scars Over Old Ones and a Book 'Restart'

SHOULDER UPDATE

Got the shoulder done. It was very uneventful from the doctor's perspective. I am grateful but still navigating the one-arm bit for a few days. Hard to Christmas shop - or get into the Christmas spirit with an arm in the sling.

However, this posting should tell you that I'm learning to use the right arm some again. Thanks for your prayers.

THe last thing I remember my surgeon saying to me was "Okay." That was in response to my two questions:

1") Can I have the staples you remove from my shoulder?"; and

2") If you find any gold in there, it's mine, too, okay?"

Selma got the staples but I guess he kept the gold. Doctors, you just can't trust them. :-)

BOOK LOOK

Our book, The Parent Adventure, is finally ready to be purchased. So tell eeveryone you know - and those who you don't know. In fact, go out into the highways and hedges ... okay, so I'm getting a little carried away.

Actually, amazon.com can send it to you today. Barnes and Noble in a few days. It's also available at LifeWay stores now. You will also find it at the bookstore we call CrossWalk at our church, FBC Smyrna, TN. Bobby Goins, the store manager, along with our entire staff, have been so supportive in wanting to promote the book. That's been humbling. You can look for there to be a more concentrated effort to launch the book in CrossWalk next month. That will be good or for CrossWalk, too, as it has just relocated. It's close to where it was but just across the concourse.

CHRISTMAS BLESSING

May our Lord bless you with His love, peace, and comfort if that's needed (and some of us need it the first time around without a special loved one) - whatever is needed in your life - trust the Great Provider to be there for you.

May He make His presence in your life so clear to you that it is literally undeniable. He is life ... and may He bless yours this Christmas.

Harvest TV Experience

Thanks for praying for us. The trip to South Bend was ... interesting, but the TV interview was a wonderful experience of God's hearing and answering your prayers. Kelly and Stefan was awesome along with the rest of the staff. Please feel free to view the 10 minute interview by going to harvest-tv.com. It is truly humbling to feel the clear and strong presence of the Lord as you try to answer questions about a book you've written. As usual, Selma carried me, completing thoughts or rounding out answers. We aactually worked together as a team well. We ought to. We've been doing it for 32 years now!

Please also pray for me today - Wednesday - as I have shoulder surgery this morning. Will keep you posted on that.

To our Lord be all glory! Have a good Wednesday!

New England ... by Way of Florida?

Selma and I had a rather unique (for us) travel schedule last week. We first went to Orlando for a LifeWay Kids Conference. Selma gave the opening keynote address at this national event held at the Orlando Marriott Hotel. She did awesome - she was great! And she held everyone's attention - for an hour! Selma is always aware of her audience and makes connection with them an absolute priority. Thus, she is one of the few who can talk for quite a while and not lose an audience. I think our pastor Pat is another one who can do the same (although I do sometimes give him a hard time when he is long on Sundays).

We also had the opportunity to lead a workshop there on our new book, The Parent Adventure. I also had the privilege of sitting in on a special workshop on the emotional needs of children. It was led by a couple of excellent counselors who operate right here in the Nashville area.

Orlando was a good leg on our journey.

  

We then hopped a plane to take us to Hartford, Connecticut, for a couple of days of travel around New England. Our adventures took us to Mystic, Connecticut. Selma's brother was stationed near there when Selma was 16. She spent a summer there with her brother and his wife. Years ago. Beautiful village by the Connecticut coast. We visited a state park on the coast known as Harkness Memorial State Park. This was an amazing mansion/estate on a penisula of the coast. And here's the cool thing: Selma and I had the place to ourselves! It was all but deserted.

(Just like when we went to see Fireproof in Orlando - we had the entire theater to ourselves! We went to see it at 4:00PM, so it wasn't exactly prime time, but I'd never seen a movie by myself - except in my home!)

Now I've got a thing about visiting "new states". I love new states. (New to me.) So, while we were in Mystic, Selma allowed me to drive a few miles to cross over into Rhode Island - another new state.

On Friday before the Beth Moore event that night, we headed north. We drove through Massachusetts and into Vermont. At the Vermont Welcome Center we asked about a place to eat and grab some New England calm chowder. The guy told us about Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe in Brattleboro, VT. Honest. We found it and had an incredible lunch at this hole-in-the-wall. Don't miss it if you're ever in Brattleboro!

If you can see them, we ate lunch in Vermont under the blue window coverings on the right, overlooking the river. New Hampshire is left of the river.

Then, (are you asleep yet?) we crossed the river we overlooked at lunch and went into New Hampshire for new state number four for me. One thing Brattleboro told me is that the five-and-dime, local bookstore, hardware shop, bakery, etc. is alive and well in some places. Not all of the country has gone to the chain stores. It was reassuring to see that.

Then, the Beth Moore event was in Hartford last Friday night. What a joy to be one of the "few brave men" in that church full of 3500 women! I felt protected because my wife was beside me the whole time!

Beth's message was amazing. It is always fresh. No, I mean fresh. For example, this was her 100th event with LifeWay, and it was the first time she had ever, ever spoken from the passage she shared from. It came to her from the Lord that afternoon. She had spoken four times in New England that week with four new messages. It was also a proud moment when my wife went down to counsel women at the end.

Back at the hotel, LifeWay had a reception for Beth recognizing her 10th year, her 100th event and that evening in Connecticut was her 50th state she had done with LifeWay. It was good to be around her team that simply loves Jesus like crazy. Selma and I even got to take Beth to the airport the next morning. That was a special treat. When we asked Beth how we could pray for her, her answer did not surprise me. She thought for a moment and replied: "just pray that I will love Jesus more and more".

Thank-you. Lord, for a wonderful trip of speaking and visiting some places new to us. It was just incredible in New England with the trees in bloom. You'd think Selma had never been to the Smokies before the way she went on and on about the color! It was indeed astounding.

As an extra treat (among many on this trip!) I got to run in the Bushnell Park in front of the Conn. state capitol. See below. The park was like a small Central Park of NYC. Such a nice place to run even if it was 30 degrees.

If you stayed with me till the end of this posting, thanks for reading. You obviously have the gift of long-suffering! As you know with this blog, it's either feast or famine in terms of my entries and my wordiness. And no, I haven't forgotten about the animals while running. Some of you have actually asked about that! It's Ridgecrest, North Carolina, this weekend, and then I think we will be back in pocket for a while. The animals are coming, trust me. All in time ...