The Ending Of An Icon...The New Beginning...

All great things must eventually come to an end. October 1st, marked the official closing of a south Arkansas icon. Even though the doors had been locked weeks before and the aroma still somehow lingered in the air, Dad's Place is now a living memory. Yes, a part of me is sad...but the overwhelming majority of me is estatic because God was able to sell our business to a wonderful Christian couple who wants to continue the ministry that our family began in 2004. The new name...'The Coffee Bean'. If you are in the area, please do yourself a favor and stop in...tell them 'Dad sent ya!'

It has been a road unlike anyother that I have traveled. When God called us to move to the Northcoast of Ohio, we began seeking His guidance and understanding. We knew that He and only He could sell our business. And so to Jesus Christ, we give ALL glory and honor and praise for providing for our family and selling our beloved 'Dad's Place.' Thanks to each of you, many whom I've never met, for your countless hours of prayer and support for our family during this incredible journey!

Over the next few weeks and months, I plan on taking you down the many roads that we have traveled seeking God's perfect Will...desiring nothing but to please Him. Be sure to drop by often as this will be a journey you really don't want to miss.

I've started my new part-time job, and with the sale of our business, we're beginning to get back in somewhat of a routine. Something that I've missed drastically! I'm an extremely organized individual and coupled with my distinct adult ADHD, I've been a proverbial 'basket case'! This routine is such a welcomed relief!

As you can tell, there is such a sense of relief...a massive burden that has been lifted in our lives. A relief that can only come from the ONE who gives hope...from the ONE whose timing is always on time...from the ONE whose love is like no other...from the ONE who we will forever praise. His name is Jesus...the name above all other names...our Savior...our Provider...our King.

Denise Goes Batty At Fall Retreat...

This was one of those times that you 'had to have been there'.

We had left Tiffin earlier that morning and had enjoyed a nice, relaxing ride down to the southeastern part of the state. This was our first adventure over in that area, so we took our time, had stopped off at Dairy Queen for burgers and shakes, and arrived somewhere around 2:00pm. If my guesstimates are correct, we were really close to the West Virginia state line. There in the beautiful mountains, nestled in this incredible state park was our Seneca Lake Baptist Campground. This was an absolute masterpiece of nature. Breathtaking.

After registration was complete, we unloaded our things in our room, and made our way over to the chapel. We had been asked to set up a table display for our Collegiate Ministry, and it was going to be in the display area of the chapel (more on this later). We finished the display and was blessed to participate in the other activities that were on the itenerary.

After the evening meal, it was time for a "'round the campfire" time of praise & worship music. The fire was gorgeous as it danced in the dusk of the evening, doing it's best to remove the chill in the air that was settleing in for the night. A praise team from southern Ohio had their equipment set up, near the fire-site. And as they began to lead the group in an intimate time of worship, you could almost sense the presence of God descending...

Denise and I had chosen to remain on the patio, adjacent to the campfire site. More seating was available, and to be honest, we had a much better view. I always have loved to be able to watch others worship...

Then, the excitement began...

We were sitting next to the main campground building in this patio area. I had my head laid back against the brick wall, soaking in all the music. It was at that moment when I was almost in the moment...eyes were closed, my hands were raised...that I raised up away from the wall. As soon as I did, Denise jerked away from the wall, hitting me and almost knocking me off of the bench I was sitting on. As I looked back at Denise to see what in the world just happened, I saw something flying out of the corner of my eye. I looked up at Denise, and I was getting that look...you know what I'm talkin' about...'the look'. It was that look that I always get when I've obviously done something. In my loving manner, I blurted out 'What?' 'What in world...' It was still there...the look! And in our greatest surprise, we both turned to look at the lady who was sitting on the other side of Denise, and she was the color of cotton...scared to death. All she could say was, "It was a BAT!"

A WHAT?!

She repeated herself. Denise and I looked at each other and shook our heads and said, 'Ain't No Way!' The lady said, yes it was!

This bat had flew down the side of the building and turned the corner where we were sitting at that exact moment that I raised up from the wall. Not realizing anybody was in it's way, it flew into Denise, making her think that I had hit her. But when she looked at me, both of my hands were in front of me as I was enjoying the worship. Obviously, this bat was in serious need of a radar over-haul! I'll bet he re-navigates his path the next time he decides to fly around that corner at Mach 8.

There is one good thing that came about this...I sure am glad I had raised up from the brick wall, or that crazy bat would have flew right into the side of my head!

Organ Donor...

I've been going to church so long, it seems as if I might have even been born in a church. I honestly can't remember my family not being in church. And with each memory, comes the striking knowledge that if it's a Baptist church, then it's 'got to have' a piano AND an organ. As a young boy growing up, I never really knew exactly what the organ was. I just knew that it was this big brown wooden thing that took up space on the stage where my Daddy preached. No one ever went around it....no one was allowed to go around it. When any of us younger kids got anywhere close to it, there was always this voice that penetrated the rafters of the sanctuary, "You kids get away from the organ...don't ya'll know any better than to mess with that? I remember when Sister so-and-so played that organ, it sounded just like Heaven was about to break through the ceiling..." By this time I don't remember if we were so scared from the booming voice that echoed through the building or the fact that if Heaven did break through the ceiling, we didn't want to be under it!

It wasnt' until my middle teenage years that I fully understood the 'power and authority that had been vested' into each organ throughout the land. This was truly a devise that had been given god-like status direct from above. Many put this right up there with the Ark of the Covenant. And, if you were capable of playing this blessed instrument, then people would bow at your feet at a moments notice... and your every wish was fulfilled by the Pastor and the Music Director.

This thing scared me. I wouldn't go near it for fear of this long elastic arm that would stretch through the church and yank me away from it, and if someone was playing it, the roof might fall in. This kept me on my toes during church, I'll tell you that. I would watch it, just to see if it moved or something...it had to have supernatural power.

Now that I'm older, I still have a great respect...fear if you just want to know the truth...for this instrument. Many congregations still revere it's majesty...and there are new generations being raised to fear it just as I was. However, this past weekend, my fear of this magnificent musical masterpiece has been quenched. For it was at a Fall Retreat that Denise and I attended, that someone has figured out the absolute best way to use this instrument and to remove all fear that surrounds it.

It makes a great sound board control center.

Wednesday, September 12th...

Top 'o the morning to you! It's a brisk 53 degrees with clear skies and a WNW wind at 6 MPH, here on Ohio's North Coast. Looks like the high today will be a sultry 66 degrees with overnight lows headed toward 46. Friday night's low...all the way down to a chilly 43 degrees. Better keep the coffee hot!

Are you kidding me?! I'm going through the house now with 3 layers of clothes, Holy Cow!

After we got home last night and I had survived my culture shock, I ended up working and reading till about 1:00am this morning. I finished my Bible Study for Thursday Nights h2o gathering, and, I finished one of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read.

I've always been a fan of Dan Kimball. His first two books, 'Emerging Church' and 'Emerging Worship' have remained on my Top Shelf ever since I read them the first time back in '02-'03. They were both an easy read, but the material was fascinating. However, he has recently released a new book that is sure to garnish it's share of critics. The title alone, made me want to read it. So as soon as it was released, I had to have a copy. And man I'm glad I got it. "They Like Jesus But Not The Church...insights from emerging generations" is without a doubt, one of the MUST READS for anyone or any church that is truly committed to reaching today's emerging generation. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) released a study in December '06 that listed the 18 to 25 year old age group as the 2nd largest unreached people group in North America. That group is over 17 million strong. The insights are priceless. This book shows positive and encouraging examples of current churches that are reaching and connecting with emerging generations WITHOUT compromising the TRUTH. I am certain that this book will be a 're-read' for me, time and time again.

BTW...what are YOU reading right now? What is God using to stir your heart? I would love to know...you can share it with us by using the Comment Section at the bottom of this post.

Time to go...my cup's empty...and I need more coffee...

Culture Shock...

When I stepped outside this morning, I wasn't greeted with the normal heat and humidity that I was accustomed to in South L.A. Instead, I was given a 'big hello' from a steady breeze of about 15 mph and a morning temperature in the mid 50's. That got my attention. I immediately headed for the coffee pot. Wow, that was an eye opener!

Today, I had a meeting with the Associational Missionary (A.M.) Dan Duffy, concerning the ministry here in Tiffin. He's a super guy...and he has this unusual habit...after he gets to know someone, when he greets them or is saying good-bye, he kisses them on the head. I guess my hair is too spikey for his likey cause he's only did that once to me. But man, he's a good guy.

The rest of the day has been spent getting ready for a retreat that we will be attending this weekend. We've been invited to set up a display booth at the Ohio State Women's Fall Retreat at Seneca Lake Retreat Center. Please pray for us as we travel...it's about a 3 hour drive.

But late this evening, I have experienced a massive case of culture shock. Denise and I were on our way back from the laundry mat...oh and by the way, we haven't had our own washer and dryer for 7 weeks now, talk about taking something for granted...and as we were almost home, I noticed something very unusual sitting in the parking lot at one of the neighborhood gas stations. Now back in Arkansas, it's common place for different parking lots to serve as 'self-service' used car lots. The big parking lot behind DP was usually lined with cars and trucks for sale by owner. But nooooooo, not today. There is was...parked out at the end of the parking lot next to the busy street, all by it's lonesome...was a SNOW PLOW attached to the front of a late model truck! And the whole thing was for sale...truck and plow! Today is September 11th. I'm normally used to still being in shorts and t-shirts, going to the Billie Football games in short-sleeves. But what did my wondering eyes should see, but a truck with a snow plow as plain as it could be! UNBELIEVABLE for this southern boy! If these things are going to be making an entrance into the public eye, can you imagine what's in store in just a few weeks? We were told last week to expect the first frost of the season around October 1st. WHAT? Are you jokin'?

OK, enough ravin' for the night...have an incredible evening...I'll see you soon...

Monday Morning Cobwebs...

I don't know about you, but there are many a Monday that is hard for me to get the weekend cobwebs out of my head. It's that ol' body saying, 'Just one more day for the weekend!' But I'm sure this is nothing that a few pots of coffee can't cure! We've had a lazy, drery weekend. Our plans to attend TU's football game on Saturday night was washed away...I'm talking the bottom fell out a couple of times this weekend. Rain...rain...and even more rain was on the menu. So far this morning, it seems to be kinda damp still. I haven't checked the weather forecast for the day, but I DO know that the high today is only supposed to get around 74 degrees. That sounds so funny...me saying that the high is ONLY going to be 74. Down in the Delta of Arkansas, I'm used to saying 174 degrees! Just one of the many things to become accustomed to.

Even though we had rain, the weekend was still good. Saturday started off with our Men's Breakfast and Bible Study at GBC...I cooked the sausage! And the Bible study, just unusually good...'A Spirit-Filled Life' was the subject. Got a chance to watch a little college football on the tube on Saturday. Even watched some of the Ohio State game over at the Pastor's house. He was like a kid in a candy store with a pocket full of quarters! On Friday, he had 'fired' the local cable company from his house and had 'hired' Direct TV. Seems as though Direct TV carries the Big Ten Network. 'Nuff said! And speaking of the Big 10...what's up with Michigan?

This week will be a busy one for us. Bible study prep for Thursday night...plus all of the PowerPoint stuff that goes along with it. Denise and I are leaving for Seneca Lake Retreat Center on Friday, we're setting up a booth for h2o at the SCBO's State Women's Retreat. She and I will return on Saturday afternoon. So we've got several things to do to get ready for that trip. We have to pick up some printing tomorrow that we've had done for this weekend, and for a couple of other booth opportunities we have upcoming. Prayerfully, my training at my new job will begin this week. I'm really looking forward to that! Something totally new for me...I'll share the details later! And I've got a LOT of little things that I have to do this week...I'll spare you the gory details!

Hope your Monday gets off to a great start...wait...what's that?...there's a familiar aroma in the air...ummmmm! Now that's what I'm talking about...you know it...that means....yep, I'm outta here...my coffee's ready!

Friday, September 7th...

It's a cool morning on the campus of Tiffin University. I'm sitting across the street at this neat little coffee shop called Java Rave! The coffee definitely gets a 'thumbs up' from me. And the owners, Jeff and Jenny, are super folks. When you're in the area, make sure to stop by...tell them that Jim sent you.

We've had a busy week. Tab is settling in at TU, getting somewhat of a routine. Denise is busy trying to keep Tab and me going in the right direction. I couldn't get anything accomplished without her...Denise does so much for me, it's unbelievable.

We were able to look at the house this past week that we've been waiting on. It really seems like it would be a perfect fit for our family. We're planning on meeting the owner of the house later this month to confirm it. We're praying that by then, that we will be financial OK to go ahead and lease it.

God has really blessed us this past week. When I posted our last update a couple of nights ago, God did some pretty serious stuff! Since I posted the praise and prayer needs of our ministry, you can go here to read the post, God blessed with one church confirming a monthly financial support of $100; 2 other churches will be voting in the next couple of weeks to do the same thing! PTL! I was blown away when I received an email, just minutes after I last posted, from a young family in the ministry, that they have a laptop computer they want to give us for our ministry! I should have it within the next couple of weeks! God is absolutely unbelievable! Our home church, Grace Baptist, gave us 3 reems of colored paper...so you can imagine what type of printing we'll be doing over the next few weeks. Thanks so much GBC!

I have been really seeking God's direction about the possibility of getting a couple of mission teams to come up here to Ohio next summer and work with us. And much to my surprise, I've been contacted by 2 different churches this past week about that exact same thing! Seems like God has already been working in hearts of these pastors...and has placed our collegiate ministry firmly in the forfront of their missions focus. It's so cool to see God at work like that.

We were blessed by getting a few copies of 'The Jesus Film' on DVD this past week for our evangelism push on campus. The neat thing about that, is, the DVD comes in 9 different languages! This will cover so much ground for us with the international students on campus.

Last night at h2o, we had 6 students and 4 adults for our 2nd week. 5 of those students were returning students from the 1st week! Possibly a 'core group' forming...? Pray for that!

That's about it for now, thanks for keeping us in your prayers. Please stay in touch. We would love to hear from you.

Serving Him in Ohio,

Jim, Denise & Tabitha

You can email me here.

You can email Denise here.