Searcy

It has been great to be in searcy, Arkansas for the last three weeks. I have caught up with many, but still have not seen quite a few. I made the decision to rejoined Harding's President Council. Mainly, I wanted to give back to a place that gave me sooo much. Many of you were quite surprised that I would leave. It has been a good thing in me leaving. I still have a love for this great University. Those reading, I would encourage you to give back whether small or big. When and if you come back to campus, it has changed in many ways. But the spirit and memories that you have will come back. I want you to then decide to give back so others can have or make some of the same memories. I know for some these are bad economic times. I know that I have been blessed by God now and all of my life. When you look at the buildings at Harding immediately you might think that "Oh, they got plenty of money, they wont miss mine". I gave for scholarships which Mike Williams ( a good friend) tells me that Harding continues having a need to offer scholarship. People will give to a building and we need those people to do that. We also need you and I to help those attend the same place we had so many life changing memories. Just consider it! Those who teach and preach, I believe they still have a special way for you to join the President Council cheaper. Anyway, It has been good to be in Searcy!

Sunday!!!

Today was a very good day. I led worship in children's worship at College Church. Yes, I did say College Church. I had not been back at that church in quite a while. Someone there said this morning jokingly "You're finally coming to church" I replied that the only service I could come to would be the children's service. We both laugh, and had a great time. I enjoy being around young people especially children. I like to try and spur them on. Some people say I do this with adults- I just don't believe them most of the time. Children expressed themselves as to whether they like something or not.

I tried going over to Downtown the church where I led for many years. It was kinda hard. I heard the singing and it brought back so many memories. Authentic worship is what I was witnessing. I could not stay because of my desire to just jump up there and lead. I was trying to resist going over, until I went to college and lead their children's church. I really did missed the authentic worship at Downtown.

2nd week of uplift is going great! Last night I served again as the MC. I was up there telling jokes and getting the crowd to know each other. I have had so much fun just almost being a comedian with a 15 minute set. I used this as my door into the teenage world of those attending this week. When they think you are funny, they want to be around you more.

I will close on my condo at the end of this week. I am excited. I have to turn around and come back next week for uplift. I am looking forward to that as well. People know me more as a worship leader. I will be leading the Area-wide Searcy bible class for teenagers Wednesday at the College church. Come on and hopefully experience authentic worship. I will be sharing how great it is to be a Christian. I look forward to it.

That is my latest. I need to be outdoors right now walking and exercising. We will see how it works out when I get off of this computer. Bye!

COMMUNITY

I am in searcy, Arkansas today! Two of the large churches of Christ puts on a community carnival event to kick off their vacation bible school. I love seeing churches reaching out to the community. This is what it is all about. It is hot, but it does not matter.( I can't believe I am saying it either) I am sooo proud of the churches here. They have been doing this for awhile also combining their vbs and working together. Many times when I was here in searcy- competition of who will get the college students were a concern. Not many will acknowledge this, but I;m free to say what I want . So there it is. Anyway, today was great to see people serving and having a great time in one of the parks in Searcy. Great day for God! Tank Daniels of the New York Giants was there giving away bikes and signing autographs. No one wanted mine( I know who cares)

Uplift Uplift Uplift. This is what is about this week. Spurring on teenagers to continue their walk with God no matter what. I am excited and will continue to be. I have reconnected with many friends here in searcy. They all guess that Uplift must be here, but I have a glow about myself. Special thank you's I would love to give to Brandon Tittle and Andrew Baker. I don't know why they would want me here for 3 weeks. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet and encourage all those coming to Uplift. Last night, I met the group from Bammel Road in Houston. I am having soooo much fun. (Wife or potential wife- I am in my zone meeting new people and singing) I could go to heaven anytime now after being here with soo many on fire for Christ. This week I will be leading in the morning and at the baptisms. They have soo many, so I kinda serve as host. My other duties this week is to MC went we all get together. I love this role as well. Give me a stage and you never know what might happen. I will just say that we will have fun this week. Go be good!