Too much rain

We had about 6 inches of rain this afternoon in Wagoner. This picture is at Emily's school. The driver (who attends my church) says she was swept off the city street and into the ditch by fast moving water on the street. The police had arrived and had closed the street for nearly 6 blocks because most of it was underwater and you couldn't see the ditches. It was a real mess picking the kids up from school. Audrey's school parking lot was under about 8 inches of water.

Singing Sally

Here's Sally singing "Why?" at church last night.

Sing a Song (or two)

Last night at church, we had our "Fifth Sunday Sing". Each month that has 5 Sundays is designated to make the evening service a song service where anyone who feels led can sing a song, play an instrument, give a testimony, etc. Audrey and Emily and two friends sang "Shout to the Lord". They did a fine job!

I Am the Way

Here is Emily singing "I Am the Way" at our 5th Sunday Sing last night at church.

Tom Elliff

Tom Elliff spoke at the Impact2008 Conference on how the small church can be actively involved with international missions. Tom is the former pastor of First Southern, Del City, OK, and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith provided the worship songs for Impact2008. He is a talented musician with a heart for glorifying God. His wife and small child were also at the conference with us. I bought 3 of his CD's, so you know that must mean I thought he was good.

Friends

Micah Fries, Rick Boyne, Kevin Bussey taken by my new friend, Quinn Hooks at Impact2008.

Glad to be home

After a whirl-wind trip to North Carolina, it is good to be home. I enjoyed the Impact2008 conference and was greatly encouraged by it. I was afforded a "full scholarship" to attend this conference which included round-trip airfare, lodging, and a rental car. I was given a 2008 Hyundai (can't remember the model) and I must say: since the last time I have been in a Hyundai (198?), boy! they've come a long way! It was really nice. It had XM radio and a sunroof!

The conference was held at Lewisville Baptist Church. The folks there were exceedingly genuinely nice. They provided all meals except for lunch on Saturday.

I am grateful to Les Puryear, the pastor, and the whole church for making my stay so wonderful. We serve a Great God!

Surprise from Chiang Mai

Our friends, Phil & Valerie, (otherwise known as Bill and Celery) paid us a surprise visit yesterday afternoon! It is so good to see them. We knew them when we lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Les Puryear

Les Puryear coordinated the Impact2008 conference. He gave us each a booklet he wrote called "The Beauty of the Small Church". I am so impressed with the genuine-ness of his church. What wonderful folks!

Great Time in No. Carolina!

Today was a really great day in Lewisville, NC!


We heard from Dr. Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, who spoke on the function of the small church in the SBC


and from Micah Fries on technology in the small church.

In North Carolina

I'm sitting in the Super 8 Motel in Clemmons, NC. I am participating in Impact2008 Small Church Conference hosted by Lewisville Baptist Church.

My blog friend, Les Puryear, was inspired to conduct the conference after realizing that over 80% of SBC churches are 200 and less members. There has never been a conference like this before.

I have been able to see my friend Micah Fries, with whom I served in West Africa, and I have been able to meet another blog friend, Kevin Bussey.

Tonight, we heard from Brad Waggoner, VP of Broadman Holman and Alvin Reid, professor of evangelism at SEBTS.

Music & worship is being provided by Matthew Smith. He sings that new version of "Come Thou Fount" that you hear on Christian radio.

It is a really, really cool conference and I am glad I came. I can't wait til tomorrow.

Bradford Pears

Here's how the Bradford Pear Trees look over at the church.

First Day of Spring!

Ahhh! The first day of spring!


Flowers blooming!


And within one minute of the mower starting, I was sneezing!

Missy

Here's our "brain damaged" cat, Missy, playing with a twisty-tie in the kitchen.