What's Coming Up

Thankfully I have completed and passed the Sprinklers class. On to the next one. This weekend I plan on retriecing our camper from "The Lodge" and then on Sunday I will be preaching at Hezibah Church on Sunday at 9:30 AM and then on the LifeSong by 10:40. I will be a few minutes late but it should work out great. I am using the same message for both but in two entirely different formats. This weekend is our first weekend using the Home Fellowship format. One group is in Cherryville and the other will be in Boiling Springs. I am so excited about that! We are anticipating Christie and David's return from England next Wednesday. We talked to her yesterday and she is fine and having a blast. Chad is suppose to start his new job next week. We are still praying!

Updates

I finnally figured out how to post a pic on my profile. I have correctly done it several times but it would not take. Anyway, that is me on my profile relaxing and reading up at the Lodge in Polk County. Tonight I continue my Sprinkles Class at Crounse FD , but we will go and visit BRoyhill Industries and inspect their System. On Thursday will be the final test and I will be done with that class. It looks like I will have postpone Gaston College until the Fall Semester of next year. If Chad starts in January, three people in the same family will be too many in college. It works out best I think. I am going to knock out as much as I can on the FF certification between now and then.
Some speaking dates have came to me recently. October1st and the 15th I will be preaching at the Hezibah Church off the Dallas/Cherryville Highway. November the 14th, I will be preaching at North Side Church on Hwy 180 ion Shelby. It will be up to God to fill any other dates.
Here are some latest pics from Wellspring Church.

A update and a Praise

Last night during my training for FF Certification we were at Crouse FD and set up a working Sprinkler System. After activating it each participant had to use two different kinds of wedges and shut off the water. It was kind of fun but I got soaked. Better than sitting inside the class room all the time. I have plugged two sprinkles in my day, both at Bayliner in Shelby during my time as a full time fireman. In church news we met at the Pruett’s last Sunday and decided to begin meeting in our home groups starting this Sunday. While things were not planned out like I like them to be, we did have an idea what we may look like. The thing about our church is that it can change each and every week. They call this organic. Whatever! This past weekend we discussed times in our lives when we know that God has given us a word. Well what popped into my head is when one Sunday morning I woke and just as soon as I opened my eyes I knew that God had called me to preach. It's been a long time since then, but yesterday while driving my big truck in the mountains I asked God this. If you still want me to preach let someone ask me today to preach. About 8:00 last night after plugging a sprinkle head, I noticed I had a message. It was Neil Efird asking me to preach for him on November 12th. In my book that was a sign. So, not sure how much but when God opens the door for speaking I am going to do it! Praise His Holy Name! He has given me a Word!

This was kinda fun-Makes you think

Someone email this to me. I usually discard them but I decided to fill this one out. It really made me think about some things:

A) Four jobs you have had in your life:

1. Fireman
2. Pastor
3. Truckdriver
4. US Army

B) Movies you've watched more than once
1. Lonesome Dove
2. Broken Trail
3. Open Range
4. Outlaw Josey Wales and many other westerns

C) Four places you have lived:
1. Waco NC
2. Hendersonville NC
3.Fort Drum New York
4. Jacksonville Fla.

D) Four television shows you like to watch:
1. 24
2. The Unit
3. Gunsmoke
4. Andy Griffin Show

E) Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Myrtle Beach SC
2. Orlando Fla.
3. Outer Banks NC
4. Gatlinburg Tenn.

(F) Four websites you visit daily:
1. Blogspot
2. Yahoo mail
3. FOX News
4. My church's web page to update or add.

(G ) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Steak
2. More Steak
3. Mexican
4. Potatoes

(H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. at the beach
2. Wyoming
3. Montana
4. Anywhere in a RV traveling.

Just Thinking

THERE ARE PROBABLY A LOT OF TOUGH DECISIONS BEFORE US SO I RECKON WE MIGHT WANT TO PREPARE FOR IT.
It is Sunday Morning and I wanted to to just catch up on my thoughts.It was a good week but it was a pretty hard one. I spent three nights at the Fire Department and will do the same next week. After teaching all day Friday I was just pooped out. I did'nt go to Friday Night Live but we are having Wellspring at the Pruetts this Sunday. We should be discussing the future of the church. Anyway, Saturday was filled with rugular stuff, Coffee with Mom and Dad, tons of erands, and some good Westerns on the AMC Channel. Christie and David left Wednesday for two weeks in England with their other family and Chad spent a few days looking for a job. He has a good prospect but we will have to wait until next week. I have much in my heart this morning but I don't feel liberty to share. I would just ask anyone to pray for guidance and direction from our God. Thanks in advance for those who do. Be Blessed

Fireman Update: Monday at CFD weekly training we had ropes and ladder training. Well, actually we used all of those to remove an uptown sign (people's laundry i think) and placed it in the historical musuem. What a blast! Also, Tuesday I started the "Principles of Sprinklers" Class at Crouse Fire Dept. There are 5 nights of this training lasting over a two week period. At the end of this class I will have about 49 hours of my 336 of re-certification. I have a long way to go! Anyway, it looks like I may start Gaston College in Janueary to obtain an AAS degree in Business Adminstration w ith an concentration in Logistics Management. I am doing this to enhance my career at Psnc Energy I had to think long and hard but it would not make sense not to, so I have started the process. It is doubtfull but it would be nice if they would take some Fruitland stuff, but anyway.
Christie and David is leaving today for England. They will be on holiday for two weeks. TC and Chad are taking them to the airport tis afternoon. I pray for their safety! Chad starts his job hunt today. He is planning on visiting both Aces hrdware and Lowes. I pray it will go good!

Thank You Jesus

To quote TC, "I would have never passed if people were not praying". Well she did pass and I for one am glad to see her past this stressful moment. She does have to wait on the results for the writing part , but I think that will be cool too. Thanks for all your prayers.

Lifesong started meeting again on Friday Nights. Cecil and Lorrie are overseeing this meeting and I will be overseeing the Sunday meeting. We should find out next Sunday more of the plans for Wellspring church so I am looking forward to that. We missed church yesterday because of the test but for some reason I feel as though I went. That is just wierd! More thoughts later.

Big Prayer Request

This weekend TC has to take her Praxis Test. She is a bit stressed out by the whole thing, so I ask that you pray for her. Oddly enough she has to take the test Sunday Morning in Ashville NC at 11:00 AM. So, please remember her this weekend. We are going to spend the night with Christie in Brevard and then head to Asheville that morning. Thanks!

Contemplating Christianity

On Wednesday as I was driving East on I-40 going from Asheville to Statesville I was just thinking about glad I am that I am saved. Saved from what you might ask, Hell! Think about it, Jesus did not save me from myself or some terrible life, but from the very pits of an eternal Hell. You gotta love that! So, here is what I was thinking. Being a believer means a couple of things that makes it quite different than any other religion in the world.
First, ours is not a Religion but it is a Relationship. We have a very intimate relationship with Jesus. I could talk for hours about this. The Lord is one who lives in us and through us. It is His design that takes someone like me and uses them for His Kingdom. Not sure I would do that so God knows what He is doing for sure. As Children we sang "He's got the whole world in his hands". STill true today! Secondly, ours is not a Demand it is a Decision. We do not have to follow God. We would be stupid if we did'nt, but God offers us a choice. Follow Christ or follow the world. Finnally, ours is not about Laws but about Love. You see we have plenty of commands from God on how we should live, but these are intended for our good not our control. The one who created us is trying to show us the best way in which to live. Well there could be much more to say on this matter, but that is just what came to my head. Thanks God for sharing this with me yesterday. I kinda kept my mind off the rain, Blessings

A Conquest for Compassion

To investigate compassion is quite an eye opening experience. I know that it is something required for believers, yet should it not come easy. Please don’t misunderstand me for obvious reason I have a big heart. I love to give to people and when it comes to the helpless and the defensive child my heart just melts for them. I am talking about compassion for the least deserving of mankind. The ones that most people turn away from. Recently, in a parking lot in Shelby upon exiting my truck I came head face with an apparent homeless man. Instead of looking around or past him I decided to look him square in the eye. I acknowledged him as a human being. Let me tell you that felt good. I guess a step in the right direction. Perhaps now I can learn to follow through on my thoughts. I looked plenty as scripture and thought I would just post some here.

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Psalms 86:15

Psa 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion.

Mat 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Mat 20:34 So Jesus had compassion [on them], and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.* 21 Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.* Jude 1 :20-23

The Day America Changed

Boy, do I have tons to say on this matter, however that is not the reason for this post. This is for remembering all the heroes, saints and such. People who were just your everyday kinda people. Dads, Moms and brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, next door neighbors and folks like that. These people stepped up to the plate and did what they could. I watched like most of you in total horror and unbelief that this happened on our watch. My heart breaks for the loved ones left behind. But my heart is also angry at these murdering people who did this that are not worth the price of the food they eat, nor worth the price of a good rope. Sorry about the analogy there. I think of those folks on United Flight 93 who stood with max. bravery and did what they could. I think of all the rescue workers coming to the aid of their fellow Americans. I think of the ones who stayed for months doing the clean up and all those in support. What was meant to tear us apart, actually brought us together yet, it seems to have faded in the past. Perhaps remembering might bring it back. I cannot believe that our Government and elected official have failed so miserably in protecting us and it seems to not be getting any better. Man, I sure hope the get their head out of you know where and do their job. OH, I forgot their getting ready to leave what they get paid for and go and campaign so they can get tons of money to still do nothing after getting re-elected. Man, what a job! Anyway, I pray they be convicted by their remembrance and get some stuff done. My closing prayer, God, Be with our elected officials and guide them according to your purpose, continue to be with our troops and keep them from harms way and may the battle be won swiftly so they may return to their families, In Christ name, Amen

Of a Serious Consideration

For about 6 months TC and I have been living in my grandparents house. My Grandmother passed away last January. My Grandfather is still living at Carolina Care but his mind is going fast. My heart just broke last time I was there as he did not know who I was. My Aunt has been taking care of the house and to be hones I thought it was so cool that I was living here. My cousin lives next door in her Grandparents house. Our Grandmothers were sisters and it is wierd that we both work for PSNC Energy in Gastonia. I like living here, but I do not like the traffic and busyness of this area. I long to be able to hear the birds and crickets more. It is early Sunday morning as I type this so I can hear the birds now, but during the day there is just too much activity around here. Between Food Lion across the street and Wise Electric next door there is no darkness. Their security lights keep it lit around here all the time. For months we have looked at several options. !.) Continue to stay here or Options 2&3 both involve building or placing something beside my parents house on their land. It is probably something I will wind up with anyway (I Hope) so it makes sense. Yesterday, TC and I applied for a loan for one of the options. I pray this morning that God's Will shall be accomplished and that TC and i will have a peace about any decisions we will have to make!

I am also praying about returning to college. I have an opportunity to attend Gaston and get a AAS Degree in Logistics Management. I am seriously considering this so I need your prayers. A fun filled day is ahead. We will have church over at Moss Lake again today near the campground and come home. TC will be doing homework and I am going to give the dogs a bath and watch football. Gotta love it!

Some More about Anger

I read where a friend had been delivered from some form of anger. I thought to my self,"well that is great but I don't feel that that I have". So, I asked God, Lord how can I be delievered from anger? Why do I get so mad? How is is that I can not handle simple thing without get angry?
AND THEN! I realized that on September 3rd I made a post about anger and guess what. I have not been mad since, How did this happen without me knowing it. It was suppose to be a big scene, right. You know what I mean don't you. I was suppose to spend hours praying and fasting and then a beam of light from the heavesn was to penetrate my body with healing. OK, too Star Trekky. I was suppose to FEEL something happen right! But I did not. I only realized it when I sat down to write this. That is Awesome!
Something else too, my sitution with compassion has increased as well. You may remember that I said I would look at people differently. I find my self actually speaking to people that previously I would probably not have given the time of day. I know you don't have that problem, however I did. I see some people and I think,"what a drain on society". I guess I still have a problem with some, as would probably be justified, but until I know the person I cannot make a judgement on their character or intentions. So, that is what I have learned. I too can say that I have recieved a delieverance of sort. Blessings abounding!

My personal prayer request:

• Continued increase of compassion and anger management
• God's Perfect Will of what He wants me to do!
• God's Will for our housing in the future
• TC has she gets busy with school.

In our Church life as Wellspring wraps up her summer tour of parks, backyards and lakes or rivers, we are coming to a place to meet and discuss where God is leading us. Lifesong, as a part of wellpsring, will have a great future too. I like to make it plain that Lifesong is a part of Wellpsring and will always be. No matter what happens in the future, we will stay connected. I am sastified for Lifesong to be absorbed by Wellspring , but Terry has said that so far it should continue to thrive along side of Wellspring. That is cool. It looks like that we will begin meeting on Sundays in October again. Cecil has begun a Friday night thing at his house and I hope to start one for adults only at some point in the future. God is blessings so we must ermain faithful and stick to the task!

Not Sure the deal, but cool

This is my 100 post since I started this thing last year sometime. I have been amazed at the folks she do read it. I didn't think anyone would, but that is not the case. I have received several messages from people who read this thing, why I do not know. For example, my bud in California, a friend in Chicago, one in Utah (who I went to high school with) one young dude from Ohio, and of course at least two co-workers, my parents, (hopefully my daughter) and a few others. I am not sure why I like it so much, but I do. My wife would probably say it is because I like to talk. Could be! Probably is! Anyway, I plan to keep going. So, this is the Big 100

In other news, Christie, our daughter, called yesterday to say she will have her final interviews next Monday for the University. She has long desired to work at the university she graduated from. Even during school days she never wanted to leave there. I hope she will go on to get her Masters and one day become a Professor there. Not much else, so I'll get ready for work. This month is pretty rough as some weeks are 6 days. Oh well, bring on the overtime!

Top Cat

Top Cat is the nick name that TC's brothers gave her when she was young. At some point in time she no longer wanted to be called topcat. So, TC was invented. I have called her that for so long that her name just seems wierd. Her name is Mary and I just don't know it very well. TC is just a natural thing now. I mention all of this because I was just mindfull of my wife as I woke this morning. For 23 years she has been my faithful compaion. Through good and bad times we have made it through. We have reaised two children together, joined the army together, went into full time ministry together and also owned and operated our own tractor-trailor truck. Many times TC would pull into a truck stop or rest area and when we would get out she could not get over the fact that she was driving such a large vehicle.

TC- had a great summer working at South Mountain Baptist Camp. It was tough work, but she made it. By the time summer was over and camp had ended, it was time for her to head back to work at Washington and back to attending full time college. Continue to pray for her as she is stretched this semester with her work load. She only has two more semesters to complete and then she will student teach for one semester. TC has worked hard and long to be a teacher. Her commitment has been inspiring as many would have quit by now. I (Wade) am very proud of her and I am honored to be her husband.

Wellspring had church had the Lodge yesterday. I t was realy good. Terry really preached with a passion. Some stayed but we did not. TC did'nt feel good and there are tons to do around here. We are meeting Christie and David back upo there again this afternoon for some fun in the river.

Understanding Anger

As you may remember I mentioned that one of my problems is anger. Simply put, I get angry too fast. I read an article recently that talked about anger as an emotion. Ok, I can handle that. The wroter talked about good emotions and bad emotions. She claimed that if we are to enjoy the good ones we must experience the bad ones as well. I understand that, but as a Believer in christ, I must allow the Holy spirit to control me, not my emotions. You know some days I just don't fel saved, yet I know that is something that cannot be taken from me. My wife told mne one time that I watch way too many westerns. this is true as I watch some of them over and over. I guess it is a fantasy world that I live in sometimes,range justice if you will. I know that this society does not have a place for such a thing, but it would be nice I think.
The Bible speaks plenty of anger as it is mentioned 234 times . Even God gets angry as in these verses, Hsa 13:11 I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.
Hsa 14:4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. Interesting enough and very simple the NT speaks plainly, Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
So, as Ephesians says, "Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"

When time allows I would like to study the triggering device that brings anger. I guess as some has said that some anger is good. There are plenty of things that we ought to get made about, just in a good way. Does that make sense. Oh well, that is all I have for now.

Getting Busy

It's Saturday morning. I had to get up early to have computer time. In a little while TC will be spending the whole day on her studies. She has to because this is her only day. We had to pick up Chad last night after work and we have church up at the lodge this Sunday and we are planning on camping overnight and staying through Monday. So, this is it. I have to put belts on the truck(Toyota T-100) and then cut the grass, wash my clothes and clean up the house. Actually maybe Chad will cut the grass, not sure. Anyway, I do not want to complain, but what man wants to fill his Saturday with all of this crap. Oh well, it must be done si I should get with it. First I am going to see my Mom. Thanks to all who said they were praying for her as she is recovering well. God bless