Sunday Summary August 5, 2012

Marilyn and I arrived at Zack and Amanda's last night around 10:00pm. Well, actually we arrived at the home where Zack and Amanda were housesitting for the night. It is the home of the family Amanda serves as a nanny and arrangements were made for us to stay there with Zack & Amanda.

On Sunday morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast together and then headed to church at Kenwood Baptist. Sunday school was on 1 Timothy 5 and we enjoyed the material that was taught. The Pastor was begining a new series on the Song of Solomon. He had the introductory message today. After the worship service we stayed for a "Pot Luck" luncheon that they have each Sunday.

As a Pastor, it is good for me to attend church as a "visitor" from time to time. It is good to have that expereince and to be reminded of how it feels to be a visitor. I know it is always good to make guests feel welcome and I am so grateful for the friendliness of the Everett Springs Church family.

I thought of our church family often today. I trust you had a great day of worship and I am confident that Donny Payne ministered the Word well.

I am grateful for the time off and am looking forward to the rest of our week. Tomorrow we head to Kendalville, IN to visit with Marilyn's family. We will be with them on Monday night, all day Tuesday and then we will begin to head back on Wednesday. A two night stop is planned for Dollywood on our return trip home.

Well, I better sign off for now and enjoy the rest of the evening with Zack and Amanda.

Take Care,
Pastor Mike

I Voted Three Times This Week

Yes, it is true; I voted three times this week. I should explain myself before you accuse me of voter fraud. There was no fraud involved in my voting experience of the past two days.

On Tuesday, I exercised my constitutional right as a citizen and voted for the individuals who best represented my beliefs and principles. Thankfully it appears a large number of Georgians voted in a similar manner. We want individuals who are morally sound, financially conservative, and who understand the concept of accountability.

Today I cast two votes. These votes were recorded at the two Chick-Fil-A locations here in Rome, GA. My purchase provided me with a delicious char grilled salad and sweet tea at the Dwarf House and then I went over to the mall location for a Hand Spun chocolate shake for desert. Both locations were packed.

The Dwarf house was the busiest I have ever seen it. The line went from the front counter to the front door. The drive through line circled out through the parking lot and past the Provino’s restaurant that is next door. Apparently there are numerous people who appreciate Chick-Fil-A! I also assume there are a large number of individuals who support the idea of a marriage being between a man and a woman. We showed up today to say by our presence (and our purchases) that we agree with Mr. Dan Cathy.

I find it interesting that fewer than 5 percent of Americans identify themselves as gay or lesbian. You can read more about that statistic HERE. I also find this MAP of the US and same sex marriages to be enlightening. It seems to me that the issue is not Mr. Dan Cathy’s values being out of line with the rest of the country. No, it is Mr. Rahm Emanuel who is out of step with the majority of our citizens. As of February 2012, same sex unions are either banned by law or state constitutions, or both in 29 states.

All this reminds me how important it is for each of us to vote and to vote often. At the ballot box and at the lunch counter. It’s time for us to be Secure in what we believe, to Stand for what we believe and be willing to Show others with our words and deeds what we believe.

That’s what I believe – what about you?