Saturday, May 31, 2008

"Builders for Christ" arriving

WOW! It is Saturday, May 31 and "Builders for Christ" started arriving yesterday at our new property. The metal building is up and ready for them to begin framing. At this point, 111 are coming this week to help us to frame the building. Under the direction of Bro. Bobby Lunceford, this group is in their 11th year of building churches and this year they are for the first time ever, doing two churches. I am glad we are one of them.

How exciting!!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately?

David Wilkerson Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately writes about “God has provided some better thing for us….” (Hebrews 11:40). But how shall we define that better thing? Better health benefits? Better goatskins? Better financial arrangements? Better times of ease and prosperity? Bigger barns?

No! I say God has provided for us something better in His only begotten Son. We should be spending more time getting into Jesus than trying to get something out of Him. We should not be praying that God make things happen for us, but to us.

Faith is a gift, not a diploma. Faith should not be a burden or a puzzle. The more childlike it is, the better it works. You need no seminar or textbook; you need no guide. The Holy Spirit will lead you close to Jesus – who is the Word – by whom cometh faith.”

Monday, May 26, 2008

Monday, May 26

We had a wonderful day of worship yesterday with Bro. Darrin English leading music and preaching. We honored our graduates and it was Bro. Jeremy Clemmons' official first day with us as Student Pastor.

I have good news from Reagan. Allen is reporting that she has had a good weekend and had a "GREAT day today (Monday)." They took her for a "walk" around the floor in a special wheelchair and her AWANA Commanders (Lin and Sandy Lilies) were there to be with her for the ride. Also, she is eating good so that is encouraging.

Pray for Mike and Brenda Trousdale's daughter, Carrie Tracey. Carrie has a one-month old baby and today they have discovered a mass on her liver. The doctors believe it is not cancerous. They live in the greater Nashville area.

Also we are so excited for Bobby and Beth Clemmons as they were called yesterday to serve as Student Pastor at Muscle Shoals Baptist Church. We will miss this family but are so excited for them. We send them with our very best of God's blessings. They have served the Lord well at CrossRoads and I know they will continue to do the same there.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend Thoughts

This is Memorial Day weekend when we seek to remember those who have died and gone before us.

We wish to pray for families of more than 4,000 Americans who have lost their lives in the Iraq/Afghanistan war. What we cannot quantify is the pain these families are enduring because of their losses.

I am told that on this day years ago people would gather at cemeteries to remember the dead. I like that. How did Southerners ever move it to Sunday? I digress.

But when we remember those who have gone before us, it is like the “Great cloud of witnesses” that Hebrews 12 refers to. These are pastors, great stalwarts of the church, Sunday School teachers, music leaders, grannies, and family members who have “fought the fight and finished the course.” They are now cheering us on to do likewise.

Dottie Rambo died May 11, as most of you know. When I heard of her death on that Mother’s Day afternoon, I immediately thought of her great song, “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.” The words go like this: “See the bright lights shine, its just about home time. I can see My Father standing at the door. This world has been a wilderness, but I’m ready for deliverance. Oh, I’ve never been this homesick before. I can see the family gather. Sweet faces, there all familiar. But no one’s old or feeble anymore. Oh, this lonesome heart is cryin’ Think I’ll spread my wings for flying’. Lord, I’ve never felt this homesick before.”

I grew up on the Rambos, Goodmans, Speers and the like. I still like that music. It speaks to the heart.

Now, Dottie has joined that “cloud” and we are still pressing on. But we are walking this path under the cloud of great soldiers of the faith. And as we think of them, it makes the heat of the day more bearable.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Friday, May 23

As you know I use this avenue to communicate personal items from my life and family, to post "thoughts" that I receive as I read and devotional thoughts (there have not been many of these postings here for awhile - we go in seasons, don't we?) and church related items.

Let me continue to post concerning church related items today.

I saw Reagan and Allen yesterday in Birmingham. Reagan has had two "uneventful" days which is good news for them. They have received the official word that she is totally paralyzed from her neck down and our heart grieves with them. Pray for their strength and for continual wisdom. They are still anticipating her being there 4-6 (possibly 8) weeks.

Darrin English is leading music for us Sunday and I have asked him to preach, as well. I knew him as an effective communicator of the Word before I knew of his music leadership abilities. But when I was told he was free to lead our music, I secured him but with the understanding that it was just music. Well, God has not let me get away from this impression the last two days that he needs to preach Sunday. So, I'm glad to announce Bro. Darrin will be leading music and preaching for us Sunday. I look forward to it!!

It is Graduate Honor Service Sunday for us as well. Bro. Dan will be honoring our graduates. We have six: Jessica Butler, Florence Christian Academy; Seth Chambers, Brooks High School; Amanda Davis, Clements High School; Mitch Farris, Brooks High School; Brittany Harvey, Lexington High School and Caleb Roden, Brooks High School. We are proud of you all and wish you God's very best!!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Days of Change for our Student Ministry

Our church officially welcomes Bro. Jeremy Clemmons to our church staff as our Student Pastor. We are delighted God has led this family to CrossRoads. His is married to DeNita and they have three children: Alivia, 6; Chalea, 3; and Kade, 9 months.

As we begin this new season of student ministry, let us be reminded that our Sovereign Leader of the church moves His leaders and in so doing, brings new leadership to lead in new directions. One of the toughest assignments a minister can receive is to follow someone who had long tenure in the same place. There is a tendency for the people not to let the “old” go so God can do the “new.” This is only natural. But we are called to be supernatural and spiritual and to become followers of Jesus; not a human being. These are great times of our lives to discern who and why are we doing what we are doing.

One thing that can help is a good interim and we have had that. The last nine months has been a good bridge for us. Bro. Dan Arant has done a fablous job of ministering with our students and I have spoken of his effort in other writings.

But we must let God use Bro. Jeremy with his abilities and visions and not require him to be and do like someone else in order to be a success in our eyes. Let him be himself and go with the vision that God has given him. There will be changes. Some we will like immediately; others will be more difficult.

I know this is hard, but it is Biblical. There had to be an announcement in Joshua 1 that “Moses is dead, Joshua is now your leader.”

I hope one day someone will say these words to CrossRoads when I leave because it will need to be said.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Reagan's new mailing address

Reagan was moved into a private room today at Children's Hospital. They are telling Allen and JeriAnn that she will most likely be there 6-8 more weeks. If you would like to write or visit, here is the address:
Reagan McBride
c/0 Children's Hospital
Room 552
1600 17th Avenue S.
Birmingham, AL 35233

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Saturday, May 17

McBrides can be reached at pay phones in the waiting room at PICU by calling 205-933-8058 or 205-933-9672.

Also continue to pray for Eli Chambers in Children's Hospital, Huntsville. He has developed pneumonia and has his oxygen level as high as possible.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Thursday, May 15

Reagan made it safely to Birmingham this afternoon thanks to our good Father and AirMed flight. She is now in the PICU of Children's Hospital in Birmingham.

Don't forget the fundraiser for her Monday night 4-10 at Texas Roadhouse. Anyone may go, but you need a piece of paper to give to your server in order for 10% of your bill to go the McBrides.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Wednesday, May 14

Reagan’s flight to Children’s Hospital, Birmingham has been postponed until tomorrow. Continue to pray for her to have a good day and night so that she can make the trip. Also, pray for Mrs. JeriAnn that will fly back with her.

Allen and Brennen returned home safely yesterday. Pray for his rest while he makes preparation to return to work tomorrow. He is planning on being in church tonight so let’s welcome him home with hugs and prayers.

Also, continue to pray for Little Eli Chambers, grandson of Mike and Lori Tinker. He has developed a lung infection. Pray for God’s touch.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Reagan is scheduled to fly to Birmingham tomorrow

I just spoke with Allen and he said everything was a "go" for Reagan to be transferred tomorrow to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Pray that Reagan has a good stable day and night so not to prevent this flight and that all goes well on the flight tomorrow. Also pray for Mrs. JeriAnn as she flies back with her. Allen and Brennen are on their way home today.

Tuesday, May 13

This past Sunday in my message I made reference to this story. Let me give you the “correct” version of it here.

Prior to his conversion, Augustine lived with a mistress. After his conversion, she met him on the street:

“Aurelio, Aurelio,” she calls out to him. He continues walking, ignoring her calls. She runs to him, grabs him: “Aurelio, what is the matter? It is I.” To which he responds: “The matter, dear lady, is that it is not I.”

Was it Augustine? In one sense, yes. In another sense, no. He was a new man. The old man, the old unregenerate Augustine, had died to sin. He was buried. But a new man, the regenerated Augustine, was alive to God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Him.

You can read the entire message here.

Update on the McBrides:

I spoke with Allen yesterday. He and Brennen are flying home today for him to return to work. There is a strong possibility that Reagan will be flown to Birmingham tomorrow or the first of next week. I will keep you updated.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Fundraiser for Reagan

I learned today of a fundraiser for Reagan McBride. Here are the details:

Monday, May 19
4-10 PM
Texas Roadhouse
10% Donation Night

Every guest who arrives that night with an invitation (you can get one at our church) will cause Texas Roadhouse to give 10% of your entire check to the fundraiser. You must have the invitation so be sure to get the piece of paper. Again, we will have them in the bulletin Sunday and at our resource table.

See her blog for the latest update from JeriAnn on Reagan.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Mother's Day, Trip to Atlanta, McBride Update

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. It's hard to believe it's been almost three years since Mom graduated to Heaven. I do miss her, but am glad she's with the Lord. I wouldn't ask her to come back for anything.

My heart goes out to the Eadys and Hughes this Mother's Day. God is our strength.

God has blessed me with the greatest lady to be a fanastatic mom to our two boys. Happy Mother's Day Babe!!

I just got in tonight from Atlanta where I went yesterday. Our youth are there for a conference so I attended with them last night and hung out with them until this morning. Then I went to spend some time with one of my best friends, Aaron and Denise Johnson. Aaron pastors in Acworth, GA.

It's a long way to Atlanta....

I spoke with Allen McBride yesterday. After two "not-so-good" days on Tuesday and Wednesday, the past two had been much better. Reagan is off pain medicine, passed her swallowing test and overall is more alert and awake. She is even eating some yogurt and apple sauce.

They hopefully will get transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital toward the end of next week or the following week. Happy belated birthday to JeriAnn (May 9).



Sandi Harvey went to Salt Lake City last weekend on a book tour and passed these pictures for me to post. For those who don't know, Sandi is the one in the white coat. One picture is of Allen and JeriAnn with a new friend (and fellow pilgrim) there in Salt Lake City.



Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Update on the McBrides

Brennen was discharged from the hospital yesterday. Praise the Lord.

Reagan's trache surgery went well on Monday afternoon. She had a mild seizure yesterday.

Continue to pray for Allen and JeriAnn and their strength.

See her blog for latest updates, even news of them being transferred to Birmingham.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Student Pastor Accepts

I spoke with Jeremy Clemmons last night after church and he has accepted our invitation to be our Student Pastor.

Reagan McBride had a better day Sunday than the past two days.

Brennen McBride is still in the hospital with vomiting.

Little Eli Chambers is about the same, according to Lori Tinker. They will most likely do a MRI on him Thursday. He is at Huntsville's Children's Hospital.

Gerald Blue (and his wife Margie attend here) had by-pass surgery last week.

Greyson McEvoy is a little boy that the McBrides have met (and I did too) in Salt Lake City who is having a very tough time. They ask they we pray for Greyson and his mother, Tiffany.

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Saturday, May 3, 2008

Saturday, May 3

We got a text message from Allen last night. Here's the latest:

Reagan has shrugged her shoulders and moved her foot!!!! That's right!

But the concern from yesterday is she had a seizure about 6:30. They carried her to CT and everything looked fine. And she is running fever again.

Brennen was not discharged from the hospital. He started vomiting again. It is doubtful he will fly home today with the grandmothers.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Friday, May 2

I spoke with Allen this morning and got these updates:

Things are still going about the same for Reagan. The best news is that her blood pressure is stabilize now and she is has been off the blood pressure medicine since mid-Wednesday with no complications.

Her fever is so minimal now that they are not even giving her any medicine for that. PTL

They will be converting her ventilator to a trache soon. That surgery could happen today, tomorrow or Monday.

She is watching DVDs and is awake most of the time.

They are giving her music therapy and even brought a guitar in for Dad to play for her. As Allen said, "It may be as much therapy for me as it is for her."

They have began working on her blog. It is at reaganfaithmcbride.blogspot.com

Her brother, Brennen, that was sick has now been admitted to the hospital there. He has a concussion. They believe he suffered it when he feel in the cafeteria there earlier in the week.
But according to Allen this morning, they expect him to be discharged today and will fly home with grandmothers tomorrow, as planned.

Continue to lift them up.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Thursday, May 1

I got home Tuesday night late from Salt Lake City to be with the McBrides. Here is the latest update:

* It was snowing last night in SLC (FYI)
* Reagan is alert, knowing family, getting upset at the doctor if he moves her TV
* She is triggering the breathing monitor which means she is attempting some breaths on her own. This is the first time since Sunday.
* Her blood pressure is still causing some concern with it being low.

They even painted her fingernails and toenails yesterday.

Her big brother, Brennen, has been sick since Tuesday night. Thank God for grandmothers there to help with him. Pray that he will get better.

Also, church family pray for Mike McDaniel. He was admitted last night to ECM. Farrel Clemons has been moved from ECM to Hollingsworth for Rehab.

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Lift up your heart for our families, churches, schools, communities, government and for the McBrides.