All For Not!

Due to a technical issue at the church we did not record 3 sermons out of a 5 part series. Very disappointing!

After trying unsuccessfully to find the lost recording somewhere on our media center computer it was decided that they just didn't exist or were deleted.

So the decision was made that I would have to go into and empty room and re-record the sermons! Now from my perspective this is very weird ... no matter how hard I try, there is no way that these re-recorded sermons are going to be anything like the originals. but frankly, we have no other choices.

So today I went into an empty Sunday School room and re-recorded all 3 sermons. So one would think that the re-recorded sermons would be uploaded to our web site and all would be good. Well, one would be wrong!

Apparently, I had forgotten to turn off a police scanner app on the phone on which I was recording the sermons on ... so as I doing a quick check of the quality of the recordings, I can hear the police scanner in the background!!!

All of the recordings had to be deleted and now I'm going to have to re-re-record all three sermons again! But this time I'll double check to make sure all backgroung apps are closed!

I Remain,
Pastor Steve   

Say It Now!

A very dear friend of mine suddenly and without any real warning lost his wife not very long ago. she was sick but no one had a clue that this "illness" would end in her sudden death.

I was able to attend her visitation and memorial service, it was a blessing to be with all of the people that loved her as well as her devastated husband. Although I used the term devastated, her husband lead her memorial service showing an internal fortitude that few men could have mustard!

The phrase I heard more than once was "I wish I could talk to her one more time." That is so often true! After someone dies our thought is often, "I wish I could talk to them one more time!" "I wish I could tell them of their impact on my life!" "What they really mean to me!"

So my point is simply this  ... WHY WAIT?!?!?!

Pick up a phone and call them! Send a text or an email, even a snail mail letter! But whatever you do ... Say it now! Do not wait, let those who mean the most to you know now!

Just my thoughts ... That's the way I see it!

I Remain,
Pastor Steve

Reading Is For Rich People!

I will never forget hearing my teenage son inform his mother and I that "Reading is for Rich People!". That was his not so subtle way of telling us he didn't love to read ... didn't even like to read.

To be truthful, I think that stems from their father watching TV rather than reading ... to say the least, I was not a good role model in this (and many other) areas. Funny how time changes things!

Today, all of my kids enjoy reading and Dad has come around as well! 

Now I realize that my reading goals are radically different and MUCH smaller than some, I have one friend who read 110 book in 2017 and his office assistant read 10 more than he did!

For 2017 I managed to read the following books:

1)     The Cross Centered Life     by: C.J. Mahaney

2)     Finally Free     by: Heath Lambet

3)     Thoughts for Young Men    by J.C. Ryle

4)     The Big Fight: (Christian Men vs the World, the Flesh and the Devil)     by Tim Thornborough

     

5)     Preparing for Marriage: Help for Christian Couples  by: John Piper

6)     Sexual Intimacy in Marriage     by: William Cutrer

7)     Anger & Stress Management God's Way     by Wayne A. Mack

8)     Strange Fire     by: John MacArthur

9)     Who is Jesus     by: Josh McDowell

10)   Unbroken     by: Laura Hillenbrand

11)   Johnny Cash ... The Life     by: Robert Hilburn

12)   The Associate     by: John Grisham

13)   Zeal without Burnout     by: Christopher Ash

14)   H3 Leadership     by: Brad Lomenick

 

My goal for 2017 was 18 and I only made 14 but that was better than zero!

I already have (for me) a rather extensive reading list for 2018 ...

The Seven Rings of Marriage     By: Jackie Bledsoe
The Holiness of God     By: R.C. Sproll
Habits of Grace     By: David Mathis
Rescuing the Gospel     By: Erwin Lutzer
Dangerous Calling     By: Paul Tripp
The Gospel & Personal Evangelism     By: Mark Dever
Chosen By God     By: R.C. Sproll

This is just a start ... I always look forward to book recommendations from the sons and other friends!

So, What have you read that would make your all time "Must Read" list? Let me know ...

I remain, 
Pastor Steve

Christmas 2017

Well, another Christmas is on the books! The entire family was able yo make the trek to Oskaloosa and that was a great blessing!

Our home was filled with the clamor of little voices, running feet and laughter! It is such a blessing to have all of our family together. We played games and more games and even found time to play games! Maggie and Lynn conquered a jigsaw puzzle and we all enjoyed playing Rook, Oregon Trail and of course there was plenty Settlers of Catan!

 As one would expect with the Cox Family good food was abundant! From corned beef to Amy's awesome molasses cookies it was a banner year again food wise!

Merry Christmas From Lynn & I!

I Remain,
Pastor Steve

A Powerful Message About Down Syndrome

I have had the privilege of leading a week of Summer camp for physically
and mentally challenged folks for 20+ years. Many of "my" campers are
Down Syndrome, I've been around DS for most of my ministry.

I have one friend who I dubbed "Bubba Andrew" and he has always referred to me as "Bubba Steve"! I know a couple who when informed that their baby may be a "Downs" baby ... they looked at the Doctor and said, "So, what's the
problem with that!?"

I heard not long ago about the "Final Solution" on the news ... Certain Scandinavian countries are eliminating Down Syndrome through preemptive abortion.

I found the following video tremendously moving ...

I Remain,
Pastor Steve