I went to church yesterday

I went to church yesterday. That action alone wasn't exceptional or even worth one of my rare posts. (Specially since no one reads this blog anyway)

The regular "preaching minister" was out of town on what I'm sure is a well deserved vacation. His volunteer replacement is the subject of my dispair. Bless his heart. I assume his motives were pure, but motive doesn't guarantee a good sermon/lesson. The first words from his mouth were an omen of things to come. He, with the appropriate chuckles, told us he had been reminded by his wonderful wife to bring his watch. This was her not so subtle warning against preaching people to death. Of course there is no suspense regarding his timing; he talked much too long.

The second bullet in his notes was the point of his lesson. This was over in less than a minute. The rest of the neverending sermon was filled with re-stating his point repeatedly with a new allegory designed to convict our souls. He meant well, but he killed us.

This brings us to the dilemma of volunteer preachers. A member with experience or desire graciously volunteers to preach whenever needed. Do you ask them to preach or do you ignore the offer? Knowledge of this volunteer's ability/experience negates the dilemma and allows an informed choice. Ignorance leads to bad. That's it! Just plain "BAD"! Bad choice; bad lesson, bad experience for audience members, bad everything. If we knew everyone at church the way we should (and most times don't) this wouldn't happen. The volunteer wouldn't be hurt by not being asked, the person in charge wouldn't feel obligated to ask without the proper knowledge to ask, and I wouldn't have to listen to a bad lesson.

I guess I could go on and on but let me stop and say, let's work on getting this church thing right. Freely offer and freely give. Don't let it bother you if you don't get asked to do everything you're willing to do. Maybe you really aren't good at it anyway. Be a friend and brother and tell a person when they should focus their talents in a different direction. Do it with love and be ready for them to hate you for being honest.

Life Is Good

I have a good life. I'm married to a wonderful woman that loves me despite all of my many faults. I have three fantastic children. They are all doing so well. I have two dogs and two granddogs (One of which just had surgery and seems to be doing much better.). I have a good job. I have a jeep! God has been free with his blessing of my life.

For all of this I am truly thankful.

Life Update

I sold my truck. My new jeep arrived from Utah. My daughter got married. My co-worker is obsessed with my jeep. (Almost makes me wish he didn't know about it)

That's all for now

New Jeep

I have a new jeep. It is currently in Utah.

It will be coming home sometime around the end of March. Pastor Cody is bringing it home for the family wedding.

I need to sell my truck now.

There is aAlways something to do. Post a comment if you're interested in a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT Pick-up in excellent condition. I'll make you a good deal.

Insurance

No great philosphical discussion from me. I just hate dealing with any sort of insurance company. The health insurance provider at my place of employment seems to do everything possible to avoid paying legitiment claims. It almost seems as if their policies are designed to deny claims for any minute reason with the hope that the claimant will not pursue the issue thereby saving the insurance company money.

I've had success today after many days of persistence. In fact, it took over three weeks to get them to admit that the information they published was correct.

I feel good about my success today but still don't like insurance companies. I am also dissapointed in the Human Resources Department here at work. They didn't provide anything but telephone numbers and suggestions that the insurance didn't intend to cover my particular situation. I felt that their place should have been supplying support and arguing my case along with me.

Enough ranting.

One last word. Always get it in writing!!

Why Not

It seems that the whole family is blogging. Why should I be left out.