Tag: Dollywood

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in the Ministry

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Family, Grace, Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

I do not deserve anything.  I am unrighteous (Romans 3:10) and a sinner (Romans 3:23).  How blessed (Ephesians 1:3) to be able to say with confidence, “I know I am saved by the grace of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9), to be able to sing “Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone,” (Colossians 3:15-17), and to rejoice in the assurance of heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Another grace gift that I do not deserve is the blessed privilege of marriage.  That blessing is increased by virtue of God placing us in ministry together where we serve side-by-side. As I pastor, my wife is my faithful ministry companion who prays for me, disciples ladies and children, and makes our house a welcoming place to bear one another’s burdens.  In the midst of grace-enabled ministry, we both understand that our first ministry is to each other.

Therefore, in what is usually a busy time of the year, we begin the holiday season by visiting a local coffee shop.  There we pull out our calendars and schedule dates that help us set aside time to continue to build our marriage so we are fit to minister to others.  Hence, we are preparing to clip more grace coupons.

Yesterday was one of those dates and it included a trip to our favorite restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN, The Old Mill Pottery Cafe and Grille.  We like it so much that while attending the Couples Advance in November, we enjoyed their scrumptious food three-days-in-a- row.  (We got others hooked on it, too!)

Then we spent the rest of the afternoon and first part of the evening in one of our top five favorite places . . . Dollywood.  How amazing to walk along hand-in-hand in the midst of a gazillion Christmas lights, sit through three shows that unashamedly gave the gospel, and to be entertained and welcomed in a wholesome way!  Oh, by the way, the coffee and warm, fresh cinnamon roll was good, too!  Brrrr, it was cold outside!!

Truth is, there’s no one I’d rather share these grace gifts of God with than my wife.  Sometimes, we are just like two kids again just soaking up the moment!

We returned home refreshed, blessed, closer to each other, and ready to clip more grace coupons as we minister to others today and through this Christmas season!  God is good!  Grace is sufficient!

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in Ministry

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Faith, Marriage, Pastoring, Uncategorized

Returning to the Place I Meet with God and Study His Word:  How blessed to be able to take advantage of the grace gift of a place to study and prepare messages for each Sunday!  A place of no distractions, very limited cell service, a place to be still and listen to the voice of God speak through His Word and in prayer.  Why do I go there?  The greatest burden I bear each week is the preparation to preach the Word on Sundays and Wednesdays.  My wife asked me yesterday, “When have you stepped out in faith?”  I said, with a chuckle, “When I married you!”  And that is the truth because we have had to lean on the Lord every day of our married lives. Then I followed it up with a more serious answer, “Every week when I prepare to preach.”  Handling God’s Word is no light assignment, and I want to give the sheep I shepherd good grain each week.  Therefore, this new place of study has become very, very dear to me.

Pastor’s Pals:  For years I’ve had the children in the Sunday morning service come up front and sit on the floor with me while I share an object lesson, work with Buddy Bear, sing songs, and teach truths for life.  How precious are these kids . . . many of whom are now in college and/or married. What an awesome privilege and responsibility it is to minister to these little hearts.  My passion is for them to serve the Lord today and to grow up to be more than just good.  I want them to see them be godly and follow the Lord all their days!

A Day With My Wife Getting Our “Batteries” Recharged:  Since coming back from our August Sabbatical, the ministry calendar has been full of the expected as well as the unexpected that is not unexpected with the Lord.  Having planned for this day back in the summer, it came at a great time.  How wonderful to go to one of our favorite get-away places, Dollywood, and hear good Southern Gospel music from two of my favorite groups, Greater Vision and Karen Peck & New River.  How our hearts were stirred and revived as we listened to music that pointed us to Christ, His atoning work on the cross, His power to save and heal, as well as the promise of Heaven.  One song, among many, that encouraged my heart was written by Rodney Griffin. Here are the lyrics and a link if you desire to listen to it.  As a pastor, you’ll understand why it ministered to my heart.
Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is
Preacher,I’d say it’s been a while since you heard this request,
but my spirit is tired and I need rest.
I want to hear from Heaven a clear word from God,
A sermon of conviction straight from the heart.

(verse 2)
I’ve been hearin’ other preachers say I don’t have to change.
The most eloquent of speakers tell me I’m okay.
But it hasn’t eased my conscience and I know it’s not the truth.
So when you stand before us, can I count on you?

(chorus)
Oh Preacher, you say you want to be my friend,
don’t be afraid to call my sin what it is.
And Preacher, tell me I can overcome,
but it’s only by the blood of the Lamb.
Don’t tell me like I wish it was, Preacher tell me like it is.

(verse 3)
So open up the Word and let the Spirit lead,
Preach until I’ve heard God speak to me.
Don’t worry ’bout my feelin’s, don’t worry ’bout my shame,
Just preach the cross of Jesus and that I’m to blame!

(chorus)

(bridge)
Life is quickly passing, the world is fading fast
and the foolishness of preaching is the only hope we have.

(chorus)

http://www.letssingit.com/greater-vision-lyrics-preacher-tell-me-like-it-is-7d3h74r#ixzz4NgBsMm6S

YouTube video: Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is

 

Just continuing to clip “grace coupons” every day!!!

Brian, the Brain-Food Man

by Dale, posted in Christian Living

Country Cookers Kettle Korn

Last Thursday while enjoying a day at Dollywood Amusement Park, Sevierville, TN, with Pastor’s Pals and their parents, we ate our supper next to the Country Cookers Kettle Korn Shop.  We were all drawn to the bibbed-overalled man stirring the large pot of corn in the kettle.  He was a tall, lean gentleman with a voice that drew you in. Although it was evening and the temperature was still hot, this man in his long-sleeved shirt and sanitized protection gear stirred his kettle with vigorous strokes and a joyful work ethic.  He sang and/or spoke to almost everyone who came by as well as laughed and encouraged the other employees at his stand.  When he wasn’t making a new batch of corn, he was inviting people over to try a free sample of what he called with a chuckle, “brain food.”  He’d say, “Come on over and get you a sample of some brain food!  Oh, yes ma’am; here, try some braaaaiiinnnn food!”  Then with a chuckle and a huge grin, he’d say, “Get you a handful of happiness!  Oh, yes, more happiness!  Join the brain food party!!” While pouring out a new batch of kettle corn from his pot, he would repeatedly say, “Another bowl of blessings!  Yes, another bowl of blessings!”  We waited for his last batch of the evening, fresh caramel corn.  Wow!  So very good! As we sat nearby enjoying his “happy food,” he clocked out, walked over to our table, gave us a hug and a goodnight blessed greeting, and joyfully headed for home!

Indeed, there were many wonderful moments throughout the day at Dollywood, but Brian made a real impact on those of us gathered around his kettle korn shop.  Have you been in the Word this morning soaking up the “brain food” so you can distribute “handfuls of happiness” today to those who come your way?  Will you be singing and praising the Lord along the way as you choose joy even in your “hot work” environment?  Will you be thankful for every “bowl of blessing” that God sends your way?

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. (Ps. 4:7)

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11)

May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions! (Ps. 20:5)

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. (Ps. 27:6)

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Ps. 32:11)

God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:20)

Now that’s real “brain food,” “handfuls of happiness,” and “a bowl of blessing”!!