summer slide ?

Marathon

Motions:

I was bracing myself for the “summer slide” which is when attendance and church synergy usually takes a dip. But, man, I was pleasantly surprised this past Sunday. Attendance was Up! The energy level was high! And the music rocked!  You have no idea what that can do to a pastor’s state of mind! All I can say is “Thank you God!”

I’m also excited about our July series, “One Prayer,” which we’ll be doing with more than 1,200 churches. Can you imagine what kind of impact that will have for Christ? However, you don’t want miss this Sunday’s message but I’ll warn you…grab a bunch of Kleenex. God’s going to move!

Personal Plus:

Late Sunday afternoon, I took my wife, Lynn, and our 4-year-old daughter, Faith, up to

Jones

Gap

State Park

. If you’re looking for a little bit of heaven, that’s one of the closest places to find it. There’s just something about mountain air that just sets you free. Faith just hollered when she crossed the bridge over the wide creek. Lynn and I live to share those first experiences with her.

I showed her the place where I officiated at my first marriage ceremony which was on the front stone patio of the Jones Gap Lodge.  Faith immediately wanted to play “wedding” and asked me to dance with her. Of course she called me “Prince Edward.” That was a million dollar moment! By the way, I’m not letting her get married until she’s 40.