Friday, March 28, 2008

Hello to all,

It’s been a long time since I have updated these pages but I will do my best to stay a little more current in the days ahead. For those of you who are basketball fans, this is a great time of year for all of you—MARCH MADNESS. I’m not much of a basketball fan, but I do like to watch a few key games during the NCAA tournament. Football, baseball and golf are where my sports affections lie.

Speaking of golf, I watched Tiger woods lose his first golf tournament of this season last weekend. I must say that I was disappointed that he didn’t win. Though Tiger and I would disagree theologically, he, a Buddhist and I, a Christian, I have to say that I admire many things about him. First of all I salute him on the basis of his character. He is a great role model for kids and adults alike when it comes to character. And his character came from a great relationship with his mother and father as he was growing up, particularly his father Earl Woods. Tiger said about his dad, “My dad has always taught me these words: care and share. That's why we put on clinics. The only thing I can do is try to give back. … it works, it works.” Someone asked tiger about being a role model and he commented, “I think it's an honor to be a role model to one person or maybe more than that. If you are given a chance to be a role model, I think you should always take it because you can influence a person's life in a positive light, and that's what I want to do. That's what it's all about.” And when it comes right down to it, all of us are role models to someone—our children, our family, or friends, our neighbors. We should never treat that as though it were a small matter. We influence them either positively or negatively, but influence them we will. And our influence on others will have a definite impact on the lives of those know and love. Remember, “Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)

I also admire Tiger for his work ethic. He didn’t get to be the number one ranked golfer in the world by being lazy and irresponsible. He worked at it. He spent (and still spends) long, disciplined hours on the practice range honing the skill and talent that God has given him. And why?—Simply to be the best. Tiger was quoted as saying, “That's why I've busted my butt on the range for hours on end and made changes to get to this point where I'm able to compete at the highest level in major championships. That's where you want to be.” There is no doubt that Tiger desires to be the best. We too should desire to be the best at what ever we do. It honors God, it honors our family, and it honors us individually. I am teaching my grandchildren to say and believe someone is going to be the best—it may as well be me!

We still don’t know if Tori and Tony are having a girl or boy yet. Tori went to the doctor for another ultrasound last week but they said it was too early to tell. But Tori was sure glad that the doctor confirmed there was only one and not two or three as our revival evangelist, Dr. Rodney Keith had said!!!!

Cheryl and I have the blessing of being with all our grandchildren this weekend—all 5 of them with us in church and for Sunday afternoon lunch. We are blessed beyond measure with the love of God and family.

Be blessed,
Pastor Jimmy

1 comments:

USAincognito said...

I found your site via Goose Creek town's website. I live in Cedar Rapids, IA but am hoping to transfer to Charleston. I work in Law Enforcement/Corrections. Been looking at the Goose Creek area to live in and just wondering how the town is. Is it friendly? Are there grocery stores, gas stations, etc.? What do houses cost on an average? If all goes well, and I am able to transfer, I will be working for the Sheriff Department in some capacity out of the Leeds Avenue area part of Charleston and am looking for a good/safe neighborhood to live in that is in close proximity to the main headquarters where I would be working out of. Also, had seen you are a pastor of the baptist church there in the town. How big is the church? I attend an Evangelical Free Church but I used to attend a Baptist church in Pelion, SC when I lived in Columbia years ago. Thanks for your help!