Scary Signs

When we took the teens bowling the other night in Dunlap we rode with Michael , Justin, and Vickie. Along the way they pointed out landmarks we might need in the future like where the good gas station biscuits are and which ones are terrible (Hey, that IS important). However, there was one landmark they slowed the truck down for. On the way to Dunlap there is a house off to the right of the highway. In that house lives a very opinionated man who paints elaborate signs to put in his front yard. He changes them often and is always coming up with something new. These aren't nice signs. Frankly, they are signs I wouldn't want children to read. Sssooo, shocked as we were we drove back up there a few days ago to get some fast photo documentation. It was fast because we were afraid this guy might come out armed and mad. Yes, its that kind of place. Well...I'll just give you a few examples. Don't worry...I censored them a little and left the REALLY graphic ones out of the mix.

This sign was in front of a church that is right across the highway from the house with the signs. The man who paints all of them preaches at a local church. I wonder if this might be it?

So, why put this on the blog? Well, I have a few reasons actually... 1. I knew you might not believe me if I simply told you. 2. As scary as they are we can learn something from it. These signs made me ask some questions because no one just wakes up one day and starts putting these signs in the front yard for no reason. What influenced this guy? Where is he getting his information? What shaped him into this kind of person? Does he really think this is the best way to get his message across? We could make a few educated guesses but he's the only one who knows his heart. So what does this tell me?....

1. Just because someone sends you something they recieved from someone that they consider a reliable source or sends you a forwarded message doesn't make it true. Unless you take the time to verify the information in an email or article you probably shouldn't share it with others. Even if you're just hitting the send button, you're responsible for those words. You're putting your stamp of approval on it by sending it on to others.

2. Be careful what kind of information you share with others by word of mouth. We've all played that game as kids where you pass a phrase around a circle by whispering to the person on your left. Without fail by the time it gets all the way around it is completely different than when it started. We each have to take responsibility for the things we communicate through everyday conversation, because what we choose to talk about even in ordinary conversation says something about who we are. The Bible tells us that the things we say are a clue to what's in the heart.

3. Even when we feel strongly about an issue or event we have a responsibility to communicate in a loving and appropriate manner. Kevin tells me all the time that the way I say something says just as much as the words I choose. When we're angry or find ourselves in a tense situation its especially important to speak with kindness (this is a lesson I'm still learning by the way). Speaking out without checking the facts or doing so in an offensive manner only lessens your credibility and turns people away. Remember Proverbs?...a gentle answer turns away wrath. It may also be the starting point for stopping a tidal wave of hate and confusion.

So yes, these signs are scary but more than that they're just sad. They are sad because they point to a life that seems eaten up with distrust, judgement, and bitterness. Who knows how many people have seen those signs so many times that they associate all of Christianity with one man's hate. It seems to me that they're just reinforcing the general misconception that all Christians are narrow-minded and judgmental.

Rather than communicate in such a way that needs no response and requires no relationship with others, maybe a better way means trying to live lives that point the way to a God who is loving, patient, and just but never cruel. Its a difficult task because we're not perfect, in fact we're pretty ordinary. We're people just like everyone else with problems, issues, and concerns just like yours. But with God's help anything is possible....even the transformation of the human heart. And just like God who never gives up on us, we can't give up on open-minded, loving dialogue with our communities, families, or friends. What kind of "living sign" are you?

Mandy

Sing-spiration

Two weeks ago we had a sing-spiration on Sunday night because Kevin had a big board meeting before the evening service and its too much to do all in one day! Luck for us this church loves sing-spiration. I don't think I had ever been to one and Kevin can't recall it either....I'm sure I would remember something like that. To be honest -we were a little worried that it might be TERRIBLE. I get embarrassed for others very easily so if someone gets up to sing who really can't sing but no one ever told them that...its just painful to watch. However, we were pleasantly surprised....we have a church full of talented Nazarenes. Our children got involved and everyone who sang did a great job....no screeches, sqwauks, or squeals.

Gracie Mae, Hannah Shea, and Abby Lynn singing"I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You" with our bass player Bill.

Overall, sing-spiration was a success and boy am I relieved.

Have a great rest of the week!

Mandy

Bowling Bonanza in the Tennessee Hills

Last Saturday evening we had our first teen/pre-teen event. Everyone showed up at the church at about 5pm for pizza and all the sugary junk food their bodies could hold. Then we loaded up the cars and headed to the raging metropolis of Dunlap, TN. Now if Jasper is comparable to Andy Griffith's Mayberry then I don't know what you would compare Dunlap too...maybe something like the little blur on the side of the road that you see everytime Coyote chases Roadrunner down that long stretch of highway.

Anyway, once our kids were officially in the throws of a sugar high we packed them and all of us chaperones into 6 bowling lanes. We had about 30-35 in attendance so every lane had about 5 competitors. On a sad note...the air conditioner wasn't working and it was HOT in there! We're lucky there were no sick kids after cramming them full of sugar and pizza!

Lucky for me 4 girls grabbed me for their bowling team....Abby, Hannah, Hannah Shea, and Whitney. They were the best cheering section ever! I'm pretty sure it helped because I bowled a 93 the first game and a 107 the second game. It might have also had something to do with the gutter guards the owner put up for us. We must have been pretty pitiful. If not for that I'm almost sure Abby would have had ZERO points and a hernia by the end of the evening.

Getting ready...

Meet Justin....children's church teacher, board member, usher, and young adult sunday school teacher extraordinaire. We're thinking of making all the ushers were these shoes every week...it certainly adds something. They didn't help his bowling game though. I'm pretty sure I could have beaten him blindfolded, backwards, and bowling with my left hand....

Beginning at the left: Whitney, Abby, Hannah, Hannah Shea, Charlene (behind), and Christy.

Beginning at left...Taylor, Kodey (restraining Taylor?), Dylan, Susan (behind), Sawyer, Blake, Christy, and Charlene.

The Chaperones!....beginning left, Kevin, Justin, his wife Vicki, and Mark (our awesome soundman)

Kevin...either flexing or I caught him off guard. You decide. He was probably just miffed that I kicked his tail in game 2.

Installation Service

Hey Everyone!

I know I'm behind! Here are pictures of our installation service that happened on August 9th. This was the official ceremony installing us as pastor. Rev. Reed (assistant district superintendent) preached a sermon about unity and moving forward together as a church. The couple in the pictures with us are Lynn and Kathleen Casseday, the retiring pastor and his wife. I think it was a little bittersweet for them as well as the congregation. The Cassedays have done a phenomenal job pastoring this church for the last 13 years and it will be a big change for them to move into retirement. We are thankful that they are staying active within the congregation and will be available for advice and encouragement. After the service we had a legendary Nazarene potluck that left us full and sleepy!

The covenant challenge

Passing of the torch...no I am not making out with Kathleen

The torch has been passed...and I'm trying not to burn the church down

Bowling and singsperation pictures to come! Intrigued aren't you?!

Mandy

The House

When we came to interview we got the 50 cent tour of the house and thought it was great. We were way too nervous about the interview process to notice any house details. However, the church had been renting it and wanted to make some updates before we moved in. So we got all new appliances, new tile in the kitchen, new carpet, paint on all the walls, new blinds, and new bathroom floors. Many people from the church spent their time and energy sprucing it up and we love it. Eventually we'll add some color to the walls and buy some more furniture but for now we're just trying to figure out what we're doing!

I'm still looking for a new job....and trying not to go stir crazy in the process. There is only so much cleaning and organizing to be done. I know beggars can't be choosers but the thing is...I don't want a job I dread going to every day. I'd like to do something I enjoy so pray with us that the right job will come along. We know God is concerned about the things that concern us and this is on my prayer list lately! I'm probably driving Kevin crazy by being home all day too. Poor guy.

Street view

View of the mountains from our front porch

View of mountains from the porch

The backyard

Back of the house

Kitchen

Kitchen

Hallway from kitchen to bedrooms and bathrooms

View of living room from dining room

Living room

Dining room...notice we need to purchase a dining table and chairs....

Well, that's all for now. I didn't take pictures of the bedrooms or bathrooms because it was too hard to get a good angle where you could actually see the rooms. More posts later in the week. Hope you like the new house!

Mandy

The Church

AT&T finally got our internet fixed today so we're back in business! I promised you pictures and I am prepared to hold up my end of the bargain. Here you go....

This is the view we had as we rounded the corner and saw the house. Very sweet!

Front of the church

Main Entrance


Fellowship Center and Gymnasium from outside

Inside of Fellowship Hall...kitchen and entrance to sanctuary are to the right.

View of sanctuary from the pulpit

View of sanctuary from the back

Side view of sanctuary...pretty stained glass windows

View of foyer from front doors

View of front doors from the foyer

Gymnasium

Nursery

Kevin's office...it needs some work and he probably won't use it much. He'll work from our home office most of the time.

This is what our sign says now!

Okay, this took longer than I thought. Mainly because some other things came up that I needed to take care of so the house pictures will have to wait. I have to head over to the church for Wednesday night service. If I don't get house pictures up tonight then I'll get them up tomorrow...promise.

Mandy

Yep, We're Still Alive

Sorry its taken so long to post again but we're still waiting on AT&T to get our internet up and running at home. So right now I'm in the public library checking email and letting you all know we didn't fall off the mountain on the way here.

We made it to Tennessee. We arrived on Monday and have spent the last few days unpacking, organizing, running errands, and single-handedly keeping Walmart in business. The church did a lot of work on the parsonage and it is awesome! These Southerners certainly know how to say "welcome." When we got here our freezer, fridge, and pantry were stocked, everything had been painted, the floors had new tile or carpet, the yard was mowed, and we had new blinds and plenty of hands to help unload all of our stuff.

Tonight we're attending a cookout in our honor sponsored by the young adults. As soon as our internet is up we'll post pictures of the house, church, town, and friends. Check back in a few days and we'll wow you with our new home.

Love to all of you,

Pastor Kevin and Mandy (hahaha....sounds funny doesn't it!)