Do you know what it's like to be in a vehicle and you are going fast and you want to slow down but when you apply the breaks you just keep going? That's the way my I feel lately. I have been terribly busy with getting my youth calendar ready for 2009, lining up activities for this year, planning future events, and getting lessons prepared. I just looked up yesterday and realized January is already over and February is upon us! In fact, I mentioned in my monthly caller article that it feels like this year is blowing by so fast. I keep saying I'm going to slow down and take some time off but I just can't seem to find any! If you have some to spare, I'll take it.
I got an opportunity to preach a couple of weeks ago and it went well. I preached on "Life Is Fragile". I came up with the idea after seeing the plane down in Hudson River. It amazes me that all those people came out of that situation alive. Thank God for that. I didn't use this in my sermon but I did think about this thought later...James (4:14) says that our lives are a vapor and that we are only here for a little while and we are gone. Have you ever noticed how fast a vapor disappears? Even if we live 100 years, that's still not very long compared to eternity. So the question I ask is, "What am I doing in my life that makes a difference?", "Who have I made an impact on?" and even "What impact have I made-positive or negative?"
I hope you ponder these questions. Maybe you have made a great impact on someone. Maybe you have directed their lives in a positive manner, maybe even shared the Lord with them and they gave their life to Christ...AWESOME! Or maybe you have made a negative impact on someone and you know it. Is there someone who you need to forgive? Life is short...TOO SHORT! Let go of it. Go make it right if it's wrong. Go out today and be a blessing. Randy

love

Love. What is love?

When I was a teenager, at the age of 17 I thought I knew what love was. I met a girl in high school that I just couldn’t wait to see. By the time seven o’clock rolled around and it was time to get off of work, I bebopped to her home town to see her. My heart would race! My truck couldn’t go fast enough! And when I saw her I felt all that gooey stuff. You know what I mean? She was “my first love”. I reckon everybody has one…some even marries theirs. And that was our plan until…
Well, like I said, I thought I knew what love is. Twenty years later, I’m still learning what love is, but I guarantee I had no idea what love really was when I was seventeen. When I was so “in love” another girl caught my eye and I had to pursue her. So I broke off a great relationship with my first love for someone who I didn’t know, and by the time I got to know her, although she was a hottie on the outside, she wasn’t very lovable on the inside. Our relationship didn’t last very long because, well let’s just say that I didn’t like sharing my girl with other guys. Get it? You see I thought I was in love with my “first love” but I had no idea of what love is.

Love.
Let’s talk about what love is not.
Love is not: getting flowers, writing the words on a card, giving boxes of chocolate, heart-shaped balloons, text messaging or talking on the phone all night long, groping all over each other, hugs, kisses, no matter how long they last, etc. No. These things are not love! They may be things you do when you are in love, but they are not love. And I can go on and with this thought.

What is love?
In my opinion, this is love:
Tolerance-there are some things you will just have to tolerate that you may absolutely hate.
Balance-have you ever watched a balancing act? If they go too much to one side they fall! Love is all about give and take. You can’t have it your way all the time. Your loved one needs your time and understanding.
Giving-We as people are geared to “get all we can”. We are constantly taking and hardly ever giving. One of the greatest things we can give is an ear and keep our mouths shut!. (Boy, I really suck at this part)
Accepting-Everybody makes dumb choices. However, nobody likes to be rejected. We all want to be accepted and feel like we have a place to fit in.
Compromising-This goes back to the give and take concept. You can’t always have it your way. There has to be a compromise. Not on moral things. I love sports. I was athletic all of my life and played all kinds of sports. Now I coach my kids. But if something comes up with the wife and it’s important to her, that game on tv will have to be recorded and watched later.
Learning-never think you have it all figured out. If you stop learning things about each other, you are in trouble. Find time to spend with each other and learn something new.
Sacrifice-I know it hurts, but take one for the team. Let go of your selfish wants and desires and give some time to your mate’s dreams. Get your ego out of the way.
Forgiving-this is what love is all about. You will fail. Your mate will fail. However, love picks up the broken pieces and mends them back together again. If it can’t, it takes what is left, and puts them to good use. If you hold on to those things that hurt you, it will destroy your love and your life.
I’m out of time but these are some thoughts I had today at Piggly Wiggly. Maybe someday, I’ll make a sermon out of this. In the next few days, I will have some more thoughts and examples. peace. Randy

home

Home… Home is where the heart is…there’s no place like home…home is where your story begins…Home. My hometown, my alma mater, the awesome Milan Bulldogs, played for the state championship this past Friday night. They were 14-0 going into this game and it looked as if they might be able to pull off an upset and beat Alcoa. But, unfortunately, Alcoa would not be denied their fifth straight state championship title.
Since I now live near Alcoa this was a hard pill to swallow. One thing cool about this game was that it was on local television. It was great to see that purple and white once again. Even though we lost it was still awesome to see. I graduated from Milan in 1990. We have always had a good football team, especially when John Tucker (no relation to me) was there. At one time, and still may be, Coach Tucker was the all time winningest coach in the state of Tennessee. We have won several state championships and I’m sure more will come. Maybe even next year because this team is young and I believe they can make it back to Murfreesboro. Good luck to them.
Watching that game brought back memories, memories of my high school days and living in Milan. There were good times and some bad times. There were great times and some just absolutely horrible, nightmarish. But I still, no matter where I live today or tomorrow, I still consider it home. It made me wonder of where my friends are living now and what are they doing with their lives. It made me relive some of my childhood, skateboarding all over the streets, building half-pipes, playing baseball, waffle ball, basketball, etc. in my big back yard. I had an awesome go-kart track around that yard. Oh yes…memories. One lesson that I am learning these days is that those days are gone…they are past…I can’t do anything to change the good or the bad…all I can do is take care of today and what is ahead of me. I’m thankful for what the Lord has allowed me to go through, both good and bad, and I’m grateful that He is guiding me, holding my hand, as we walk together today, and I can lay my head down tonight and sleep peacefully knowing that He will be there with me tomorrow. As many times I have failed Him, He has been faithful to me. As many times I have left Him and didn’t follow through with His Will, He has always been there waiting for me to pick up the broken pieces and get moving again. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Randy

Well, it’s official. Change has come to the hill. I just finished listening to the press conference where they announced Lane Kiffin as the head coach of my beloved Tennessee Volunteers. I’m excited about this change, especially if he puts the staff together that people are talking about. We should be able to compete in the SEC once again!
Did you see any of the press conference where Coach Fulmer was let go? It was sad. Many people rejoiced. I had mixed emotions. I have felt like change was needed for years but my heart went out to Fulmer and his family. I know the feeling of being let go like that. I was at my previous church for a year and a half and I was let go and it was totally unexpected. I couldn’t imagine being somewhere for thirty years of my life and then it comes to an end. It was obvious how much Tennessee means to Fulmer. Yeah, he may get a big fat paycheck out of it but I guarantee you that money could never replace what he has lost.

How do you deal with unexpected things? Just to be honest, I have really struggled with what has happened to me and my family. I struggle with emotions toward the people who have hurt me and put my family in a very difficult situation, especially financially. I struggle with the fact that it has even happened. Why? Why me? Have you ever asked God that question? Why is this or that happening to me at the most worse possible time it can happen? But I refuse to give in the towel and give up. I must keep on going and I will. I know someday all will be well again. Maybe it’s a test from God. And yes, I have, on several occasions, had some serious conversations with God about all of this. I need answers. But do I turn away from the One who has the answers? Do I turn away from the One who can help me through this difficult time? No. In fact, I run to Him for strength, guidance, understanding, wisdom, etc. and I want to encourage you to do the same thing if you are struggling with life or with your faith. What alternative do you have that is better than God? If we turn from Him, then we have lost all hope. If you lose hope, then you have lost everything.
I was flipping through the channels the other day and I came across a preacher preaching on How to Handle Discouragement. He was using Psalm 42 and 43 as his text. I encourage you to read and study these passages. I will leave you with this verse from Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Keep the faith, Randy

I said “good morning” to an older gentleman this morning at work (Piggly Wiggly) as he passed by me. Then I asked him how he was doing and he made a comment that let me know he was just glad to be alive. He said, “We are never guaranteed tomorrow” and these comments sparked a short conversation. The man said something that was so simple yet profound. It spoke volumes. I have made the same comment many times during a prayer, a lesson, or a sermon. This guy said, “We have so much to be thankful for and we just take it all for granted.” Then we proceeded to mention things we take for granted like the air we breathe, being able to walk, eat, etc. It is so easy to lose sight of this idea because we “just take it for granted.” Think about it for a second or two…Did you wake up this morning wondering if your heart would be beating? No. You expect it to be beating…if it doesn’t you won’t be thinking at all! Did you go outside and get in your car thinking, “I hope this thing gets me to work”? Unless you drive a clunker, the answer is no. You reached in your pocket, grabbed your keys, put them in the ignition, and started down the road be-bopping to some music and didn’t give it a second thought. We just expect it to happen. I can go on and on with so many examples but I believe you get the point.
There are tons of verses in the Bible about giving thanks and I challenge you to take a look at some of them. But one that I want to share with you is Psalm 118:19 which says, “Open for me that gates of righteousness. I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.” Don’t wait until you gather with your family for Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday to say “Thanks”. Say it today, right now! Say it every day as you begin your day. “Lord, I thank you for all your blessings. Thank you for all those things we take for granted each and everyday. Thank you for salvation. Thanks.”

This is an awesome song written by Dennis Jernigan

Thank you, Lord

For all that You've done, I will thank You

For all the You're going to do

For all that You've promised

And all that You are

Is all that has carried me through

Jesus I thank You

And I thank You

Thank You Lord

And I thank You

Thank You Lord

Thank You for loving and setting me free

Thank You for giving Your life just for me

How I thank YouJesus, I thank You

Gracefully thank You

Thank You

© Dennis Jernigan

Confidence. Too much of this word and people think you are too cocky and you think too much of yourself. Not enough of this word and people say you lack self esteem and you need to build it up. Where is your confidence? Where is your level? Maybe you have a healthy balance, maybe you are on the down-and-out and you lack confidence, or maybe you are one of those who walks with your chest popped out and you are full of confidence. With me, it depends on what I’m doing. For example, until we started serving the Lord here in Harriman I haven’t played a musical instrument or sung in front of an audience in over ten years. But I was so excited when I had an opportunity to play drums one morning during worship. Oh sure, I was rusty, but it felt great! I was kind of embarrassed after the services because people would compliment my playing. I thought to myself, “Did you hear all my screw-ups? Couldn’t you tell I was rusty?” In fact, I even made some comments to them about it and they said they couldn’t tell that I messed up. At the time, I lacked confidence. Since we have been here for several months now I have gotten to play many times and I can tell that my playing has improved. I even look at the crowd when I play. I guess you can say I have more confidence in my ability to play! This week I took another step and played the bass guitar. This instrument doesn’t come as natural as playing drums so I really have to work at it. I love to play, especially for the Lord. I feel like David did when he was playing his instruments and dancing before the Lord. I still haven’t reached a level of confidence to where I can sing in front of a crowd yet, but Lord willing, I’ll get there. Think about some people in scripture that lacked confidence when they were asked to do something for God. Moses…Moses had no confidence in himself or his abilities. That’s why he came up with so many excuses, yet when he finally obeyed, his confidence grew and he became an awesome leader of God’s people. What about Gideon? God called him a mighty warrior! He was from a poor family and he was the least of his family. In fact, when the angel came to him he was hiding in the barn threshing wheat! Yet we see Gideon take on the challenge that God gave him and he defeats a whole army, not with an army of thousands, but three hundred. And their weapons were water pots! Look at Saul, when God chose him to be Israel’s first king, he hid! And yet he came to be a powerful king. And the list goes on and on. If you lack confidence to do something, study these examples, plus others in the Bible, and pray to the Lord to give you the confidence you need to do His Will. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

stand

Wow! I didn’t realize how long it has been since I have written in my blog and thanks to my father in law for pointing that out to me :’) Let me give everybody a quick update: we are doing o.k. we, along with countless Americans, are struggling financially due to making two house payments. Please pray for our house in West Tennessee to sell. That thing is killing us! We have dropped the price again and will take a major hit when we sell it. Speaking of taking a major hit…
We have been at our new church as youth ministers for about 3 months now. It’s been a rough road. On our very first outing as a youth group, we decided to camping. Unfortunately we had a girl sneak some alcohol into her tent and another girl drank some of it…too much of it actually. She passed out and was puking on herself. Obviously this created a lot of havoc and without going into detail, it caused friction in the youth group and with an elder and his family. If you read any of my previous blogs you would know that we have had trouble with churches in the past. My wife and I have been treated like dogs by some of the churches we have been associated with. This was something we REALLY did not need at this time. We are still feeling the effects of this camping trip and we are dealing with them the best we can. My wife made a comment to me the other day that really opened my eyes to something. She said, “It’s amazing how hard the devil comes after you when you are doing God’s Will.” And she’s right and I have said that statement many times in the past but for some reason I had forgotten that. Maybe it was discouragement, or maybe I was having a pity party and wanting to be petted. But that statement kind of gave me a second wind and has made me dig in my heels and start pushing forward again. Things could be worse, a lot worse actually. We have so many blessings that we lose sight of when hard times come and it’s so easy to lose our focus. If you are having hard times and facing troubled waters ahead, take a look at these verses and remember to keep your eyes on Jesus! Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Also read Psalm 42 and 43