Believers’ Bible Church

The men’s fellowship we attended in Pitkin was lots of fun. The guys from there had cooked a hog, and it tasted great. I’m all about good food, and there was more than enough to go around. They did many demonstrations about guy stuff and the fellowship was great. It’s always a blast to hang out with other men of God who you have a lot in common with. Pitkin, Louisiana is full of rednecks, so our guys from CWC felt at home. Pastor Brian from Believers’ Bible Church ended with a word about how the flesh and bones of this world are only temporary, and as men of God we need to focus on the things that are eternal. Thanks, BBC, for the invite.

Bus

What a cool time we had tonight. A bunch of us CWC guys ganged up at the church this evening. We piled into our bus and hit the road. Been needing to run the bus some, so we decided to take it to Pitkin. A good friend of mine pastors a church there, Believers’ Bible Church. They had a men’s fellowship, and it was definitely worth the trip. I drove the bus over there, and it was a blast. The doctors have told me that I can’t drive a car. But they didn’t say I couldn’t drive a bus!

BS Bike Rally

Yesterday was a really cool day. Not the weather, but the fun! We had bikes from all over the DeRidder area come to Christway Church and participate in the BS run. We even had a couple of riders show up from Mississippi. The food was great, the kids had a great time just running and jumping, you know, just doing what kids do. The Buck Shot Run was a total success, and I just wanted to say thanks to all the folks who did and gave so much to make it so.  Sandy and I are so  blessed to have such an awesome church family.

Something New

I just left the home of a wonderful lady who is almost one hundred years old. I went by to visit and pray with her. Her health is not all that it should be, our bodies just wear out over time on this earth. But spiritually, she is strong in the Lord and the power of His might. As I prayed for her, she, in turn, prayed for me. I could feel the presence of Jesus in the room in an awesome way. She made a statement that I think will stay with me the rest of my life. She said ” I have been here a long time, I’ve seen just about everything this world has to offer, and I’m ready to see something new”.  Wow!  Then she spoke of streets of gold and the beauty of the Lord. I love that old gal, and I’m like her. I’m ready to see something new.

Good News

I am excited that we finally have the blueprints for our new youth building. Phil, who is an architect here  in DeRidder, finished them up for Christway this week. So, we should start the building in the next few weeks!  I am excited about what this is gonna mean for CWC. Our youth group is growing like crazy and have outgrown their room upstairs. When they move to their new building, it will open up more room for our other children’s ministries that are also booming!  Thanks, Christway Church, for all your support and commitment to the cause of Christ.

Prayer

I believe a church can only be as strong as the foundation it is built on. That foundation must be built out of prayer! Tonight we had a really great turnout at our prayer meeting. If we are going to see a great move of God in the DeRidder area, it will start with a group of believers who will spend time in fellowship with the Lord. Thanks again, Christway Church, for your commitment.

Superbowl 44

Well, I guess it was destiny? The New Orleans Saints finally won a Superbowl! We had a great time watching the Saints overcome the odds and defeat the Colts. CWC, as usual, had a great turn out for our Superbowl party. Joe and Jenn’s house was packed with a bunch of wild and crazy Saints’ fans. Thanks, Saints, for a great season and thanks, Christway Church, for a great night of food and fun.

Birthday

Forty-two years ago yesterday, my mom brought me into this world. It reminds me of an old joke. It goes like this: you are so ugly that when you were born that the doctor didn’t know which end to slap. Lol. It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies by. It only seems like yesterday that I was a little boy with all kinda time at my disposal. Well, guess what? The clock is ticking, and time is not a renewable resource. I have much left to do for the Kingdom of God, and so do you.

Wow

I just finished watching the Saints win in OT against the Vikings. I am not sure, but I think this could be a sign that the end is near! Lol!  Na, just picking, it was a great game, and I’m glad to finally see them make it to the Super Bowl. We can all learn a lesson from this. If you don’t ever quit and just keep fighting, your time will come.

Having Fun

Noah and I broke the winter time cabin fever today. I broke the Kel Tec AR. We busted off a few rounds into the target range at the house. Well, I didn’t get to do any shooting, Noah did. He, like his dad, loves to shot guns of any kind. I have always taught my kids to respect and be safe around fire arms. I have also tried to teach them how blessed we are to live in a country that has given us the freedom to keep and bear arms.

If the people fear the government it is called tyranny. If the government fears the people that is called democracy.   Thanks again to our founding fathers who had the courage to follow God’s plan for this great nation.

Army

My nephew, Rico, left a few days ago for boot camp. I am proud of this young man because he has chosen to answer the call of Uncle Sam. This country is blessed to have the best of the best who are willing to put it all on the line for the cause of freedom. We as a country enjoy freedoms that others only dream of. But freedom is not free, so thanks again Rico for doing what you do! Here is a picture of his new G. I. haircut which I am sure he didn’t want me to show, but what the heck.

Good Day

Today was a great day. It’s just one of those days at church where everything went good. The music was rockin, the seats were full, and the CWC folks seemed to receive the word. It’s always been neat to me how you can tell if the message is being absorbed by people. Thanks, God, for the most important thing, a man gave his life to you today! Salvation Rocks!

This Week

Man, what a week this has been! Been getting out more trying to get my stride back. It is crazy how much we take for granted. Simple things like being able to drive. It’s a new twist for me to have to have someone take me everywhere I need to go. To be honest, it stinks. I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of my truck. I think the first thing I’m gonna do is a burn out. Yep, I feel the need for speed. I guess it’s just a guy thing. Another thing I can hardly wait to do is crawl back on that big red Harley and take my woman for a spin. As the old bikers used to say, I want my knees back in the breeze!

Brother Vic

It was good to sit back this Wednesday night and just listen to the Word. Brother Vic brought a great message about the words that we speak. Proverbs says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. So, I just hung out in the back and got a different view.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Sometimes preachers need preaching too.

Stick

I needed some help the other night, and James and his son Stick (aka Kyle) came over to lend me a hand.  We at CWC have a church full of good men who are willing to go the extra mile for each other. That’s what living the Christian life is all about. Going the extra mile. Most of us want to just do enough to get by.  So, thanks again James, Stick and all the rest of you folks who do so much for the cause of Christ.

Andrew And Marli

Well, tonight was a first for me. This is the first wedding that I have done in a wheelchair. LOL. It was great to get to be a part of Andrew and Marli’s wedding. This young couple will be leaving in the morning, headed back to his Marine base in North Carolina. I am proud of Andrew and all the young men and women from CWC for their  service to this country. I know James and Tanya are very proud of their son.

Sunday

It was great to see every one this past Sunday. CWC is a great church. I wasn’t sure if I would last all three services, but with the Lord’s help, I made it through. I hope you folks enjoyed hearing the Word as much as I did bringing it. We serve a big God who loves us very much.
Thanks so much to all of you who have done so much for me and my family during this difficult time. I pray His blessings be upon all of you.

Update

Went back to the Orthopedic Surgeon today. The doctor said it will be another two months before I can walk around again. Then they will see about nerve damage. It is amazing how things can change in your life so quickly. I am thankful for doctors and honor their hard work. But God is my healer, and He gets the final say in such matters.

Maw & Paw

When Sandy and I first got married I didn’t really know how blessed I was. I married into a very strong and loving family. My in-laws have been a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration.  I don’t think they even realize the impact they have had on my life. Of course, I tell them that they searched me out to marry their daughter to breed looks back into the family. LOL.
Remember to  be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, even through the rough times with your loved ones who are lost, because you never know how much your life can influence theirs. Thanks, Maw and Paw, for your Godly example.

Midnight

Well, it’s getting close to midnight. The end of 2009 and the start of 2010. Wow, another year has come and gone. It only seems like yesterday that Y2K was all we were hearing about. Remember, all the computers were going to shut down and all the scary scenarios that the news people talked about.

Well, it’s been a decade, and we are still here. It has been a very hard year, and I am not going to say that I know what this year will bring. But there is one thing that I do know for sure. Whatever does come, I know that Jesus said he will never leave us and that He will never forsake us. Take confidence in this fact!

Make a quality decision: “I’m gonna be fine no matter what the enemy brings. When the enemy rushes in, like a flood my God will raise up a standard against him”. I pray that tomorrow will be the beginning of the best year you have ever had. God bless you, CWC, and may God bless the work of your hands this year.

Nails

A couple of days before I got shot Emily and I took one of our Dad and Daughter days. She wanted to go to the mall and get her mom something for Christmas. We also watched a movie, can’t remember which one, but she laughed and had a good time. I enjoyed just being with her. While we were at the mall I let her get her nails done. It just blows my mind how fast my kids are growing up. She is quickly turning into a young lady and Dad’s not sure if he is ready for all that goes along with it. I’ve been praying that Jesus would come back before we get to the point of boys wanting to take her out. I just hope the boys understand that I will take them out.  I’m not talking about on a date either!  Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Christmas Party

I’m gonna jump backwards a couple of weeks ago on this blog. So much has happened since we went to this event that I didn’t get to write about it. Sandy and I were invited to attend the Governor’s Christmas party at the mansion. It was a great time for my sweet thing and I to get all dressed up and hang out.  We saw a lot of old friends that we hadn’t seen in awhile, and Sandy loved the way the Governor’s Mansion was decorated for Christmas. I thank God for neat opportunities like these. The favor that we at CWC have is incredible. I’m also thankful for the arm candy that walked by my side that night. She was looking HOT!

Wednesday Night

It was great to roll into CWC Wednesday night. It was awesome to get to see so many of the folks that make CWC a great church. It felt a little weird to be on the platform in a wheelchair, but the Lord was with me and I soon got over it. I titled my message ” I’ll be fine”. I have used this to title several messages over the years, but nothing else seemed to work for this. When we don’t understand God in our present, we must look to His past to understand that we have hope for the future was my main point. I am grateful to God that He has blessed me with such a great church family.  I’ll Be Fine!

Great Adventure

If you would have told me twelve days ago that it would be an adventure just to go to church, I would have called you crazy. But it is what it is. Sandy and the kids got me loaded up, wheelchair and all.  Now we are on the way to Wednesday night service.
I was reading about Mary and Martha today. The Word says Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, and Martha ran around in circles, busy trying to get many things done. Then she was mad at Mary because she didn’t follow her. I understand that Martha wanted things to be perfect, and there is nothing wrong with excellence, but just like tonight, I may not get around as fast or preach my best sermon ever, but I am gonna get to church and worship Jesus.  Will write tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

Feels Great

Man, it feels great to have some mobility. Been getting around the house on crutches but haven’t been off the porch. Yesterday I had some folks brought me some fire wood, and I asked  them to help me get out the door in the wheelchair. It felt great to move around the yard a little bit. Emily rode her bike, and I tried to chase her but I was just a little too slow. Thank you Jesus for your healing power. I’m getting up.  See you in church tonight!

Church

I am so looking forward to getting back to church. This Friday will be two weeks since my accident, and it seems like two months. I am gonna bring the Word this week.  Wow, the last service of 2009. Time keeps on slipping into the future, that’s for sure.   So, I hope to see you there.

Wedding

I had planned on performing Sam and Ronnie’s wedding Saturday night. Well, after my accident on Friday that seemed like a complete impossibility. Well, Jesus said that with men these things are impossible but with God all things are possible. So with some help from Bro Vic, we had our first ever video wedding at CWC. Hey, what more could you expect from us?  Congrats to the newlyweds. My God bless your life together!

Christmas

I’m have always loved Christmas. As long as I can remember, for me, it has been a time of excitement and anticipation. I waited on old St. Nick to leave me something under the tree. I have lots of brothers and sisters, so all night long we would think we heard reindeer on the roof or a Ho Ho Ho from outside. Now, I am still just as excited to watch my kids and the kids at the church get revved up for this special day.
Christmas took on a new meaning for me many years ago, when I became a Christian and truly began to “get it” what the true meaning of this celebration is. It is the story of ultimate redemption.  God compressed all His power, authority, redemptive abilities, and love into the womb of a young lady named Mary.  Wow! What a God we serve, that He, my King, would come to this earth to die for all mankind. This Christmas season I have much to be thankful for. Just a few days ago, I was wondering if I would be around to enjoy my family. So, thank you Jesus, for my wife and kids and the time we have together.  Take the initative this Christmas and choose to forgive as Jesus forgave and love your folks.

Today

Today was a hard day. The reality that I am going to be off my feet for several weeks is beginning to sink in. I am a run and gun guy and enjoy helping other people. Well, now I’m the one who needs help just to get up and down. Talk about a humbling experience! But I give God praise for all the support from my family.  My kids and wife have been great. My church family has also been overwhelming.  The Bible says that when I am weak He is strong.

Confused Angel

You know, you just got to wonder where my guardian angel was during all of this. He’s supposed to minister to me, right? That’s what Hebrews 1:14 says.

When the blood bank was at the church in October I said something I’ve been thinking about. The nurse said I could give blood again in two months. I said, “What happens if I get shot”? I picture my angel scratching his head and asking, “Why does he want to know that”? Maybe the devil heard it to and saw an opening.

So when that buckshot came my way, my angel said, “Kennis wants to know what happens if he gets shot”. And he didn’t do anything to stop it. I said it, he thought I meant it, and that’s what I got. OUCH!

Angels are created beings. Their purpose is to carry out the Word of God. All they do is what God says. We are created in God’s image. He used His Word to create. Angels don’t have a sense of humor. They don’t lie. They don’t infer. They are literal.

I’m going to say what I mean and mean what I say from now on.