From C. S. Lewis

Someone sent me this quote from C. S. Lewis (one to always make you think!)


For you will certainly carry out God's purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John.

It is Time to Take Stock

August Newsletter Column....
I know many people who view their life like a glass that is half-empty.  “I can’t believe this happened to me!”  “I missed out again.”  “I wish I had a better job.”  “Why can’t my spouse get with it?”  It’s like they live their life always regretting, always upset, and always needing more.  These folks are NEVER SATISFIED!

            There is nothing wrong with ambition, nothing wrong with wanting to improve one’s lot in life, and nothing wrong with seeking after more, but not at the detriment of counting the blessings of God in your life.  God has blessed us more than we can ever imagine or understand, and we just sail along in life feeling like we have been deprived and have nothing to rejoice about.  We focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do have.

            It is easy to take for granted being able to breathe until we meet someone with a lung disease.  It is easy to take for granted our ability to see until we meet someone who cannot.  It is easy to take for granted the job we have until we encounter someone who can’t find a job.  It is easy to take for granted our family until we learn of someone whose child was killed in a drive-by shooting or in a movie theatre.  It is easy to take for granted the home we live in until we meet someone who has lost their home because they lost their job.  It is easy to take for granted our freedom in this country until we meet someone from a country where they cannot choose how many kids they can have, what kind of car they can drive, or which god they can worship.

            The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thess.5:16-18).  Can you do this?  Can you count the blessings you do have rather than the blessings you don’t?  Can you take stock and inventory your life at how blessed you really are?  If you can, then your life will be a wonderful experience! 

New Deacons!!

Deacon Bill Owens -- Ordained July 30

From Left to right:  Deacon Shane, Deacon Brad, Deacon Ben, Deacon Michael -- Ordained July 31

The Olympics Have Begun!

My wife and I always enjoy watching the Olympics and listening the stories of how athletes through discipline, adversity, commitment, hard work, and inspiration made it to the Olympics.  Of course, it is always good to see so many countries of the world competing in a peaceful setting.


We were not able to watch all of the Opening Ceremonies, but were disappointed to hear that NBC omitted a significant piece of the Ceremony.  The Brits put in a beautiful and riveting piece remembering those who died because of terrorism.  Was it because the scene had a Christian message to it that it was omitted?  Or was it because it had to do with terrorism?


The British, as always, presented this with good taste. NBC, on the other hand, exhibited bad taste in omitting it.  To see the omitted piece, click http://deadspin.com/5929778/heres-the-opening-ceremony-tribute-to-terrorism-victims-nbc-doesnt-want-you-to-see.

The Fourth In Atlanta

One of the big events in the Atlanta area on the Fourth of July is the Peachtree Road Race, a 10K run which amples down Peachtree Road from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park.  My wife and ran it with 60,000 other people.  It was her 32nd in a row!

Allison just before running her 32nd year in a row

Another Atlanta tradition are the fireworks in the evening at various sites around the city.  We viewed them at Lenox Square.  It was wonderful to see so many American Flags all over the city, and the participation by so many in local events.

Noah's Ark Outfitters

The Three Apostles Mountain Range

During my recent trip to the Colorado Wilderness with nine other Anglican bishops, the outfitters who led this Anglican Leadership Initiative was a group in Buena Vista called Noah's Ark.  Led by Chuck Chichowich and his team, all of us were quite impressed with the quality of Christian leadership we encountered.  Noah's Ark hires young people to serve as leaders and guides for rock climbing, white-water river rafting, and wilderness expeditions.  Through their training and equipping, literally thousands of leaders around the United States are serving the Lord in various ministries.  For more information on Noah's Ark, see www.noahsark.com.  If you are planning a trip to Colorado, be sure the check them out and what they might offer you.

David, Chuck Chichowich, and Ben Carrol, our Guides

Bishop Silas Ng and my tent at 12,000 ft.

Wake Up America

This past Sunday at our Annual Independence Day Service, I preached a sermon entitled, "Wake Up America."  It is a sermon calling us to turn back to God and turn away from our wickedness.  Although I did not think it was that great a sermon, the response from the congregation was standing ovation -- the first I have ever had after a sermon!  I asked folks if that was truly their sentiment, to kneel and call out to God on behalf of nation.


To hear this sermon, click here.... http://www.holycrosspodcasts.org/C1-media;show,172.


Lord God Almighty, who hast made all peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and peace:  Grant to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.


Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name.  Amen.