I did co-pastor a church in Nicholasville, KY when I was a freshmen/sophomore at Asbury College (1960-62); but this is where it all began, as an ordained minister of the gospel. Some of the best years of my life happened here.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Where I Started 9-2-1979
I did co-pastor a church in Nicholasville, KY when I was a freshmen/sophomore at Asbury College (1960-62); but this is where it all began, as an ordained minister of the gospel. Some of the best years of my life happened here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A Fishing Trip
Some said it couldn't be done, but we showed 'em. As you can see Michael and I had a great time fishing! Just thought you would enjoy the picture. Click on the pics to enlarge them, and notice the beautiful color of the bream.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Maundy Thursday Service
We will be having a Maundy Thursday Service at Grace Christian Fellowship, this Thursday evening at 7:00. You are invited!
Blessings,
Mac
Monday, March 30, 2009
Influenza
In case you don't recognize this picture, it is the influenza virus; whatever you do, avoid it at all costs! Trust me on this: this sucker will make you sick, as in "nigh unto death sick"! Wash you hands, stomp your feet, eat spinach, drink Zoe life, but whatever you do, avoid this nasty creature! Just wanted to give you a heads up, from up close and personal!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Our Newest Members!
I want to welcome our newest members, KIP & LESLIE DECKER,to Grace Christian Fellowship. We are very humbled and honored to have them in our fellowship. Yesterday, Kip spoke to us and in doing so, he blessed our socks right off our feet! Well, not literally, but almost! What an articulate speaker, and what a powerful message he has to share. Welcome to both of you!
Friday, March 6, 2009
An Important Matter
Friday, March 6, 2009
Dear Fellow Travelers,
Sometimes life throws curve balls at us—one after another—and hitting them can be virtually impossible, especially when the most precious people in our lives are being snatched away, without any warning whatsoever. One of my “flock” knows what I am talking about—FIRST HAND.
Several years ago, her husband was killed in a tragic automobile accident, but that was, merely, the first curve ball that came flying across her “plate.” Not too many years lat-er, one of her teen-aged sons was killed in tragic automobile accident, the second of the curve balls that came flying across her plate.
Unbelievably, there was to be a third curve ball thrown across her plate; I can only pray that the “three strikes and you are out” rule applies to her life! This morning she told me that she received a phone call about 4:30 AM, telling her that her brother’s 28 year old son, her nephew, was killed in a tragic automobile accident. He left a wife, a 6 year old son, and, of course, his extended family. I can only imagine the pain this precipitated, and I really cannot do that.
Debbie is one of the most precious people I know, but that does not mean that she is any less human. Her feelings are real—very real! Her confusion is legitimate—very legitimate! Her desire to run and hide under a rock are normal—very normal! I hope she has all the freedom in the world to kick and scream and spit!
The people in our part of the Body of Christ love her without condition, and it is so very easy to do so because she first loves us, without condition. I have no problem under-standing why Jesus chose her to be His bride, none whatsoever, but my gosh, He has al-lowed her to go through some pretty tough stuff!
Of course, she called me this morning because she knew that I, being so old and wise and experienced, would have all the answers for her! If you believe that, you need to have your oil changed! She called me because she KNEW that I would not have a clue, not the first one. What in the heck could I possible say to someone, who has been through the fire and come out on the other side like pure gold?
When she first learned of her late husband’s death, she found herself sitting in a parking lot (literally) somewhere in Alabama or Arkansas (I cannot remember which), completely distraught, with her Daddy leaning over her. This is what she asked him in that agonizing moment: “Daddy, what are we going to do now?” His reply was, well, this was his reply: “We will keep on trusting Jesus!” In that moment her Daddy empowered her, as never before!
Now listen up, after three terrifying curve balls, Debbie is still trusting Jesus, not be-cause she is so spiritually astute, but because He has given her His faith, the kind of faith that brings peace in the storms of life, AND, I might add, because her Daddy spoke the power of Jesus into her life.
Needless to say, I hold Debbie in a place of high esteem, very high esteem, and I love her—no conditions attached.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love . . . Love NEVER fails! Not ever!
Please pray for Debbie and for this 6 year old child and his mother, as well as the entire extended family. You will be glad you did!
By the way, the Lord has given her a new husband, Dudley, and they really love each other and bless the rest of us beyond measure! I am sure that she is leaning on his broad shoulders, even as I write this.
Dear Fellow Travelers,
Sometimes life throws curve balls at us—one after another—and hitting them can be virtually impossible, especially when the most precious people in our lives are being snatched away, without any warning whatsoever. One of my “flock” knows what I am talking about—FIRST HAND.
Several years ago, her husband was killed in a tragic automobile accident, but that was, merely, the first curve ball that came flying across her “plate.” Not too many years lat-er, one of her teen-aged sons was killed in tragic automobile accident, the second of the curve balls that came flying across her plate.
Unbelievably, there was to be a third curve ball thrown across her plate; I can only pray that the “three strikes and you are out” rule applies to her life! This morning she told me that she received a phone call about 4:30 AM, telling her that her brother’s 28 year old son, her nephew, was killed in a tragic automobile accident. He left a wife, a 6 year old son, and, of course, his extended family. I can only imagine the pain this precipitated, and I really cannot do that.
Debbie is one of the most precious people I know, but that does not mean that she is any less human. Her feelings are real—very real! Her confusion is legitimate—very legitimate! Her desire to run and hide under a rock are normal—very normal! I hope she has all the freedom in the world to kick and scream and spit!
The people in our part of the Body of Christ love her without condition, and it is so very easy to do so because she first loves us, without condition. I have no problem under-standing why Jesus chose her to be His bride, none whatsoever, but my gosh, He has al-lowed her to go through some pretty tough stuff!
Of course, she called me this morning because she knew that I, being so old and wise and experienced, would have all the answers for her! If you believe that, you need to have your oil changed! She called me because she KNEW that I would not have a clue, not the first one. What in the heck could I possible say to someone, who has been through the fire and come out on the other side like pure gold?
When she first learned of her late husband’s death, she found herself sitting in a parking lot (literally) somewhere in Alabama or Arkansas (I cannot remember which), completely distraught, with her Daddy leaning over her. This is what she asked him in that agonizing moment: “Daddy, what are we going to do now?” His reply was, well, this was his reply: “We will keep on trusting Jesus!” In that moment her Daddy empowered her, as never before!
Now listen up, after three terrifying curve balls, Debbie is still trusting Jesus, not be-cause she is so spiritually astute, but because He has given her His faith, the kind of faith that brings peace in the storms of life, AND, I might add, because her Daddy spoke the power of Jesus into her life.
Needless to say, I hold Debbie in a place of high esteem, very high esteem, and I love her—no conditions attached.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love . . . Love NEVER fails! Not ever!
Please pray for Debbie and for this 6 year old child and his mother, as well as the entire extended family. You will be glad you did!
By the way, the Lord has given her a new husband, Dudley, and they really love each other and bless the rest of us beyond measure! I am sure that she is leaning on his broad shoulders, even as I write this.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
And A Good Time Was Had by All!
Sometimes, it is just hard to beat a good ole fish fry!! These grouper were great and so was the fellowship. We had a little trouble keeping Valorie in line, but other than that it was smooth sailing. PLEASE NOTE THE OLD BENEVOLENCE CAP--AN ANTIQUE FOR SURE!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Fisherman Indeed!
Although Luke's son, Chad, is shown in this picture, it was really the old man, who caught the tuna, all 120 pounds of him (her!). There is quite a story about the landing of this fish. In the first place they had sailed over ten hours into the Gulf of Mexico before they started fishing. Luke caught the pictured fish, fought him for about 45 minutes, when the fish went under the boat and got the line entangled in the propeller. The Captain of the boat, jumped into the Gulf, cut the line free, handed it up to his Mate, who tied it onto the line of another rod, with which Luke landed this monster tuna!! Not bad for an old man!! Left click on the picture to enlarge it!Monday, February 16, 2009
And now he is healed--perfectly, healed!
The article below is one (as you can see) that I posted on December 18, 2008. Please read it again and, then, note my comments at the end.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
He Touched My Friend!
Thursday night, December 18, 2008 [warmer, PTL!],
This afternoon I visited someone who has lung cancer and is presently living in a rehab facility. He is trying to regain the strength that both the illness and the treatment have robbed from him. The mountain he is attempting to climb is much too high, every step leaves him almost breathless; yet, he looks forward to being released from this facility and returning to his home, where he lives—alone.
When I walked into his room, he had a visitor, but he interrupted their conversation to tell me that he had been meaning to call me, but just hadn’t done it, then he motioned for me to have a seat in his wheel chair. He obviously wanted to talk about something that was important to him. To be sure, I already knew that I was there by Divine appointment because of the circumstances that led me to him, so I sat down, waiting for the other visitor to leave, so he could say whatever he need to say. He didn’t wait; instead, he started right in with his story. Soon the visitor excused himself, and I think he did so because he knew that our friend had more to say than he was saying in his presence.
As soon as the visitor left the room, my friend got up out of his bed, took the several, labored steps necessary to reach his chair, and plopped down, looking directly at me. I knew he had something on his mind, a burden that he needed to release. He was fighting tears, as if men aren’t supposed to cry. Then these words came forth: I can’t tell you when it happened, all I can tell you is that it happened; I have truth in here (pointing to his heart), but I need to know how to pray; I need to know how to pray so that I am not sounding selfish. I knew what he meant, what he was asking.
I find it so sad that so many have been taught such erroneous things about God, things that say I am being selfish, when having been diagnosed with lung cancer, I am asking God for healing; things that say I am being selfish, when I am scared to death (not of death, but of dying), and I am asking God to take away my fear; things that say I am being selfish, when my life is completely out of my control, and I am asking God to bring some sense of hope and security to me.
As you might imagine, I told my friend not to worry about sounding selfish because God already knows that he is, and it doesn’t offend Him one bit. I told him to tell God whatever he wanted to tell Him, and He would understand. I told him to yell and to scream at God, if He needed to, and He would gather him up in His big arms and hug him. I told him to tell God that he wanted Him to heal him, that he really wanted Him to heal him, and God wouldn’t see it as selfishness, but as honesty.
Before I finished that piece of this conversation, I told him that most of my prayer life has to do with my getting to the place, where I desire His will for me, more than I desire my own will, and I told him that it was hard, very hard. Then, of all things, He asked me to pray for him. I mumbled something, probably something asinine, but I know God heard me and I know that He touched my friend! I really like it when He touches my friends!
Have I told you lately how blessed I am to be able to spend my life doing this? Talk about grace!
This afternoon, I received a call from one of the men at Hart's Mortuary, telling me that my friend, Red Roberts, died yesterday, and his wishes were for me to speak at his memorial service. I can only tell you that I am among the most blessed of the blessed! Please remember to pray for me, as I purpose to honor my friend, and, especially, our Lord.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
He Touched My Friend!
Thursday night, December 18, 2008 [warmer, PTL!],
This afternoon I visited someone who has lung cancer and is presently living in a rehab facility. He is trying to regain the strength that both the illness and the treatment have robbed from him. The mountain he is attempting to climb is much too high, every step leaves him almost breathless; yet, he looks forward to being released from this facility and returning to his home, where he lives—alone.
When I walked into his room, he had a visitor, but he interrupted their conversation to tell me that he had been meaning to call me, but just hadn’t done it, then he motioned for me to have a seat in his wheel chair. He obviously wanted to talk about something that was important to him. To be sure, I already knew that I was there by Divine appointment because of the circumstances that led me to him, so I sat down, waiting for the other visitor to leave, so he could say whatever he need to say. He didn’t wait; instead, he started right in with his story. Soon the visitor excused himself, and I think he did so because he knew that our friend had more to say than he was saying in his presence.
As soon as the visitor left the room, my friend got up out of his bed, took the several, labored steps necessary to reach his chair, and plopped down, looking directly at me. I knew he had something on his mind, a burden that he needed to release. He was fighting tears, as if men aren’t supposed to cry. Then these words came forth: I can’t tell you when it happened, all I can tell you is that it happened; I have truth in here (pointing to his heart), but I need to know how to pray; I need to know how to pray so that I am not sounding selfish. I knew what he meant, what he was asking.
I find it so sad that so many have been taught such erroneous things about God, things that say I am being selfish, when having been diagnosed with lung cancer, I am asking God for healing; things that say I am being selfish, when I am scared to death (not of death, but of dying), and I am asking God to take away my fear; things that say I am being selfish, when my life is completely out of my control, and I am asking God to bring some sense of hope and security to me.
As you might imagine, I told my friend not to worry about sounding selfish because God already knows that he is, and it doesn’t offend Him one bit. I told him to tell God whatever he wanted to tell Him, and He would understand. I told him to yell and to scream at God, if He needed to, and He would gather him up in His big arms and hug him. I told him to tell God that he wanted Him to heal him, that he really wanted Him to heal him, and God wouldn’t see it as selfishness, but as honesty.
Before I finished that piece of this conversation, I told him that most of my prayer life has to do with my getting to the place, where I desire His will for me, more than I desire my own will, and I told him that it was hard, very hard. Then, of all things, He asked me to pray for him. I mumbled something, probably something asinine, but I know God heard me and I know that He touched my friend! I really like it when He touches my friends!
Have I told you lately how blessed I am to be able to spend my life doing this? Talk about grace!
This afternoon, I received a call from one of the men at Hart's Mortuary, telling me that my friend, Red Roberts, died yesterday, and his wishes were for me to speak at his memorial service. I can only tell you that I am among the most blessed of the blessed! Please remember to pray for me, as I purpose to honor my friend, and, especially, our Lord.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
I haven't always been this old!
Here is the proof that I haven't always been this old!! My sister can even be my witness!You can tell by the tie I am wearing that I was probably already preaching!Saturday, February 7, 2009
On June 6, 1960 three of us in this picture graduated from Reynolds High School, home of the Tigers! The oldest looking (second from left) graduated in June of 1959--50 years ago. Although, our lives have gone in different directions, we have remained close friends through the years. Last night (2/6/209), some 13 of us gathered at the Grits Cafe in Forsyth to eat and fellowship. Afterward, we moved to the home of Brer, aka Lamar and Carey Russell for desert. We had a blast! You should have been with us! It would have made your study of theology much more interesting![l-r: Hollis Goodroe, Brer Russell, Gene Brunson, Mac Goddard]
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
One of the Blessings of Being a Pastor
This is why being a pastor is so much fun. Today I was visiting Ralph and couldn't resist taking this picture of what a saint does to entertain himself (He is watching the Gaithers, clapping his hands, and praising the Lord!). Who could ask for a more rewarding "job"?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ralph in the Coliseum Hospital!
As you can see, Ralph is back in the hospital (Coliseum)! Please keep him in your prayers, as he is not feeling very well! I asked him to look "sick" in this picture, so you would feel sorry for him! He did the best he could! He is presently getting 2 units of blood!
Blessings,
Mac
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A Wonderful Service
Yes, I am probably prejudiced, but we did have a wonderful service this morning at GCF! Thankfully, we are enjoying such a sweet, sweet spirit! The unity of the Spirit is quite remarkable, and I am very thankful for it! I wish the entire world could have experienced this time with us!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tomorrow is Our Gathering Day!
That is correct; tomorrow is Sunday, our gathering day! I am really looking forward to our time together, especially in light of the fact that I have a surprise for you--one you will enjoy (I feel sure!). Anyway, roll on out of bed, hit the floor, get dressed, load up, and head on out to our sheep shelter: 6733 New Forsyth Road. Oh, by the way, we gather at 10:00 AM, so be on time, please. You do not want to miss the surprise!
Blessings,
Mac
Blessings,
Mac
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
A Prayer Matter
Our beloved Ralph Whitehead will be having by-pass surgery on Tuesday, January 13. Please keep him and his wife, Date, in your prayers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
