In case you didn't know...

In case you didn't know (and why wouldn't you?) the greatest team in all of College sportdom, the University of Georgia Bulldogs open their season in 39 days!

My Bible Hero... (apart from Jesus)

You all have your favorite people written about in the Bible. Some people identify with Peter because of the loving way he was restored and forgiven. Some people identify with Paul because they were saved in a radical manner as he was. Still others love Joshua because they know the worry and nervousness of stepping into leadership. Well, I love Tychicus. You might be saying, Tychi-who? Well, one of my friends (Big D) introduced me to Tychicus, and from that day I have looked to him as an example of who I can, and want to be in Christ. Take a little walk with me through the scriptures to find out about this great man of the faith.

Acts 20:4-6: This is the first time we meet Tychicus. He is a Greek man from somewhere in Asia. This is all we know about him. A know-nothing man from an insignificant place. Yet he was counted as a disciple, a believer and follower of Jesus Christ; with Paul. Many of us are that way. Who ever heard of Athens, AL; Fredericksburg, VA; Blacksburg, VA; Chattanooga, TN; or Gainesville, GA? Not a one of you who reads this blog was a well known individual when you came to know Christ. But we are counted as disciples now. Also, you will notice that Tychicus was trusted to go secure a place for Paul to stay, and he did. I want to be counted as trustworthy, how about you?

Ephesians 6:21-22: Here we read about Tychicus, Paul's beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord's work. Paul trusted Tychicus to tell the Ephesian church about how he was doing in prison, and to encourage them when they heard the news. Not only that, but Tychicus was considered trustworthy by God to deliver this letter, and thereby preserve his holy word for us. How about you? Are you a trusted servant, a faithful helper in the Lord, and trustworthy to carry God's word?

Titus 3:12: Tychicus is on Paul's short list to be the Pastor of the Worst Baptist Church of Crete. Earlier in the chapter we read about how the church in Crete was full of liars, and lazy people. Yet, when Paul sought to replace Titus at this horrible church, he thought of Tychicus. He knew Tychicus fulfilled all the requirements of a Pastor (Titus 1:5-16), and was tough enough to handle this church. O' how I pray that I would be that way. And how about you?

Colossians 4:7-9: Again we read about the the beloved brother, encourager, again trusted to relay news and carry scripture. But there is an interesting phrase in verse 9:"I am also sending Onesimus." That should raise a red flag. Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon, was witnessed to by Paul in Rome. Tychicus is going to Colossae, Philemon's home, to deliver not just the letter to the Colossians, but also the letter to Philemon. Paul knew that Onesimus' return home might be volatile, so he sent Tychicus. O' to be remembered as a man that could diffuse tense situations with the love of Christ. How about you? Could you be remembered that way?

2Timothy 4:9-13: Here we read Paul's last letter. He knows he is to lose his life, and is writing Timothy some last minute instructions, and asking for his friend to come visit. Most of Paul's friends have deserted him, only Luke is left. But again, there is an interesting phrase in verse 12. It reads: I sent Tychichus to Ephesus. You see Tychicus did not run out on Paul like Demas or Crescens. No, Paul sent him away. You see Tychicus was evidently there for the long haul, but Paul had a mission to be taken care of, and Tychicus could do it. I want to be known as the man that sticks with people throuth their tough times, and only leaves because you need something important done. How about you? Are you willing to stick with people and even more, with God, in hard times? Do you have what it takes to be that kind of person?

You know, Tychicus was a nobody; nothing special about him. Most of you had never heard of him before this post. But he was a disciple. He had come to know Christ Jesus, and Jesus did great things through him. Jesus made him a man of character. Jesus made him trustworthy. Jesus made him loving. Jesus made him tough. Jesus made him an encourager. Jesus made him compassionate.... Jesus made him. Will you allow Jesus to do the same in you. We are know-nothing people from out of the way places, but Jesus can do great things with that! O' please let him continue doing his work in you. I want to rejoice one day in hearing Jesus say that I was full of the characteristics Tychicus had. I want you to hear it from the Savior's mouth too!

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

I don't have jack to say...

I really don't have jack to say right now. I have seated myself in front of a computer several times this week trying to force myself to write something for this blog, but could not write anything. And now I am sitting here forcing myself to write about the fact that I do not have anything to say. Man, I am pathetic! See y'all around!

My favorite preacher...

This is Alistair Begg. Born and raised in Scotland, Begg was brought to America by a church in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a wonderful preacher. There is not a single sermon that I hear from his mouth that does not challenge me to walk with the Lord more closely, or by the power of the Spirit; cut to my heart. If you are ever looking for your soul to be built and guided Son-ward, listen to Alistair Begg. If you are bored and want something to do, forget the movie, listen to Begg. If you need to remember how great our God is listen to Begg preach about Him.

It was once said of Charles Spurgeon: "When you go to listen to the homilies of the Anglicans you leave saying what a great speech. When you go to hear Spurgeon, you leave saying; what a great God!" When you hear Begg you will say, what a great God!

(If you want to listen to Alistair Begg, click on the link in my side bar.)

My home state...

I love my home state of Georgia. It is a wonderful state. There is much to love from the friendly people, to the wonderful foods, the great schools, and the beautiful scenery. And it is the last of this list that I wish to focus on today. In Georgia we have what are called the seven natural wonders of the State of Georgia. I have listed them below. I hope that you will enjoy the little jaunt through the best state in the whole of the United States.

Stone Mountain...

Our first natural wonder(with man made subtractions) is Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain is the world's largest granite outcropping. It was formed when the soil surrounding the granite was washed away. In the mid 1900's Gutsom Borglum was commissioned to carve the relief into the side of Stone Mountain. It features Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis riding their horses . Those carvings may look small in the picture, but you could actually sleep six men that are six feet tall on Robert E. Lee's nose. While the men were carving out the images, they actually refused to go back down in the evening and did sleep on Lee's nose.

I spent many a summer night watching the laser show that is cast upon Stone Mountain. The fireworks show that is held there on the 4th of July is second to none.

Tallulah Falls....

The next wonder of the state of Georgia is Tallulah Falls in North Georgia. It is beautiful in the fall with the leaves changing colors all around it. The Tallulah river actually carved out a gorge from the rock surrounding it. It is a wonderful sight to behold when you drive around the rim of the gorge and look down to see the river and the falls.

Amicalola Falls...

This is Amicalola Falls in the northern part of the great state of Georgia. This wonder is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. You can picnic at the bottom, and then climb to the top and look out over the Great Smoky Mountains. I have spent many a fall morning hiking the trails around Amicalola Falls.

Warm Springs...

Warm Springs, Georgia, located in the western part of my fair state is home to a set of springs whose water is warmed geologically. These springs are filled with minerals, and are used to rehabilitate people suffering from Parkinson's disease. In the first half of the 20th century Warm Springs was rest haven for those suffering with Polio. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spent much of his time in Warm Springs being treated for Polio. Also located in Warm Springs is the Little White House, where Roosevelt lived, and died.

Okeefenokee Swamp...

This is Okeefenokee swamp. Located in South Georgia, the Okeefenokee Swamp is home to several species of animals not found anywhere else in the world.

Radium Springs...

This is an artists rendering of Radium Springs resort in South Georgia. Radiums Springs is a respite for those suffering with many different ailments. People with muscle ailments of all kinds go to Radium Springs to soak in the cool waters. Yes, the waters are cooled by radium seeping into the water from below, but the ammounts of the radioactive substances in the water are negligible.

Providence canyon...

Our final wonder of the State of Georgia is Providence Canyon. It is also called the "little grand canyon," because, well, it looks like the Grand Canyon. Providence Canyon is located in southwestern Georgia. It was formed by runoff from the nearby hills pouring through the soft kaolin clay of the area.

More awesome motorcycles...

Here's another bike from Exile cycles. It's called the "Fat Bloke." I love the simple, bulky style of Exile cycles. Check out the fat tires and the pipes. Man, I could totally see myself winding through the mount roads of Georgia on this one.

A sick bike...

This is Russel Mitchell from Exile Cycles. He makes some of the sickest bikes I have ever seen. His bikes are no frills, tough as nails, European style bikes.

Thanks...

Thanks to all of you who were praying for me on my occasions to preach this weekend. I could definitely feel your prayers. Things went well, nobody died of boredom during the sermons.

Make sure to go to Geo's blog to read about his preaching engagement. And you can listen to his sermon too!

De-motivators...

Hey Boys and Girls, you have all seen the motivational posters that encourage you to be a team player, and strive for success. Well here is the other side of the coin. Below are some of my favorite de-motivators. You can find dozens more here.


It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.

There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots. 

Every dark cloud has a silver lining, but lightning kills hundreds of people each year trying to find it. 

Lewis Grizzard...

Since reading about Shelby Foote's death, I have been thinking about some of my favorite authors. I like: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harper Lee, William Faulkner, George Orwell, and countless others. One of my favorites, however, is a lesser known writer from Moreland, GA; the southern humorist, Lewis Grizzard. Lewis was hilarious. I remember my mother and grandmother barely being able to read me exerpts from his books because they were laughing, or crying so hard. I remember reading his articles in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. Lewis Grizzard loved to comment on Southern life, and often reminisced on the good ole' days. Below is one of my favorite Lewis Grizzard articles.

From The Atlanta Journal and Constitution September 24, 1984
Great moments in a would be father's life
To my Son, if I ever have one:
Kid, I am writing this on September 3, 1984. I have just returned from Athens, where I spent Saturday watching the University of Georgia, your old dad's alma matter, play football against Clemson.
While the events of the day were still fresh on my mind, I wanted to recount them so if you are ever born, you can read this and perhaps be able to share one of the great moments in your father's life.
Saturday was a wonderful day on the Georgia campus.
We are talking blue, cloudless sky, a gentle breeze and a temperature suggesting summer's end and autumn's approach.
I said the blessing before we had lunch. I thanked the Lord for three things: fried chicken, potato salad and for the fact he had allowed me the privilege of being a Bulldog.
"And , Dear Lord," I prayed, "bless all those not as fortunate as I."
Imagine my son, 82,000 people, most whom were garbed in red, gathered together gazing down on a lush valley of hedge and grass where soon historic sporting combat would be launched.
Clemson was ranked number 2 in the nation, and Georgia, feared too young to compete with the veterans from beyond the river, could only dream, the smart money said, of emerging three hours hence victorious.
They had us 20-6 at the half, son. A man sitting in front of me said, "I just hope we don't get embarrassed."
My boy, I had never seen such a thing as came to pass in the second half. Todd Williams threw one long and high, and Herman Archie caught it in the end zone, and it was now 20-13.
Georgia got the ball again and scored again, and it was now 20-20, and my mouth was dry, and my hands were shaking, and this Clemson fan who had been running his mouth the whole ballgame suddenly shut his fat face.
Son, we got ahead 23-20, and the ground trembled and shook, and many were taken by fainting spells.
Clemson's kicker, Donald Igwebuike, tied it 23-23 and this sacred place became the center of the universe.
Only seconds were left when Georgia's kicker, Kevin Butler, stood poised in concentration. The ball rushed toward him, and it was placed upon the tee a heartbeat before his right foot launched it heavenward.
A lifetime later, the officials threw their arms aloft. From 60 yards away, Kevin Butler had been true, and Georgia led and would win 26-23.
I hugged perfect strangers and kissed a fat lady on the mouth. Grown men wept. Lightening flashed. Thunder rolled. Stars fell, and joy swept through, fetched by a hurricane of unleashed emotions.
When Georgia beat Alabama 18-17 in 1965, it was a staggering victory. When we came back against Georgia Tech and won 29-28 in1978, the Chapel bell rang all night. When we beat Florida 26-21 in the last seconds in 1980, we called it a miracle. And when we beat Notre Dame 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl that same year for the national championship, a woman pulled up her skirt and showed the world the Bulldog she had sewn on he underbritches.
But Saturday may have been even better than any of those.
Saturday in Athens was a religious experience.
I give this to you, son. Read it and re-read it, and keep it next to your heart. And when people want to know how you wound up with the name "Kevin" let them read it, and then they will know.

A gentleman and a scholar...

I am not usually a great respector of men, but there are some that have captured my imagination, and influenced me. Shelby Foote was just such a man. While I was in college, I studied heavily in the subject of History. Though my earned degree was in Education, I really studied History in college. While at the State University of West Georgia, I was introduced to one of America's greatest historians and authors; Shelby Foote. I have read several of his works on the Civil War, and sat entralled by his commentary on Ken Burns' documentary, The Civil War. Well, Shelby Foote has passed away, and the world is all the worse for it. (I know that is poor theology, but I am a little saddened, so please forgive me.)

A closet chopper guy...

So, you may not know this about me, but I would love to drive one of these. I am totally a chopper guy. No sissy suzuki, or horrendous honda for me. I even think harley's are horrible. But not this bike. This bike is called "Chignon", and was fabricated by Matt Hotch. It has a springer softail rear end with a hydraulic lift that raises the frame off the ground. It's sick! I could totally see myself cruising down the highway on this bad boy. So, what do you think? Is it me?