A day in the life of...Mark Williams

Crazy Love

I just finished "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  What a great book.  Francis has a distinct way of bringing hard truths in a way that is filled with grace. 

We're (Agricola Baptist) going to go through the book as a DT study starting in January.  I can hardly wait.  We've already been talking about how we're going to teach it, with some great "extra" stuff to go along with it. 

You can check out the official website at www.crazylovebook.com  . 

praying about a project

I'm praying about a project that I'm thinking about taking on.  We'll see what happens.  I think it will be good for me and my spiritual walk.  But I want to share it with others as well.  The decision is whether I can commit to it or not. 

Just a few thoughts...

...I've been thinking about our mission trips to ATL lately.  What an impact we made on our trips to the International Village. 

...I visited today with a guy who has basically been unchurched his whole life.  I like these interesting conversations. 

...Did a lot of work today for KidStuf.  Sunday is coming quickly!!

...going dancing with my baby tonight...and out to eat for her birthday dinner!!  Bonefish...here we come.

...I had some really great seminary professors that taught me some great things.  I've never really told them that.  I probably should. 

...wondering how many people still have dial-up internet.

Thinking about a lot of stuff

I've been thinking about a lot lately.  Obviously, I haven't been posting about it.  I'm not even sure how many people are reading the blog still. 

A few things...

Our new preschool and children's building is up and going.  It's exciting.  I look at the work and pray that the church will catch the fire and passion needed to fill it up.  The building itself won't do that.  Loving Jesus AND reaching out will. 

I've also been thinking about S.S.  Our attendance is down.  There are a number of reasons that could cause this. 

The possibility of a new worship pastor is exciting.  I'm ready.  I pray that the people will be excited about getting back to a full staff.  I'll be especially glad.  I'm ready to relinquish a few things. 

Camo Sunday.  I like it!!  We'll be having some great things happening that Sunday.  A breakfast, testimonies, DT class with a hunting emphasis, and other related things.  It should be fun.

KidStuf.  It's coming again this Sunday at 5 p.m.  I still think KidStuf is one of the best ways to reach families.  We have a great group of volunteers that are committed to it. 

Slime....Melanie and I got slimed a few Sundays ago.  Why?  Our children's ministry has been giving them points for attendance at S.S., choir, RA's, GA's, KidStuf, memorizing scripture, taking notes during the sermon.  They reached their 1000 pt goal.  The next goal is 1500 pts and they get to slime their S.S. teachers. 

Fall Festival.  We are having it this coming Saturday, Oct. 31st from 5 to 7 pm.  It's always a great night for families.  This year, it seems that every church is having it on this night.  I think it'll be a great alternative to traditional trick or treating.  Although you can score good candy that way too.  This year, we're gonna have the MECHANICAL BULL back...along with some other great stuff. 

New S.S. class.  I've talked to a few people about this.  I'm praying that it will start within the next month.  It won't be long.  I think this will be a plus for our S.S.

Men's group.  I have an AWESOME time every time we get together.  It is truly a great time of spiritual growth. 

Dance class.  I love this time every week that I have with my wife.  We have a BLAST together.  It's good for the marriage.  It's a lot of fun. 

My kids.  They never cease to amaze me.  I'm so proud of them.  God has given me to wonderful gifts in each of them. 

I think that's all for now.  No promises on the regularity of posts.  If it comes to me, it comes to me. 

Weekend summary

Friday--Took Micah to the dr. in Mobile.  He didn't have the flu.  Just a nasty virus.  I think he's better this morning.

Saturday--Soccer without 3 of our players makes for a long game. 

Praise in the Park was amazing.  Great event and experience!!

College Football.  State lost.  Ole Miss lost.  Southern Miss lost.  Florida beat LSU.  There ya go.

Sunday--I preached in both the AM and PM worships.
        AM--Nehemiah 4.  Pushing through Discouragement...and fighting for our generation.
        PM--Journeying to Joy.

All in all, the weekend was good. 

On this Monday morning, I'm weary and don't feel well.  My allergies (or sinus) is killing me. 

I'm getting ready to speak again on Wednesday night.  That's always a good time!!

Gonna get slimed this Sunday.  The children's department reached the goal of 1000 points.  They got points for attendance, scripture memory, bringing friends to church, bringing their Bibles, etc.  It'll be great to celebrate this way with them.  We'll do this during S.S.  Hope I can get cleaned up by the time worship starts. 

Ballroom dancing

I did it....and I still have my man-card.

I signed up my wife and I for ballroom dance classes.  It's something Melanie has always wanted to do.  So guess what....I love making my wife happy and full of joy.  Last night was the first of six lessons (group lessons).  We are going to Starlite Ballroom in Mobile, AL.  Last night, we learned the Foxtrot and the Waltz.  We had a great time together....and even had a couple that we're friends with join us.  I'll let you know how this goes. 

Malaree singing "Shout"

Here's Malaree singing "Shout" before worship at Kids' Camp 2009.  3 years old. 

The Little Praisers

Here's a video of the Little Praisers singing in church yesterday.  Melanie, Davina Ables, and Brandon Kirkwood work with them each week.

my stinkin' eye hurts

I go through this phase.  My eye will hurt.  Not bad.  But just enough to bother me for a day or two.  And it's not always the same eye. 

What's been going on....

Melanie and Malaree took a weekend trip to Starkville this past weekend.  Melanie had not seen her parents since they went on their trip to the Mediterranean.  They had a great time while in Starkville.

Micah and I stayed here because of soccer. His team (I'm the coach) won 8-2.  They played a GREAT game!!  Their passing is getting so much better.  Micah scored 3 goals.  He has 10 goals through the first 4 games. 

I'm starting to read a new book by Malcolm Gladwell entitled Blink.  It talks about the "thinking" that we do in the first few seconds of "seeing" something.  

I'm also reviewing some videos for possible DT classes for the spring. 

KidStuf prep has been in full swing also.  Tomorrow night, we'll take on our 27th KidStuf.  Wow!!  I'm constantly amazed when I look back over the past 3 years at what has happened with KidStuf.  It's just a really unique way to connect to kids and families. 

Our Wild Goose Chase Bible study on Sunday nights has been great!!  Our attendance and the commitment to it has been encouraging.  I enjoy receiving the feedback and interaction during our small group study time.  This coming Sunday will wrap up this study.  I promise, though, that there will be more to come. 

Whirlwind week

Last week was.....well, unexpected.  Just cutting to the chase, Dad had a heart attack on Tuesday.  I headed up to Meridian, where he was taken to the hospital.  He stayed there through Friday morning.  They placed two stints in where he had blockages.  He is very fortunate and blessed to be here.  I thank God that he is doing better.  Our assumptions that we expect things to always be the same are sometimes rattled.  Life changes.  Things happen.  We're never given a "heads up" on these types of things.  I am grateful that God never changes.  That our hope in Him is what keeps us on solid ground.  I am thankful that my hope rests in Jesus.

Saturday Soccer update:  The team I coach tied our opponents.  Micah scored 2 goals in the effort.  He's playing good.  I've just gotta get our guys to play in their positions and make good passes.  I'm proud of them for their efforts. 

Wild Goose Chase update:  I'm really enjoying leading a group in this study.  It has been a great study with great church-wide involvement.  I'm excited about what God is doing at Agricola right now.  I know that He continues to have his hand on us. 

Keys to starting a movement

This came from the blog "Ragamuffin Soul".  Excellent stuff on starting a movement.

His observations:

A few things I think we can learn from this video.
A few things I think we can learn from this video.
1. One man can start a movement.
2. A movement need not be started by the most skilled member of the movement.
3. When beginning your movement and you look around and no one else is joining the dance, just keep dancing.
4. When the one guy who joins your movement slowly fades away, keep going.
5. Before you know it, the people joining your movement won’t even know you started it.
6. When your movement takes a life of it’s own, just let go. There will be no stopping it.
7. The very people who are staring at you like your nuts as you movement alone, will be the very same people dancing the hardest in the end.

My observations:

The importance of the first few people of the movement is crucial.

The longer the movement goes, the less crucial the first few people become. 

Once the movement starts, it's almost impossible to stop.  Make sure you're starting the right movement.

Some people just like to dance.  We just need to give them the opportunity to do it!!

What are some of your thoughts?

What's happening with me

For starters...

The Labor Day holiday was great.  We wound up eating at friends' homes for both lunch and dinner.  That was great.  The downside...it threw my "rest of the week" routine for a loop.  I've been off all week.  That's ok though.  I can handle being out of the routine in return for a day off.  We are supposed to break out of the Cage of Routine anyway.

on being a soccer coach....I'm trying to get 8 boys that are 8 and 9 years old to kick a ball into a net.  I'm also trying to get them to keep the other team from doing the same.  You think this would be easy.  It is not.  It is a love/hate thing.  I actually think I'm a half-decent coach.  The other half of me thinks I stink at it and believes someone else could definitely do a better job than me.  We're gonna have to have fun with this.  Otherwise, my hair is going to turn more gray than it already is. 

...on being a Miss. State fan.  I pray that this past weekend wasn't a game just to get our hopes up.  We play a real team Saturday in Auburn.  I'm not naive enough to believe that we'll have a winning season this year.  If we do, GREAT!!  But I know better than to expect that with a new coach this year. 

...on Wild Goose Chase.  I'm enjoying the weekly time I have teaching and leading a group through this study.  I believe that, if applied to our lives, it can literally change the course of what people do with their time on this earth.  I think it can be that life-transforming. 

...on being a daddy.  My kids are great.  But this week, they've been driving me (and Melanie) crazy.  I'm not sure if its the moon and stars, or what.  I've been ready to "take a belt" to em though. 

...on being a husband.  I love my wife.  She's planted the fire out of some plants this week.  I helped last weekend with it.  But this week, she planted 50 something without me.  God bless her.  And she's an amazing mommy too!! 

...on being a son-in-law.  Melanie's parents are on a cruise....in the Mediterranean.  Yep...Turkey, Greece, Italy.  I'm one jealous son-in-law. 

...on being a camp director.  We opened up registration for M4 Camps last week.  So far, we have over 300 ALREADY preregistered for 2010 summer camps.  Wow!!  I can hardly wait!!

Sickness, Soccer, Football, and Bible Study

The sickness hit our household 3 days ago.  Hence, the reason for no posting.  Melanie came down with some sinus junk with a sore throat.  I pulled double duty with that.  I'm so thankful she's doing better now.  

Tonight, Micah and I will go see George County vs. Stone County in football.  Looking forward to this!!  I love me some football.

On Sunday, we start our "Wild Goose Chase" Bible Study at church.  This is going to be an excellent 6 week study.  

We had our first U-10 Boys soccer practice last night.  We had six of our 8 players there.  We should be ok this season.  We are a little young, but we'll get better.  

Change

I think about "Change" a lot.  I believe that it's the way God wired me.  Some things are good when they don't change.  God said, "I am the same yesterday, today, and forever."  I like that consistency.  My God never wavers or changes. 

However, I believe that the "Church" must change.  I believe that there are ways of engaging people today that are much more effective than the way it's been done in the past.  The church has a "come to me" mentality.  But we see in scripture that it is far different from that.  Jesus presented more of a "I'm coming to you" ministry.  The church is more like it's supposed to be when it is serving.  That is when people will see Jesus. 

Methodology and practical church are things that are hard to change in the established church.  People see it as a threat against their faith.  It's not a threat against faith as much as it is against religion.  We have laid this "grid" of rules and expectations on top of an authentic faith in Jesus Christ.  And that has made it something it was never intended to be.  God's STORY is one of redemption.  Many times, we forget that.  We forget that WE are part of the story of redemption.  And the cool thing about redemption is that God redeems us in different ways.  In return, ministry is not the same with everyone. 

When I look at the "Church", it seems we have over-programmed ourselves into thinking that:

program x + program y (for 20 years) = Christ follower

When, in fact:  Total surrender to Jesus = Christ Follower

We have overcomplicated it.  I believe that Jesus just wants us to surrender to Him.  Give it all to Him. 

Jumprope

I think the jump rope is one of those things that "anyone" can do.  Some take it to the extreme.  Check out this amazing video!!

Mid-week sports thoughts

Brett Favre:  Here is a 39 year old kid.  Brett Favre has come out of retirement.....again.  This is the 3rd or 4th time he has "come back".  People get frustrated with his indecision.  I do too.  However, a 39 yr. old Favre is better than most of the other quarterbacks in the NFL.  I don't fault him for wanting to play.  He has every right to it.  I do, however, think all he needs is to take the class "Decision-making 101".  Make a decision and stick to it.

Tiger Woods:  Tiger lost a major this last weekend on the last day.  This is a first for Tiger.  He's usually the steady and consistent player.  I don't think he's sulking.  He's probably been hitting the golf ball since 5:30 this morning making sure it doesn't happen again.  Tiger is still the best.  And by the time it is all said and done, he'll be the best ever to play the game.

George County Rebels:  The first game for the Rebels is this Friday night at Moss Point.  It's going to be a rebuilding year it seems.  With the loss of a great running back, the offense may be lacking some.  Quote to remember:  Championship teams aren't built by individuals who do extraordinary things.  It's built by  doing the ordinary things with excellence.