:: the PAC blog ::

I'm not into eating dead, uncooked fish...

This morning we swung  by  La Centerra outdoor mall (across from Cinco Ranch HS), and discovered that every Saturday AM they host an incredible "gourmet" Farmer's Market.  Very nice.  We saw HUMONGOUS fresh eggs ($3/dozen), tasted delicious pecans, and purchased healthy-looking organic onions that had just been pulled from a garden.  The vendors working there were all friendly and informative.  In particular, the "egg man" appeared to be having himself a time watching surburbanites "ooh & aaah" over these deluxe eggs.

La Centerra was buzzing with all kind of people enjoying the beautiful spring weather, many accompanied with small children sitting around the relaxing water park.  Hey, the Starbucks there was really "stellar".  Although we stood on a long line, the service was lightening quick and cheerful.  I think that I now have a new favorite Starbucks.

We noticed there were a couple of "sit down" restaurants toward the back...a fancy-looking sushi place, and a fish grill.   I'm not into eating dead, uncooked fish, but understand there is a steak house in the area somewhere.  In the past, we've gone to the Johnny Rockets hamburger place (very "retro") and the ice cream place next door (if you're goona have "fat grams", do it in style!).

We'll be back.

This man DIED...went to HEAVEN...came back!

A red wasp flew in front of my nose!

I was sitting at my desk in the church office this PM, quietly praying and preparing my message for Easter Sunday, when suddenly a red wasp flew in front of my nose!   Folks, in a twinkling of an eye I was transported from tranquility to turbulance.  Had you seen me, you've would've thought I'd had seizure.  After slapping "that thing" with a book and stomping it into the carpet was I able to settle back to my assignment. 

The Enemy is like a red wasp who intrudes your tranquility and distrupts your assignment from the Lord.  To do?  Slap him down with The Book!  That is, use the Word of God just like Jesus did against ole' slewfoot.  Then stomp him into the ground in the authority we have in Christ.  Afterwards, get back to your assignment.

But God!

Please keep in prayer Rev. Gary Chapin. He is a denominational leader, and serves as Secretary of the South Texas District (which our church is part of).  Rev. Chapin is in ICU and is needing a liver & kidney transplant.  Pretty serious.  But God!

His family is maintaining a daily blog for those wanting updates. 

It was a madhouse!

I went to Katy Mills Mall in the AM with my family to shop. As usually, we had to dodge around those salespeople that sell merchadise from the "vending stands" floating throughout the mall.  I imagine they all work for the same boss, since they're all dressed in black and have the same line ("Excuuuuuse me!  Could I ask you a question??") as they block your path.  Actually, there is one particular vendor that we like (nice guy...not dressed in black) that sells awesome leather belts.  Great prices and quality. 

Later in the PM, I went back to KMM to look for a shirt...it was a madhouse!  A zillion people...lots of families with tons of kids on spring break...just meandering in a daze.  I made sure to get out of there in a hurry.  Just don't like to be in a crowded room filled with hyperventilating people when I'm trying to shop.

So glad there's Amazon.com.  I usualy can find great prices...it's convenient...and the shipping costs are probably less than the gas you would've spent driving to and from stores.

Any Ebay-ers out there?

Flip flops or sneakers?

1.     Ski vacation or tropical beach?

2.     Smokey Mountains or Martha’s Vineyard?

3.     Boutique hotel or big resort?

4.     Flip flops or sneakers?

5.     Sun tan lotion or sun screen?

6.     Europe or Far East?

7.     Alaskan cruise or Caribbean cruise?

8.     NYC or Eureka Springs?

9.     Salmon or lobster?

10.   Airplane or SUV?

Texas weather

Loving this weather today!  If only it would stay this way until.......oh well, just wishful thinking.

Goofy cover-up

Nearly 4 years ago, we were invited to come to Katy for the weekend to be interviewed by the Pastoral Search Committee.  During that time, we noticed that further down on Mason Road the grassy areas near the street had been painted green!!   Evidently, it was an attempt to conceal the fact that the hot summer months had dried up the grass.   But it was an unnatural-looking green color.  Actually it made the grassy areas look goofy!

Too often, we try to camouflage our spiritually dry condition with a goofy cover-up. Who are we kidding? Definitely not the One that created us!

An old-fashion country church

We were ministering at First Assembly of God in Brownsboro, Texas over the weekend.  My dear friend, Wes Bynum, is the pastor of this church located in small town between Tyler & Athens (that is, Athens TX...not Greece!).  The folks of this church were simply wonderful and gracious.  This was not a "foo-foo" church (that's "greek" for "fancy" ;-), but an old-fashion country church saturated with joy.

The church has an "Evangelist Quarters" that we stayed in.  Basically, it is a Sunday School room that has been converted into a bedroom for traveling preachers to lodge at. You see, years ago many churches had Evangelist Quarters because the cost of hotel rooms was prohibitive.  Our room was beautifully and tastefully decorated.  Honestly, we forgot we were sleeping in the Sunday School wing of the church!

Mmmmmmm.  I think that every few months some of these "Lear Jet Evangelists" need to be a blessing to a small, country church and sleep in a convereted SS room just to be reminded that God doesn't need fancy vessels...only yielded vessels.

Edom Bakery & Grill

Just returned home from preaching over the weekend at a church in East Texas.  I'll write more about this trip later, but first wanted to let you know of the NEATEST country eatery I've been to in a long while.  It's called Edom Bakery & Grill.  Folk, I had the the most spectacular waffle with pecans ever!  This spot on the road was awesome!

BTW, the town of Edom has an eclectic artist colony.  Once a year they host a huge art festival where folks come from all over Texas to shop at.  Lots of art & crafts stores.  Very original.