:: the PAC blog ::

Salute to "Hip" Pastors :-D

It wasn't a psychopath...

While doing my laps this morning at Katy Mills, I was about to catch up and pass 3 of our church folks, Belinda Britton, Denise Dowling & her daughter, Rachel.  Just before I caught up with them, I began to announce loudly through cupped hands, "SLOW TRAFFIC MOVE TO THE RIGHT!".  I think they might have been a little startled thinking a psychopath was behind them.  It wasn't a psychopath...just their pastor :-)

Vida Loca

Today we went to the newly opened Mexican restaurant on Kingsland, Vida Loca (spanish for "crazy life").  It's the restaurant that has replaced Las Rosas on that property.  VERY, VERY NICE.  They have poured lots of money into the remodeling of the building.  The decor is very urban and cool.  Believe it or not, black seems to be the dominant color, and it actually works well (all the workers wear black polos).  We sat outside under their HUGE covered patio area, with multiple ceiling fans keeping it refreshing despite the hot, humid weather.  Our boy played in their new playground set.

For lunch we enjoyed "made-to-order" guatamole and beef fajitas.  Excellent food.  Their chip sauce was tasty and enjoyable.  Their service was extremely attentive and friendly.  We will definitely be back!

Staying cool

TIPS:  Staying Cool During Hot Summer Months in Houston

1.    Go to the air-conditioned mall often.

2.    Only drink iced coffee when going to Starbucks

3.    Have a burden to visit everyone you know that has a pool.

4.    Sit next to your sprinkler system when it is "on".

5.   Sleep during the day, work during the evening.

Any other additional suggestions?

Make sure you're hungry...

Recently, a couple of  FLAG members graciously treated us to a fantastic brunch buffet at a wonderful Latin American restaurant called Churrascos.  It's located on Westheimer, near Gessner.  They had it all!  Meats, seafood, tropical salads, made-to-order omlettes, Tres-Leches desserts, etc. etc.  Definitely worth the trip.  Make sure you're hungry if you decide to go.

Soak it in!

Just got back from walking our Golden Retriever in our neighborhood.  It seemed as if almost everyone was watering their grass, trying their best to keep their lawns green and healthy.  You could see which homes had not done so; their lawns looked like hay fields.  

It's so important that we remain spiritually refreshed, especially during times of spiritual drought and oppression.   Otherwise we can quickly wither away.   Not nice or pretty.   To do?  During those "hot" seasons, stay out of the heat and hide in His presence.  The Psalmist David beautifully called it "The Secret Place".   While in His presence, go ahead and soak it in!  That's how we combat "spiritual dehydration".  While soaking, also read and medidate in His Word.  It will revive your soul unlike anything else....it's Heaven's Sprinkler system for your life!

Outer space?

I suspect all the VBS workers are sleeping-in this AM.  Lot's of aerobics this past week.   Time to hang-up their lab coats!

Curious to know what next year's VBS theme will be.  Outer Space?  Underwater?  Pilgrim era?

KUDOS to our Children's pastor, Debbie Kammerlohr for another incredible job.  A lot of folks didn't know that her birthday has fallen during the VBS week the past few years.   Happy B-Day!!

It's been a good week.

Tonight we wrapped up our week of VBS.   Hard to believe this whirlwind week of ministry has come to an end.  I'm going to miss having all those kids all over the church campus during the week.   I'm going to miss seeing our fine adult workers dressed in their "weird outfits" as well!   We are hoping that many of the unchurched families that participated in this week's VBS will come to FLAG with their kids.

I'm beginning to hear incredible and touching stories of how the kids were blessed this week.  It' so beautiful to see young children give their hearts to the Lord at such an early age. Oh, to have the faith of a child!

It's been a good week. 

"I belong to my Mommy"

We had a special luncheon to honor all the VBS workers today.   Everyone had a "tired-but-feeling good" appearance.  Ths year we had 170 children registered--a record at FLAG!  During the lunch, one of the workers had a cute little girl with her (a neighbor's daughter).  I asked the little girl who she belonged to.  Her response?  "I belong to my Mommy".  

Yes, it was impulsive...

I had to do it.  Yes, it was impulsive.  Tonight I used the VBS "time machine" in the front as a sermon illustration.  Actually stepped inside of it, closed the curtain, and continued speaking via my microphone.  It didn't transport me to another time zone, but certainly got the crowd's attention!  In fact, I think it was about that same time that we began to hear thunder outside.