SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVING IS...
HOT!! Summer has officially arrived and in typical Middle Tennessee fashion, it is hot and humid. Please be careful. Hydrate and take care of yourself. I encourage you to check on your friends and neighbors and make sure they are staying cool and doing ok. Sadly, more folks die from heat waves than any other natural disaster in America. So, if you find someone in need, please let us know how we can help.
Here is a fun fact: In 1934 George Gershwin was writing a brand new opera "Porgy and Bess". One of the songs was a jazz inspired lullaby that has become the most covered song in the world, with over 25,000 versions. The lullaby is "Summertime" and has been performed in almost every genre of music ranging from opera to reggae. "Summertime and the livin is easy."
Living in Middle Tennessee does allow us to experience the four seasons. Growing up, summer meant vacation, break from school, VBS, choir tours, mission trips, youth camp, band camp, two-a-days for football and basketball, swim team, and more. For several years my family would travel to the Baptist Assemblies where my parents would lead training, leadership workshops, and even participate in worship. This meant several days in a caravan from Nashville to Glorietta, New Mexico. Stay for three weeks. Then back home for a week. And then three weeks in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. (Those were awesome times!) During the summer my days were never boring but full of adventure roaming in the woods, canoeing the streams, riding my bike - basically living life. Honestly, with the exception of a few camps, I really never thought much about how hot it was. I think I was too busy enjoying life!
Sadly, it seems that as I grow older the magic of summer seems to fade away. So, I am challenging myself, and I invite you to join me in finding the adventure and joy in summer - even when it's HOT! As you know, Patti and I started our adventures strong with our trip out west to Arizona culminating with visits with Ms Carol and Cindy, and our stay on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. God's Creation is Incredibly Awesome! And here's the great thing about where we live. You do not have to venture far to experience the beauty of God's handiwork. So join me this summer in regaining the joy of childhood summers and adventures. I strongly believe that Jesus had a fun, adventuresome, childhood. Luke 2:52 tells us that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Claim your childlike adventures and grow in your childlike faith.
Finally, summer also means a time when many enjoy the gift of growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Gardens are beginning to burst forth with their bounty. And many of you look forward to sharing the fruits of your labor. So, beginning this Sunday, we will have a "Share the Bounty" table in the hallway between the Worship and Grace Centers. Feel free to share and/or joyfully receive this summer harvest. And thank you in advance for sharing. There is nothing better than "home grown".
This Sunday we will continue our study on prayer looking at what it means to be a Prayer Warrior and the "Power of Prayer". Speaking of the power of prayer, and on a personal note, thank you for the prayers and concern for Patti. After a visit with the surgeon, it appears that she will not, at least for now, need surgery. Steroids and physical therapy will hopefully help correct her situation. She is already doing so much better. Again, thank you for all of your prayers and genuine concern. They mean so much to us! I look forward to seeing you Sunday! And Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)