The adventure continues at Culleoka...

Just a few years ago when we moved to Princeton I was finishing an 18-month interim at The Oaks in Grand Prairie.  Through a neighbor I learned of an older struggling rural church just around the corner from our new home; Culleoka Baptist Church (CBC).  I agreed to preach for them for a few weeks as they sought to secure a pastor, but a few weeks turned into a few months and a few months turned into a few years…and oh what an adventure!  We have made some wonderful friends and seen God work in some amazing ways.  When we started I could not have ever imagined what was in store for us at this country congregation.  I have learned so much about depending on God and waiting on Him to provide for His Church...and now when I say "His Church" I really mean "HIS Church."

Upon beginning at CBC I discovered that they had been through a bad split and had not had a long-term pastor for quite sometime.  The first Sunday I preached there were about 15 adults, with the median age being around 65.  Without getting into too many details, there were some major trust issues, conflicting power struggles and serious financial woes.   The treasurer at that time estimated that they would have had to shut the doors and sell the building within a month or two if things did not turn around.

Considering my work demands, the pursuit of my DMin, and the time restraints of being a husband and father of four, the very idea of attempting to lead a fellowship through a turbulent time was unthinkable.  I suspect that is why things unfolded in the manner that they did.  Never did I sit down and decide, “I think I’m going to lead this church through this difficult time.”  I do not believe I would have ever taken that step because it would have been too much of a demand on my family.  However, I could commit to preach for the church when I was available.  So, that is all I agreed to do…and that is what I continue to do.

So, what about leading?!  Who is in charge?  Has anyone committed to “pastoring” the church and leading through this time?  Not really, no.  At least no one has officially stepped forward and said, “I will lead this church!”  Yet, the church has grown by 40%, renovated its dilapidated building, started a children’s and youth ministry, hired four part time ministers, a building manager and a nursery worker, started several ministries to reach the surrounding community, and there’s still money in the bank to do more ministry.  So, who did all that if there is no established leader?  God did.  He is the HEAD of this church and that is not just something we SAY, it is something we’ve SEEN.

He found us a great youth minister.  He found us a great children’s worker.  He sent us money. He gave us, not one but two, digital signs (free of charge).  He found us a nursery worker. He sent us great worship leaders.  He sent us workers with the vision for reaching our community.  He has done it all.  I know it wasn’t me.  I was too busy working at the BGCT, getting a doctorate and raising four kids.  Like everyone else at this church, I had to depend on God and what do you know!?  He is a better at leading His church than any of us!  Go figure!

Had I been confronted with the decision to help lead this church through a turn around I would have run the other way and God knew it.  He had to take whatever weak gifts I could bring to the table and teach me to trust Him with HIS Church.  What a journey.  I am really looking forward to seeing what else He has in store for this sweet and growing fellowship of believers in Culleoka Texas!

It is amazing how a few family pictures put with just the right song can challenge a man to grow!

Flowers Family Video

Every year I edit a family video starting with the prior Christmas. This is the first year I'm going to add segments to youtube so family and friends abroad can see it too. Enjoy!

Missing Grandpa

I was just sitting look out my window today wishing I could go fishing and thought of my Grandpa. He passed away about 7 years ago and we used to spend a lot of time together fishing. I was reminded of how his life had impacted me which lead me to search my old computer files to find an old poem and prayer I had written for his funeral. Thought I would share them with you...

EVERYTHING NOT GIVEN IS LOST

My Grandpa and I spent much time together
We would go fishing each night despite the bad weather

He would tell me long stories about the days gone past
I would just sit and wonder how long it would last

He would talk about fishing, skiing and swimming
But what stuck out most was all the love he had given

He gave away batteries, boats and tools of every kind
But what impressed me the most was the way he gave his time

If a stranger was stranded or in need of assistance
Rusty Bucket was there and he would go the distance

He would give them a part, some gas or a ride
But he would never just pass by on the other side

Even in dying Grandpa gave of himself
Donating his body to help further our health

You see my grandpa taught me a very valuable lesson
It’s not about kind words or even how well you listen

It’s not about fame, fortune or wealth
It’s not about possessions that you can claim for yourself

It’s not about looking good in the eyes of men
It’s not even about avoiding that nature to sin

He taught me the lesson, but there is a cost
Everything not given will surely be lost

If my Grandpa were here I know what he would say
Stop crying for me that’s a waist of your day

Get out and live your life the best that you can
Make a difference in this world for your fellow man

Your cars, your houses, and all the wealth you’ve acquired
They won’t go with you when your life has expired

It is so tragic when a love one dies
Holding on to wealth with greed in their eyes

But even more tragic is a life with out Jesus
For we know up in heaven they will not meet us

Holding on to your soul has the greatest cost
So please remember – Everything not given is lost!


Lord,

Thank you for lakes,
Thank you for boats,
Thank you for skiing,
Thank you for fishing,
Thank you for giving us someone to teach us how to enjoy these gifts,
Thank you for long nights on the pontoon jigging around the lights,
Thank you for cold coffee and Grandma’s fried pies,
Thank you for teaching me that there is one perfect way to tie a knot, and helping me to realize that I will never be able do it,
Thank you for little cabins built by loving hands,
Thank you for nick names,
Thank you for great daddies, who raise their daughters to be great mommies,
Thank you for funny faces only Grandpas can make when they take out their false teeth,
Thank you for frogs, turtles and pink little elephants to blame all our mishaps on,
Thank you for goofy little songs sung by deep gruff voices,
And thank you for long stories that we’ve all heard 100 times.

Thank you for blessing our lives with the life of Harlin Russel Hampton. Help us Lord to follow your example that he strived for throughout his life. Teach us that it is in giving that we truly do receive. For we know that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

I pray that even in his death that you will use his life to touch those in this service today. And if there is someone here that has never experience the abundant and glorious life that you give, that you will use the testimony of my Grandfather’s life to help them see their need for you. Jesus, thank you for Grandpa. In Christ name, Amen

Welcome Caden Charles Flowers

Caden Charles was born July 20th at around 1pm weight a mere 8 lbs 13oz. Mommy and baby are doing well. Thank you all for the prayers and support during this time. We feel very blessed as God has been gracious to fill our quiver...and yes I do believe it is completely full.

The Top 10 Reasons why I Love My Wife

Tomorrow marks a significant day in my life as my wife, Laura, and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. And if that is not significant enough, in this very same week we will most likely be celebrating the birth of our fourth child. This occasion causes me to reflect upon my life as a father and even more importantly as a husband. I'm not even close to being perfect in either of these roles, but they are roles I cherish far more than any others I hold. As much as I'm awed by the fact that God could use me through directing ministries such as Super Summer or the YEC I am a thousand times more awed by the blessing of my beautiful wife and children. I could not begin to thank God enough for such a sweet blessing. So, today I devote this blog to the love of my life, the mother of my children, and Lord willing the woman with whom I will spend the rest of my life. If that is too sappy for you, then click away now because it may only get worse...

The Top 10 Reasons why I love my wife:
10. I love how she consistently insists upon regular hand washing but has no problem improvising with her hand when a Kleenex is not in reach.
9. I love how she is willing to kiss me but unwilling to drink after me.
8. I love how a self proclaimed perfectionist is okay with stashing the sticky jelly jar in the crisper drawer when necessary.
7. I love how it bugs her when strangers slightly miss-enunciate her name, but is fine with her best friend calling her "George."
6. I love how when these inconsistancies are brought to her attention she will carefully explain her defense.
5. I love how she patiently reads to our children midst the barrage of questions and silly comments.
4. I love how she can make a nutrious meal appear out of a seemingly empty pantry and clean clothes appear out of a seemingly endless supply of dirty laundry.
3. I love her beautiful brown eyes and her warm smile.
2. I love to hear her laugh at our children's goofy comments (like when Cooper speculated that our independance from Great Britian was won with a game of paper/rock/sissors).
1. I love my wife because she has given me 3 (almost 4) beautiful children, a warm and loving home and someone I am so proud of to walk with each day throughout this life.

I love you tweetie!

On a personal note...

Sometimes I stop and look around and think to myself, "Dude, you are so blessed and you don't deserve it." I have a beautiful wife...I married way over my head...and three great kids. Laura and I have been married for about 71/2 years. In that time we moved 3 times and had 3 children, but we have survived…barely. We certainly feel as if God has us right where he wants us and we have no plans on changing anything for a long time. We are praying that God has that same plan. :-)

Colson, our oldest son, is 51/2 years old and is as tall as most 8 year old boys. He has the darkest brown eyes and is already quite the heart breaker. Colson is my little fishing buddy. Most 5 year olds would loose interest in fishing after the first 10 minutes or so, especially if you aren't catching anything. NOT COLSON! The first time we went out on the lake together we fished for four hours without a bite and I was ready to call it quits. He begged to keep fishing. Finally just before dark he and I said a short prayer asking for help and sure enough he caught a small crappie. I've never seen him so excited! He bragged on that fish to anyone who would listen for the next two weeks. Since then we have gone out several times and he still has a blast. Colson is very articulate for a 5 year old and as most 5 years he is very inquisitive. I've learned to be careful because I've noticed that he actually remembers how I answer his questions and he is very likely to repeat those answers to others. (That can be embarrassing at times) Colson has the best memory. He has memorized many verses of scripture and even whole chapters of narrative, such as the story of Christ's birth. He humbles his daddy regularly.

Cooper, our middle child, just turned four in January. He is 18 months younger than Colson but only weighs about 3 lbs. less. He is destined to be the a future linebacker in the NFL. (A college scholarship would be acceptable however) Cooper has beautiful blue eyes and sweetest smile (Which is the reason his mother has nicknamed him "blueberry muffin," which should go over well for his football buddies in the future). He has not yet grown into his head, but that just makes him that much cuter to his proud parents. Last year he dressed up as Charlie Brown for Halloween and it was the perfect costume for the Coopster. Cooper hasn't quite learned to pronounce his "Rs" his "Ls" or the short "e" sound, so really he has a dialect all his own that often his mother and I must ask his older brother to decipher for us. We wouldn't change it for the world, he is such a cutie. Cooper has the best sense of humor and can make us laugh without even trying. He has had his mother and me in crying in laughter on many occasions.

Esther, our youngest, will be two in March and is daddy's little girl. There is just nothing like the relationship between a daddy and his daughter. I have to really work hard to make sure that she is properly disciplined so as not to become too spoiled, but I've about decided that may be inevitable with her grandparents involvement. :-) Esther, like her mother, has the prettiest brown eyes and a smile that will melt the macho out of any man. And is she ever a camera queen. You pull out a camera and she puts on a show! I guess that is why she and Papa Chuck get along so well, he always has his camera handy. Esther always says, "Peese" (please) when she wants something and her mother and I haven't learned to resist it's power. We are hopeless. And when she crawls up in my lap holding her "gankie" (blankie) and her "inkie" (binkie) its all over! I'm toast. Pray for me...

Last, but certainly not least, my wife Laura. She turned 29 in December (for the third time), but doesn't look a day over 25. She is the love of my life and continues to amaze me. She has endured much in our first 71/2 years together and yet she continues to patiently serve right along side me in ministry and in raising up our children. She cares daily cares for our family's needs, home schools Colson, maintains our household, coordinates our church's Adult Bible Fellowship, and still finds time for her hubby. As if that is not enough she is entertaining the idea of a fourth child. Oh my! I'm trying to distract her from that idea, so if you have any suggestions let me know. She is an amazing woman who I am honored to have as my bride. I could not wish for anyone better with which to spend the rest of my life.

Oh, I almost forgot little Rudy, our 8 year old schnauzer. We love him too.

You can see a picture of my family here: http://www.youthevangelism.com/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=33