Alright, they say (whoever "they" is) that blogging is about journalling and sharing. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - at least not all the time. So...I have to tell you about something that just happened.

I am blessed to serve God with a congregation in middle Tennessee (Go Vols!) as an associate minister. This morning, on my way into the office, I stopped in to see one of our elderly members, a sweet lady, at one of the assisted care facilities in town, but that wasn't the only reason I stopped by this particular day. You see, part of my ministry is local outreach, and I got this idea (not new by any means) that I would try to get a weekly Bible study going at this facility. My thoughts were that it would be a great way to encourage this dear, sweet lady as well as any one else who loves to study God's Word. 

So...I waited in the lobby and was introduced to the activities director, Mrs. Susan (a very nice lady). I explained who I was and about my desire to encourage the residents there through Bible study. She immediately welcomed the idea. As a matter of fact, we went to a calendar right then and lined up for me to come out there every 1st and 3rd Mondays. I know what you're thinking, Joe, we've been doing something like this for a while in our town. I know. That's why I said it wasn't a new idea.

I learned something out of this today. For some reason, I had been driving by this resident facility and was busy "doing ministry". I didn't think I had time to stop, or truthfully, I just hadn't made the time to stop. I decided to stop doing that and stop by (that's a lot of stopping). I was so surprised at how open they were and welcoming. All this time, I guess it was just not as high on the list of priorities. I am ashamed to say that. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in "doing ministry" that we forget to minister to people of all ages.

Needless to say, I am on the proverbial "cloud-9". I am telling everyone I can, including you in this new blog. 

What did I learn? Don't get so busy that you forget to minister to people. Maybe that's just exactly what somebody else needed to read today.

I do ask that you pray for this new study group that will be meeting soon. Thanks in advance!

May God bless you as you walk with HIM!