1. There aren't many days I can remember with crystal clarify a year later, but April 6, 2024 will stay in my mind forever. On that day I weighed exactly 240 pounds. It showed.
A year later I'm 215 pounds. I'm still not where I want to be, but I'm not where I used to be, and I am SO thankful. Wars are won by many battles, large and small, fought in many places.
2. I preached revival services in northern Virginia yesterday and today. ("Revival" is a Southern thang, y'all.)
I loved hearing the old hymns being sung. Doesn't happen much anymore.
3. On the drive up I made a brief stop at the Chancellorsville Battlefield.
This time I skipped a visit to "the arm," which rests in the shades of the woods at a house called Elwood. Jackson, as second in command to Lee, had no business being out in front of not only his front lines but his skirmishers. But Jackson's attack produced the desired rout. The night before, Union commander Joe Hooker announced to his men, "... our enemy must either ingloriously fly or come out from behind his entrenchments and give us battle on our own ground, where certain destruction awaits him." He added, "God Almighty will not be able to prevent the destruction of the rebel army."
Pride certainly does go before a fall.
4. When I got home the house was hot. As in 86 degrees. So for the first time this year I had to turn on the air conditioner. The next thing you know I'll be mowing grass.
5. As I preached I reflected on some lessons I've learned through the years, not least that the purpose of a good sermon introduction is do three things: introduce the subject, create interest and goodwill, and touch a felt need in the audience. It's also important to express biblical truth through the personality God has given you. Never try to duplicate what others do. Be thyself.
6. Be thankful. We don't become grateful by trying to be grateful. We count our blessings and "name them one by one." Grant me, Lord, a grateful heart!