Notes from the Road

The number 1 question I get is, “Why Tupelo?” Answer: Because my brother Alan owns a cabin in the woods (on property that used to be a church camp) that was vacant. We stayed there for 20 months until we moved to our home in Tupelo. 

The Number 2 question is, “Do you miss the pastorate?” Answer: We miss the long-term relationships with people. I don’t miss the budget planning meetings. 

 Life on the road isn’t glamorous. (Just in case you wondered)

The hardest part is getting through airports, going through security, finding your seat, sitting through the flight, and rushing to make your connection. And wondering who will meet you on the other end. 

Cannon Beach is only place I’ve been that uses a headphone mic that clips over both ears instead of just over one ear. That’s a huge improvement. Someone should pass a law that makes the double ear headphone mic mandatory.

The Number 3  question is, “How do you decide what to preach on?” Answer: It depends. Sometimes I know in advance, sometimes I have a general idea. Sometimes I decide when I arrive. 

Marlene travels with me about 75% of the time and it’s always better when she’s with me, but sometimes she needs to stay home. I’ll be happy to see her this Saturday when we meet at the Cincinnati airport.

I usually talk to Marlene two or three times a day when I’m on the road and she’s at home. Hearing her voice makes me smile. 

Today when I called her, I heard one of the basset hounds barking in the background. That was a happy reminder of home. 

It’s hard to diet on the road, but I’m doing okay in that regard on this trip. I bought a travel scale that helps me keeps track. 

When I’m on the road, I usually preach 10-14 times a week. 

People love the Keep Believing refrigerator magnets. We can’t keep them in stock. When I say, “You know what you need? A refrigerator magnet,” people laugh. And then they go get the magnets after the service.

Everywhere I go, I try to talk a little bit about Keep Believing Ministries. I’ve found it’s difficult to explain what we’re doing in just a few sentences. But if people have been to the website, they understand. 

And anything about China really grabs their attention. 

The Number 4 question is, How do I like all this travel? Answer: It depends on when you ask me. It’s been encouraging to hear from so many people who have been touched by the messages from Jeremiah 29 this week. Plus it’s good to get a sense of what God is doing in different parts of the country. 

Most people have never heard of Tupelo. Or if they have, they know it’s the birthplace of Elvis Presley. They don’t know anything about Connie’s chicken biscuits (but they should).

On this trip, I have a nifty travel printer (HP 460) that helps a lot. It fits into my carry-on bag and is a great help because I can print out my notes day by day and add or change as the need arises.

Stu Page is right. Google Reader is a great way to keep up with a lot of blogs at once.

Two bits of wisdom overheard this week: “If you have all the answers, they’re probably yours,” and “You are only as happy as your most miserable child."

Your prayers mean more than you know. So pray for strength, stamina, clarity of thought, a cheerful spirit, that my own heart would be open to the Lord, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to bless the ministry of the Word.