10.22.09
Reflecting On Firsts
I don’t know about you, but I love to experience life’s “firsts.” Do you know what I mean? Most of you fondly remember your first kiss, your first love, your first job, your first hunt, your first car, your first…you fill in the blank. Over the last couple of weeks my wife and I have experienced a number of “firsts.” We drove to Swansea, SC for the first time. We saw chicken gizzards and livers on a buffet line for the first time. We experienced the love of God’s people at Sardis Baptist Church for the first time. And, for the first time in my life, we saw a church come together and vote for their pastor as a unified whole. Yes, it really did happen. 100% of the people who voted said, “yes, we want you to be our pastor.” My wife and I could not believe our ears! We are so excited to begin our ministry alongside of these wonderful people. There are a lot more “firsts” in our near future and we are excited about them, but I want anyone who reads this blog to know that the love shown by the members of Sardis Baptist Church, the love that led to many of these “firsts,” was possible because they were loved first by God. The Apostle John wrote in John 4:19, “We love, because He first loved us.” I pray that you have come to personally understand that “first.” If you haven’t I would love to talk to you about it. I’m ready to meet you for the first time so I can introduce you the One who first loved you.
I must leave now, so I can get ready for my first sermon as Sardist Baptist Church’s new pastor. Have a great day and enjoy what ever “firsts” God brings into your life today.
Tammy said,
October 23, 2009 at 10:54 am
Loved it! I’m not just being nice, I mean it! Looking forward to the “firsts” that are coming our way. Question, did you
try the gizzards and livers? I hate the former but love the latter. It was some of those things that floated around in the gravy I told you about. I guess southerners don’t like to waste. One of my mother’s favorite quotes was “But the fat is where all the flavor is!” Be blessed!
Emily said,
October 23, 2009 at 11:16 am
It’s true we Southerns don’t like to waste — remember the clean your plate mindset? However, Tammy — gizzards are the best. My brother and I used to fight over the gizzard in the chicken and dumplings.
I’m excited Mark about our firsts with you. Can’t wait until you get here. I am buying you a book that I think will help with the adjustments you will have to make. It’s entitled “Y’all Ain’t From Around Here, Are Ya?”
Maybe we won’t have so much trouble with the slides for your first “real” sermon.
Marie Taylor said,
October 23, 2009 at 11:30 am
Pastor, we are looking forward to what GOD has in store for
all of us. You are part of our family and we are so thankful. Gizzards and livers are a great part of this section of the country and ya’ll will find there is more in store. GOD BLESS. Enjoy the many more ‘first’ to come. Marie
Stephanie said,
October 23, 2009 at 11:41 am
Cool! Welcome again to Swansea. Looking forward to reaching the lost together.
Michelle said,
October 23, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I am excited about all the “firsts” coming our way… um… my way. I am excited that you will challenge and force us to grow. Change is good!
Amanda said,
October 23, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I have had alot of first as Sardis also and its is a place of love. I love all my Sardis family and is very happy the you and Cathy are now included in that. I know God placed me at Sardis and I thank him every day for it and thank him for the love he has shown me.
Dean Reynolds said,
October 24, 2009 at 1:58 am
I am excited to see what all “firsts” God has in store for you all. My prayers are still with you all every day. SBC pray for God’s chosen man that He has sent and get ready for those “greater things”!
Love ya,
Dean
Joe Lage said,
October 24, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I like to experience life’s “firsts” as well. I have been singing and playing guitar and other intruments almost all of my life, but it wasn’t until shortly after becomming a member of Sardis that I realized for the “first” time that God had gifted me with these abilities and the passion for them ,not for my own sake or pleasure, but for his and for those who understand praise and worship best through music. I have always loved singing and playing, but it always felt somewhat empty until the “first” time I did it for God. I now sing at Sardis every Sunday that I can and enjoy it every time. I feel that I am closer to God in those moments. I am also currently the lead singer and guitarist in a band my brother and I and two of our cousins have started called “Soul’s Edge”. We play all original music that I have written and our main goal is to reach those most likely not to hear the greatness of our Lord otherwise. It is a hard rock sound mixed with some hip-hop (yes i rap a little too). I had the idea not long ago to try and create a new sound that would appeal to younger people who may not give contemporary Christian music a chance. My main goal is to reach those people with a message of hope and a sense of compassion that i feel the Lord leads me to relay. It wasn’t until I put Jesus “first” that I realized what my music was missing. I and my family are looking forward to your “first” message as our new pastor at Sardis…
your friend,
Joe
Marsha Wicker said,
October 25, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Pastor Mark and Sister Kathy, We certainly enjoyed the fellowship at Willie’s coffee shop on Sunday with you both. What a wonderful sermon God gave you to bring to His people here at Sardis, and what an awesome 100% vote. This tells you both that God’s people are hungry for the Word and for the shepherding we need. Welcome again to Swansea, S.C. and Sardis Baptist Church. See ya, when we see ya !! Marsha Wicker
Thomas said,
October 28, 2009 at 9:10 am
Livers definently livers!! Welcome to Swansea. The next debate will be over ketchup vs mustard based barbeque…
mustard definently mustard.
Tammy said,
October 28, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Ketchup based for the Widua’s!! When we first moved here I thought Piggy Park had forgotten the BBQ sauce when they brought our order out to us. Jack and I couldn’t eat it. But it does grow on you!
Judy Sharpe said,
October 28, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I”m not fond of either but if I had to have one or the other it would be livers. What about chicken feet? I saw some in BiRite yesterday?