Something About the Beach

Kim and I planned a little "together time" for our family. So on July 26, we packed the Suburban and traveled to Sandestin, Florida (see http://www.sandestin.com/). It has been a great opportunity for Kim, Madison, Brayden, Mallory, and I to get away from all of the things that pull us away from each other. By the way, when we return home don't ask me to see our photographs. We have been too busy having fun and keep forgetting to take any!

Last night, Kim and I briefly slipped away for a nice dinner (just the two of us) and a quiet stroll down to the beach under a full moon. I have always loved seeing and hearing the ocean. There is something about it that is almost hypnotic. As we sat together staring at wave after wave pouring onto the beautiful white sand beach, my mind was filled with thoughts related to this beautiful setting and our Awesome God.

First of all, waves were crashing onto this beach long before I was born, and after my time on this earth is through they will continue much in the same manner. Now think about God. He is eternal (see Revelation 22:13). He has created and sustained everything I see, including me. He has been at work and will continue to be at work long after I depart this planet. This truth is humbling and reminds me to be grateful that He has involved me in His plan.

Also consider this. My family and I visited the beach and played in the ocean's waves on the day of our arrival in Sandestin. After a good night sleep we returned to find the waves right where we last saw them...on the beach. Now I don't know exactly where you are in your walk with God, but maybe you are a little like me at times. You place yourself right there in the wonderful waves of close fellowship with God and involvement in His kingdom work, and you enjoy it because it is a great place to be. But then you walk away (it may be slowly or all at once). You get involved in a hobby, begin to spend more hours at the office, or become committed to some other item or activity that distracts and detracts from your experience with God. But remember, He did not leave you. You left Him. Similar to the waves on the beach, God is there where you left Him. And if you will turn to Him, you will find Him there waiting for you (see Luke 15:11-32).

God has blessed me with an incredible family, and I thank Him for times like this that we get to be together and focus on one another. I also thank God because He continues to use the beautiful things around me, such as my family and His creation, to remind me of His love and faithfulness to me.

The Paralysis of Perfection

Have you ever wanted to do something significant in a creative, innovative manner and then stopped short of realizing your dream? Most of us have, at one time or the other, dreamed big and delivered little. Something that was important to you made your heart beat a litter faster as you pondered the possibilities. You found yourself lying sleepless in bed thinking about the “what ifs” of stepping out in faith. If you’re like me you too have let divine opportunities come and go because you experienced the paralysis of perfection. Don’t hear me wrong. I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right; however, I am convinced that some of my greatest accomplishments never came to be because I was limited by me. God never expected me to rely on me. In fact, God’s Word says, “‘My (referring to the Lord) grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I (Paul) will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). So I ask the following: “What has God given you a vision for accomplishing within His Kingdom work?” “Are you relying on you and waiting until you have everything figured out?” If so, you might be waiting a long time as you experience the paralysis of perfection. Sometimes we have to let go and let God. I heard it said that “you should pray as though it all depends on God and work as though it all depended on you.” I appreciate the intent behind this statement, but also I believe that even in our work we must be cognizant of the fact that it is God’s strength alone that can accomplish things of eternal value. Be encouraged by these words, “[He] is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Eph. 3:20). So today, what is that one idea or area of ministry God has placed on your heart? How is God wanting you to be used in His Kingdom work? Don’t be limited by the paralysis of perfection. Pray, plan, pray some more, and then move forward in faith.

Student Ministry at the Talbert Home

On Wednesday, July 25, the Student Ministry of First Baptist Conroe landed at our home for the evening. We had a special time of sharing led by one of the students and a lot of fun playing volleyball, football, DDR, and swimming. I don't want to brag too much, but the hamburgers and hot dogs were a hit (okay, okay, I know that hungry teens will eat about anything). We have an awesome Student Ministry, and I thank Justin and Brian for allowing us to serve by opening up our home for a little while. Would you consider doing the same?

Equip 2007 Ministry Training

September 8, 2007
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
(Doors Open at 7:30 AM)
Continental Breakfast Provided

Multiple courses available under each category:
Adult Ministries; Student Ministries; Children’s Ministries; Preschool Ministries; Sunday School; Disaster Relief; Music, Worship, and Drama; Interfaith; Evangelism and Missions; Prayer Ministry; College and Singles; Women’s Ministry; Men’s Ministry; Deacon Ministry; Technology; Something for Everyone!!!

Please register online at http://www.teba.org/ or in person with the First Baptist Church office by August 13. This ministry opportunity is provided in partnership with the member churches of Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association.

Talbert Family Concert and Ten Year Anniversary Reception

Dear Church Family, On behalf of Kim and our three children – Madison, Brayden, and Mallory, I want to thank you. Thank you for bestowing upon us the privilege of serving and worshiping alongside of you. Thank you for your gifts and your words of encouragement you shared with my entire family at our ten year reception. Thank you for allowing my family and me to share with you a little bit of the joy we experience by getting together, singing, and playing music. As I share my heart, I must also thank my Lord for you. And as I give God thanks, I thank Him for my wonderful wife and children.
I love you all!
Dale
Photo 1 - Dale, Mark, and Donnie; Photo 2 - Dale, Mark, Donnie, Dad, and Brenda; Photo 3 - Kim and Dale

FBC Day at the Park

On May 20, 2007, the members of First Baptist Church of Conroe gathered at Carl Barton Park for a picnic. The weather and the watermelons were great, and the entertainment...well, my friends and I had fun as you can see. Baseball games, horseshoes, volleyball, hamburgers, and hotdogs were just a few of the items that added to this special day.