Sorry, that’s what goes through my head whenever I say or hear the phrase “pulled up to the house”.

Anyway, Dessa and I pulled into our parking lot listening to a great cd by NeedtoBreath.  We had the windows down and it was in the shade.  The children were asleep.  Instead of getting out, we just stayed there.  Through one song.  Through another.  And another.  We talked some.  Listened some.  I commented on the pretty tree that’s right outside our back door and on the way the grass was nervously flittering against the wind.  We sat in music filled silence also, just letting the sound be our thoughts.

It’s moments like these that are simply beautiful to spend together.

It was enjoyable to hear these preachers because they are individuals that I’ve heard about but not had the opportunity to listen to in person. Bro. Mangun, who pastors the Pentecostals of Alexandria, is a name that I’ve heard about on a regular basis in connection with his Because of the Times Conference in Louisiana, so hearing him was especially rewarding. Our assistant pastor, Rev. Nathan Batson, feels that Bro. Mangun is the most relevant preacher in the Pentecostal movement.

Another joy was seeing Bro. Becton’s church building, which is absolutely gorgeous.  You can see what I’m talking about at their website.

Below, I’ve listed thoughts from the different messages that were given over the conference.  Some are direct quotes and some are paraphrases of what was said.

• The Root of the Matter is ME!
• We don’t have enough root to produce the fruit.
• We are, overall, a rootless generation.
• If we will follow God’s commandments, God will contend for us against our enemies.
• Bonsai Trees - They are kept small by controlling the root system and shunting the growth.  This is what we do at times to ourselves and it keeps us from growing into our potential.
• I do not need Man’s Affirmation.
• No matter what happens, or what someone does or says, I better be grouned enough that it doesn’t phase me.  Thick skinned and Deep Rooted.
• Am I willing to Tarry until I see results?
• If you’re not a praying man, you are not a Godly man.
• My Root System will affect my children and grandchildren.

• Exercise yourself unto Godliness.
• Discipline is the forerunner to Genius.
• Da Vinci practiced painting a hand over 1000 times before he felt that he had gotten it right and put it to canvas.  Surely our relationship with God deserves this amount of discipline and hard work.
• Nobody can claim an innate spiritual advantage, unlike a musician, artist, or athlete.
• Work at it like it matters to you.
• I am responsible for what I become.
• In the Bible verse that the NIV version translates as as Train Yourself to be Godly, the word “train” is the same word that we get gymnasium from.  We won’t get this spontaneously.  We’ve got to train ourselves like an athlete.
• Spiritual Sweat
• We have to strip ourselves of heavy and harmful hindrances.
• It is my responsibility to be the leader in my house.
• If we’re going to have Christ-like minds, we’ve got to control what goes into our minds.
• Lists of do’s and don’t’s make it easy to measure people.
• Godliness is more than a checklist.
• Legalism is Man-Centered
• Spiritual Discipline is God-Centered.
• An empty soul will become a catch-all without a careful design.
• Poorly chosen friends can destroy your soul.
• I don’t need to see everyone’s dirty laundry.  I’ve got enough to take care of already.
• Satan is not afraid of a falsely labeled soul.
• Successful Christian life is a sweaty affair.
• The Holy Ghost will lead and guide you but it will not push and shove.
• “Safe Sex” is being taught in schools with the underlying current that it is okay to have sexual intimacy without having commitment.  We are also teaching in this world a “Safe Church” where we offer the chance of Spiritual intimacy with God without the Spiritual Commitment.  It cannot work because intimacy and commitment go hand in hand.  Without commitment, the intimacy is only a cheap and perverted imitation.  We don’t want to Marry God, we just want a series of one-night stands.
• Godliness is profitable NOW!
  • We don’t have to worry about:
  • AIDS
  • STD’s
  • IRS Audits
  • Getting thrown in jail for disobeying laws.
• We need to be able to tell God, “Go ahead God, I’m right Behind you.”  Then when we are really following Christ, our families will be able to follow us.

Translates into my wife is in her 2nd trimester and heartburn is kicking in.