Back again…Whew! It’s been so long! June 26, 2009

Well. what do I say?  It has been months, yes months since I have been here on the blogosphere.  Where do I begin?

Well, next week starts my first official work week of camp as  a YCE Board Member.  Stacia and I will be the Special Ministries Directors.  Bryce starts his first ever week of camp.

Anyway, I am happy to report that I have now lost 65 lbs.  PTL!  Still a long way to go though.  I walk 1  1/2 miles a day, so it is slowly paying off.

I must go, but I must say HELLO again to all my readers.  As I prepare for my Sun. Evening message, Lemme say – God speed to you all.  I will see you next week as I sweat in this unbearable South Georgia heat at YC for all of you who are coming.  Be blessed!

Sunday rewound October 13, 2008

OK so here’s the deal.  I preached two “in your face” sermons today.  This AM, I preached on “Breaking Through to your Breakthrough!  This PM, I preached on “Building Upon What God Has Already Built.” Itwas a message in Ezra 3 on Zerubbabel and Jeshua rebuilding the altar, and the foundation of Jerusalem that had been destroyed by Babylon. I preached like my insides were on fire.  The anointing of God was certainly upon me!  It was truly felt.  It was truly a message for our church. 

See. God has already started the rebuilding, I was just encouraging the people to step up to the plate, and let us carry out God’s master plan for the church, and reminded them that a “plateau” being reached, is a sign of giving up!  I won’t give up or give in to the Devil.  A plateau is just a stepping stone for what God is doing.  I reassured them that the “plateau” will not last, and that God was just revitalizing and rejuvenating us for our journey to “The Next Level.”  Plateaus are temporary, but God is eternal.  By the end of the service the altars were full, and everyone recommitted their lives to God, and agreed to carry God’s vision forward.

As the theme song to the Jefferson’s says…  “Well we’re movin’ on up…!

Good news!  Just before church I had one of our teenagers walk into my office, and without hesitation, said, “Pastor, I wanna get saved!”  Well, I immediately stopped everything I was doing, and prayed the sinner’s prayer right there in my office.  I will delay starting the service anytime for a soul to get saved!  I feel a “whoop glory” comin’ on!

Well, it was a special moment, and I made this young man feel special!  I called him to the front of the church, (with his permission of course), and I had the church extend the right hand of fellowship to him, and we “Welcomed” him to the Family of God!  It was a special time, and God really started to move!  It really set up the atmosphere for my message.

God is awesome!  Devil, take one name out of your book, “cause Jesus just added another name to the Lamb’s Book of Life!  Exciting, exciting, exciting things are happening at “The Green.”  Be blessed!

Forgiveness Is A Wonderful Thing October 10, 2008

OK, long story short!  A little over 3 years ago, I was on staff at another COG in S GA.  The location and whereabouts is unnecessary.  Anywho,  I kinda sorda got off on the wrong foot with a visitor to the church one Sunday.  Something I said, and my actions portrayed an attitude of arrogance.  Lord only knows, I try my very best to treat everyone the same, and not be a snob or snub anyone!  Well, this particular situation got me an all expenses paid trip to the pastor’s office.  See, in small towns, word travels fast.  This particular event had snowballed into something greater than it actually was.  And we all know that’s how the DEVIL works.  BUT.. there I was being confronted about the issue.

So, I gave my side of the story, and really, medical reasons was part of the deal as well, but all was well after that day, as far as my position being intact that is.  At least, I thought everything was well!  Well, for weeks the individuals involved could not seem to let go of the situation, but with prayer, God finally brought things to a rest.

WELL…  As I was studying for last Sunday’s sermon, making my last few sermon preparations, God pricked my heart on something.  He brought to my remembrance this entire scenario again.  The amazing thing is… I remembered the names of both the individuals, who had not been in my sight since that morning 3 years ago it happened.  That was a GOD thing.  So, I called, and wanted to talk to one particular person, who was working that weekend.  I talked to the spouse instead, but really desired to talk to the other individual.  The spouse forgave me, and said that the other person, because of the past issues, would more than likely not ever want to talk to me.  I just accepted that and moved on.  I had done what God impressed upon me to do, and I felt such a peace about it.

WELL… just tonight I received a phone call from the other person, whom the spouse said would probably never talk to me.  We chatted for a minute, and I got right to the point. I offered my sincerest apologies.  There was NO hesitation on the other person’s end, and I was forgiven right then.  The Hatchet was buried so to speak.  To the amazement of this person, I recalled their name and number, and the incident that happened long ago.  No other way that could happen except for GOD!  Tonight my Spirit has just been escorted into the stratosphere, and I am walking around saying “FORGIVENESS IS TRULY A WONDERFUL THING!”  Jesus really nailed it when he talked about forgiveness.  He knew the power of it.  FORGIVENESS truly is a powerful thing.  It is amazing, and wonderful.  Be blessed.  God is Good!

The Road to Freedom October 3, 2008

So, here I am after several months of NO blogging!  What can I say?  TIme just hasn’t allowed it! Anywho, here I am again!  (sounds like a secularsong)  “Here I am again on my own!”  I can hear the music in my head as I write the lyrics.  Nuff a dat!

Well, as the title infers, I am on the long road to wellness.  As an overweight pastor, What began this journey was a visit to the doctor.  He took one look at me and said, “You need to lose weight!”  You are a heart attack or stroke waiting to happen!”  Now, a type 2 diabetic with high cholesterol and High blood pressure, I have started a long journey to wellness and freedom.

4 weeks ago, I started the journey to my freedom from obesity.  As a pastor, I see people bound by many other things, but I, myself, am bound by obesity.  BUT… not for long! So, I am now following Michael Thurmond’s advice and doing a 6 week body makeover.  To date, I have lost a total already of 30 lbs.  YAY!

I feel better.  I eat better.  I walk and exercise, and yes, I even work out with the pretty little PURPLE band that comes with the Makeover plan.  Not to mention, I probably have the cleanest COLON around!  LOL!  I am already 1/3 of the way to my goal weight loss.  You can figure the math as to how much I want to lose.  AND… I have already had to buy a new suit.  (2 sizes smaller!)  Whoo-hoo!  Go me!  Go me!  Go, go, go me!

Enough of that too!  Anyway, pray for me!  I will need the strength and support from each of you!  I have already asked God to help me, and I know He already is.  With the weight loss comes a healing from my diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol! I have started the journey physically already!  I am also making tremendous strides on my Spiritual journey!  When I get hungry, I begin to read the bible, and it takes the edge off my hunger!  I am getting fed, but in a spiritual way!  Isn’t that awesome?  I am just eating from the Master’s Table!  May I tell you, the Master’s Table has everything I could ever want or need, and then some!

I am well on the way to freedom from sickness and health issues.  I will beat this thing called obesity.  I will beat diabetes, high cholesterol, and high BP.  Eventually!  As long as buffets still serve salad, I will be fine! As long as there is water from the tap, and Crystal Light Lemonade, I will make it! God bless you!  And please pray for me!  It has been a difficult journey, but to have traveled 1/3 of the way, is better than having not traveled at all.  Layda on yall!

God still amazes me! September 30, 2008

The bible records in 1 Peter 5:6 these precious words… “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” 

Well, as I write this blog tonight I stand truly humbled.  Humbled that my fellow ministers in this wonderful state would allow me the opportunity to serve on the hardest working state board known to man.  Humbled that my administrative bishop would allow me the opportunity once again to serve on our state music committee.  God truly amazes me!

I write this in the most humble way…  This past Friday afternoon, I was elected to serve South Georgia on the State YCE Board.  Truthfully, when I saw my name go up on the screen, my heart started beating out of my chest!  I still never thought I would get enough votes to be elected, BUT…  I DID!  Words cannot tell you how humbled, but also how overwhelmed I feel at the same time.  My opening scripture in this blogs expresses the way I feel right now!  I realize that now must be “Due Time!”

While at the Min. Mtg., it was confirmed to me that I would be serving on the State Music Committee.  I was removed 5 years ago from the committee because I relocated to Florida.  Now, 5 years later, I am extremely honored to serve again.  Music is my life and passion, and it complements the ministry of preaching very well.

How does one write these things without others seeing nothing but arrogance?  I promise you, I have come to the realization that…God has exalted me!  It is all about Him!  Not about Me!  I want all of my readers to know that I consider these two things an honor, and most of all I give praise to God, who has enough confidence in me that He would allow these things to happen to me.

I love God so much!  I am so very thankful for all He has done for me!

So… thanks to all of you who cast your votes in my direction.  I will work hard, and do my very best to represent this wonderful state in both capacities.  Whether it is leading worship or working Youth Camp, I will do it all for the glory of God!

Humbly and sincerely, and a servant of an amazing God,

Olin

OPERATION RENOVATION June 17, 2008

God is on the move here at WGCOG.  Last night, I had a SS Teacher’s meeting.  It was an awesome meeting. We discussed renovating some SS rooms.  We raised a great deal of money selling chocolate easter eggs at Easter time, and the money raised will fund a renovation project that I have entitled “Operation Renovation.”  All the teachers are in agreement, so here comes the paintbrushes, rollers, linoleum, and carpet.  It is gonna look great.  I am so excited to see a vision of mine come to pass.  To God be the glory!

Donuts for Dad June 17, 2008

Sun. AM at 9:00, we had donuts and coffee for the dads and their kids.  It was a great turnout.   Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and we will do it again next Mother’s Day when we have “Muffins for Mom.”  Then we will again have D F D.  This was a neat idea that was thought up, and it has really been a way to have fellowship with my church members.  Try it sometime.  If anything, you will get a chocolate donut and a bluberry muffin.  Everything goes better with coffee.

Fasting for a Purpose June 17, 2008

Ok, so I start this Daniel fast that Jentezen Franklin has.  For two days, it is nothing but WATER.  I am diabetic, and ate nothing for 2 days, and my blood sugar went crazy – 237 – UGH!  I don’t understand.  Not only that, but the headaches are a real PAIN!  There is a reason for this madness.  Why put myself and my body thru this you ask?  Because I am expecting God to do great things with my obedience to him. 

I am not tellling this story to gain man’s applause, I just ask my fellow brethen to pray for me, and ask God to strengthen me.  It is really a difficult fast for me.  I LOVE meat!  Daniel refused to eat the king’s meat, so I haven’t eaten any since Sun. Nite.  Yes, I broke away for one evening, then started back very strict.  I know that the desires of my heart will be fulfilled at the completion of this fast!  God will come thru for me.  Pray brethren, pray!  I need it!

Father’s Day recap at the “Green” June 17, 2008

It was a great day.  All of the men got gifts from the church.  I preached a simple message using an acrostic F-A-T-H-E-R.  The Spirit of the Lord was here and really blessed us.  We had no PM Service, so I went over to my clerk’s home for a Father’s Day feast.  They had a spread… burgers, hot dogs, stuffed jalapenos with cream cheese wrapped in bacon(Yum O), bratwurst… it was great.  A much needed break from my veggie diet.  GOd is doing great things at the “Green” and I give Him all the glory.

Last Sunday at the “Green” June 9, 2008

We began revival yesterday.  Brian and Tracy Boutwell came and ministered to us, and will be with us until Wed. They are great friends of mine, and I enjoy spending time with them.  Brian ministered both services yesterday, and the Holy Spirit allowed him to peach on some things that I had already been preaching for the last several weeks.  It was a confirmation to me from the Holy Spirit.  He and I had not discussed at all what to preach.  The Holy Ghost knows!  Many “took off” their vails last night and were touched.  I was so thankful to see some people take the vails away.  God is bringing victory to WGCOG.  PTL!  Until next blog, Godspeed to everyone!