DeSoto Hills Baptist Church

It had not been a banner week. On Tuesday morning I got up early to study, only to discover that my laptop would not boot up. I was surprised, shocked, and just a little steamed. This particular piece of technological wonder was supposed to be reliable. I made the long journey into Memphis that same day to get it checked out, only to find that you had to have an appointment with a tech person. The next one available was Thursday. They could put me on standby, but that might take a while. I chose to wait and yes, it did take awhile. Then came the news. I had a bad hard drive that would have to be replaced. It was still under warranty so the cost would be covered, but the real problem was that all my files and sermons were lost. I had failed to back them up, a mistake I never hope to repeat. The drama continued as we tried to get ready for vacation. We planned on leaving right after the All State Youth Choir concert Friday night. The choir arrived and was getting ready to rehearse just as the sirens went off and the storm hit. It packed quite a punch as a hundred and twenty teenagers huddled in the stairwells. Thankfully, we did not lose power at the church and the concert went off without a hitch. However, we arrived home afterwards to find a yard full of debris and a house that was dark. We managed to gather up our packed bags and head out the door, fully aware that unless power was restored quickly, our freezer contents were history. I am not saying all of this hampered our vacation, but for me, this little cloud of concern hung over the entire event. It shouldn’t have, but it did. Then came the word from home on Tuesday concerning the tragic loss in our church family. Suddenly, computer files and freezer contents were no longer an issue. It is amazing how quickly perspectives can change. As dusk fell and I watched the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico with the bride of my youth, I was reminded how blessed I am and how much I take for granted every day. We miss out on so much by getting bogged down with little things. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 Son wiser, Bro. James

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A simple “thank you” does not seem adequate to fully show my appreciation for all that was done to help make VBS 09 so successful.  We had almost 500 kids and workers file through these halls during the week.   We know of least two who came to the Lord as a result of the week and I am convinced that countless seeds were sown in the hearts of those who attended. It was fruitful. I know I am biased, but DeSoto Hills has a reputation for providing a unique and effective bible school experience.  I believe this is a direct result of our: …VISION We do have a vision for reaching and teaching children at DHBC.  When it comes to VBS that vision is “kicked up a notch” through the tireless determination of Kathy Lewis.  If it was anyone else, I would be singing her praises loudly and thanking he r publicly.  However, since she is my bride, I will just quietly say that the success of our VBS has a lot to do with her heart for children, her eye for detail, and her belief that trying and failing is always better that failing to try. …VOLUNTEERS We literally could not have pulled together or pulled off this school without an army of volunteers.  Some gave us their stuff, others gave us their time, and many gave us both.   Your willingness to help encouraged the heart of your pastor and his wife. …inVESTMENT Even in hard economic times, our church continues to place a high value on VBS.  I have never once been asked to cut this line item in the budget.  We fund this event and it is reflected in the quality of our school. Thank you DeSoto Hills, Bro. James P.S.  We are enjoying some vacation time.  See ya Father’s Day.

We had a great Vacation Bible School this year. This is a highlight film featuring the themem song this year, “Today Is The Day” The video was filmed by Holden Gray and edited by Marc Lewis. It’s a small taste of the daily VBS experience at Desoto Hills Baptist.