Finding the Perfect Gift

Question: What Christmas present do you buy for the person who has everything?

Answer: A Garbage Can.

Have you ever received or purchased the “perfect” gift? Each Christmas season, Americans spend countless hours, burn several gallons of gas, and pay millions of dollars to buy the perfect gifts for friends and relatives. Then, after these perfect gifts are opened, countless hours and several gallons of gas are used to return what turn out to be imperfect presents. The shirt doesn’t fit. The color isn’t right. The item doesn’t work. So, the perfect gift is returned.

What would be the perfect gift for Jesus? Even though several days had passed, the Bible records that the wise men gave Jesus the first Christmas gifts. Gold is a valuable gift fitting for a king. Frankincense is a glittering, pleasant smelling incense, which is a gift appropriate for deity. Myrrh is an embalming agent, a proper gift for a person who was going to die. Jesus is King, God, and the Perfect Sacrifice for the sins of the world.

While the gifts were symbolic of the identity of Jesus, they were practical.

The editors of the Archaeological Bible state the gifts were the “most valuable, transportable, and marketable items of the day, ideal for sustaining Mary and Joseph in another country.” Shortly, after the Wise Men visited Jesus, Joseph and Mary fled their homeland and went to Egypt, due to the order of King Herod to kill all the boys in Bethlehem under the age of 2. So, the gifts from the Magi were perfect in their symbolism and in their usefulness.

Ultimately, God knew the perfect gift for humanity. He knew our greatest need was for forgiveness. So, in Luke 2:11, we read the words the angels gave to the shepherds. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! God knew our greatest need. So, he sent us a savior. As Paul wrote, Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).

"Red Roots" in Concert

Last night, our church enjoyed "The Red Roots" in concert. Natalie, Nika, and Nicole Taylor are Godly Teenage Girls who are multi-talented. They are identical triplets. I've known them since 1994. Their parents, Mark and Sherry Taylor, are dedicated Christians and they faithfully minister through Wade Baptist Church. Also, they have a brother who was a member of my youth group for several years when I was Youth Minister at Wade Baptist. Check out their website TheRedRoots.com. They can play 12 different instruments and various styles of music. I praise God for thier dedication.

The "Egg Bowl" and my Jonah Experience

Yesterday, I took my daughter to the "Egg Bowl" on the campus of Mississippi State University. This annual rivalry football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss is always an interesting affair. In the past, the game has had some amazing finishes, but this year was crazy. (Read about it here.)

I haven't been on the MSU campus much since the Fall of 1987 when I was enrolled there for one semester. Being on the campus brought back a lot of memories and an appreciation for the journey I have taken in the last 20 years.

After graduating from Calhoun City (MS) High School in 1983, I made a commitment to be a minister. So, I enrolled in the Winters School of Music at William Carey College (now Wm. Carey University) in Hattiesburg, MS.

At that time I was preparing to be a Minister of Music, but I never had the "passion" that many of my fellow students exhibited. For example, my roommate from Japan, Kenichoroh Fugisawa, practiced 8 hours a day--even on Saturday. That was never my level of commitment, but I did graduate.

Deep down, I still felt a desire to be in the ministry, but I didn't want to go to seminary. So, I compromised and rationalized not going to seminary by pursuing an Master of Business Administration Degree at MSU. My plan was to get the degree and go to work in some aspect of the Christian Music Industry--exactly in what capacity I was clueless.

I loved being a student at State. My roommate from Florence, MS was a member of the Famous Maroon Marching Band at MSU and he encouraged me to join. I did. Being in the band was a dream fulfilled. The band gave me opportunities to carry a tuba to football games at Auburn, Legion Field in Birmingham, and LSU's Tiger Stadium (I was even present when they filmed scenes during Halftime for the movie Everybody's All American).

The courses at MSU were challenging, but the academic environment was very different from what I experienced at William Carey.

Even though MSU was a great place to study, I came to the realization that I needed to focus on preparing for ministry in a church setting. So, during Christmas Break I transferred and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While leaving State was difficult, I felt a peace about going to seminary. So, like the prophet in the Bible, my "Jonah Experience" came to an end.

As I look back, if I had stayed at MSU, I would have never met my wife in New Orleans. Terri has been such a blessing to me. So, unexpectedly, the journey that took me from Hattiesburg to Starkville to New Orleans was necessary for me.

Consequently, I am a Bulldog fan and I enjoyed watching Ole Miss choke down the stretch. They had a 14-0 lead with Ten Minutes left. State won on a last second field goal. Go Team, and you go to Ninevah if necessary.

Alternatives to the Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

10. Turkey Bologna Lasagna served with a Cranberry Spinach Dip. Drink: Two Raw Eggs seasoned with a dash of Olive Oil.
9. Turkey Ham Croquettes covered with Honey Mustard Butter. To Drink: a lemon-lime sports drink with a splash of Sodium Free Tomato Juice.
8. Super-Sized Cajun Pepper Chicken Sandwich Combo with a Diet Coke.
7. Deep Fried Twinkies, Smoked Italian Sausage, and Broiled Banana Creamed Moon Pies. Beverage: Royal Crown Cola or any Faygo Brand Soda.
6. Fig Newtons dipped in White Chocolate and "chased" with a Strawberry Yahoo warmed over an open fire.
5. One Word: Ramen Noodles
4. Pecan Crusted Trout, Pecan Crusted Green Beans, and Pecan Crusted Pecan Pie. Drink: A Pecan Crusted Glass filled with your favorite Laxative.
3. A Spam Omelet smothered with a cranberry sauce served on a bed of a green beans wrapped in black pepper bacon. Drink: A Pepto Bismol Smoothie.
2. Deep Fried Beer-Battered Meatloaf, Fri tos "Scoop" Corn Chips, Bean Dip, and Iced Goat Milk.
1. My Favorite: Can You Spell K.F.C.

Thanksgiving a Matter of Perspective

Thankfulness is a matter of perspective.

Sherwood Wirt once met a woman who only had two teeth (top and bottom) and she was “rejoicing” because “they hit.”

Will Rogers spoke from a unique perspective when he said, “Just be thankful you’re not getting all the government you’re paying for.”

Yes, thankfulness is a matter of perspective.

From my vantage point, God has been good to our church this year. We have seen many join our fellowship and several have been baptized. Throughout the community I hear positive things about FBC. However, I am thankful that God is not finished with us. Many more people need the love of Jesus in their lives and what a privilege FBC has to share that love with them. What a joy to anticipate the upcoming months just to see what God is going to do as we sacrificially follow Christ.

Personally, this year will always be remembered as the year we officially adopted Jared (5) and Charlee (3). Along with their big sister Abbey (13) and my incredible wife Terri, I have been blessed with an amazing family. As a young “twenty-something,” I never dreamed I would be entrusted with such a treasured wife and children.

So, this month, show your gratitude to God by “entering into his gates with Thanksgiving (Ps. 100:4)” and demonstrating thanks-living.

If you can’t think of anything for which to be grateful this month, just be thankful you are not a turkey.

Interview on WDAM-TV

Last week, WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS aired a series entitled "Faces of Adoption." My wife and I appear in Part I and Part III of the series discussing our adoption experience. Access Part I here. Access Part III here. If you cannot access the segments at the previous link, go to the WDAM website and look under Featured Videos, which is not at the top, but in the middle of the page.

In Part I of the series, a representative from the Department of Human Services stated that there is a great need for adoptive families. However, I talk to people all the time who are struggling to adopt a child. Also, I hear of many people who attempt to adopt here in the states, but "give up" and go overseas to get a child. It's hard for me to understand. However, I have to admit, while our experience was better than most, 3 1/2 years elapsed from the time we had our son placed in our home. We are blessed.

The USS Alabama and the USS Drumm

We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning touring the THE MIGHTY BATTLESHIP USS ALABAMA (BB-60). SUBMARINE USS DRUM (SS-228) at Battleship Memorial on Mobile Bay.

When I was 5 (I'm now 43), my father took me to tour the ship. I still have memories of the awe I felt at such a massive vessel. The power of America is epitomized by this ship.

Today, I was so proud to carry my son and oldest daughter to the DRUM and the ALABAMA. My Father-in-law and Brother-in-law along with his two sons went with us as well.

What America accomplished in WWII is staggering. We owe a great debt to our Veterans.

I have an Uncle who served in Vietnam. Every Veterans Day I always call him and thank him for his service to our country. Please don't forget to thank our Veterans.

The Depth of Jesus' Love

Paul prayed that the Christians at Ephesus would understand the depth of Jesus’ love. No matter how deep you have been submerged into sin and rebellion against God, God’s loving arms are able to reach you. Jesus will never give up on you. You are never too low for Jesus.

In August 2000, Rescuers raced to save the crew of a Russian nuclear submarine, which sank during military exercises in the Barents Sea off the northwest coast of Russia. The submarine was approximately 300 ft under water. Due to fierce weather and incredibly cold water, rescue efforts failed. In Oct. 2000 the bodies of the Russian sailors were recovered. A note found on the body of one of the dead seaman, Lieutenant-Captain Dmitry Kolesnikov, indicated there were 23 survivors immediately following two explosions that ripped through the nuclear submarine. However, they were trapped and no one was able to rescue them.

In sin, we are trapped. However, deep we are in guilt and shame. Jesus can reach us.

Community Block Party

Yesterday, we had a Community Block Party in Downtown Leakesville. We estimate that 450 to 500 people were present. Six churches and six different orgranization were represented. We had several inflatables and we gave away hot dogs. The District Attorney's Office gave away popcorn. The closing event was an outdoor showing of the movie, Facing the Giants.

At our booth we distributed around 100 Christian CDs, including Rick Warren's The Invitation, which gives a clear plan of salvation.

Our Area Missions Director, Jimmy Holcomb, planned a similar event around 3 years ago and he estimated around 200 attend at that time. So, we were encouraged by the support from the community.

Family Celebration

Today was a special day in the life of our family. At 2:00 PM, most of our families gathered for a family dedication. All of our parents and siblings were present. Many church members came.

Rev. Bill Barton, founder of the Home of Grace, and Senior Pastor of Wade Baptist Church (Moss Point, MS), spoke. Bro. Bill is my father in the ministry. He is 83 and still going strong pastoring one of the fastest growing churches in Mississippi. I served on staff with him for several years.

Also, Bro. Bill's wife, Jean Barton, spoke. She shared about the two children they adopted. Tragically, one of their adopted children was killed in a motorcycle accident when she was a teen.

Jimmy Holcomb, Area Missions Director for George-Greene Baptist Association, helped us present a slide show

My father, Max Price, prayed the prayer of dedication. This was an unforgettable and humbling time. My brother John, pastor of FBC Charleston, MS, gave the closing prayer.

Last, we partied. We had two "inflatables" in the church activities building. The kids had a blast. This is a day long in coming, but precious in its observance.

John Yates-Ventriloquist

John Yates led music and shared his "friends" with us through ventriloquism in our revival. He is one of the most talented men I know. He was featured in an article in the Dothan Eagle. (Read it here).

First Impressions

Recently, a group of observers came to our community and shared their perceptions. Our town agreed to participate in the “First Impressions” program offered by the Mississippi State Community Action Team. The process is designed to capture the thoughts and feelings of visitors as they encounter a community for the first time.

I was pleased to hear that they were impressed by the care of the local churches. They stated “The churches in the community stood out as an exceptional part of the town. They were nice and clean, had well-manicured grounds, and were freshly painted.”

On the other hand, the observers noted the presence of many empty buildings. A challenge for any community in Mississippi is to decide on how to address “eyesores,” especially rundown buildings. Some towns have placed fake fronts on abandoned structures to give the appearance that the property is being utilized, while in actuality the site is vacant.

First impressions are important, but we have all experienced great disappointment when we discovered our initial feelings about a person, place, or product were wrong. Generally, realities are not gathered from a casual glance. We have to look deeper for the truth.

As we hold Revival Services, September 30-October 3, I pray we will not be content with looking on what is on the surface. At this time, many positive comments are being made by our church. Praise God! However, each of us must examine our lives and deal with what is really in our hearts.

Our Revival Preacher for the services is Keith Manuel, who ministers in the Evangelism Dept. of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. He has a Ph.D. in preaching and is a genuinely nice guy. Leading our music is John Yates, who is one of the most talented men I know. John is a ventriloquist and he plays the trumpet. People of all ages will enjoy John. You will be blessed by these men. Please attend these special services.

In closing, may we all remember “the Lord does not see as man see; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (I Sam. 16:7).

Adoptions Finalized

Today, around 10 AM, Judge Randy "Bubba" Pierce signed the orders for us to officially adopt Charlee and Jared. Praise God. We are so thrilled. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us.

Judge to Sign Adoption Papers

I made the drive to Jackson, MS this morning and was given the "Adoption Packets" for both of our foster, soon-to-be-adopted, kids. Then, I delivered the paperwork to our attorney.

Tomorrow morning, we are to be at the Greene County Court House and our good friend Judge Randy "Bubba" Pierce is supposed to sign the petition to adopt Jared and Charlee. I'll feel a great relief when the paperwork is "official." God has truly blessed us.

Adoption Closer

Today, I drove to Jackson, MS and picked up the "Adoption Packets" for Charlee and Jared. Then, I hand delivered them to our attorney. Looks like the petitions can be signed tomorrow. We can't wait to get the adoptions finalized. God is good.

Article Written by Keith Manuel

Keith Manuel, the preacher for our revival Sept. 30-Oct3, has an excellent article on Baptist Press entitled "Don't Let Buildings Blur Your Vision." Read it here.

In the article, Keith shares about an encounter he had with a waitress. Keith tries to make an impact for Christ with everyone he meets. I can't wait to hear him preach.

Keith and I attended college and seminary together. God used Keith and his church on the "West Bank" of the Mississippi River to minister to thousands of folks following Hurricane Katrina. Presently, he is serving in the Evangelism Department of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.

Update on Adoption

Well, we were told this morning that Jared's adoption paperwork was found. However, it doesn't look like we will be able to get the Adoption Packet by Friday to finalize the adoptions. Miracles still happen. So, we haven't given up yet.

A Time to Vent

My posts have always been inspirational, generally. However, at this midnight hour, I feel the need to express some frustration.

Terri, my wonderful wife, and I have been foster parents since May 2005. Abbey, our daughter, was born in Anchorage, AK in Jan. 1994. We were unable to have anymore children. (In 1998, we experienced a miscarriage.) So, we had accepted the fact we would not have anymore children. Basically, I was content with one child. However, Abbey kept praying for a baby brother or sister. Almost nightly she would pray, "God, if you want us to have a baby in our family, we will gladly accept it."

So, in the Spring of '05, we enrolled in the Foster-to-Adopt Program through the Dept. of Human Services in Jackson Co., Mississippi. We were shocked at how quickly a child was placed in our home.

In the Summer of '04, we were blessed to have Jared (2 yrs-old at the time) placed in our home. He is a beautiful boy and he has greatly enriched and entertained us. In the Summer of '05, Charlee (5 mo.-old) was placed in our care. She has experienced major developmental delays, but she has gained a lot of ground in the last year. My wife is incredible with the kids. Abbey is a super big sister.

The process to adopt both of the children has been a long one. Many obstacles have been faced, but we have been patient.

On Sept. 14, we were told by our Adoption Specialist that both of the children were free to be adopted and their "Adoption Packets" were complete. So, we contacted an attorney and he wrote the appropriate letter to have the packets sent to him. Then, we were told, all we needed was for petitions to be signed by a judge and both of the children would be "Prices" officially. The attorney made the request on Sept. 14.

Since the law office had not received the packets, we were worried, but not too concerned. Then, today, we received a call from the Adoption Specialist who came to our home.

The "Adoption Packet" for Jared is lost. Unbelievable. They cannot locate his papers that contain the "Termination of Parental Rights" and the "Permission to Adopt" Form. We were anticipating having the Petitions for both of the children signed on Friday, Sept. 28, but if Jared's packet isn't found, we will have to go back to the Attorney Generals Office to "redo" a portion of the process. This is what we were told.

We are still in it for the long haul, but things like this really upset me. How can a State Agency not track such important papers. This is a child's life that is on hold.

On October 6, whether the adoptions are final or not, we are going to have an Adoption Celebration at the church I pastor. We will have a Dedication Service for our family and a reception, complete with inflatables for the kids.

So, I'm praying that tomorrow we'll get a call indicating the papers were found and we will be able to proceed with finalizing the adoptions on Friday, Sept. 28.

I haven't cursed yet, but I'm tempted to (as Evangelist Junior Hill has said) write a curse word on a piece of paper and sign my name to it!

I feel a little better. So, much for my first effort at self-disclosure and transparency in the blogosphere. Good Night.

Praying for R.E.V.I.V.A.L.

During our Mid-Week Prayer Service, we have been praying for our Revival Services, September 30-October 3. I've used the following acrostic to guide our prayer time. I will be examining these in more detail in the upcoming week.

Pray we will experience the following.

Repentance (Isaiah 57:15)

Evangelization (Matthew 28:16-20)

Vision (Proverbs 29:18)

Invitations to all people (Luke 14:7-14)

Victory (I John 5:4-5)

Awareness of God’s Holiness (Is 6:1-8)

Love (1 John 2:9-11)

"I Am" and 9/11

Charles Swindoll, in his book Laugh Again, shared a poem by Helen Mallicoat:

I was regretting the past
And fearing the future…
Suddenly my Lord was
speaking:
“MY NAME IS I AM” He paused.
I waited. He continued.
“WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE PAST,
WITH ITS MISTAKES AND REGRETS,
IT IS HARD. I AM NOT THERE.
MY NAME IS NOT "I WAS."

WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE FUTURE,
WITH ITS PROBLEMS AND FEARS,
IT IS HARD. I AM NOT THERE.
MY NAME IS NOT "I WILL BE."

WHEN YOU LIVE IN THIS MOMENT,
IT IS NOT HARD.
I AM HERE.
MY NAME IS "I AM."