While I know it is dangerous to try to live in the past, it is probably equally dangerous to not learn from the past. So with that in mind the “Nook” this week is all about a trip down memory lane. It is a rather recent lane, but one nevertheless I want us to revisit as a way of rejoicing and remembering some lessons. There is probably only one word to describe Fall Festival 07, -WOW! The weather was beautiful, the crowd was large, and I believe the impact was great. I saw MANY visitors and they all looked like they were having a good time. (more…)

They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words”, but for me it was just a culmination of what the Lord has been doing in my heart over the past few months. The large mural hangs in the entrance of the brand new administrative offices of the Network of International Christian Schools on Goodman Road in Southaven. It is a painting depicting Da Vinci’s famous “Last Supper”, but with a very dramatic twist. Instead of the twelve apostles at the table, there are different people from around the world seated with and standing by Jesus. It is a very pointed reminder that the gospel is indeed intended for every tribe and nation. (more…)

On October 15, 2006 we took our first steps as DeSoto Hills Baptist Church. A year later we pause to marvel at where we have been and envision where we are going. The stats are in,

• Total Members 731
• Total Baptisms 27
• Other Additions 138
• Average Worship 658
• Average SS 484
• VBS Enrollment 403
• Total Receipts $1,268,000.00

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We have a new Minister of Discipleship at DeSoto Hills. Grant Stegall and his family will soon be headed to Southaven.

After mounds of resumes and months of meetings, I believe the Lord has revealed His will and you have responded by overwhelmingly supporting the recommendation of the Staff Search Team. They have one down and one to go as they now turn their full time attention to finding the “one body” the Lord wants to use to lead our Student Ministry. It is a daunting task. Also, continue to pray for the Stegalls as they prepare to make the move here. Grant plans to resign from his position as First Baptist Crystal Springs this Sunday morning and anticipates starting with us somewhere around the 1st of November. Listed below are some specific ways in which you can pray for them during these weeks of transition. (more…)

A parent in our church recently told me a story about their child. I immediately knew it had the makings of a great “nook” article and an even better spiritual lesson. These parents, like many of you, have monitoring systems in their children’s rooms. One night recently, they heard their youngest calling out for “daddy”. When the father got to the child’s room, the young boy was sitting up in bed with all his “sleeping” stuff gathered around him. He was patiently waiting for the dad, whom he knew would be up, to help him get back to sleep. As I quizzed the dad about the obvious calmness of the child, his response was, “Oh, he knows I always show up”. This day you may be living with some kind of fear that keeps you awake. The threat may be real or imaginary. Let me encourage you to call out to the Lord, gather up your stuff, and patiently wait on Him. He always shows up.

Learning from Life,

Bro. James