Days like these

Yesterday, what an amazing Sunday God allowed me to be a part of. The morning started with homemade pancakes from my fourteen year old, Victoria. Then I am on my way to the church and look over and the sun is just topping the mountains and the view is breathtaking. I am one happy camper at this moment counting the blessings in my life and so happy to be pastor at a wonderful church. Of course, Sunday morning worship starts at 830 and we all pile in for what turns out to be just Holy Spirit filled time with the Lord. I was so jazzed and amazed at how I felt when it was my turn and I got to preach.
The rest of the morning was more of the same. The late service was one of those places and times where the new guy shows his newness. I got turned around and before you know I am standing in front of the congregation trying to figure out what to do next. The congregation took it in stride and we were off again.
No matter what, God was so glorified yesterday in this place. No matter what, I was a witness to awesomeness of God and His people. No matter what, "I cherish days like this".
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
P.S.- Days of Elijah... WOW!!!! I am just saying.

If you aint first, you are last!

Ricky Bobby, yes that is what I said "if you ain't first, you are last!" This came of the movie with non other than Ricky Bobby as the main character. If you have seen this movie you remember Ricky's daddy telling him this. I would not agree with this statement. I would, however, say that if you are reacting you are behind in the race and if you are proactive you are more than likely at the front of the race.
I am beginning the leadership meetings her at Pine Log and the one message that I want to make sure we hold before us is that if we are waiting for things to happen and then making plans we will never see the success that God has in store for this place. He has already set the table for a great feast in this place. We are abundantly land rich and are not in short supply of dedicated people who are looking for God to do great things here. I have been amazed as this journey begins how many people are looking for what is next.
I simply put before each of us this day that inside of us is all the equipment that we could possibly need to accomplish all that God is calling us to. I would however caution that we are not bystanders or observers in the Kingdom of God. We are the star players that have been called to be proactive and score for Jesus in all that we are called to do. I am excited to start work on the victory plan at Pine Log UMC.
"The time has come for this generation to make our mark on history, that people will be talking about fifty years from now. All for the glory of God!"-Geoff Grubbs

From whence we came

I wanted to take a moment to comment on a conversation I had while sitting in the home of a 92 year old former treasurer of Pine Log UMC. The story goes very simply that I was out for a little visitation and came upon this sweet lady and we began an hour long conversation that touched my heart. You see, she served our church for over forty years as the treasurer, in a world where we cannot get Sunday School teachers to commit to a WHOLE year, I was amazed by her.
This blog is not about commitment as much as it is about those who paved the road we are all now walking on. Maxie, the lady I was visiting, was married to Carl for many wonderful years and said goodbye to him way to early in their marriage. Carl was a man that has earned my respect even without having ever known him. You see Carl wanted his own preacher and wanted Pine Log to come off the circuit with White UMC. So much did Carl want this that he spear headed the building of a beautiful parsonage, I live there it is amazing, and also worked to make the move to station status with one preacher to Pine Log, my church.
I listened as Maxie told me all the sacrifices people made to see that house built and the faith leap that was taken to allow a full-pastor to come here. I was moved and got somewhat emotional. Carl and others like him are the direct reason I have a place to serve and a home to call my own and a place to raise my children. I will not be coy, Tina and I are in love with this place. Head over heals to be exact. This may seem a little premature but then love at first sight often does, but in the end those are the loves that usually turn out the best.
Today I am so thankful for those who have worked to and continue to work to allow me the opportunity to follow this great calling God has on my life. Thank you Carl and all those like you. I love the house, the people and the church. I will work hard to earn what you have provided.
Blessings, Geoff

Dog Poop

I know the title is probably going to make a few of you laugh. The truth is that we can learn a few great lessons from this deed of every dog. First, no matter how much training you give them, a dog is going to poop in the wrong place on occasion. This is simply the need to go and the opinion that when you got to go, you got to go and every dog has to go as some point and time. Second, the dog does not feel bad about the poop and no matter how much you scold the dog, the only emotion the dog has is relief.
This little lesson in dog behavior is simply an introduction into dealing with people. People have a tendency to poop in places they shouldn't. (not literally, but you know metaphorically) They very seldom see this action as wrong and even would admit to a sense of relief or happiness after the fact. Now, here comes the hard part. We, as the pooped upon can, 1) get something and clean up the messs or 2) get over the mess being there and simply move on; and then 3) we could always get mad at the person and remind them constantly of the poop, of which they were not worried about in the first place.
I would think that options one and two seem the most logical. God gives us awareness that we might intercede on the part of the person who pooped and clean up the mess. How do I know this? Well... since we are called to be like Christ and the cross is the biggest pooper scooper in the world, I think it is self explanatory from there.
However, we often do just the opposite, we get mad and take personally the poopers actions and harp on the poop. This action doesn't change anything and wastes valuable energy and time. SO HERE IS MY ADVICE! Clean up the poop and move right along. You will feel better and the person who pooped might even recognize over time your actions and see a need to poop elsewhere. I am not saying... I am just saying.
Blessings, Geoff

Saturday Mornings

This morning I woke up and worked out early. Tina is out of town and the girls were still sleeping. the house was completely quite. I finished my workout and found myself lying on the floor counting my blessings. First, I have a wife who works hard to support our family and has again moved across Georgia to help me follow the calling God has placed on my life. I am reminded that this calling is nothing if not a group effort. Second, I am so thankful for my children. Last night we had an opportunity to work at VBS at Pine Log. The older girls pitched in and helped with the preschool class and Amelia has found her place quickly. I am reminded that my children just changed churches and church families and their attitude is inspiring. Finally, I am so thankful for guys who carry heavy things. The move in was so much easier with the help of strong backed men of Pine Log who helped lift heavy things. Basically, with the work ahead I am pleased to say "I am blessed". Wonder though, have you counted your blessings this Saturday morning?

Family Time

This morning we have been working on packing the house as we attempt to be ready for the truck to arrive tomorrow morning. I am listening to the guys from Griffin working outside to trim back on of the trees that will allow us to get the truck into and out of the parsonage drive way. It will also allow Andy Lett, my brother in Christ and the new Associate Pastor, to drive his truck into the parsonage on Thursday. I was pondering this a little this morning and am amazed at the Methodist system. I have been blessed to have so many well wishes and welcomes from my loved ones at Griffin and my new church family at Pine Log. I also know that Andy has had the same in Kentucky and here in Griffin. What a system, God has placed the people we serve as the strength that gets our families and ourselves through this time of transition. I, for one, am very thankful for these people and also that God has called such a strong man to serve the people of Griffin. No other system has a family atmosphere like the church and no other church is stronger in the process than the United Methodist Church.
I have been and always will be glad God has called me to serve THIS church. Pine Log here we come and Griffin here we go. Thank you to both. Those watching us leave and those who will accept us at our new home.

Super Heroes

My favorite Superhero has been Green Lantern since I first read his comic book many years ago. However, as I have gotten older I have come to have other heroes. Billy Graham is one of those. I love the way he brings the word of God to life and pushes his listener to resolve their understanding of what they have heard. I also have come to admire Andy Andrews, a christian author, his writings but into perspective the lessons we can use to live a more fruitful life. I am also aware of every day heroes like Jerry Meredith and Larry Rary, who God has placed in my life. Pastors who preach and love people openly and with great care. I must say that as I start my time as a Senior Pastor at Pine Log United Methodist Church the influence of these heroes are fresh on my mind and are influencing who I am and will be in my future.

You see the great power of the Green Lantern is his imagination and the great will power channeled through the ring that makes things happen. I look forward to opening the imagination of others with the word of God and seeking the will of God for the life we share together.