Guest Blogger:Assistant Pastor Rev. Dr. Bill Young

This week a number of our members are enjoying a wonderful Caribbean cruise, among them Senior Pastor Rev. Karen Thompson, MCCA Board Vice-moderator Denice Bain, and Focus8 team leader Adama Brown. All are supposed to be a enjoying a well-earned week of rest and relaxation soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, sipping Mai Tais by the pool, and dropping a few bucks in the on-board casino.But some of our members are frankly dubious that these committed, multitasking leaders can actually go a week without obsessing about church business.

Some folks have wagered over $2000 that the intrepid three can't restrain themselves from discussing the business of MCC Austin at least once during the course of their week on the high seas. In this case, it's literally true that "Loose lips sink S.H.I.P.S.'' (Significant Hushmoney Infusion Possible from Silence).The money goes into the church coffers, so stakes are high.

Rumor has it that the Board, concerned at the potential loss of this windfall, has outfitted other MCCA members on the cruise with a tranquilizer gun and a roll of duct tape, with orders to deploy them at the first glimpse of a budget projection or a strategic planning document.So I ask that you be in prayer this week that all of our cruisers have a wonderful, safe and restful time in the Caribbean, that things go smoothly here at MCC Austin in their absence, and that Karen, Denice and Adama manage to keep their mouths shut. It's only a week!

Many preachers preface their sermons with this verse from Psalm 19: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord.'' But before she left, I suggested to Karen that she consider a slight modification as the guiding prayer for this voyage: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart ... stay there.''

Blessings,
Bill Young
Assistant Pastor