I have not been a loyal customer for long at Chic-Fil-A, because after all a chicken sandwich is a chicken sandwich.  I do, however, find myself frequenting Chic-Fil-A alot more lately.  Sure their waffle fries are second to none, not to mention they have great iced tea.  But the reason I keep going back is because of their service.  That’s right, service. 

I am impressed every time I go.  The employees are friendly and helpful, which in fast food is not always the case.  Employees at Chic-Fil-A are armed with a smile and a genuine willingness to help.  The food is always hot.  The store is always clean.  The business is run with precision with little room for error.

But my main reasons for going to Chick-Fil-A are:

1.  They wait on your table and refill your drinks without expecting tips.

2.  The manager walks around to make sure everything is okay.

3.  When you order and tell them thanks, they always respond, “My pleasure!”

4.  They greet you when you come in the door and tell you thanks when you leave.

Last time, I was at Chic-Fil-A, I thought about how the church could learn from them.  The church is in fact in the customer business.  We are  here to serve others and we could learn alot of lessons from a customer service genius.  When we have guests or even faithful attenders, we should always aim to serve others with a smile.  The church should be the happiest place on earth.  When we serve in ministry, we should do it with a smile on.  From those who sing and worship  on the platform, to the Sunday School teacher.  Serve with joy!

We should welcome all who walk through our doors and, if they are new, show them around.  Help them find a seat or answer any questions that they may have.  If they are seated by themselves, sit near them so they do not feel alone. 

As far as excellence in service, we should make sure that all we do is done with excellence. 

I thought I would share this again.  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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Dear Lord, for your blessings I am truly thankful
Even though, when I don’t get what I want, I tend to grumble

You give me guidance, favor and unlimited grace
But I always complain when things don’t go my way

I’m in awe of the lovely flowers that bloom in spring
But I really get upset when you send us the rain

I’m thankful for such a gracious and lovely wife
But I take her for granted because she’s stuck with me for life

Oh, I can’t forget my incredible kids that you gave to me
But Lord, couldn’t you at least have given them a little less energy

I know the tendency that I’m sure all of us have
To thank you for the things we like and not for the bad

We want our lives to be perfect, without any pain
All peaches and cream, everything going our way

But God, let me now put all joking aside
Help me not be selfish and help me lay down my life

To understand that the world doesn’t revolve around me
I’m thankful for you and my wonderful family

For the blessings you have so generously bestowed
And for the children that you have given me to mold

And, one more thing, Lord, the next time I want to complain
Remind me of Jesus, who endured suffering for my gain

-Danny Cheney

I just uploaded some great videos to growthhelps.com.  These videos were produced by the Assemblies of God headquarters and they highlight our four core doctrines. Salvation, Divine Healing, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, The Return of Christ.

These videos are quality introductory teachings on these subjects.  Check them out here.

Since I have been suffering with the flu this weekend, I have been quarantined in the back bedroom.  Last night, as Hannah was going to bed, she came and stood in the doorway, clasped her hands and bowed her head.  She said, “I am going to pray.”  She proceeded to pray for me, with her eyes open, these words, “God heal his body. God touch him. Amen!” 

There is nothing more sincere than a child’s prayer.  Short, to the point, no fancy words, just prayer.  It touched my heart to hear Hannah pray.  It is a reminder that children pick up things that we do.  When people are sick, we believe in prayer.  She has seen me pray for others.  Hannah has listened to me pray for her.  Children learn from the action of others.  Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it.

In October the Lord enabled us to pay off our church mortgage 2-3 years early.  It is exciting to be a debt-free church.  God has brought us a long way this year.  All glory to God!

Next Sunday we will be celebrating Thanksgiving by having a special mortgage burning service.  Be sure to join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion.  We will meet next Sunday night as well to have a church Thanksgiving dinner.

One of my last posts was a cartoon about the swine flu.  Well, around eleven o’clock last night I awoke with a high temperature.  Went to the doctor today and, though I wasn’t diagnosed with the swine flu, I have the flu.

I have been laid up all day trying to get better for Sunday.  I was supposed to go hunting for opening weekend but instead had to stay at home.  That was probably good for the deer.

Lord willing, tomorrow we will conclude our Faith series by talking about elevating faith.  Faith that takes you to another level.  Don’t miss it!

Many people do not plan for their future.  Many do.  Many people live only for the day, others look ahead at what they want to accomplish.  The Bible says that without a vision people perish.  To get the most out of life we should have a vision for our life.  Maybe you do not know what you want to accomplish over the next five or ten years. But at least you can plan on what you want to see in the next year. 

On Ron Edmonson’s blog today, he gives a list of questions to ask as you plan for 2010.  I encourage you to take some time and set goals for next year.  When we set goals it gives us something to work toward.

Here are Ron’s questions to ask yourself:

• What do I want to improve upon or accomplish in the new year?
• How can I accomplish my goals for the year? What action steps need to be taken? What changes in my life need to be made?
• Are there disciplines I need to add to insure success in a particular area of my life?
• Do I have the accountability and structure in my life to carry through with these disciplines?
• How is my walk with Christ? How can it be improved?
• What things could I stop doing to give myself more time to accomplish the goals I have set for a new year?
• If I know the direction I want to go in the new year, what changes need to be made to head myself in that direction?
• What areas of my life need the most attention for improvement; work, family, leisure time, finances, health, etc.?

Our country would not be a freedom-loving nation without the sacrifices and service of our brave men and women in uniform.  Because of their selfless patriotism, Americans enjoy the freedom to worship as well as the freedoms of speech and life.  On this Veteran’s Day we remember those who have given their lives for our country overseas.  We are also mindful of the recent deaths of the  men and women at Fort Hood.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the present military who are serving our country.  We also salute all of those who have served in years past.  We are proud of our Armed Forces.  Freedom is never free and we thank all veterans for their service to this great nation.  God bless America!