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I struggle about what to write today. Our church and town experienced a great tragedy on Wednesday when a family’s home burnt down and firefighter lost his life. The family attends our church on Sunday nights(they are active in another church as well where they are members), their kids are active in our youth group, and the firefighter has a cousin who attends our church. I have never seen anything like what I saw on Wednesday, both good and bad.
1. I am impressed by the brotherhood of firefighters. They share a unique bond. There were close to 50(probably more) volunteers who responded to the fire call which was caused by a power surge from a tree falling on some power lines. They risk their lives for strangers and sadly, one of their own paid the ultimate price. Some from our church had been in school with him and all of our lives have been touched by his sacrifice.
2. I am amazed at the lenghts the press will go to get a story. There were several near physical confrontations between the press and others at the fire. The firefighters tried to make it clear to the cameramen that they did not want any filming when several firefighters where being helped on stretchers and especially when the last man was pulled out. At that time, no one was sure of his condition and thankfully, out of respect(or threat of bodily harm), the cameramen set their equipment down for these moment. They also kept zooming in on the family and several of us tried to block their shots by moving between the cameras and the family. So several of us were on the news. They were also trying to get interviews and it was quite inappropriate at times. I know they have a job to do and a story to tell, but at some point people need to exercise some 1st Amendment sense.
3. I am in awe of God’s provision for this family. The house across the street was for sale and had been empty for over a year. The owner gave them the keys and told them they could stay there as long as they needed. By Thursday, the pantry was full, beds were being delivered, and people were chipping in a tangible ways. It says alot about this family that they began turning help away and requested that help be given to the fallen fire fighter’s family. They had the perspective to realize that the things they lost were only temporary.
4. Finally, it hit me that people would have many questions about this event. Primarily, “Why?” It occurred to me that it would be pastor’s like me that they would be looking to for answers. What a daunting task. Can you put into words how God works in all of this? Is there even an answer? I think the important thing was the ministry of presence. There were three pastors there on sight and we were doing what we could to help. However, sometimes all you can say is “I’m sorry.” It’s not a time for deep theological discussions. It’s a time to offer a hand, a hug, go grab people some lunch, get someone some water, and make sure everyone has someone to lean on. The questions will still be there, but the Lord knows when it’s time for answers and whether or not I need to be a part of that process for the families.
So, pray for these families. Pray that the two churches involved will share the love of Christ to a hurting community. And pray that THE answer will be clear, Christ himself.

1. I saw this picture the other day. Yes, that is the former President of the United States standing in the back of a pickup truck next to a rusted green trash barrel. Now, to me, this cements his “legacy.” He has come full circle. He spent his entire life trying to escape the trailer park and now…he’s standing in the back of a truck next to a rusted green trash barrel. Why is this a big deal? Well, it’s not if you or I were standing in the back of a truck next to a rusted green trash barrel. But this is the former PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! Does this prove his love for Hillary that he would do this to campaign for her? All I know is, somebody got fired. Whoever planned this campaign stop is no longer planning campaign stops. It’s that simple. Also, do ya think the guy has enough Hillary magnets on his car?
2. Tony Morgan had some great thoughts on Facebook today. It’s under I’m about ready to say goodbye to facebook.
3. Some of you may know that Ric Flair is getting ready to retire. He’s got a big match at Wrestlemania against Shawn Michaels. I love Flair. I remember watching him as a kid at the Greenville Memorial Auditorium every Monday night. Here’s the thing though: Flair is at his best as a bad guy. However, fans love him so much that they would never boo him again. He still bends and breaks the rules, but the fans adore his every action. As a bonafide bad guy, he would be on the defensive for most of his matches. What made him great was his ability to make the other guy look great. Let’s face it, he doesn’t have much offense. It’s pretty much all chops now. The man is 59 years old so I’m willing to cut him some slack. I just know that his matches now lack something because he doesn’t get to play the role of the cowardly villain. I just want to see some Flair flops and him on his knees begging “Noooo.” He will be missed in the ring, but if they’re smart they’ll make him a manager and still let him on the mic every week. Wooo!
4. Yes, I still watch wrestling.
5. Check out my boy Jason’s blog. He’s raising support to go to Australia. He’s a cool cat who shares my love for comic books and all things Heroes. Show him some love.
6. Is there such a thing as an unofficial banishment?
7. Big contests today in Texas and Ohio. I believe McCain will go to bed tonight with the delegates to secure the Republican nomination while either Barack or Hillary will be wondering what happened to their campaign. Somehow, I think Hillary’s 3 am commercial worked. Of course, I never saw it as a commercial because she got free air time on all the news programs. This makes me think that there is something amiss. Frankly, I don’t want any of these 3 people answering any phones at 3 am. Besides, doesn’t the President have someone to answer his phone for him? I’d have to give the important calls a special ringtone or I would sleep right through them. Maybe I’d use the different national anthems.
8. Can’t wait to see the Star Wars exhibit at the Franklin Institute.
9. No one tell my wife that American Idol has been on. We haven’t started watching yet.
10. Have a great day everyone.

I know. I know. It’s been a week. Here’s what happened…
1. Tuesday-staff meeting and planning for Springlife series
2. Wednesday-Easter egg hunt meeting
3. Thursday-Day off with the kids while Karen was working. The day ended with a substandard meal at the TGIFriday’s on 202. No refills and bad food which lead to…
4. Friday and Saturday-me being sick(the streak has ended Seinfeld fans) and missing CLAM and a chance to hang with our teens, fellow youth pastors, and Scott Simmons.
5. Sunday-feeling better at church
6. Is it Monday already?
7. However, the weekend wasn’t a total waste. I picked up an amazing book called “Manhunt” on the 12 day search for John Wilkes Booth. I have been a Lincoln fan since discovering in 4th grade that someone related to me through marriage claimed to be related to John Wilkes Booth. I’ve been intrigued ever since. This book showed me just how much I didn’t know about the whole affair and how much I did know was wrong. It reads like a novel, but is historical in content. My head is still reeling and I’m planning on doing the tour of the sites in DC soon.
8. Picked up the soundtrack to “Once” which is great. We started watching the movie, but turned it off after the 5th f word in the first minute. It took me that long to walk to the TV. No joke. This is why my wife doesn’t like my movie choices. The movie is based in Ireland, but do Irish people really talk like that?
9. I had a strange dream about hell the other night. I dreamed that there was a specific demon responsible for some tragedy(I can’t remember the name even though I reminded myself in the dream to remember the name after I woke up). In hell, people we chained in rows. I could see, but it was to dark for them to see. They were in physical torment and this demon’s job was to belittle everyone. He was going from person to person saying,”You’re worthless…You’re so stupid.” I felt bad even as an observer of what was happening. Hell will be an eternity of being physically, mentally, and emotionally broken down with no relief in sight and the knowledge that there was a better choice to be made in life. Now, I have no clue how any of this tied into the rest of my dream, I just know I was doing some sort of investigation. I think our dreams are more vivid when we’re sick. At least mine are.
10. After watching TV all day Friday and Saturday while sick…there is nothing on. We just keep flippin and hopin. We are all a bunch of morons when it comes to this. Let’s read a book, play with our kids, talk to our spouses(maybe do more than talk), but we gotta stop the cycle of going through all these channels when nothing is on. What’s worse is when I watch 5 minutes of 10 shows in an hour.
Finally, I’m in Wal-Mart yesterday and I hear my cashier talking (to 2 co-workers but not to me) about Torrie and how Torrie is going to do what she wants to do and yada yada. I noticed her nametag…”Torrie”. Is our society at the point that not only can millionaire athletes talk about themselves in the 3rd person, but so can Wal-Mart cashiers? Needless to say, Heath is going to write what he wants to write.

Sorry for the delay. Got a lot to get to so….
1. I wasn’t going to watch the Oscars last night but caught the last 2 hours. A comment I made over and over…”That’s why the oscars suck.” The highlight for me was the song Slowly Falling that won best song. I am buying it on Itunes today! What a great song from a movie I’ve never heard of and that’s why the oscars suck every other year. I had not seen any of the best picture nominees nor do I know anyone else who has. (Note to directors: Casting Daniel Day-Lewis is automatic Oscar recognition. The man is amazing.) 3 songs from Enchanted? I did like it when Jon Stewart brought the female singer back out and she gave a heartfelt speech. It was weird how they used the troops to introduce the short documentary award and then the feature documentary award featured two anti-war films and one anti-US films. I want to get a little deeper into what the winner said about his dad being a Navy interrogator. More on that. I will just say that thinking about it spawned some questions for Sean Hannity that kept me up thinking half the night(or maybe it was the late night spaghetti). Anyway, more on that tomorrow.
2. I lost 5 pounds last week, but blew my eating plan on Sunday because of schedule and stuff. Ate a bad dinner way too late. I am trying to regulate my diet and then start the exercise part. I have done a lot of exercise before without changing my diet and the Mountain Dew eventually catches up with me so this time I’m doing it differently.
3. Lots going on this week with planning the Easter Egg hunt, the Springlife sermon series, and CLAM on Saturday. Luckily, lots of people are pitching in. Plus, Dim the Lights coffee house starts Friday night. It is going to be awesome!
4. These are two actual conversations I had with my family last night that are sitcom material.
I got home from church last night and Charis and Milena were in the recliner together watching TV. I knelt in front of them and said hello.
Milena: Daddy, Drake is gonna have a beard like you on his lip when he grows up.
Heath: Yes, he is. Do you like daddy’s beard?
Charis: No.
Heath: Why?
Charis: Because you look like a cat.
Heath: With whiskers?
Charis: Yeah.
Heath: Milena, what about you?
Milena: No, I don’t like it. It scratches my face.
Karen(walking in from the kitchen): How do you think I feel?

Then, this is what transpired between Karen and I later while watching the Oscars in bed:
Heath: Did you hear that Jennnifer Lopez had her twins?
Karen: Do you know what she named them?
Heath: No.
Karen: She named them Peach and Pear.
Heath: What are you talking about?
Karen: Yeah, she named them Peach and Pear so they could play with Apple(a reference to Gwinneth Paltrow’s daughter).
Heath: Are you serious? Where did you read that?
Karen: I just made that up.
Heath: No, you didn’t. Really? I’m giving you props on my blog tomorrow for that.
Karen: Who’s she married to? Julio Iglesias?
Heath: No, Marc Anthony, but at least you got the genre right?
Karen: Genre?
Heath: Yeah, how many hispanic singers do we know?
Unison: Ricky Martin.
Priceless.

Well, after hitting 60 degrees on Monday, the bitter cold is back. It just kinda hits you in the face and leaves you speechless. Lots going on…
1. Never in a million years did I think that Barack Obama would be winning so convincingly over Hillary Clinton. Don’t think that she’s not going to try everything to gain the nomination. It’s not over until the end of the convention no matter how large his victories are.
2. I thought McCain did well in his speech last night. He came out first which is smart so he wouldn’t have to follow Obama’s speech. I thought it was the most energetic and best speech he’s given to date. I thought Obama was a little off last night and didn’t hit a homerun with his speech.
3. Have you ever wondered what happens to the shirts made up for the team that loses the big game? It appears that the NFL has donated these to World Vision.
4. I have worked out the past two days and I am sore! We are eating healthy and trying to get back in shape. I know I’ve said that before…okay, I’ve said that lots of times. This time I am really motivated because I want to see my kids grow up. 40 pounds to go. I’ll be giving you weekly updates to let you chart my progress. My goal is to drop at least 25 lbs by NC East Sr. High Camp in June.
5. Baseball may be the most hypocritical sport in the world. They want to go back and police the 90’s and persecute guys for taking substances that weren’t banned at the time. It’s the owners’ faults for not demanded stricter drug testing much sooner. But, as we all know, home runs sell tickets. So, if they go back and take away Barry Bond’s records then the owners should have to return all the revenue from the tickets sold for games in which he played. Also, ESPN should give back all advertising money to companies that bought ads from them. And those companies should give the consumers back the money from the products bought that were advertised during those games. Yeah, that’ll happen. If fans really cared about steroids then we would have stopped buying tickets a long time ago. Let’s face it, we are paying for the experience when we go to a game. People even buy tickets to Knicks’ games. So, as long as the experience is good the fans don’t really care.
6. Have you seen this yet? That’s a movie I’ve got to see! This is going to be a big movie summer.
Hope you’re all doing well. Hoping to get back on myspace and facebook tomorrow.

Well, everyone is feeling better at the Mullikin house so we won’t be making our normal Monday trip to the doctor. I am seriously exhausted!
1. I don’t know how these guys that preach 3 or 4 times a weekend do it. I only had to preach twice yesterday and I am worn out. It might be because none of us slept well Saturday night and Karen and I started our exercise routine this weekend. Anyway, I was pumped to be sharing the word and know that God used these last two sermons to change my life and thinking. Yesterday, I spoke on “storge” love-the family love. I set up a dinner table on the platform in place of the pulpit. That’s right. I preached without a pulpit on a Sunday morning. I hope that the visual helped get the points across of how we need to interact more and better with our families. Can’t wait till I get to preach next time. We’re going over our Springlife series in staff meeting tomorrow so I will find out them. Springlife is going to be awesome!
2. I am exciting about assuming some new responsibilities with the worship team. I’ll be working with them to pick out new music. Sarah Riddle has given her heart and soul to this recently, but is focusing her energies now on other ministries in the church like “Dim the Lights” and “Refuge.” We just got a Songselect membership which will help our team lead worship more effectively.
3. Did I mention how tired I am?
4. Got to watch the Slam dunk contest Saturday night. It was soooo entertaining. Dwight Howard really help put the fun back into All-Star weekend. Now, the uniforms for the actual game were awful. What were they thinking? It looked like there were four teams on the court.
5. In other NBA news, how about the Hawks picking up Mike Bibby and giving up none of their core players? I thought at first that the Joe Johnson trade was a mistake but he has proven me wrong. Now that he has a point guard that can shoot(me and Timmy watched Tyronn Lue miss at leat 8 open jumpers against the Heat last season in the ATL) he will flourish. It’s also funny that Jason Kidd is back where he started in Dallas.
6. This week is packed with meetings and a youth bowling trip on Friday night. Gonna need a nap between now and then.
7. Let me say this, having your mail forwarded is a nightmare.
8. Found out last night that Tricia and Lynda Pusey went to see Extreme Home Makeover in Wilmington last week. That is my family’s favorite show and it always makes me cry. I can’t believe I missed it! It was only about 5 minutes from our old house. Dang it! Tricia got Paige’s autograph, but there was an ice strom happening so they didn’t get to meet any of the other crew members. It airs in about 6 weeks.
9. Still can’t get on myspace and facebook so show a friend some love and link here from yours.
10. Gotta go plan my South Carolina vacation…have a great day!