A New Day Dawns

Just as sure as the sun arises on the horizon, a new day is dawning full of hopes, challenges and opportunities. It is indeed, a fresh start.

Opportunities come in many forms. Such is the case for the Mainstream Network. We started with a vision of Evangelistic Ministry. That vision has now come into full focus. This month we are pleased to announce that we are enlarging our vision.

Partnering with the retired military friends and families, Mainstream is excited to announce our new area of ministry. It is designed to provide assistance to Veterans who have returned home from service. With this vision comes:

Veteran Connections
Veteran Conferences
Veteran Education

Giving honor, where honor is due, we are pleased to serve those who so faithfully have served us.

Won't you join us?

Contact us today. Here's how:

Email: Mainstream.Network.Ministries@gmail.com

Twitter: @MainstreamNet4U

Excerpts from "Pastors Are People Too" Chapter One

Pastor Wayne Atkinson

The Pastor and His Family:

Running, Running, Running. Pastors are no different than ordinary people. And neither are their families.

Life itself is very fast paced in the 21st Century. Just like you, pastors and their families find themselves in the time crunch.  This is especially true when children are being raised in the family.

Everyone is always on the go. Pastors are no different, except in one very notable respect. Not only is the pastors time demanded by the office and family (just like anyone else) but it is always being demanded by the church members who need pastoral attention. The smaller the church, i.e. 200 or less, the pastors time can become very demanding.  And often overwhelming. Over the years in America, people have become accustomed to what is commonly called maintenance churches.  In this mode, the pastor visits the hospital, people in their homes and spends much of his time and effort holding the hands of people. What he really needs is people holding up his hands, assisting in the labor of the Kingdom.

I once heard a story that a new pastor was considering going to a church he had felt God might be sending him to. While in a meeting with the board, he was told that if he planned to come there, he would be well advised to keep a daily log of who he "visited" and when. Needless to say, he no longer felt led to go there! That is just one example of how the time of a pastor can be challenging to manage.

Let me ask a simple question? If the pastor is the C.E.O. of the church, just how is he to juggle time such that he "visits" enough to keep his job, does his job enough that he keeps his job and spends enough time with his family that he does not lose them either. Probably the most common answer is that he does not work, therefore he should have more than enough time for me. This is a very common misconception. It all goes back to that old adage- out of sight is out of mind. Much of a pastors work is done alone and very little of it produces tangible assets which can be easily seen.

I have come to admire men who have made a stand with their congregations and church boards that their time off is just that. Theirs! More and more, pastors are understanding the need to set aside time for themselves, and their families, allowing nothing to interfere with it. It is a growing trend and I for one embrace it as essential for the family unit.  After all, most people reading this take two days off a week and spend them exactly how they want to.

One exciting trend  helping pastoral families is the move to drop Sunday night services. Like most good religious people, I strongly opposed this trend at first. But I finally realized that if the people were not going to attend, then it is best to focus that energy into something productive. In many churches, additional services have been added in the morning and the net result is not less services, but more attended services. The byproduct of course is that the pastoral family has more quality time to spend together. A Sunday afternoon or evening together may not seem like much to some but it gives them time to a "Family" on Sunday and not just pastors. The rewards can be simply astounding.

In a day when the tenure of the average pastor is down to 5 years, it is important to realize the toll that this 24 hour a day job can take on families. One Pastor told me during my ordination service, that his only regret after all those years of ministry is how much time he lost with his family, all to often putting the church and its needs ahead of them. If you have a good pastor at your church. Help him to be great. Insist that he and his family take time off for themselves.

What State Are You In?

What state are you in? The first thing that comes to your mind is probably the State you live in. Me? I live in Florida. But that's not exactly what I am talking about.

You see, the state I am referring to is a state of mind. The great writer, Apostle Paul perhaps said it best, "for I have learned to be content in whatsoever state I find myself in." No, he wasn't talking about Florida, though it is a great place to live. He was talking about rising above the circumstances you presently find yourself in. Whether it is poverty, or sickness, pain or strife, finding peace with your situation is what gives us the strength to overcome. Whether you have plenty, or suffer from pains of hunger, finding peace with you situation is paramount to finding the keys to successfully moving beyond the circumstances of the present moment.

Often we think life should just be on auto-pilot. Cruising along until that blissful day called "Retirement." But more often than not, your cruise control has been knocked off a few times by having to put on the brakes. It happens to all of us!  What do you do then? Answer: You start drilling a well, digging deep down inside and reaching for that place that only faith can touch. When you are there, you are changed in a moment. In the twinkling of an eye, everything becomes new. Somehow you find the strength and determination to change your situation. Not by shear might, but by divine intervention.

So the next time you find yourself in an untenable position, reach down and find that strength that only comes from above. The result will be mind over matter: When you are in the right mind, it just really doesn't matter.

North Florida Revisited

North Florida is a land of many different faces. Not only in people but also in landscape. For instance, in the picture in this writing you see a very different type of Florida. Not the glitz and glamour of South Beach. Nor the traditional vacation destination on one of her hundreds of beautiful beaches. But the flat, quiet and serene picture of a still vibrant Agrarian Economy.  Little would you know that this landscape exist not far from the busy streets of a major metropolitan city, Jacksonville, Fl.  But it does! And in abundance too.

Acres upon acres are increasingly being managed with the rotation of crops in and out of this flat loamy soil.  Conditions are nearly perfect for growing crops year round in this region of Florida. Strategically located between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, the small town of Hastings is a major player in the world of Agronomy. Often referred to, and proudly so, as the potato capital of the world, this region offers much more than a few "spuds" for the dinner table. Because of the lay of the land, the temperature is elevated during the winter months with the river temperature and the ocean temperature building a natural barrier to freezing temperatures. Sure there is the occasional Arctic blast that comes through, but those are the exception rather than the rule. A hard freeze is a rarity here.

The area is also teamed with wildlife. Water birds, such Egrets and Blue Herons are in abundance feeding off the many drainage ditches filled with water. Sea Gulls come inland in the mornings for feeding. Florida whitetail deer, skunk and a host of others inhabit this beautiful land where man and nature have agreed to co-exist for centuries. Keepers of the land, these farmers are. They take their duty very seriously as well. Early mornings and late nights, sun up to sun down they work these fields with all the fervor needed to insure that this economy keeps going for generations to come.

From Cracker Swamp Road, back over to SR13 as it meanders alongside the St. Johns River, there is a calm that envelops the soul. So the next time you travel through the Great State of Florida, be sure to visit this region and take a journey back in time to a place where time itself seems to stand still and enjoy the beauty of nature.

There is a River

There is a river in North Florida called the St. Marks River. From the City of St. Marks where it meets with the Wakulla River, it flows out to the Gulf of Mexico.

It is among the more scenic of rivers in Florida and is full of great wildlife. Fish, alligator and of course the Manatee. Abundant bird wildlife is everywhere. The brown pelican, egrets, herons and a host of others fill these waters to hunt for food.  Many also become a source of food for the upper food chain.

For thousands of years the Native Americans who first lived in this "Big Bend" area of Florida used this river for food, travel and refuge. In fact, St. Marks still remains a city of refuge. Little known among the Florida Tourist scene, it offers a grand opportunity to experience Florida "the way it used to be." St. Marks has a light foot print from the hand of mankind, thanks to a devastating hurricane which pushed city dwellers further inland to nearby Tallahassee. The result is a lovely small fishing community where peace and serenity abound.

In the early morning light one can stand outside with coffee in hand and listen to the whining of an outboard engine as it pushes its way out to the open waters of the sea.  A visit to the local Grocery is always an interesting time. Operated by Miss Joy, there is always a good conversation awaiting the welcomed patrons. An original general store, there is something to be found by everyone. Everything from groceries to plumbing parts, to fresh cut meats, its all inside. While there, enjoy a good cup of coffee as well, the pot is always on.


A good nights sleep at the Sweet Magnolia Inn gets you ready for the adventures afforded here in this sleepy little town. Sweet Magnolia offers a friendly staff and fine accommodations at reasonable prices, which include a generous breakfast that always taste great.
While there, be sure to check out the gardens and beautiful foliage which combine to make your stay a more private get away.

When you combine bike paths, a National Park facility, with great local people and a beautiful quiet river, there is no place else that can offer such a great vacation without breaking the bank.

Yes, there is a river, and it's called The St. Marks.

Seriously St. Augustine

Bay front on the Mantanza

For over four centuries the beautiful shores of St. Augustine have been welcoming people. In fact, since 1565, people of all walks of life have been traveling to the scenic city. As America's first city, St. Augustine has been a safe harbor for all who will come, regardless of social standing, wealth, ethnicity or religion.

From early missions and places of 

Mass to later day sturdy fortifications, this enchanting city has well stood the test of time. The city has also retained its calling and allure. Picturesque scenes such as this little Mission, the beautiful bay front, and historic Castillo de San Marco offer tourist, artist and historians alike something of interest. Early Spaniards, Pirates, British, Minorcans, and a host of other nationalities came and were greeted by the native american indians who were already here. Just as they came, hundreds of thousands continue to visit each year making St. Augustine one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State of Florida.

Hurricanes and tropical storms have battered it. Cannon Balls have been fired upon it. The flames of raging fire have tried to destroy it and dishearten its inhabitants. In 1821, Florida became a U.S. Territory, it was also the year that Yellow Fever tried to wipe out the City of St. Augustine. Through years of uprisings and onslaughts, St. Augustine has always arisen victorious. 

She offers to those who will come, a peace and serenity that is found in lush tropical foliage, hundreds of years of history that you can reach out and touch, and longtime inhabitants who welcome you with open arms. She never turns anyone away and says to all who will come, this is a place where a new life begins. This is the strength of the city. It is what keeps it alive and vibrant. With the past so close at hand, the future is easily found and embraced.  Loving St. Augustine is easy. Leaving her is hard. Coming back is the only way to survive. 

Knots and Life

I received a great book for Christmas from my wife. You can see it posted here in this blog. It is the Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework, by Geoffrey Budworth.

I have always been intrigued by both knots and ropes. As a youngster in Boy Scouts, I fell in love with knots and how something so simple could suddenly become powerful and strong. Ropes do the work we cannot do, supplying the strength that comes from interweaving singular strands of fabric into one rope.
Both are necessary and are ever evolving as time goes on. Some styles are no longer used, while others remain constant year after year.

We can learn a lot about life by looking at rope and knots and how they work. Ropes are smaller cords bound together for a universal function. We see everyday applications of this in Families, Churches, Civic Organizations and Cities across our nation. Ropes are tied together using knots. Knots really serve only one purpose. To hold objects in one place so tightly that they cannot possibly come loose.

Here is how knots apply to everyday living. These knots work sometime securing objects as their purpose was intended. At other times, they slip, stretch or become weak. The control is lost.

 Life throws things at us. Sometime, we lose control too. What do we do then? Like so many before us, we have to tie a knot in that rope and hang on for dear life. The point is, we all have our ups and downs, good and bad times. But keep pressing on........ your time is coming.

The old adage says, "This too shall pass." When you're in the heat of life's battles it's sometimes hard to see your way. So if you can't see clearly... grasp that rope..... find or tie a knot in it and hang on! Help is on the way.

What's In A Cup Of Coffee?

    What's in a cup of coffee? Perhaps a lot more than you think. I am a coffee lover. One of life's little pleasures is to sit down with a great cup of coffee and enjoy the moment.

   My first coffee love was Maxwell House. From there, I moved to Folgers...... as a kid I liked the thought of all those beans being hand picked by Juan Valdez! Finally, I met this incredible woman over a cup of coffee. We talked the whole night long, shutting down one restaurant and going on to another. We were soon married and now 17 years later, still together and often enjoying a great cup of coffee together. By the way, she introduced me to my other love....... Dunkin Donuts Coffee! Am I evermore addicted.

   Coffee is about more than a drink. It draws us into conversation. For instance, I cannot tell you how many thousands of feet of pipe I have sold over a cup of coffee. Deals are done, business is transacted, promises are made, and memories are shared. All over a cup of coffee. I can't explain it, but coffee seems to beg for conversation. You just can't help yourself, you have to speak to someone, even if it is just to say hello or talk about the weather. Coffee and conversation go hand in hand.

  So the next time you grab a cup of coffee............... just remember, there is more in a cup of coffee than you think. You could be meeting the love of your life, or about to take the largest order you have ever written. You just don't know what that cup of coffee holds for your future. So drink it slowly and enjoy. You just never know, what is in a cup of coffee.

This Old Tabby House

Adversity makes some men succeed, while it makes others crumble. The only real way to know which way we will react is to go through it. In the midst of the deepest struggles is often born the greatest accomplishments. Hardships can ignite hope, or hopelessness.

When you look at the picture here, what do you see? Some will say ruins. Others, will say history. I say, strength through adversity. I took this photo on Jekyll Island not long ago. The home of Major William Horton, it was originally built in 1740. Yet, through all the years of war, fire, hurricanes and such like, it remains steady. Certainly the Horton home has been propped up through the years. Getting some assistance here and there. We all need that from time to time. But the strength of the structure is found in its Tabby Roots.

Tabby is found along the Southeastern U.S. Coast. Predominately around North Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. It is formed from a mixture of limestone, sand, oyster shells and water. What does this have to do with adversity? The answer is simple. The adversity of time. storms and other elements only serve to help the Tabby harden more. Much like concrete, the older it gets, the stronger the bond that holds it together.  As humans, we can relate to this. Time has a way of strengthening us if we allow the process to take hold. Many are the stories that tell of how great men emerged from Bankruptcy and found themselves among the wealthiest on earth. H.J. Heinz, and Henry Ford and Milton Hershey are  examples among this select group.

So the next time you are faced with overwhelming adversity, think of this Old Tabby House on Jekyll Island. Reach inside and and form that bond that allows you to stand the test of time. Let it become the catalyst that propels you into the future with success. Yours is the path that leads to a brighter day.

Gates Open for a Reason

Gates can lead into the past or take us to the future. Which way we go depends on where we are. How we go is entirely up to each of us. Our attitude, perspective and desire are the common denominators for the experience. Good or bad.

Take the gate pictured here for example. From the outside, it leads into a small cemetery on Jekyll, Island, Ga. This quiet little spot is filled with the history of the early beginnings of Coastal America. Passing through this gate takes you back to a day very different from ours. A time of struggles few, if any of us, have known. Some see the place inside the gate as a place of sadness. Others, a place of wealth and power. I see it as a place where we can learn. Learn about our past. Learn how to build our future.

Passing back through the gate, from the cemetery, leads to vast acres of coastal scenery. The view is broad. Looking back the view is confined. Movement is restricted and walls keep things narrowly focused.  What we learn from this, is that the past is behind us and we cannot change it. But our future, especially your future, is set in a broad expanse. The past does not hold you back. Simply walk through the gate. The focus is not the gate, but what is on the other side. Your destiny is ahead of you and you will find it. So walk on...... walk on.

Marker 22

What is a view worth? Some say that the view is worth it all.  Meanwhile, others could care less.

The old Cliche' says, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." If this is true, and we all know it is, then the view is worth exactly what you think it is worth. Any more would be to much and less would not be enough.

We all need that special place that just takes us away from the hustle and bustle of this world. The place where we rejuvenate. Where we come across that inner peace that helps us make sense of this over indulgent world we live in. It can come in the form of our home, a park bench, a quiet beach and a thousand other places. The key is finding that sanctuary and going there if only for a moment in time.

Jimmy Buffett is among my favorite musical artist. His unique gift is taking an audience to that special place. One such song is "One Particular Harbor" which talks about that place where we finally find that peace our soul is looking for.  It could be found sitting on a mountaintop. Or as the song suggest, in a quiet little harbor.

Take time to find your harbor in this world. We all need them, that is for sure! Just maybe the peace we find there will transcend into a greater peace for this world.  One without turmoil and strife. One without political rivals. One without fear. Now that is indeed a place I would like to go.  Maybe you would like to come along for the ride. When people unite together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

What a view there is from Marker 22.

Words Really Do Matter

The right word at the right time and the right place can change your destiny. So often we speak without thinking. Inserting a word just to fill space. Conversely though, the wrong word, at the wrong time can have long lasting consequences.

Take for instance, an enduring song having stood the test of time is "Moon River". Were it not for a word inserted after much thought and deliberation, it would be just another song popular in its day. But properly inserted, the word "huckleberry" changed the course of the song and its writer. What are the chances? Pretty good if you search for the right word!

Having been in sales for many years, I can tell you, the wrong word in a conversation can cost you much regret. It can also cost you a lot of money as well. The wrong word can sting like a bee. The pain can last for years to come. Relived at every intersection where it appears.

Increase your vocabulary. Think before you speak. Choose the right word and it will work every time.