Staff Retreat, Gainesville, Texas. Day 2 Recap.

We spent the first part of the day in Bible study led by our senior pastor, Tim Stevenson. We’re spending one hour in each chapter of Philippians on this retreat. Sometimes, I think that one of the best benefits of being on staff at Crossroads is that I get to have Bible study with that guy on a consistent basis. Despite the reality that, even with the formal theological training I have gotten in my life, I feel like a neophyte listening to some of his insights. I’m sure people in our congregation think he’s a gifted teacher, but when it gets to the level he’s able to with his staff, it borders on brilliant. You’ll have to trust me on that, but it is truly that good.

Afterward, we had some free time, and drove through a town called Whitesboro (population: 3,800). On the return trip, we stopped at the video store to rent the movie “Ray.” Total charge: $1.04. Throw in some conversation about the nice weather we had and about the place we’re staying and it was pretty much free. Either Blockbuster is making a 300% killing, or this guy is running drugs and using the store as a front. I have no idea how he can make money renting movies at a buck a piece.

On the way to Gainesville (population: 15,300), there were a couple of signs that caught my eye:

“Fantasy Tattoos. Buy 1, Get 1 Free.” Is that really the kind of investment you’re looking to get that kind of bargain on?

“Tabernacle of Jesus: A Church of Balance.” I have no idea what that means. There were scales on the sign.

(Outside the Assembly of God Church) “Long Time, No See”—God. Nothing like guilt motivation to get you back to church, eh?

There was a Tex-Mex restaurant called “Ouchos” that advertised, “Pretty Good Tex-Mex.” What they didn’t advertise, we discovered later, were $1.50 marguritas. Nothing like low expectations and cheap drinks to keep the folks coming in.

Central Baptist Church was located on the outskirts of town. I guess at one time they were in town, and grew, and bought cheaper just outside the town. Otherwise, it’s ironic.

There was one historical marker and something called a “point of interest.” The historical marker was for the family that founded the Houston newspaper who settled here, and the point of interest was a well surrounded by American flags. We didn’t slow down enough to really get the full story.

There were two barn-looking structures that you could drive through and they’d put cases of beer in your trunk.

As best as I can discern, in this area you can either go to church, get some beer, or get a tattoo. Of course, for $10 you could get an average appetizer at Ouchos and rent a movie. Hmmm.