Welcome, friend—I’m glad you’ve pulled up a chair on the front porch of my little corner of the internet. My name is Michael Joe Harvell, and I live my life with one simple mission: to glorify God, encourage people, and leave this world a little better than I found it. I’m a husband, father, pastor, writer, Jeep enthusiast, and front-porch thinker who believes that life is best lived on purpose. I serve as pastor of Eureka Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina, where I get the joy of preaching, teaching, and walking with people through the ups and downs of everyday life. Over the years, I’ve discovered that faith isn’t just about Sunday mornings—it’s about living every single day in the presence and power of God. I’m also an author. My books—including The Grace Exchange: How Forgiven People Forgive People and The Word Works—grow out of the sermons, stories, and lessons I’ve learned on this journey. I write in a style that’s conversational, a little front-porch-rocking-chair, and full of stories, quotes, and Scripture that point us back to the goodness of God’s Word. When I’m not writing or preaching, you might find me sitting outside with my Bible and journal, cruising the backroads in my Jeep Gladiator, or sharing a meal and some laughs with the good folks God has put in my life. I love helping people find peace in their spirit, strength in their body, and encouragement in their soul. This blog is simply an extension of that mission. Here you’ll find devotions, encouragement, reflections, and practical insights for living a life of purpose, peace, and joy. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a rocking chair, and stay awhile—I’d be honored to walk this road of faith with you.
When I was a lot younger, the older folks would always say: “The older you get, the faster time goes by!” I thought they were crazy, especially when I was waiting for Christmas to get here, but as I am getting older myself, I am discovering that those folks knew exactly what they were talking about.
Another saying I used to hear a lot when I was younger was: “Time flies when you’re having fun!” If that’s the case, then I must be having a blast! Time does seem to go faster now a days and if you are not careful, then you end up missing out.
Today is Friday! Today is the day that God has made and given to you and me as a very special gift, so enjoy it. Get the most out of it. Take time to appreciate the people and things that this day brings across your path! Seriously take some time to think about all that you have to be thankful for. I know that we have a lot of challenges during the week, but take some time starting today and heading into the weekend to really appreciate what you have in your life that is right and good. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend! God Bless, Press On And G3! (GIVE GOD GLORY!)
I am back and I have some photos and a few thoughts to share. Everyone seems to enjoy this every time that I post, so if you like it, then I will continue as long as I have some photos and some thoughts!
GRACE!
GRACE! This is my oldest. When God blessed us with our first child, He started to educate me in a whole new way. One of the greatest things that He has taught me is about a “Father’s Love!” I am so thankful for God’s Grace and as a way of saying thanks we chose to name our first child in honor of this most precious gift from God. Just a little about Grace – she is an adventurer, dreamer and loves most anything that her dad loves!
HOPE!
HOPE! This is my youngest. When God blessed us with our second child, He started to teach me about patience, which has taken my understanding of a Father’s love to a whole new level. Hope is sometimes a challenge, but that does not really bother me, because I can see her potential. God sees our potential, even when and especially when we are a challenge. We named our second child Hope because we are thankful for the hope that God gives through His Son Jesus Christ. Just a little about Hope. She is the captain of her ship and your ship to – if you will let her. She will try just about anything and has her very own, very special personality!
FIN!
FIN! They just don’t make them like they used to! I love the old cars – the bigger and heavier the better! I was downtown at a car show and snapped this picture that takes you back if you’ve got a little age on ya! So many sizes, shapes and concepts through the years. Reminds me that God is a God of variety! He does not make any two exactly a like. God made you and you are special and never let anyone tell you any different!
WRECK!
WRECK! I was traveling through Greer on day a few weeks ago and I came up on this wreck, right after it happened. I got out of my truck and snapped a few shots. fortunately, no one was hurt. Every time I look at this picture, I can’t help but think: This lady had no idea when she got out of bed that morning that she was going to break in half a power pole with her car. You never know what is going to happen when, where and to who – so make sure that you are ready for whatever! Get into a real relationship with God and grow it everyday!
FUNNY! I just could not resist putting this one in today. One of God’s great gifts is the gift of laughter. God delivers that gift through family and friends that we love and who love us back. This picture reminds me of God’s gift of laughter, family and friends. I am a lucky and blessed man!
Take some time today to think about your blessings and be thankful!
I Like To Think Of Myself As An Ordinary Guy! I like meat and taters, sweet tea, fast motors, a pony tail on a good-looking girl, riding with the windows down, a cool evening after a hot day, a good joke and laughing with my friends! I think if you were to meet me and not know anything about me, that you would probably like and enjoy my company.
I Am Not The Judge! I am very careful in the living of my life, to try to not judge a book by its cover, because I have met a lot of people and have quiet a few friends that look like one thing, but in reality are another. I have noticed lately that when people find out that I am a pastor – the walls go up. It’s like they are afraid that I am going to whip out a 1611 King James Version Bible and start whopping them upside the head. That’s not me and that’s not how I roll!
Don’t Be Afraid Of Me Because I Am A Pastor! I am really just a normal guy that believes in the power of a spiritual connection that makes all the difference in my life and has the potential to make the difference in the lives of others! It’s not about rules and regulations, it’s about relationship! It’s about relationship with the One who created and sustains me. I am not wierd, I am not out to steal your children, I am not here to beat you up, I believe the world does enough of that!
Just Here To Help! I am here to grow and help others to grow in a spiritual connection that really matters and really makes a difference! If you will take a chance and get to know me, I think you’ll be glad you did! If you will take a chance to get to know me, I think you will discover that sometimes preacher/pastors get a bad rap! I hope to see you on the road and I hope that when I do, we will have a chance to be friends. You really have nothing to be afraid of!
Michael Joe Harvell 