Okay you speak about something and boom you get hit with it. Has that ever happened to you? I have received a considerable amount of feedback from this past Sunday. I was blessed to share this idea of "taking a rest stop". This was an easy message to speak on for this part of the country. Life will chew you up and spit you out. If you don't manage your time, it will pass you by, and make you pay dearly for it. So yes friends, we all, we all, all of us, you and me, everyone needs to take some time to think.
So today I get this email from one of the devotional sites I am associated with. It takes some excerpts from a book called practicing greatness by Reggie McNeal. It asks abaout seven areas in our lives... Adequate Sleep..Proper Diet..Moderate Caffeine..Adequate Exercise..Positive human contact..Mental Recreation..Think Time. I scored okay on some and not so okay on others. I am crossing a big hurdle that says it is okay to stop to think, and to enjoy life. Seriously we are all working hard, and we should. But we should also rest well. I am not going to feel bad when I stop. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have echoed this idea, "When I stop I feel like I am doing something wrong". Why? It is because we are in a workaholic society. This week the message is tough..."Lean not on what you Understand...but Trust the Lord" Wow - once again the simple and profound. I don't want to just speak about it I want to live... Lord help me today to be a doer of your word.
I am now going to get my work out in before running off to more chauffeuring, appointments, and meetings, and calls.
J
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Capt Fun
My kids have called me Capt Fun in the past. However as we all get older, I have moved into Sgt Fun. My overall fun factor has diminished with busyness, schedule, and life. I think mainly because I have changed due to all that. I am pretty serious most of the time. Life has gotten more demanding and serious. My kids have changed. My kids need someone to help direct and encourage them - and discipline is tough. No one revels in that. So I guess it is the natural progression of maturity and growth. I have always said, that you have to learn that there is a time and place for everything.
I am learning the value of relaxation. When Christa and I were first married, I had to be going somewhere all the time. A trip to the beach and I wanted to boogie board, play volleyball, swim, surf, anything but relax. That has changed as well. Maybe I can learn a new moniker - Capt relaxation.
Maybe this weekend our independence day celebration I can get a message ready, get the van tires fixed, clean the house, encourage the kids, and have a few moments to reflect and relax. Listen everyone we need to enjoy life, not just do life. Take time to spend with those you love and remember that relationships are the only thing we take to heaven.
Shalom
J
I am learning the value of relaxation. When Christa and I were first married, I had to be going somewhere all the time. A trip to the beach and I wanted to boogie board, play volleyball, swim, surf, anything but relax. That has changed as well. Maybe I can learn a new moniker - Capt relaxation.
Maybe this weekend our independence day celebration I can get a message ready, get the van tires fixed, clean the house, encourage the kids, and have a few moments to reflect and relax. Listen everyone we need to enjoy life, not just do life. Take time to spend with those you love and remember that relationships are the only thing we take to heaven.
Shalom
J
Thursday, June 26, 2008
It's getting hot in here
Hello all
It is getting hot out there, in here, and everywhere. I am knocking on the door of 40 and I seriously can't seem to get cool. Every time I work out, go out in the hot sun, or get in some cramped space I start sweating. This is new to me. It takes me over a half hour to cool down after a work out.
Things are incredibly busy right now. Church is growing, new folks every week. People are making decision for Christ. We are looking to get more and more people integrated into the church and more importantly growing them in the family of God. This weekend is large. Last weekend was large. Next weekend we get to relax, July 4th. It shouldn't be crowded around here right.? So if you are reading this on June 26, 27th - pray as we have some important events this weekend: Fit meeting, Membership BBQ, Sunday two service, and a 101 on Sunday evening.
I have had many inquiries into what is happening with the rest of the fam, so here goes.
Christa is part time at Zales and looking to make a nice transition into something closer and more fitting to kids and school. Landon is going to turn 16 this August, we have started the driving lessons, so stay away from abandoned parking lots on Saturday afternoon. He is in no hurry to drive, and neither are Christa and I.
A quick snapshot of Kaitlyn. Goes to a birthday party on Tuesday at noon, calls Wednesday to let us know that they are running a late from their trip and wants to spend the night. Spends Wednesday night out, picked up on Thursday when she announces I got a text message for another sleepover party on Friday. That is a typical schedule for social girl extraordinaire.
Chloe - she is loving the summer and having parties with stuffed animals all over the house. She is learning to read, and becoming proficient in computer games like Barbie and Webkinz. Smile if you know what Webkinz is.
Best movies so far this summer...Get Smart, Kung Fu Panda (pleasantly surprised) and Iron Man. I have not seen Hulk, Indiana Jones, or Caspian. I was given to much info to spend the 10 bucks, gas, and 40 dollars at concession stand to go to them. I will wait for DVD. However, Wall-E is just around the corner, and yes my most anticipated... The Dark Knight.
Have a great summer, keep smiling, keep living, keep loving, attitude is everything.
Blessings
Jay
It is getting hot out there, in here, and everywhere. I am knocking on the door of 40 and I seriously can't seem to get cool. Every time I work out, go out in the hot sun, or get in some cramped space I start sweating. This is new to me. It takes me over a half hour to cool down after a work out.
Things are incredibly busy right now. Church is growing, new folks every week. People are making decision for Christ. We are looking to get more and more people integrated into the church and more importantly growing them in the family of God. This weekend is large. Last weekend was large. Next weekend we get to relax, July 4th. It shouldn't be crowded around here right.? So if you are reading this on June 26, 27th - pray as we have some important events this weekend: Fit meeting, Membership BBQ, Sunday two service, and a 101 on Sunday evening.
I have had many inquiries into what is happening with the rest of the fam, so here goes.
Christa is part time at Zales and looking to make a nice transition into something closer and more fitting to kids and school. Landon is going to turn 16 this August, we have started the driving lessons, so stay away from abandoned parking lots on Saturday afternoon. He is in no hurry to drive, and neither are Christa and I.
A quick snapshot of Kaitlyn. Goes to a birthday party on Tuesday at noon, calls Wednesday to let us know that they are running a late from their trip and wants to spend the night. Spends Wednesday night out, picked up on Thursday when she announces I got a text message for another sleepover party on Friday. That is a typical schedule for social girl extraordinaire.
Chloe - she is loving the summer and having parties with stuffed animals all over the house. She is learning to read, and becoming proficient in computer games like Barbie and Webkinz. Smile if you know what Webkinz is.
Best movies so far this summer...Get Smart, Kung Fu Panda (pleasantly surprised) and Iron Man. I have not seen Hulk, Indiana Jones, or Caspian. I was given to much info to spend the 10 bucks, gas, and 40 dollars at concession stand to go to them. I will wait for DVD. However, Wall-E is just around the corner, and yes my most anticipated... The Dark Knight.
Have a great summer, keep smiling, keep living, keep loving, attitude is everything.
Blessings
Jay
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Back in the swing
Well this week is flying by. It is always hard to get in the groove after some time off. I am looking at the calendar and seeing that June is right here. June, that means summer, wow. As always I am finding the calendar busy, and we are gearing up for a fantastic summer with the church. We will be praying at the property next Saturday June 7 at 9am. We are launching a new sermon series and global church prayer campaign called One Prayer.
Now get how big this One Prayer event is. Over one thousand churches that list over 700,000 churches are participating. Churches are sharing resources, praying for one another and sharing a message of passion, unity, and authenticity to its congregations. I am very excited that we are a part of this as it could shape history. I sincerely believe that concentrated prayer and concentrated action can change the world.
I hope that all of you will join in praying with the church. I can't wait for Sunday. Pastor Rich and I will kick off this monthlong series. Look for more info and more udpates as things are really starting to move around here.
Blessings to all that make ministry a joy to do.
J
Now get how big this One Prayer event is. Over one thousand churches that list over 700,000 churches are participating. Churches are sharing resources, praying for one another and sharing a message of passion, unity, and authenticity to its congregations. I am very excited that we are a part of this as it could shape history. I sincerely believe that concentrated prayer and concentrated action can change the world.
I hope that all of you will join in praying with the church. I can't wait for Sunday. Pastor Rich and I will kick off this monthlong series. Look for more info and more udpates as things are really starting to move around here.
Blessings to all that make ministry a joy to do.
J
Monday, May 26, 2008
Back from Disney
We have just returned from our Disney trip. It was awesome. I learned a lot about myself. I am very ambitious in the parks. I want to do it all, and then do it again. However, I found myself getting tired. Legs tired, feet tired, just a little weary from moving around the parks. I would also say that my joy is all the more complete in watching my kids.
This trip was awesome, we did less, but it meant much more. We found that Magic that many people find at Disney World. ON one particular day it just all came together. Chloe was made over, we got into the park early, got Space Mountain like three times, other rides, character autographs all in 3 hours. ON the way out of the Magic Kingdom, Chloe get offered by Chip and Dale to take part in the mid day parade. Just imagine me running through the crowd to get ahead to catch that magic moment we are enjoying.
Landon and Kaitlyn are Disney vets, and I am seeing that they are starting to show a lot of me. Landon wants to run ahead and get the fast passes. Kaitlyn looks at map and plans. They both are contributing in a great many ways to make the trip happen.
Christa and I had a few moments to ourselves one evening. We got to Epcot (new Spaceship Earth is awesome) - in time to do a few rides. But a relaxing walk around world showcase to visit literally many lands was so nice. The breeze was just blowing, and for a moment the pace of life slowed and I let out a big sigh of relaxation.
On Friday we left Orlando for Palm Coast Fla. Wow, this place is so nice. A very gorgeous area between Daytona and St Augustine. We had a wedding to perform for one of my former young people who now is a part of the band Leeland. We rehearsed in the rain on Friday, and had wedding outside on Saturday morning in some of the warmest conditions ever. I really need a suit that is light weight not wool for beach side May weddings in Florida.
All went well, and our travels were safe. It feels great to be home, but not real great as I am already planning that next Disney trip, with a new plan to get it done, and relax a little longer. I hear it can be done.
Be blessed, summer is on the way.
J
This trip was awesome, we did less, but it meant much more. We found that Magic that many people find at Disney World. ON one particular day it just all came together. Chloe was made over, we got into the park early, got Space Mountain like three times, other rides, character autographs all in 3 hours. ON the way out of the Magic Kingdom, Chloe get offered by Chip and Dale to take part in the mid day parade. Just imagine me running through the crowd to get ahead to catch that magic moment we are enjoying.
Landon and Kaitlyn are Disney vets, and I am seeing that they are starting to show a lot of me. Landon wants to run ahead and get the fast passes. Kaitlyn looks at map and plans. They both are contributing in a great many ways to make the trip happen.
Christa and I had a few moments to ourselves one evening. We got to Epcot (new Spaceship Earth is awesome) - in time to do a few rides. But a relaxing walk around world showcase to visit literally many lands was so nice. The breeze was just blowing, and for a moment the pace of life slowed and I let out a big sigh of relaxation.
On Friday we left Orlando for Palm Coast Fla. Wow, this place is so nice. A very gorgeous area between Daytona and St Augustine. We had a wedding to perform for one of my former young people who now is a part of the band Leeland. We rehearsed in the rain on Friday, and had wedding outside on Saturday morning in some of the warmest conditions ever. I really need a suit that is light weight not wool for beach side May weddings in Florida.
All went well, and our travels were safe. It feels great to be home, but not real great as I am already planning that next Disney trip, with a new plan to get it done, and relax a little longer. I hear it can be done.
Be blessed, summer is on the way.
J
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Count down to Disney
Hello folks
With Christa's B-day past (May 3) our family now turns its attention to our upcoming trip to Orlando. While there I will be performing a wedding, visiting my parents, and getting some r and r. What I mean by r and r - roller coasters and rides. Chloe has not been there for 3 years, so we anticipate great memories from this trip.
God really worked this out as a number of circumstances came into play to make this happen. Now wouldn't know that just one week before leaving, sickness hits the house. It begins with Chloe, moves to Christa, and then back to Chloe (who is never sick). I am very ready to be on the road and have some time for family fun, not family sickness.
As we approach summer you can see many people in their work out modes. I hope to join them all after Memorial Day. I have to admit that I did start working out in February with regularity, but slowed down after the spring break. I lost a quick seven pounds, but got addicted to eating my deserts again. Yes, it is time to get back into the work out swing. I need to get out of the on again off again - and letting stuff get in the way.
Just wrapped up the Unforgettable series. I loved sharing about investing into others lives. That is so important to our faith. We must pass the flame, we must tell and show others the difference the Christ has made in us. So let others learn from you, model to many and mentor to some, every deed is seed.
Praying for our church, our leaders, and our ministry family to stay strong. God is doing wonderful live giving things through Horizons. Thanks for your prayers and your help. Let's keep moving forward.
Jay
With Christa's B-day past (May 3) our family now turns its attention to our upcoming trip to Orlando. While there I will be performing a wedding, visiting my parents, and getting some r and r. What I mean by r and r - roller coasters and rides. Chloe has not been there for 3 years, so we anticipate great memories from this trip.
God really worked this out as a number of circumstances came into play to make this happen. Now wouldn't know that just one week before leaving, sickness hits the house. It begins with Chloe, moves to Christa, and then back to Chloe (who is never sick). I am very ready to be on the road and have some time for family fun, not family sickness.
As we approach summer you can see many people in their work out modes. I hope to join them all after Memorial Day. I have to admit that I did start working out in February with regularity, but slowed down after the spring break. I lost a quick seven pounds, but got addicted to eating my deserts again. Yes, it is time to get back into the work out swing. I need to get out of the on again off again - and letting stuff get in the way.
Just wrapped up the Unforgettable series. I loved sharing about investing into others lives. That is so important to our faith. We must pass the flame, we must tell and show others the difference the Christ has made in us. So let others learn from you, model to many and mentor to some, every deed is seed.
Praying for our church, our leaders, and our ministry family to stay strong. God is doing wonderful live giving things through Horizons. Thanks for your prayers and your help. Let's keep moving forward.
Jay
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Back from Conference
Hey all, just got back from a Facilities conference last night. The conference focused on the use, maintenance, purpose, and versatility of facilities. What I especially liked was that it all, no matter what it is, should point to the purposes of the Church and bring God glory. We as a church exist to tell, show, and demonstrate the love of Christ to our world. This is why we have dinners, donuts, conversation, Life Groups, and ministry teams, just to name a few. To enlighten the minds of our community that they do not have to be lonely and spiritually hungry. To en flame hearts to discover purpose and meaning in life.
I have just started a new communication device through the web called twitter. Funny little name, and very different in its purpose. I just thought I would give it a test drive to see if it will help me to better communicate with many. I will provide a link on this blog. Twitter simply asks "What are you doing now?" So throughout the day, I will be letting the world know, what I am doing? Right now I am reviewing notes, and blogging.
Today in National Day of Prayer, come on down to Stafford Courthouse to join a group of people that will pause and pray.
J
I have just started a new communication device through the web called twitter. Funny little name, and very different in its purpose. I just thought I would give it a test drive to see if it will help me to better communicate with many. I will provide a link on this blog. Twitter simply asks "What are you doing now?" So throughout the day, I will be letting the world know, what I am doing? Right now I am reviewing notes, and blogging.
Today in National Day of Prayer, come on down to Stafford Courthouse to join a group of people that will pause and pray.
J
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