Okay resolutions

Today is the last day of 2007. We reflect. We then decide to resolve. We then think about how to make 2008 better, even make it great. It always starts with self, and how we can improve so that our quality of life improves. I mentioned in my last blog that I am reading You staying Young. Great book, great practical stuff that we can all use to better ourselves, better our health. I will be applying some new stress relieving techniques into my life - like breathing better, simple yet effective.

So in 2008 I resolve to do some benchmark things. I will finally break the 200 barrier. My weight has fluctuated for years between a low of 202 and a high of 217. Guess where I am right now.? This year, probably in the spring I resolve to get under the 200, and stay there for a week. I then plan on being at just over 200 and staying there for the rest of year.

I resolve to pray more. Really does anyone pray enough?

I resolve to focus more on the moment, and less on the future. That does not mean that I am going to forget the future. But rather living in the moment, and maximizing the moment for the future. It is kind of like the work out. I know I want to be healthy, that is a good visual and all, but when I am working out, I need to focus on making the next step, lifting the next weight, taking the next breath.

I resolve to be a better husband. I don't think I'm bad, but I want to be great. I also resolve to be a better dad. That is not easy with two teenagers, but hey I will give it a shot.

I resolve to Trust God with all my heart and to not lean on my understanding. It seems that this is a true test almost daily to not lean on what I see, read, hear, and comprehend. Trusting God is something we all say we should do, but do we, really. Do we trust for the miraculous? I sure hope that 2008 holds some big things for all of us. It of course starts with faith in Christ.

I resolve to not just do a few things for a few days, but to continually improve who I am, so I can be a better individual for God's purposes.

I resolve - I choose with determination.

See you next year. Let's have a great 2008 (That is so corny, I know)

Jay

Closing the Year

Wow, this year has really flown by. I recently read in the book "You -Staying Young" that if life is moving fast then you are doing something right. Well I must really be doing a lot right to watch life pass by at this pace. Yes I am interested in staying young, as you may have noted with the book title. Young - What does that mean anyhow? I know many that in their fifties that seem to be young. I used to think that was old, but now I see it differently.

No doubt as we close the book on 2007 and begin 2008 we do so with great hope that this coming year will be the one. The one in which we lose weight, get rid of debt, save money, get fit, and all that other stuff. I would encourage us all to take 2008 as a time of reflection and planning for more. I know that God has wonderful plans for you and me. I know that He has a divine plan for Horizons church. Maybe we could all just ask of God, "Use Me to accomplish your plan here on earth". What might that mean for you. Would it mean giving something up that we feel is important to do something for God.

No one likes change, but sure enough it comes. How do we embrace it? How do we make the most out changing who we are and what we do? We do it for purposes that God created us for. That is to touch our world, and make disciples. Can we do more? Can I do more? Can I be more effective, smarter, wiser, more productive, for God's Kingdom. Yes - and so can you. Just think if we all put our efforts together to advance God's plan for mankind. It could be awesome.

So Happy New Year to you. Let us be good steward of the time and talents that God has given us. Please join us on the first Sunday in January - the 6th as we share the vision God placed upon our hearts. 2008 awaits, and people need to see and experience the Life changing power that we have in Jesus Christ.

Let Go for it with everything we've got - 2008 awaits, let's make it great.

J

December already.

Can you believe it is December? Yes the holiday are upon us. I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving. My parents were able to visit Christa the kids and I. We had a nice time of relaxation, football watching, and of course eating to much. I bet you had a similar kind of time. We did see the movie Enchanted - and it was great. Consider that I took my 4 year old girl, my 15 yr old son, and my 60 + parents. Everybody loved it, they all laughed a lot and we went home satisfied, so a movie home run for our fam.

It is really starting to get chilly, and their is the forecast for snow. I have to laugh when they mention snow here in VA. The grocery stores all get slammed and all the kids start praying for that beloved Snow Day. We shall see. This weather does make coffee taste better doesn't it?

For those of you that know I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan - I am satisfied with this past weekend. OU beat Mizzou handily and moved up to #3 in the AP poll and the Coaches poll. There was some talk of playing in the championship game. It did not happen as they werre 4th in the BCS final and missed the big game by that much. That is the way it goes. I am very happy to see them play West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl. By the way OU only loses a couple of players. Their entire offense with the exception of two players returns. The defense virtually everyone. IN other words, I have great expectations for 2008.

Make sure to check the church website for postings concerning our building. You can also listen to past sermons from the church there. Pastor Rich has been speaking on the topic Life Swap. It has been a great teaching on personality types and how to relate to others. I highly recommend it. On the 16th of the month we will be celebrating all that God has done this past year. When we start to talk about it, and put it on paper, we really are blessed to see what God has done through the ministry.

Thanks to all of you that pray, support, and labor with your church family. I am so blessed to work with you and to see the joy of life change in our community.

Have a great week. Stay warm

J

More favorites

I was reading a story the other day and a line from it jumped at me. "We often focus on the one or two negative things instead of thanking God for the many good things." Wow, that is so true, even to someone that is optimistic like myself. Every day I hear on the news, see on the tv, and talk to people about bad things. The reality is that there are many wonderful things to enjoy - everyday.

I think this is why I am enjoying the simple things more. My awareness at what is good in life needs to grow. For instance, when we are concerned about our children making wise choices, we need to remind ourselves that they have in the past. We should enjoy their smiles, their questions, and their complex lives.

When we wonder about our schedule and can we get it all done, remember you probably have in the past. When we have concerns about life, health, and finances we need to remember that we have made it this far with God's grace. God can make a way.

What I am saying is that we often over complicate life. At least I do. Let's enjoy the simple things, let's trust God, and enjoy ourselves. Grab some coffee, watch the leaves fall, and remember that you are loved by God. You are His son or daughter. He has a plan for us.

Here are some more favorites, like finding that 20 left in your pocket. Or when you get a card of appreciation. Being surprised by laughter from a colleague. I love when Christa and I share with each other, and we both have the same thought.

I like the challenge of stopping the gas pump on an even number. It moves so fast these days- it's tough. I love sleeping to the sound of a soft rain. I hate getting up from it though.

There really is lots to love, lots to like, lots for us to enjoy in life. Let's be realistic, we are a blessed people. That is not optimisim, that is a fact. Keep on keeping on and blessings to you all as we approach the holiday season.

Jay

More things to love or really like at least

Hey everyone

I took the kids to the Leeland and Casting Crowns concert last night. You know how sometimes a band doesn't sound good live.? Well, not in this case. Wow, the sound was just awesome. Great mix, great night, and a really impressive live performance.

Two of the band members in Leeland are friends of me and the family. Christa and I were there youth pastors back in the day. It was really great to see them in action. I am proud of their accomplishments, but more proud of their sincerity concerning Christ and His mission.

I love to see my kids enjoying themselves, I love to catch them smiling and genuinely pleased about life. It is so hard to keep that everything is all right with the world kind of feeling in our souls, especially when everything isn't alright. As adults peace becomes a treasure that is rarely found.

I love looking at my littlest one Chloe, and watch her complete and disinterest at slow music. You could ask her what her favorite song was last night, she doesn't know. What she does know is her least favorite one - the Table song as she called it.

I love the fact that their is activity on the church ground - at last. Yeah, baby, Yeah. (I know many of you will think I am lame for using that yeah baby thing.) Check the Time to Build logo on the website for the latest updates as we will be using that to keep everyone posted.

I love the earlier than ever commercials for Christmas are here. Those seem to come earlier every year. The Christmas movie that was reserved for December showing, now shows up on the second week of November. Yes, we are entering the Christmas and Holiday season. We all love that don't we.

Blessings to all

J

Simple things - Passion

I was just wondering to myself what am I passionate about. I know that there are certain times of year, events, and sports teams that I just love and can't wait for. ON a personal note, the older I get the more I enjoy some of the simple things.

I enjoy a cup of coffee on a cool morning, watching the wind blow and the leaves change. I love the crisp evenings, fall festival's. I love a short line for a great ride. I love the smell of bacon. I love the feeling of fresh knit sheets on the bed. I love to watch my kids getting along. I love the weekend of falling back, who doesn't like that extra hour to sleep. I love a good movie, a good laugh, good conversation, and good friends. I love playing Disney Scene it with the kids.

The list could go on, but I do not want to rant. Instead I want to ask you the question? What are you passion about? What puts a smile on your face? What makes you just passionate about life?

I was awakened this morning to the sound of garbage being picked up at 5:45. I did not get immediately up, but laid in bed, praying and pondering this idea of passion. Let us make sure that we are passionate about the right things, eternal things, the Jesus things. I am not passionate about getting up at 5:45am. I am passionate about passion though.

Have a great day. You make the difference in someones life everyday.

J

Angry but don't blow it

I hope you all have read Pastor Rich's latest blog. Life is complicated and full of hardships but as he has stated don't quit. God is with you, get back in the fight. Now all that being said, keep your pride in check. Keep your attitude in check.

Have you noticed our world can get angry? For that matter we can to. No it is not a sin to be angry. Jesus was angry. We need some passionate people in this world to stand up for the injustice that we see and know. We need some righteous anger that will stir those that call themselves Christians to really be the examples of Christ.

So get angry, but don't blow it. Don't go postal. Don't respond to harsh emails with harsher emails. Don't think of how you can do bigger, badder damage to that person that is offending you. Every time you choose patience, you choose forgiveness, you choose love, no matter how hard it is, you are choosing Jesus. You are choosing His response. A reminder for myself, I am going to be offended, it is how I respond that matters.

Choose to respond with Life folks. I can tell you as a student that has failed many times, and still struggles to get it right, that choosing a godly, forgiving, patient response is life, life, life. Keep on keeping on my friends. If we faint not, we will reap a harvest.

J

Thanks for praying

Hello everyone

Well it is raining today with a forecast for more - so anyone who read my last entry and prayed, thanks for praying, it worked. I love it. It finally is a little chillier with the rain and the wind. Hopefully this will continue and lead us into the winter.

Don't forget everyone that this is NOT the weekend to set your clocks back. We do have to wait one more week. Of course it can't come fast enough as we all love that extra hour of sleep. I love how dark it is in the morning, makes it hard to get up, but it is awesome to watch the sunrise.

I am going to be speaking on Pride this Sunday at Horizons. I have been brainstorming on if there was ever any prideful moments. I didn't think I had that many until I asked my wife. She reminded me that I have made just a few arrogant mistakes in life. Hey you have to. It is a difficult balance between humility and pride. I mean we are made by God, that is good. However life is not about us. Balance really is tough because we all have a self centered nature. We talk about mine, I want, I need. We focus on self. This is a huge character assassin - Pride.

I have to keep mine in check, I have to keep recognizing that it is God's amazing grace. I am smart enough, I am sharp enough, I am wise enough, to know that I am not smart enough, sharp enough, or wise enough. I just want to get better today, and then the next. I think when you and I concentrate on our character, we can change the world around us. That is the kind of stuff that makes God smile.

Now praying is very important, because we make the move to spend time with the Lord. The more we pray, the more we rely on Christ to meet our needs. It is a wonderful act to humble ourselves before the Lord, to repent of our misdeeds and seek Him for our lives. So thanks for praying - we really needed the rain here - and we got it. Thanks God, we couldn't have done it without you.

Keep praying, watch the pride, and pursue His purposes.

J

Monopoly madness

Confession time. As I sit here eating some fries, I realized the marketing experts got me. I love the game Monopoly - I went years without ever losing and bragging about it. I now lose regularly so I no longer brag, but I still like to compete. Anyhow, McD's has this promotion around Monopoly. This is quite a coincidence because this past week I was playing the brand new - Credit Card edition.

I was at my brother in laws house and he had just obtained the newest version of Monopoly. All money is in millions and thousands. The card machine keeps up your account with it gains and losses. Pretty inventive and really enticing especially to the gadget freaks. My wife I am proud to say managed to win that game, she is pretty tough with her dealings.

Anyhow, I find myself driving by McDonald's and looking at the monopoly promo, 2 game pieces if you get a soda, two more on a large fry, two more on Big Mac. Collect game pieces, make the set and win cash and prizes. There is no way that I really think I am going to win, but you know what, I drove thru. Yes - the enticement to get my hands on those fries with game pieces - Wow. So it really works this marketing ploy. Nice job for them. Bad for my diet, but joy for that part of me that will always play Monopoly.

See you soon

Jay

Is it fall yet? Pray for Rain

What is going on with the weather? I guess we should all be praying for rain. Rain by the way is often considered a bad thing. We refer to the rain as "Oh its raining outside!"It ruins our hair, not mine, but other's. We also say in reference to bad things happening to people "It rains on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Yet here we are being told to ration water, and that we have gone some 30 plus days without any real measurable rain. So when it does come, my perspective will change. I will thank God for the rain. I will rejoice, with many others to know that our water levels will increase. Our grass will get a soak, the trees will get a drink and show their appreciation with brighter colors.

It is just a perspective thing about rain. It is good, it is necessary, and sometimes its bad. Many of our issues or problems in life are like that. Sometimes they are necessary. God can use anything to get us from point A to point B. Right now we need it - the rain. So remember when we pass through this season and into the next - appreciate the rain when it's not as desired as today.

Speaking of a season, I am a little disappointed that the fall hasn't been spectacular with a weather change, and leaves turning color. Football is half over, that is scary. We are making plans for all of our Christmas ideas and programs. We are in the last quarter of 2007. I can't believe it. I guess we should all just count our blessings, and pray for rain.

Seriously we should pray for rain.

Starting a new series this Sunday called the Enemy Within. I am looking forward to sharing the redemptive power of Christ over our lives. So pray for Sunday and for Horizons to be a life giving church.

Be blessed

J

Family udpate

Hello all

Wow, I am blessed to know that many of you are reading through my blog. It looks like this is a great tool to catch up with those of you who like to keep track with what's happening in the world of the Hawpe 5.

As I am writing this on October 8, there is joy in my heart as my beloved football team, the Oklahoma Sooners beat our arch rival the Texas Longhorns. It was a close game, and always gut wrenching to watch this great border state rivalry.

Landon my son is in high school now and doing great. I am so proud of how he has tackled the responsibilities of being a freshman. There is a lot to high school these days. They are already talking to him about college and what he plans to major in. This will shape what courses he takes in high school. Get this; he can pursue one of three different type of degrees. Each one carrying a litle more clout than the next to pursue the finer universities. Geeez - can he just figure out how to survive the high school jungle first.

Landon is still pursuing his acting talents and gets a number of compliments and opportunities. We will see what the winter and spring hold for him. He is also singing and has a wide variety of opportunities before him.

Kaitlyn is in 7th grade and enjoying her Jr High experience. The thing is she is not wanting to be a Jr Higher very long. You know, growing way to fast, and wanting more and more freedom. She is very responsible and showing some a strong desire to earn that freedom. Yes she has a cell phone, and has learned to text quite quickly. We only had 2000 text messages on our first month bill.

Kate is singing in her school choir, and in the church worship team. She has some really big opportunities that I will reveal later, once they are confirmed. She is also in dance and it makes monday nights rather busy. We are all busy chasing our kids extra curricular activities.

Chloe is in pre-school (she's 4). What can I say, it's like having Kate all over again. Strong, but very sweet. She is just constantly bringing a smile to mine and Christa's face. She loves to make her crafts at school and church, so that means a fridge full of coloring pages, cutouts, crafts, name things, etc. Wow you should see how angry she gets when I attempt to throw them away. The disposal of the massive amount of these crafts now happens in the dark of night. It is the only way to get away with it. Chloe is finding her way in the social world, as her calendar is beginning to fill with a few parties and things.

Christa my beautiful and wonderful wife, is now the business manager at Zales in the local mall. This is working to be a great part time job that she is really taking one. I am so proud of her in how the company really asked her into this position and they are taking it very serious with her training and all.

I know this is getting long for anyone to read. The Hawpe family is doing well. We appreciate all your prayers and love. God bless you - I will have more in the blog in the coming days.

Jay

The up and down.

I was recently taking some time in my meditation and prayers to remember that life is a true roller coaster filled with ups and downs. I am hearing of many of my friends and family going through a discouraging time. I wish that our lives with Christ were just fun, fun, fun. The truth of real life is that it is filled with problems, disappointments, victories, fulfillment, work, play, tears, and laughter. I am constantly telling myself that problems are opportunities, but sometimes my own encouragement seems to fall on deaf ears. I find myself in the struggle and not overcoming with the zeal and ease that I should.

In the midst of all this I remember a passage in 1 Sam 30. It is a story of King David, and how he had a series of unfortunate things. He has just returned from a battle to find the Amalekites have raided Ziklag, where the Israelites had encamped. The Amalekites had carried off all the women and children. All of them. They even took David's wives. His army got so mad at him that they talked about stoning David. The men were very distraught over this incredible loss. It felt like the crunching body blow in a fifteen round fight. This was tough stuff.

In verse 6 the scripture tell us that he found strength or that he encouraged himself in the Lord. Wow, I am so moved by that statement. What true tenacity and optimism to have everything falling around you, be in the midst of the garbage and make a decision to encourage yourself. Folks that is spiritual. That is encouragement is not by a man's words, a favorite song, weather, book, coffee, or TV show. That is not fueld by how I feel, that is fueld by who I am. That is the intimate relationship the Lord wants to have with all of us.

Okay for the rest of the story. David then asks a friend "Should I pursue? Should I rescue? (v.8) When he gets the acknowledgement and the time is right, off he goes with his army in tow. Some of the men couldn't make it. David finds the raiding Amalekites and raids them. He recovers everything. (v. 18) He then plundered the Amalekites and takes their livestock.

Did you get that, he got everything back and even more. I know that sometimes we see this huge mountain, this huge Goliath, this huge obstacle. We feel down.

So encourage yourself, find strength in the Lord. Pursue your enemies and see what God would do. I am sorry to be so preachy, but I feel this is important to remind all of us to find strength in the Lord.

Shalom (Peace)

J

Addicted to Coffee

So here I am a few weeks past my 39th birthday. It was pretty uneventful as I was driving the family from Memphis,TN to Roanoke, VA for 10 hours. While on this trip and since returning I have noticed something about myself - I must have coffee in the morning. I know that many of you are saying, "Join the club" or "I have done that for years."

I have enjoyed coffee, had a regular cup, no big deal. Now I crave it, my body responds to it. I get up thinking about it. We get the pot ready the night before. I yearn to hear the gurgle of the brew and have my extra large cup sitting right there waiting for some life from brown water affected by the magic bean.

I guess that I am getting older. So thanks for letting me in the coffee crowd. I am no coffee snob like some of you - but I did take some steps toward that over the past year.

Hey everyone - Heroes series for the church is off and running. We just made the name change and removed community from it. This simplified it, and made it more like the website name. Hope that everyone likes the logo.

I guess you could say it is a new day. Let's embrace change and go forward for all that God had for us.

Yes, it is fall, time for football.

Blessings to all.

J

What If We .... Wrap Up

I just finished the "What If" series a few days ago. I have to tell you (whomever may be reading) that it was a challenging series. We talked about some very real issues or character qualities that we need to possess - if we hope to make a difference. I know that I am personally challenged to be more friendly, forgiving, trusting, and patient. Hey it's not easy.

Friendship is work, it takes intentionality, planning, and effort. Forgiveness is not natural -but one of the most liberating things we will ever do. Trust is the single most important in any relationship (for it to work). Lastly patience - a true challenge in our 21st century American culture. Yet patience - as we studied is truly a catalyst for champions, heroes, winners, and over comers.

What if the friendship, the forgiveness, the trust, and the patience we see in the bible and are encouraged to live in, was seen by our world. What if what was happening in the Bible happened in our lives, in our community, in our families.

A final thought as we wrap up this July series - of What If. What if you and I really determined to change our world by changing who we are? Change starts with me. Change starts with you. Praying for you and looking forward to a fantastic fall.

Pastor Rich returns from Sabbatical and will be speaking on "Heavyweights" Sundays in August. Come learn how to handle that weight on your shoulders.

Blessings to all,

J

Storms

Wow

Today is the day after a pretty fierce storm. As I looked out the window I could see the clouds forming and sky getting dark. The next thing you know, I could see the wind whipping and rain just pouring. Then it rained sideways, you know where the wind is so fierce that the rain is falling diagonally.

A tree broke in front of the office and a portion of it fell onto the sidewalk. This is was a fast moving blow in, blow up, blow out kind of storm. I hadn't seen one of these that looked so dark in a long time.

Yes, life is like that. In fact many of us are in storms right now. I recently read an article from Rick Warren that said life is a series of problems. You are either in one, just out of one, or about to be in one. Yet it seems we are always surprised to be in one. Surprised and in disbelief that we could be enduring this, or going through this. I want to encourage all of you. I want to encourage myself. Storms blow, Christ is constant. Me - I guess I am sometimes the leaf, blown about, and sometimes the rock.

We all will encounter storms. Remember our life is the warm up act for eternity. We go through problems to grow character. I know what you are thinking, when is our character going to be grown. I wish my was fully there, but I guess it isn't. So from time to time, the rains come, the winds blow, it gets dark. Then after all the nastiness the sun shines, and a new day begins.

Shalom (Peace) to you all

J

"In the end the pessimist may be right, but the optimist has a better time on the journey along the way."

An interesting trip

Well hello there,

The past week or so has been quite interesting for me and the family. We had the awesome privilege of going to Owego, NY to conduct a wedding for the Shantz family. The ride was supposed to take about 6 hours. Several road construction projects and That beltway caused the trip to last about 10 hours. My kids are traveling champs and only asked "Are we there yet?" a couple of times.

The wedding was beautiful and all went well in Owego. From there it was off to the Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. I have always been enthralled with this place due to its number of roller coasters and how awesome they are. Well I was not disappointed in the park. However, I do have to tell you about my Griswold moment.

I love getting to the park early. I love being in front of the crowd. I love making the most of my day in the park. I drive my family, I don't let them take breaks, I study park maps, I plot the day, I know when the show times are going to be. I am very ambitious about rides and knowing when the best time to be there is.

So we got up on Monday morning last week, ready to go. Breakfast eaten, backpack ready, everyone into the van, and a quick turn of the key. Nada. No power, battery dead. The park opens at 10am and its 9:30.

I run into the hotel to see if anyone has jumper cables. The only guy that does is a little upset with hotel management over his room. He volunteers his cables as soon as he is donewith his discussion. The cables wouldn't stretch across the median of where my van was parked. Back to the hotel to find the guy that drives the blue Chevette. Guy found, moves his car, and jumper cable guy maneuvers his vehicle into a position that allows us to make a connection.

Fire the van up and off to Wal Mart for a battery check. I suspect it is the battery since it is the original and it has gone over 60,000 miles. New battery installed and off to the park, about 2 hours behind schedule and in the midst of the crowd. We got in a few big rides, but the crowd was huge. Guess I am not the only one that likes big roller coasters.

We did manage over the course of two days to ride some awesome stuff. The Maverick is a new smooth as silk coaster that is awesome. The Millenium Force a 300 foot drop broke a world record back in 2000, and yes very fun. I missed out on the 120mph 90 degree up and down coaster known as "Dragster". Next time I guess.

Anyways a good trip, very glad to be back to home. Glad to be back to the normal traffic. Really enjoyed Sunday, and I do hope that we all take friendships a little more seriously.

Blessings to all

Jay

Blessed

Wow, it's been a few days since my last blog. I guess I am one of those guys that resists keeping a journal, even on the Internet. Anyhow, as I reflect on the past few months I recognize I am very blessed. Blessed to see so many of our people at Horizons plugging into ministry. I am blessed that we are moving forward with the building of a permanent facility. The next step being a membership vote for approval of loan on July 1. I was blown away by the response from the Skittle pour. I keep getting comments despite that the pour happened weeks ago. I am blessed to see when people "get it". It is one of my favorite moments in ministry when people have the lightbulb moment and choose to trust God.

I am blessed to have an awesome family in Christa and the kids. I am blessed to have a great extended family in my parents and in my in-laws. In fact my in-laws were just with us for a few days. I blew it on the Sunday that they were in service at Horizons by failing to mention their visit. It was great to have them for a few days. My youngest is getting her opportunity to play the "just relax' game with Pa Pa. I am blessed to see the kids laugh, and celebrate the simple moments with family.

I am blessed to live in Stafford, and in America. I am blessed to be at Horizons. I am blessed to have a wonderful team of people to work alongside with. I am blessed as I look with excitement at the summer schedule. I am anticipating even more for the fall. Let's all be praying for that. I am blessed that even when we don't think things are good, God is there. I am blessed when things are good, and when God is very real.

Maybe you are blessed to. Watch your words - the power of life and death are in the tongue. I am watching mine. Well, that can be tough, but so worth it.

Blessed

J

Hair, Finales, and yes ice cream

Okay so did you hear the one about the guy with no hair? I now notice all the hair commercials that are on TV. I didn't before, which tells you it did not matter then, but now I notice. Speaking of hair the whole family is getting a new "doo". In fact the next time you see Christa you may not recognize her. I love it. We all need a change from time to time. Summer is upon us and its time to get ready for the warm and humid weather. A little trim a little off the length, or maybe a good ole take it to the scalp cut. It's funny how we all care for our hair.

Well the finales are happening with all the fave shows. Collectively as a staff we all agree that Heroes was the best. We got so inspired that we are going to do a message series about heroes in the fall. 24 was well, hmmm, kinda, sorta, anti climactic, maybe boring. Christa I both fell asleep in the final moments of the finale. Kinda tells you something doesn't it.

The Lost finale is Wednesday and let's hope that we get at least a few questions answered. This is the one that I have been waiting for, a showdown between good and evil, or so it seems.

I hope you all have a wonderful memorial day. Hope to see you on a Sunday soon. Take the family for some ice cream and talk about summer plans and all sorts of summer activities.

As for me, I am not worried about hair for the summer. I love that I don't need hair care products, let's me save money for ice cream at Maggie Moos, or Carl's, or Chik Fil A shakes, or Bruster's. Yes I love this season, lots of things to enjoy. Hope you do to.

J

Pictures

Hello all

I recently changed the picture that I had on this blog. I was told that I had a cheesy grin, and a stupid look. I got to wondering when is the last picture that I took that was good.? The older we get the more difficult that it becomes to be comfortable with our picture. At least it does for me. I don't really care all that much at how I look, but when I do I am rarely satisfied.

Now try taking the group picture or the family picture. That can be really tough. So I have put a new picture of my intramural football team in Bible college up. You can see me in the middle. Yes I had a full head of hair. Seems like yesterday that I owned a brush. We won the game.

I am really thinking about how much has changed and where all God has brought me. It is safe to say that our faith walk is a "Journey". Pictures tell a story and capture moments all along the journey. So make sure that you take plenty of pictures along yours. Who knows we may look back and thank God for what we did have in the past or even what we experienced, both good and bad. It did shape us.

Keep on keeping on everyone. Their is joy in the journey. Look for it. Take pictures and preserve it. We can all go forward with confidence as we preserve our past. The past is our history, learn from it, grow from it, evolve.

Hope to see you soon. New series begins this week on Spent - How will you invest your life?

J

TV cool or what or not

Hello

Wow, I love Heroes on NBC. It one of the coolest show ever. I am a nerd for saying cool? What is the lingo now for the word cool? TV has sure changed and for the better, I guess? I am not a big fan of the reality shows. However, I do love the Amazing Race, and would love to apply for that on or Survivor. However, there are some weird ones out there, I'm sure you not what I refer to. So here comes the big finale for Lost, 24, Heroes - and hopefully some answers to make us all say "wow".

I did let you all know that some of us went to Spider man 3 last Friday at 12:00am. I fell asleep in my seat while waiting as we were two hours early for the showing. Almost everyone had the Nintendo DS out. I even hear the college guys, and high schoolers talking about Pokemon. What? That is what my son watched when he was in elementary school. Wow, how time has changed.

Anyway, 3 was okay. My thoughts are that the action is great, and FX are great, but the character development lacked. Hey go see it, give them cause to make another one that will be more satisfying. The big laugh, and the big applause of the night, the preview for Shrek 3.

As I type I can see that summer is upon us. Here comes the humidity - thank God for the guy the invented AC - and summer movies. Pirates, Shrek, FF -Silver Surfer, and maybe my fave - the Bourne movie.

See you soon.

J

Soil and Seed = yield

I am not a gardener. I don't pretend to be one. I don't aspire to be one. I hate yard work. However, I did grown up in Oklahoma and have been to a farm or to. I know this one thing. Prepare soil, plant seed, pull weed, water and over time you get something a harvest.

I am on a journey with Christ. Some of the seeds that have been planted in me are ready to bloom into harvest. Some seed didn't make it where it should and it has died. Some seed found its way, but the soil wasn't cared for and it didn't make it either.

I guess you could say that the more I care for the soil, and the more selective of seed, the greater the payoff in the future. We reap what we sow. So what should we sow? What should I so? What should you so?

So time to get real from those New Years resolutions and follow through with some action. I did make a resolution and I did plant a work out seed and a better eating seed. Giving some care to those seeds - I might still make a healthy summer harvest.

PS - Me, Pastor Jim and Andy, and a few others are going to the midnight show of Spider man 3 on Thursday night/Fri morning. So seeing as we live on the east coast, we should be the first batch of folks to see it. Ha - can't wait to brag on Friday.

Jay

Where did the time go?

Hello

Here it is April 25 and I am asking where did the time go? Can you believe that we are already knocking on the door of Summer. I mean school is only 7 weeks from being done for the kids. Many are planning their summer vacation, and registration for next fall's school year has begun.

Didn't we just turn the corner on 2006 into 2007? Why as I get older do the weeks get shorter, despite the days going longer? Why do the weeks turn into months, with such a rate that finds us looking at each other and scratching our heads and saying, "Where did the time go"?

Here is the answer it didn't go anywhere, and it never changes. It is up to us to do the right thing with it. I know that being a steward or caretaker of time is something that I have to be better at. Hey I think I manage time well - but I still want more out of it. I am learning to redeem the time. How do you redeem the time?

Time - 24 hours, or 1440 minutes, or 86400 seconds. That is all we get. Everybody gets the same - let's do something with it.

Jay

Alive and Well

It's been a few days since I have posted, and yes a lot has gone on.

First off let me say thanks to so many of you that prayed for me while I was in the hospital. Thanks to all of you that were so supportive and have blessed my family with your efforts. I have come away from this situation with a fresh appreciation of the family of God. Don't be without the family that God has provided each and every one of us to appreciate and enjoy.

Life is busy, I know that you know that. Life is moving fast. Can you believe it is already march and daylight savings is this weekend. When the many stresses of life come at you, how do you offload? Stress or anxiety, concern, worry, doubt - it's all real. How do you process all of it?

I have learned that as I get older, I also need to get wiser. The same old thing might not be the right thing. Maybe I should consider some new angles, new ideas. That is not to say that if it ain't broke, break it. Examine it, evaluate it, then break it.

My life experiences are growing, so my empathy follows. I can offload a number of ways. Work out, pray, find my relaxing place. Here are some new things. Meditative and contemplative prayer. Learning to rest, not just pray and move on, but resting in His presence.

So my question to you is how you doing? Really how you doing? Learn to offload with the Lord. Do it with regularity so you can keep on keeping on. I know I am reminded that there is much to do in this world. And we the church are the hope for it.

So I am out of the hospital after going in on Friday night with some severe chest pain. After some testing - my heart is completely healthy. So why the pain? Stress - and low potassium. My solution - eat more bananas, work out consistently and lean on the Lord. Maybe consider how or what that leaning looks like. Be creative in your journey to God. Don't let it become rote, mundane, predictable, or boring.

Blessing to all

J

From the Inside out

Have you ever heard the old phrase "garbage in, garbage out". Maybe you have heard the illustration of a tube of toothpaste - when squeezed what's inside will come out. Isn't that true about us. I mean I am bombarded with 80's music everywhere. It's in my kids shows, movies, sitcoms, department stores, it's everywhere. I seem to know most of those tunes and can sing right along.

That is why it is so important for us to fill up on Jesus stuff. I have recently just saturated my spirit with worship music. I am playing it in my prayer time, my car, Itunes in the office. I have found myself going to sleep with these tunes in my head. I wake up to them, and I think they are building me, nurturing me in my own personal walk.

We have finished one week of fasting. If you are new, or didn't know we at Horizons church are going to be fasting until Feb 25th. During this denial of personal wants, we are focusing on hearing the Lord and growing in our faith. This I do know, when God's people do humble themselves and pray, God does some big things. So let's expect, let's believe.

Keep on keeping on - God bless you all

J

Day One

Well Folks it is day one on the 21 day fast. Hopefully everyone had a great Sunday, that culminated is some great finger food during the Super Bowl. Day one is always easy, always fun, it's like the first steps on a big race. You say okay, I feel good, feel fresh, I can do this, and it is true. So enjoy day one.

Remember the fast is not about us just giving up something, but about drawing nearer to God. I have recently been filling my mind with worship music. I got a new CD from Desperation Band, called Who You Are. There are some great songs there. That and a Leeland CD called Sound of Melodies and Passion Band's CD Everything Glorious make up the rotation for me. I love filling my mind with these worship songs, the messages ring loud and clear.

I find myself going to bed with them in my head, I find myself sitting at the computer, making breakfast, all with some chorus going through my head. I think as we empty ourselves we have to fill up on some life giving things.

So on day one, as we give up, let's add a little more of the life and message of Christ into our lives.

P.S. you may have seen the Coca cola add last night, (cartoonish) guy helping out people. Well here is the ditty, "You're going to be remembered for the things you say and do, you give a little love and it all comes back to you, Da, Da, Da, Da.......or Na, Na, Na, Na, .........

Yes now this is running through my head to.

Have a great week-Change starts with us.

J

Listen

Hello all

It has been awhile since I posted, I know that you hate being kept in suspense. Nevertheless, its the last Monday of January. One month down and 11 more to go.

As we continue our speaking series on Tough Questions, I just spoke one of my most thought provoking messages (at least to me). I am convinced that God loves us. I am convinced that His grace that He gives me and you, is abundant. I am convinced that He loves real people, not plastic or robotic folks that just blindly meander along.

Asking Questions is real. It drives us to search our heart. God questions dig real deep. God can handle anything we ask. Just make sure to listen. How do we listen you ask? I am reminded of Elijah, and how he heard. It wasn't in the earthquake, the voice wasn't in the fire, or the wind. It was in the "still small voice". God wants to talk to us, commune with us, share and relate to us.

So how do we slow down long enough to hear a still small voice. I have heard some wise folks say that busyness is a sin. Just going a hundred miles an hour, never stopping, just doing, not stopping to listen much less relate to the Creator of the Universe.

Thus our church's decision to do a 21 day fast. Beginning on Feb 5th, the day after the Super Bowl and all those parties with healthy food, we will fast. What we will fast is entirely up to the individual. We have introduced this fast as a devotion to God, to honor a commitment that will mean less of us, so we can have more of Him. We are fasting for miracles. In our fast we are desiring to see some real breakthroughs for each other.

You can fast a meal a day, a meal on one day, a type of food. You can fast tv, internet, cell phone. You can do a day of silence, where we just lock into God. You can participate in the Daniel Fast.... where we don't eat meat, fried food, caffeine, Soda, Sugar, Flour, Rice, or preservatives. We do eat, Fruit, whole grains, vegetables, seeds, nuts, water, fruit juice.

Wow could be tough, but its supposed to be. If you want to make some big strides in your walk with Christ, crucify that flesh - it won't like it, but maybe you and I will slow down, maybe we will hear something that changes our life.

Blessings

Pastor Jay

HMM

Well everyone as you may know our church is in the midst of tough questions. Tough questions about life and faith and everything else. I think God loves it when we ask questions. Hopefully that leads us to the Bible, to read, study, contemplate, and then read, study, contemplate some more. Maybe fire off a few hypotheticals at additional wise people and find some answers.

Here is what I am discovering though? God does not fit into the box of all our questions answered - so fire away. God can handle all of our questions.

This is an authentic journey of discovery, join in. Hope to see everyone on Sunday as we continue the series. Until then check out the website to see some of the questions that we are discussing.

On a total random note: American Idol contestants make me think that I can sing. They coming to D.C. next year.


Jay

Goals take passion

Well we are off and running into the new year. We are receiving some great questions through our website horizonschurch.com Hope you have a chance to vist there and check them out. Pastor Rich and I start this week with the question "What does it matter, what I believe?" Hope you are planning to be with us.

Personally I look at how quickly we have gotten into this year. College football is over, the weather is cold one day, and warm the next.

We take off with some hopes and dreams for the year. I say "Go for it, don't let anyone or anything keep you from it". You see to achieve you must believe. Goals take a passion or drive to make them happen.

Please notice that the entire staff is all blogging. We all are hoping that via our comments on life, and all things thereof that you will get to know a little bit more of who we are. I know that could be kinda scary, but check out what we/they are saying. You might see or sense the passion that each of the team has for Christ and His Kingdom. You might see the passion they have for ministry or music or books.

It is great to see passion in living. What are you passionate it for?

Blessings to al and talk to you soon.

J

Learn, live, hope

How are those resolutions going a week in? I make it a point to start my own a few weeks into it. That way I look like I am doing it well, longer.

I recently was reminded via this illustration that God is more interested in our future than our past. He wants to forgive and heal us from that past, but He is very concerned about your tomorrow. Here is the illustration. When you are driving you have a large windshield and a small rear view mirror. Because you need greatet attention to the future (where you are going) than the past where you have been.

So onward, or charge, or go.......... Understand we learn from yesterday, we live for today, and we hope for tomorrow. How you live today, determines how tomorrow goes.

We start our tough questions series this Sunday at Horizonschurch. You can find the postings and more at our website - horizonschurch.com . Tough questions are going to be asked and talked about. We go into this series not with all the answers, but a lot of them. We are not in debate but journey of discovery - asking gut level questions. The aim it to get somewhere from here.

Maybe we all need to continue to seek, ask, knock. God says in Exodus 3 that "He has heard the cries." As a parent I am very concerned with my children and when they hurt, when they cry. Sometimes they have some tough questions, sometimes my answer satisfies and sometimes it does not.

So ask, let's journey together. I think maybe God loves it when we look to Him for answers.

Until next time - Keep journeying - life is a total ride. Laugh, live, love.

J

New year - New You?

Really New Years resolutions are so overdone, overstated, and neverdone. Sure you may be one of the few out there that has made a resolution and kept it. Great.

For the vast majority of us who put on the pounds at Christmas, take em off at new year, find ourselves with the same "oh well" in a few months. Now resolutions are good, they make us think about improvement - we all need that.

You Can Do it? But this year, let me ask you a question. Link the new you to a new heart. In other words don't just set a goal for the goal. Maybe prayerfully consider what that new you can do for the family, world, God.

You see God wants all of us to be successful when we pursue His purposes. When we don't then isn't our pursuit about self. Is that vanity?

You can do anything you want to. When you do something with the heart and mind of Christ, well then you can do it - and be doing it for the right reasons. So start the new year off with a new you, unless your perfect.

Fix your eyes, abide in Him, and let's see where 2007 takes us.

Wow - I get excited about the idea of people doing things with passion - for Christ.

See ya around

J