Sleep Issues -

Reasons I do not sleep well at night

1. I stay up to late watching sports - especially football. Late nights and early mornings don't mix.
2. I eat poorly after 6pm (fried or saucy foods) and that often does not set well on the stomach.
3. I have neighbors that play poker outside at midnight. Seriously...!
4. I live close to a school that has a small sled hill and last night we had midnight sledding
5. If I play any Xbox games it is usually late at night and I admit getting into them occasionally.
6. If Christa does not sleep well for three of the above reasons she goes down stairs. I need the body heat, so I get cold and can't sleep.
7. Stress of life
8. Rehearsing sermons and general brainstorming

Not all of these are bad things - some are enjoyable, fun and even productive. Yet I sure do crave a good nights sleep. It would really be awesome to string a couple of night together without an interruption.

Now I will say that on nights that I am not sleeping and normally not always pray. So I have covered some ground this year. Maybe I need to pray for sleep. I don't know how many people have faced these same sleep stealer's - but if you have I am open to your wisdom.

Maybe tonight will be a good night.

Jay

J

Snow Issues

What a paradox. I love to look at snow fall, but hate to shovel it. I love to look at icicles hanging on the tree but hate to drive over it. No doubt my skepticism of what snow could be in Virginia got shattered this weekend. I moved here from Colorado and nothing has come close to a snow storm in the last four years until this last weekend.

When we get stuck, we learn to redeem time. We caught up some as family, played a few games and attempting to watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We also had some nice time to reflect on the joy of Christmas. Seriously disappointed to miss the Sunday service and postpone the Christmastime musical. I know that there is a plan and that God can use our shuffling of events and timing to make good things happen.

As I sat and watched my two oldest in their choir concert this past Thursday I had a real moment of reflection as the both looked so nice in a tux and dress. Once again time is moving at a speed that I cannot stop. Except for that choir concert - 22 songs. My daughter in the 1st group and my son in the final one so I got all 22.

Enjoy Christmas everyone - redeem time, reflect, and remember the important things in life.

Peace

Jay

Growing is good

I love that my kids are growing and maturing. A part of me also hates it. I hate that I am aging and finding out about weight, ear hair, baldness and you get the idea. But one thing that I love is that I can still find a freshness in my walk with Christ.

I have to celebrate some of what God has done lately. Not in any real material ways, but in some spiritual awakening. I have always struggled to slow down. Right now I am in a season of go - go-go. I struggle with the idea of solitude. Yet - that is what I am finding in the midst of all the noise. I am recognizing that God is a big God and I will let him be that. That the clutter of our days can never match the wonder of who God is. If you really try you can find it.

So my encouragement to all of you today is find little moments to celebrate who God is. It might just change your life.

Be blessed today

J

The Big Picture of God's plan

I know that I am a human, emotional, small, being on this large planet. I get caught up in the day to day, the mundane, the pace, the tasks, the issues, the toil, and the needs that everyday life can bring. Yet all that said, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I therefore have a job to do that is the most important one on the earth. It is my job a Christian, not pastor, that should motivate my daily living.

Each day means a new opportunity to share the grace, love and mercy of Christ to another. What an incredible thing to know that God uses people to show the love, mercy, and grace of God. Read I Pet 4:10 and you will see that God uses people and many times in places we would least expect it.

So there you go - God's living breathing plan is not the institution of church but the organism of Christians. It is the basis of how most of us came to faith in Christ - another person shared, displayed, gave. My urging to you today is not to allow the distractions of life cloud your mind. YOU have a divine purpose....Show the Love of Christ and dispense, steward, manage, administer God's grace. Very cool....So seize the day and it's God opportunities.

J

God is moving

Wow - there is no doubt that God is still doing miracles. The miracle of salvation, the miracle of life change, the miracle of relationships. I have to admit that in the midst of a busy life you can grow dependent on self. You can see your abilities and begin to lost your dependence on God. To lost dependence is to lose trust. It is to lose faith.

We would never admit a faith crisis, but ask this question. Am I relying on God in my daily living. In other word have we relegated our spirituality to an off and on switch. Or how about an emotional switch. I needed a freshness that I got from our past few weeks. At Horizons we saw many people come and receive a compass as we talked about a one degree of change and that new path. To many to count. Then this past Sunday we had the spontaneous Baptism with 18 new Baptisms and 7 planned ones for a total of 25. It was so cool to hear the authenticity of testimonies from those being Baptized.

It reminded me that I need to be aware of God's presence and that He always does more and goes bigger than I believed. (I was praying for 6 people to Baptize). My encouragement to you dear reader is "Walk by faith, not by sight" and know that God is real, and ever present we just have to slow down to see it.

Little Things

Over the past few weeks we have been talking about the Degree of Difference. Just one degree of effort could radically change your world. How true is that? I think it is becoming more and more evident with each passing day. As I get a bit older, a bit wiser, a bit grayer, I can look around me and see the extra degree people.

The extra degree effect is big, but it can take some time. For instance if you start saving just a little today and tomorrow it may not be huge a month from now, but what about five years at that pace.

Take that thought and invest it into a relationship, a spiritual discipline, or a health move. You get the idea, that little things mean a lot, a whole lot over time! So with this knowledge what should we do? Make the decision and take the action of one more degree. Today, make the change of course, thesubtle but oh so powerful decision to act. Do it now, seriously, do it right now. You will thank me in the future.

blessings

Jay

The Degree works

We are about two weeks into our latest series that got inspiration from the fact that water is hot at 211 degrees but that it boils at 212. The challenge is before us all to be a people that will go the extra degree in some facet of our spiritual journey.

I, being a relational person, believe that the extra degree could go a long ways in our relationships. I love this challenge that I wrote about in my previous post, Who are you investing into? That degree can go along way in making your relationship work for the better.

I hope you all experienced the joy that we shared as a congregation in praying for Vienna and taking a picture with her traveling bear "Yek Vun". This bear is gathering pictures, stories, and words of encouragement for Vienna. What a marvelous ideas started by someone that wanted to make a difference in someones life. The extra degree works. Just consider how many of you felt as we shared about this story this past Sunday. Now time for you to go to work and put in that little extra to make it work.

Blessings to all and thank God it is really fall.

Jay

We Value it We Invest into it

Christa (my rocking wife) had a dentist appointment the other day to have a tooth filled. No big deal. However in the process discovered that her tooth had a crack in it and that a ROOT CANAL may be necessary. She was advised to come back if any pain occurred o Ir hot or cold.

That night she battled with pain. She was restless and sleepless and woke up with a need to go to the Dentist. I merely eluded to insurance, cost, and timing to be included into consideration. Her quick comment to me was... I don't care what it costs - I need pain relief.

We all put our physical health and well being as a premium. So the question is what if we all learned to invest ourselves the same way into our spiritual well being. Here is what I am saying. If you value it; then you invest into it. You invest time, money, energy. Sometimes that investment is sacrificial because you believe in it so much. Remember Jesus said in Matt 6 that we should "Seek first the Kingdom".

So as a new season begins what will you be investing into.. The things you value. So that really begs the question..what do you value. Set your heart on things above.

Jay

Happy Birthday

Wow- I can't believe how many people have acknowledged my birthday this year. Facebook has changed how many people can be in the know about your birthday. For that I am grateful. It has been awesome to hear and read so many "Happy B-Day" and "have a great day" or "blessed week" messages. It reminds me of what I want to do in this Blog.

First off I want it to encourage you (whomever is reading). Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. Second to share the personal insights that I get along the way of life. I love to see things happening in life and then make some spiritual application. That is how God wired me and I enjoy doing that.

With that note: an observation. On my recent trip to Disneyworld I saw two types of families. A fighting family, having a miserable time and a happy family, enjoying the day. Look it was hot, very humid, and very crowded in the Magic Kingdom. There was plenty to get discouraged about. Yet we get to choose our attitude. So the happy family is the one that chooses to celebrate the joy of the day and all that they can do. We all have a choice. Be it family member, co-worker, team mate. Your attitude and how you treat others is your responsibility. I don't care if it a hard day.. God gives us self -control. So let us all learn that we can chart our course, and contribute to the good of life.

You are blessed, so be a blessing

J

I caved

Once again the tragedy of the pace of life has happened keeping me from blogging. I really enjoy this outlet of expression - it would be nice to do it more. Anyhow as you may have seen in the title - I caved. Normally each summer I begin to deal with my lust for football. Each July as the pre season magazines hit the stands I walk by - knowing that my desire to consume all things football can be a problem. Yet - I needed the extra purchase for some Bloom points (giving away free kitchen knives with stamps you earn) We can get a whole set of knives if we can spend 3 thousand dollars at Bloom in the next month.

Anyway - I got it and yes my Okie Sooners are projected to be in the Top 5 again. Most think they have a great team but still choke in really big games. We will see.

On a side note: has this not been the best summer ever. Wow - I love 86 and no humidity. If you ever wondered what Summer in Colorado is like - there it is. Enjoy it while we can.

Kaitlyn just returned from her dance team camp. She was awarded superiors in two performances and won some outrageous award for creative interpretation to a song.

This week we continue "At the Movies" - which has been a blast. The feedback we get is very positive. I will share on my observations from UP. I think maybe the best this summer. It moved me.

Remember you are blessed.

J

Wow -half gone already

Well it has been about a month. I guess it was kinda busy for me. Month flew by, and so has the entire first half of the year. I had one of those moments this morning. One of those reflective, take a few breaths, and think about it moments. Man those are hard to come by right now.

Anyhow - I reflect on the year and just have to thank God. I mean really we are so incredibly blessed with life. There are lots of things negative out there. Economy, finances, health. In fact just this week we had several of the known celebrities pass away. There was an impact here as one of my daughter's friend caught 'swine' flu. Another friend has lost her brother.

Another wave of marriages and relationship issues. It always seems as that stuff like this happens in waves. It is very easy to feel overwhelmed by our plight. Yet - the enemy is out to distract and discourage. I am not going to buckle under that. I choose life...sometimes easier said than done, and much easier typed than lived.

After my pity party - I dust myself off and look at scripture which reminds me about my job, and every believer's job. It reminds me that stuff happens. How we respond is the test of our character.

Be encouraged as God is real, moving, and changing lives. If I press on and really live this stuff - He will change mine to. Look around folks - count your blessings. Remember no matter who you are - it could be worse. No matter who you are - when you are at bottom the only direction is up.

J

Indescribable

This week we start a new series "One Prayer". We are joining with thousands of other churches across the globe - representing almost a million believers. These numbers may grow from here, so I am being conservative.

The focus for these churches is to share that God is.... When I heard the topic I immediately started to think about who God is and what God is. I know that God is ... is a great topic. We get to speak of the truth of God.

So this Sunday I thought to kick off the series I would speak on God is...Indescribable. I heard a statement that moved me a while ago, "People have a god that they want, but need the God who is". How true. People try to fit into their finite minds an infinite God. God is big, huge, His power, His love, His understanding is beyond awesome.

I can't wait to share these passages that speak of God - the truly indescribable God that has made his plan for us describable. I sincerely hope to see you this Sunday at Horizons, as we begin this journey into knowing God better.

J

Action needed

I love a few of these new commercials that are out there. They are talking about action. They are talking about being a doing company. They talk about being a company or a product that causes change ; because it takes action.

I see this time as a true season for the church universal, and the local church to be one of action. One that says it is one thing to make a statement and another to be actively doing the work. Over the last few weeks we have been sharing on Sundays the idea of "Just Add Jesus". Just add to your mind, and see what you can do. Just add to your heart and see what that would do. So with all the things that can happen to us when we add Jesus, let us also add Jesus to our hands and feet. That the things happening inside of us should translate into who we are on the outside.

You are know by what you do... Like oh that guy he is such a nice guy, that guy is such a complainer, that person is such a football fan. We get known by what we do.. So what do say about you? What are you known for? May we all learn to act like Jesus so we can be known as real followers of Christ.

J

Finally Feeling Spring

wow - the pace has been breakneck. The weather has been rainy. The time marches on. Last week was a celebration of some of the life happening at Hawpe House. Let's continue - Landon was leading worship in main service and really did well. Like with any 16 yr old artist we encourage him but cautiosly to keep ego in check.

Kate texts me yesterday to say she took 1st place in high jump, took 1st in her heat for the400 and got added to the 4x400 at the end of day. Awesome. She is loving it.

We are seeing the sun and feels great. I love the feeling of a sunny day. It ups my morale to handle the toil of life. Don't let the toil of life spoil life. For me - I have to keep praying, keep seeking, keep reading God's word. More of God will mean less of me.

We start a new series that speaks to the simplicity of Christ being fully in our lives. If we are to be fully devoted followers of Christ then we need to put Jesus into our mind, our heart, and our hands. Join us on Sunday as we serve up a few treats (we love to eat), and learn a few secrets. Just Add Jesus - it could change your life.

Keep on keeping on.

J

Celebrate

Today I celebrate: My wife is doing great with her birthday. A year older, still sweet and as beautiful as our first date. My chloe lost her two bottom teeth on Sunday after service. My Kaitlyn has made the JV dance team for high school next year. My Landon man is going to lead worship for youth Sunday this Sunday.

As for me - I got a virus through some Facebook video a "Friend" sent. He did so unbeknownst as someone hacked his account, and then maybe mine. I reset password and it appears to be okay. Wow - our world has changed and I am learning on the fly.

Wins are not easy to come by - but we need to learn to accentuate the positive and not be so negative.

J

Feels like Spring

Well the Hawpe Fam got back from some spring breaking last Saturday. We had a marvelous time - that went way to fast - down in Williamsburg. We got into Busch Gardens, and hit Great Wolf Lodge for one day. Very nice to see the kids having a blast. Landon loves the wave rider - I do too, and we both are getting down some good moves. Kinda fun to hear the onlookers cheering you on.

Today really is nice. It is one of those days in which I didn't mind the birds waking me up. Normally I silently curse them. Three cups of coffee, two learn to read books for Chloe and I am out the door to sunshine and trees getting their leaves.

Something inside me is saying that good things are on the way. Good things happen all the time, but sometimes as the "toil of life" begins to "spoil the life" we aren't counting our blessings. Why is it so easy to complain, and so hard to stop and really count the good in life. Right now no matter who reads this - there is probably an issue, a concern, a fear, a disappointment that you are facing. Yet - there is good. We are free, as Christians forgiven, as Americans blessed, and as human beings - granted the good of this day. Let us all make the most of it.

I read the other day in preparation for the message Sunday about Paul's hardships. Really, really, I have never had a day like many of Paul's. Shipwrecked, bitten by snake, beaten with rods sometimes with whips. Stoned, run out of town. Yet he just keeps on serving God.

SO keep on keeping on - there is much to do. Let us live a life of serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Shalom (Peace) to all

Jay

Easter thoughts

Well I have not blogged much over the last few weeks. So much has happened as we (Horizons Church) have moved into our permanent facility. If you think moving a home is stressful, magnify that ten times over. From construction, to inspections, moving, cleaning, preparing, petitioning, all of it is quite a ride. Thank God I can now write this today from the comfort of my office. Easter is coming Sunday so we are getting ramped up for this blessed Holiday.

To note - our past two Sundays have had large attendances as we said good bye to Colonial Forge and opened this new facility. Nearly 600 in one week and over it the following. Wow! That is a lot of people. More importantly we have seen many make a decision for Christ. That is what it is about.

Listen - it is tough sometimes in the pomp and circumstance of church life to be focused on souls, but it is exactly why we do church. Not for facilities, not for numbers, but for people and empower them to be followers of Christ.

So for this Sunday we will be talking about His Story. The story of Christ and how that story from the beginning of time to now is a life changing one. Invite your friends, neighbors, family and co workers to celebrate His Story - it could change their life to.

Pastor J

Here are some pictures

Things I love right now

Just thinking through the stuff I am really enjoying.
1. My wife. She rocks.
2. My kids - the ups and downs of parenting are as real as they could be, but even in those rocky moments I realize how good it really is.
3. Spring. I used to think Fall is the best. Still do, but you know the older I get the more I appreciate the color and the warmth that Spring brings.
4. My TV shows - 24, Lost, Survivor, Office, 30 Rock are all pretty good this year. I am not a huge fan of American Idol but yes I do watch with some interest.

Some miscellaneous items - spring baseball very cool to have opening day around the corner. I know less and less about who is playing where, but love the look of the ballpark. I love planning for some time away - my thinking is Busch Gardens is going to see a lot of me this year. It is a total blast to start thinking about walking through the park. I really come alive when I see the rides, the architecture, the flowers and trees all around me. Very cool.

I love March Madness and picking out a bracket.I really love grilling out and yes - already done it twice. Once on a gorgeous day two weekends ago, and once last week in the rain. I don't care bring me the bbq.Lastly - I am really getting a kick out of technology -google calendar is nice. texting is nice. Newest version of Itunes is nice.

What I don't like are the dark mornings. I don't like the awareness toward spring cleaning. I don't like being so busy. I don't like being tired at 9pm. I don't like getting winded in my first few steps on a 2 mile run.

God bless you in whatever you need

J

Snow Day

Wow - the weather is very bizarre this year. We had a snow day just a few weeks ago, and that was followed by one the most warm March weekends ever. Then today, we wake up to a gorgeous sight of snow falling to the ground.

Life is unpredicatable as well. It is sunny one day and rainy the next. I think it is so important, and especially as I get older, to not let situations or circumstances dictate our emotions. We should realize that difficult times do pass, and that our time on earth as brief as it is should be lived with a greater purpose.

Consider the snow - I remember as a young elementary student cutting out flakes made out of paper. The talk would talk about how unique each one is. Amazing. The earth sits just where it needs to from the sun, so that we get to experience a little sun and a little snow. It spins and orbits just right - seasons. What season are you in? Good news the next one is just a few days away.

I love spring - time to have some fun. Be blessed.

J

Living in HD

Perhaps you have heard the buzz concerning High Definition. Truthfully it is hard not to have heard. It is even being said that once you have experienced HD, viewing anything less is futile. So I jumped into the full HD 1080p world last December. It has been a lot of fun watching movies, and particularly sporting events in such color and clarity.

So I am inspired to speak this Sunday on living in HD. That as Christians we should be the ones that are living with color and clarity. The bible speaks of it as "salt and light". That is what the church should be, Christ's followers can be counted on to live at a more abundant level.

Living in the Northern Virginia area has major challenges. This is a very structured area and many live in a routine. Many are working long hours, and living for the weekend. It is hard to just enjoy life. We must beware the stagnation, beware of routine and becoming rote. Avoid the ruts.

HD people understand a divine purpose, pursue a passion, and live with the end in mind. They don't live for the weekend, they live to live. I believe this with all my heart. Many of us get caught up in doing the job, and making a living. We can have a life changing experience when we go for all the God has for us. Living with passion does not just happen, it takes perspective and purpose. Let's get out of the Rat race and join God's race. HD people can change the world.

Authority - Why Not?

There is very little in me that wants to obey authority. I think that as a fleshly being we all have some pride issues when it comes to submission. The truth is that submission and humility are very closely related. If God is the author of authority - we need to learn to come under authority so we can be under God. There is a benefit to submission, a benefit to obedience. It is just a road that is not naturally traveled. We have to choose obedience and self control, as they don't come naturally. When we do humble ourselves and submit to authority we can find ourselves getting in the right place, right under the provision that can protect us. Join us this Sunday as we wrap up the series. Who knows there may be a surprise or two.

We've blown it

Look everyone we have all blown it in relationships. We have all failed, right? I know I have. This Sunday we will continue to talk about Authority - Godly, Biblical authority, and applying it to family life. We hope to dis spell some myths and reveal some truths. We hope to show that in our humanness we all blow it in our relationships to spouse and kids. The great news is that we can do it right. Things can change.

The truth is that most people wallow in their guilt, apathy, and despair. We become aware (revelation), we make a choice (aspiration), we do the work (perspiration), to make a real change. Things can change but you have to make a first step. Its the hardest, but can make a world of difference in your life.

Wow, I don't know where that came from; but it was kinda like a sermon outline. Sorry. Seriously I know in my life I have blown it. I have to move on -I have to Advance or Move Forward. Its time for all of us to admit the mistakes and make restitution. Maybe we need to forgive, maybe we need to start obeying, maybe we need to start living our life to benefit someone else. It never works when we thinks its about us, do it all for us, need the "feed me" its about me - selfish attitude.

Families can work despite the many trials they face. They can work despite our pace and schedule. But we have to go back to God's word to find the divine design. Join us on Sunday as we explore "Family Matters".

Unlearning Rebellion

Can I tell you that some of my favorite movies are when the little guy rebels against the injustice of some big entity to revolutionize the world. Kinda like William Wallace. I stood up and cheered at that movie. I think that rebellion can come to all of us pretty easy. It is our human nature if you will. Their is something in many of us that wants us to stick it to the man. Yet life is not like the movies - "Rebels with a Cause" sure can come off like rebels. I wonder if there is another way to get things done.

I love this phrase "Your ultimate position is found in a life of submission". I have to tell you, that is often times tough to submit. Yet all of us that fight against submission find themselves fighting an uphill battle. We often think our way is the best way.

We have to unlearn rebellion and learn that God has a genuine better way. We have to get under His authority. We have to learn that hearing about or reading about how to do life, and really doing it are different things. To unlearn "dig out" the natural rebellion that is within us. So were do we begin - God's word.

God's word is a light, a lamp, a letter, and a lunch. Ultimately it is life. SO I guess I should read it, study it, and live it out. Maybe you should to.

J

One down

Okay - so time flies - we have all heard it, and probably have all said it. Yet, I can't believe that January is already over. One month down and 11 to go. It is crazy to get older and see how fast time speeds up.

My kids are to funny with the desire for Snow days. When we lived in Colorado a foot of snow would come and at best a 2 hour delay. Here with just the threat of snow we get a delay, and if there is any real accumulation or ice in the forecast it is a snow day for sure. Its just funny to have a snow day with very little snow. All of those of you that use to live outside of the Northern Virginia area know what I mean.

I really enjoyed watching the Super Bowl this year. I thought it was a great game. I had no real allegiance to either team, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Have a great week and make the most of your time because it really is ticking away.

One more thought - March 8th is the Spring Forward time change. Yuck - way to early.

Jay

The end of Reality

Well folks it is time to end the Reality series. I can say that these messages that God put on my heart have been good for me, and I hope you as well. The wrap up is this Sunday with the idea that we all fail. It is how we handle failure and where we go from that will determine much of who we are. I can say that this Sunday is incredibly important to anyone that wants to either understand true discipleship or move forward from failure.

Very important to note that we will reveal who the bully Susie is. You may also get some additional bonus footage that someone captured at the Skate night. Well got to get dinner rolling and catch up on last weeks episode of Lost, I fell asleep while watching it. Good to go.

Jay

Check out the new stuff

One of my resolutions was to be more attentive to the Blog, to the Facebook, with update on pictures, so check out the new ones on the right. My kiddos growing. Lots of fun.

Also as a fan of Lost I am quite happy to get back in to the questions and frustration, how bout you? 24 is off to a satisfying start, and happy to have some good laughs from the Office and I can't believe it 30 rock.

J

Sunday and Stuff

I am often accused of being an optimist. I embrace that wholeheartedly, I love living life with joy and happiness. I have found that is a choice, circumstances change, season change, financial status will change, health, vitality all will change. The constant is Christ. Which brings me to my latest "Going to be awesome" rant.

This Sunday is going to be awesome. 1. We will conclude our church wide week of Prayer on Sat evening. 2. We will show a fresh update on the church building 3. I will be sharing some awesome stuff from scripture. It concerns God's immense and immeasurable grace that is available to anyone and everyone that recognizes they need it. Some think they are very good, but they need God's grace. Others think they are not good enough, and they need God's grace. This Sunday will be thought provoking and hard hitting. It may challenge even you. So bring someone that has said "I'm not good enough" because this Sunday is for them.

J

Planning For Vacation

Winter is here. At least the cold air. That makes me and evidently most of the world start planning for vacation. I am amazed at how many "beaches, Disney, Bahamas, cruise line" advertisements that I have seen.

Okay - so Christa and I are looking at Sandals resort no kids, Beaches resort with kids, Carnival Cruise line no kids, Royal Caribbean with kids, condo in Orlando for the family, Cabin in Pigeon Forge, and lastly the Great Wolf Lodge. We have no decisions yet as the number one factor is yet to be determined, money. So maybe even a "Staycation" to visit the sites of D.C. (Personally I am pulling for the cruise).

I would love any feedback on what your best vacation was, or what you may recommend for a family such as the Hawpes. Get those brochures out, do website research and let's all plan for some fun this year, I'm sure we could all use it.

J

Ouch Delay

Well folks, if you have not heard at this point the news coming out of the end of last week is that we are facing a delay for occupancy. The new date for our first service in facility is April 5th. We are all a bit dissappointed in this news but most in construction know that this does happen.

Going forward from here we need to see some good weather that will allow the Asphalt company to finish parking lot. We also have several inspections that must be done and careful coordination with the county, construction company, and service provider will be important. Pray for good weather and for all the upcoming meetings and inspections to go smoothly.

The building is looking more and more finished on the inside. Here are a few pictures that will help you to see the stage area is being finished and some color has come to the kids rooms.

We know that a delay is difficult but our patience will be rewarded very soon. Stay steady my friends we are not wandering in the desert, we are not imprisoned. We are simply delaying our gratification. Until then we continue to see God doing wonderful things through our church family. This past Sunday was no differnt as we saw people making a decision for Christ. We are the Church, us, the people, not a building. We are the Church and the Church is the hope for the world.