Dreaming again

I find that pace can easily suck the time right out of life. Or is that the life right out of time. Anyhow time never stops moving. We look up and what do you know it's May and this year is almost half done. Dreaming for me does not take a lot of effort. I love to dream and think of what the future could be. The hard part is finding, creating time in which to do that.

I think the need for a getaway is what is necessary. So with that said I march off to do my favorite thing: Theme and Water parks. Today Christa and I will load up the kids for a few days in Williamsburg to see the sites and have some fun. In the midst of marching up ramp to catch a coaster or water slide is when I often get a spark of inspiration.

So bring on the fun, the relaxation and the dreams. Its time to start dreaming again.

Shalom: peace to you on this Memorial Day weekend.

Jay

Great things coming

I love the spring. I had a tremendous weekend a few weeks back as the sun was shining and I was doing one of my favorite things - riding coasters. As I walked around the park that day I kept getting this nudge...That great things are happening, and greater things are to come. In sorting out what that was about I was not sure if this was a reference to my day or to my life, or family, or to the church.

What I felt in my spirit and after praying some I truly sense that God was saying that greater things are coming for the local church and for us (my family). A corner was turned. I really see that in spite of some of the hardness of life that a perspective of belief with action can change everything.

My encouragement to anyone that is reading this is that God's word is true. Remind yourself of the promises and start to live like they are true. I don't know if the miracle you seek will come true, but I do believe that God will reveal Himself in a fresh way.

Be blessed.

Jay

The weekend after Valentines

So it's Saturday morning about a week after Valentine's. I am marveling over a couple of things.

1. We now know for sure that this area is tough on the marriage life. AT our kid care for Date night last night I heard many parents saying this is the first date they have had in some time. Yes everyone we have to make that date happen and Horizons is here for you, don't miss next Friday as the sign up deadline is tomorrow.

2. Volunteers make the world go round. AWESOME PEOPLE serve at HC. I am not blowing smoke as I tell you and the world to have adults and teens giving up there Friday to watch and play with the children of others is Ministry with a capital M. Many thanks to all of our champions in service. Shovel, Clean, Care...it is the difference maker in who we are as a church.

3. Gearing up for tomorrow..I am blessed because I have an armor bearer...Do you? It is something that I have taken for granted and regrettably have not reciprocated properly. My awareness is up and with knowledge comes responsibility to act. Tomorrow I intend to challenge our church family to get this statement....HEART AND SOUL. I can't wait it is going to be huge.

Praying...Hoping...Believing

Jay

Snow - Love- Amore Weekend

Hey Everyone

We are snowed in but that did not stop us from having a service. Hope your are safe and sound this weekend. As we are all home we share in worship and message from the word of God. During this message I prompt you with these questions:

1. What is your favorite love song?
2. How will you display love this week?

Share your ideas in this blog and/or on facebook page to join the conversation.

Blessings - Let's be the church and show the Love of God to a hurting world. We can change our world: One person at a time.

Jay

Celebrating our Volunteers

Every week as I look around church I see our volunteers doing a great job. Some of them come in during the week and can help by folding, stuffing envelopes, simple typing jobs, etc. Some are helping people find their way on a Sunday. Some are behind the scenes and getting thing together inside the auditorium and outside of it.

Everyone one of them that make up this church are a part of the Kingdom of God. The bible is very clear that the greatest is the servant. I am so grateful and privileged to work alongside people who "get it". Thanks to all of them that are making a difference that will not be fully realized until they see heaven. God bless you, and God bless them.

What you find in the fortress

The current series that I have been speaking on has been a revelation to me personally. I trust that God is using it to encourage others in how they approach life. As I look back on 2009 I allowed the stuff and pace of life to surround me. I am learning that with each day, there is a challenge. With each challenge comes the reality of how am I going to solve it. In my strength or in His strength. I choose His.

I am learning to go to the fortress. I am finding some great stuff in the fortress that is God. His family, His Holy Spirit, His healing and renewal. 2010 is off and running and I am very excited about what God will do as we learn to lean on Him.

I heard a great quote, "don't allow mistakes to define, but let them refine you." Awesome quote and a great motto to live by. I find myself in many situations that I am going to use that quote now.

Be a blessing for you are blessed.

Jay
Jay

It Shakes It Quakes - He doesn't

I heard the news of the earthquake in Haiti this morning. As I watched the news I could see the dismay, the ruin, the pain that the people of that nation are experiencing. It surprised me that I had just prepared the message for this Sunday and plan to talk about when life shakes and quakes. The truth is that the unexpected can happen - it does happen. What do we do with the unexpected, the disappointment, the hurt, the attack. We need to be on on solid ground, the solid ground of Jesus Christ. The old song says..."On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.."

So that reality of the shakiness of life is out there..and very real to many without church body. In particular are people in need of a physical miracle of healing for their body. Let's get into the tower and refuge of God. Please note the following news for what we want to do as a church.

SPECIAL PRAYER this Sunday Jan 17 at 10:15-10:45am. Between services this Sunday we will ask for anyone to join us in a time of corporate intercession. We will also gladly pray for anyone that desires special prayer with the pastors and elders. Scripture tells us that if anyone is in trouble or sick, they should call for the elders of the church to anoint with oil and pray (James 5:13-16). We intend to do just that...Pray for God's provision, intervention, and healing in the lives of many.

God bless - let us be a praying people to see our God do miraculous things.

J

Wow New Year

I honestly cannot believe that it is now a new year. It was just weeks ago that we had a Thanksgiving meal. The Christmas season was filled with activity and that blizzard really threw a wrench into the plans. Nonetheless - it was a nice time of family and friends and focus. Focusing on what is really important and the true meaning behind the celebration of Christmas.

I am very motivated, passionate to say: Let's Celebrate Christ everyday. We don't need decorations or deserts to celebrate CHRISTmas. We honor Christ by how we live. Bring God glory by exhibiting the love and mercy of Christ.

This is not only a new year but a new decade. We pause and take a reflection on the joy it had. We learn from the mistakes we made. We chart a new course. I urge you to make it a course that Christ has designed. I have a feeling that this year is going to move even faster. so let's take a deep breath, check our priorities, work wisely, and go for it.

I love that I can live with the truth that God is my Fortress, My shield, my protector. I am so ready for 2010 and all that I can do, all that the church can do, all that God's family can do for Him. As we freshly say God we need you, then let us with anticipation trust that He will use us to further His cause and Kingdom. Be blessed let focus, focus, focus and the work to be done.

Jay

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