I just got back from a few days over Christmas with my family in Colorado Springs. I was blessed to have a few days to relax after a very stressful trip out there.
We had our original flight canceled and placed on Standby. Standby on Christmas eve with just a few other people all wanting there names to be called. We waited through 4 flights and after 6 hours and gate jumping we all made it to Denver. We made it our bags did not. Had to make the trip back to Denver airport on Christmas Day. That trip is about an hour and half from my parents home in Colorado Springs.
I attended their church on the 28th and got to see their new building. I can honestly say that it was a great Sunday. I was blessed by their worship team and the ministers message. He spoke on "Forward Moving Faith". I got a little jazzed because our theme for 2009 is Advance - which means to move forward.
We were challenged to be believers that will leave behind immaturity, hypocrisy, and the past. I like that. Leave behind the past. I can't change it, only learn from it. Time to move on, move forward. I pledge in 09 to leave the past behind.
Have a great New Years eve and day. Let's all watch some football and eat well. My resolutions always start a few days after Jan 1.
Its a New Year, lets make it the best ever.
J
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas magic
How many of us are trying to find that Christmas magic every year? Maybe it is getting harder, it sure is for me. I am constantly trying to slow down, but look up and see that its Dec 23rd. I got my lists done, shopping done, etc. So at this point I have had some, but I am still looking for more.
Here are my top 5 so far. 1. Yankee Candle store - Williamsburg. Very nice to visit their Dept 56 store and a very winter village setting. 2. Snowing outside of Kohl's - Christa and I went in with an overcast sky, and came out with snow.. very nice 3. Watching Christmas movies by candlelight. - a couple of times this year 4. Hitting the mall and watching people visit Santa - had a flashback to all three of mine getting their picture with Mr Claus. Still get to do that with Chloe. 5. Candle light service singing Silent Night. It always gets me to see all the candles lit.
Now tomorrow I am the family are headed to Colorado Springs to visit my parents. My two brothers and their families will be joining. Quotes from Christmas vacation will be flying and I am looking for that sweater that Randy wore with the dickie underneath. I still die laughing when you see him.
The mountains are always nice at Christmas time and I hope to get the special feeling in my being once again. Merry Christmas to all - Happy Holidays, travel safe, and see you in the New year.
J
Here are my top 5 so far. 1. Yankee Candle store - Williamsburg. Very nice to visit their Dept 56 store and a very winter village setting. 2. Snowing outside of Kohl's - Christa and I went in with an overcast sky, and came out with snow.. very nice 3. Watching Christmas movies by candlelight. - a couple of times this year 4. Hitting the mall and watching people visit Santa - had a flashback to all three of mine getting their picture with Mr Claus. Still get to do that with Chloe. 5. Candle light service singing Silent Night. It always gets me to see all the candles lit.
Now tomorrow I am the family are headed to Colorado Springs to visit my parents. My two brothers and their families will be joining. Quotes from Christmas vacation will be flying and I am looking for that sweater that Randy wore with the dickie underneath. I still die laughing when you see him.
The mountains are always nice at Christmas time and I hope to get the special feeling in my being once again. Merry Christmas to all - Happy Holidays, travel safe, and see you in the New year.
J
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
the night before Thanksgiving
It's the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house the smell of prepping food makes me hungry as a mouse. All my children are busy with their new things from grandma, as I and my wife are looking at grandpa. Everyone is in their snuggly pajamas, when from the kitchen came quite a clatter. Yes there in the light of the refrigerator stood my youngest Chloe hiding like a prestidigitator.
Okay enough of that. Its great to have the holidays upon us. We have Christa's parents here and its time for some seriously good food. This is the season that we live for. There is some concern if our Turkey will thaw before tomorrow, but I am confident all will be well. I am very happy to have a day in which we eat and watch football.
speaking of football; how bout those Sooners. A win against the hated Cowboys from Stillwater, and its a jump over the Longhorns into the title game. A quick prediction, it will happen and the UT fans will be crying. Love you guys my friends, especially when your crying.
Everyone have a great Thanksgiving. Remember to truly be thankful for more than food and football.
J
Okay enough of that. Its great to have the holidays upon us. We have Christa's parents here and its time for some seriously good food. This is the season that we live for. There is some concern if our Turkey will thaw before tomorrow, but I am confident all will be well. I am very happy to have a day in which we eat and watch football.
speaking of football; how bout those Sooners. A win against the hated Cowboys from Stillwater, and its a jump over the Longhorns into the title game. A quick prediction, it will happen and the UT fans will be crying. Love you guys my friends, especially when your crying.
Everyone have a great Thanksgiving. Remember to truly be thankful for more than food and football.
J
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Five things
Here are five things to share with you.
1. I am fighting the changes in my life; despite speaking to our church a series called transitions. I see that with age it is very easy to get comfortable. Comfort can be contagious. I keep telling myself "No pain No gain", or "no pain no change", or "Know Change, Know Pain" Transitions are inevitable - how will we handle it? The good news as that my mental battles are becoming victories and I am choosing to move forward.
2. I am appreciating my family at a very high level. Why? Because I should true. But because of the amount of counseling and coaching, and praying for others that I do. There are some tough situations out there. The world is tough. Family life, marriage can be work. I am very blessed with my three children and gorgeous wife. Sometimes I gritch about the little things I want them to improve on. I forget to say how happy, proud and in love with them I am. There have been a few moments lately that bring me to reality that life can be good - but it does take work.
3. I can't wait to see the new bond movie. It came out to bad reviews. Not enought plot and plenty of actoin. Perfect for me. I am a bond fanatic, have always enjoyed the movies and I thought the last one Casino Royale was awesome and the new bond was awesome. So I believe this next movie will be... Awesome. Going on Friday.
4. My beloved OU sooners are playing Texas Tech this Saturday evening. My family is going to be there and I will be there to, in spirit. OU is favored by 7 points... because they are playing at home. Should they win it is the first real step toward a national championship. If I am happy on Sunday - they won. If I am unhappy, they lost. Just smile and remind me that Jesus is Lord not football.
5. I have resumed working out with regularity. Why? Because the "Turkey Bowl" flag football game is next week. It pits the older dads vs. youth. This year I am 40 and need to be in better shape to keep up. If you are joining me for this game, come prepared, stretch. We had way to many guys on the sidelines after 15 minutes. I refuse to be on of those guys that grows old gracefully. I am still feeling pretty young, but my body needs some reminding.
God is good all the time.
J
1. I am fighting the changes in my life; despite speaking to our church a series called transitions. I see that with age it is very easy to get comfortable. Comfort can be contagious. I keep telling myself "No pain No gain", or "no pain no change", or "Know Change, Know Pain" Transitions are inevitable - how will we handle it? The good news as that my mental battles are becoming victories and I am choosing to move forward.
2. I am appreciating my family at a very high level. Why? Because I should true. But because of the amount of counseling and coaching, and praying for others that I do. There are some tough situations out there. The world is tough. Family life, marriage can be work. I am very blessed with my three children and gorgeous wife. Sometimes I gritch about the little things I want them to improve on. I forget to say how happy, proud and in love with them I am. There have been a few moments lately that bring me to reality that life can be good - but it does take work.
3. I can't wait to see the new bond movie. It came out to bad reviews. Not enought plot and plenty of actoin. Perfect for me. I am a bond fanatic, have always enjoyed the movies and I thought the last one Casino Royale was awesome and the new bond was awesome. So I believe this next movie will be... Awesome. Going on Friday.
4. My beloved OU sooners are playing Texas Tech this Saturday evening. My family is going to be there and I will be there to, in spirit. OU is favored by 7 points... because they are playing at home. Should they win it is the first real step toward a national championship. If I am happy on Sunday - they won. If I am unhappy, they lost. Just smile and remind me that Jesus is Lord not football.
5. I have resumed working out with regularity. Why? Because the "Turkey Bowl" flag football game is next week. It pits the older dads vs. youth. This year I am 40 and need to be in better shape to keep up. If you are joining me for this game, come prepared, stretch. We had way to many guys on the sidelines after 15 minutes. I refuse to be on of those guys that grows old gracefully. I am still feeling pretty young, but my body needs some reminding.
God is good all the time.
J
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Catching up
Life is moving quite fast. Can you believe we are approaching the Holidays? Wow, Thanksgiving and Christmas are right here. I was blown away to see the Christmas decorations in the stores so early this year. Music is playing, movies are coming out for Christmas. Favorites are already being watched.
What a fantastic weekend we just had. My son Landon, and daughter Kaitlyn, attended the Dare 2 Share conference with our youth ministry. They both were really touched by the Lord, and compelled to change who they were. Both feel a calling to share the Lord with others with renewed vigor. I am very proud of both of them.
Landon is really developing a passion for leading worship. He is learning that singing or performing is one thing, but ministering in worship is another.
Chloe wrapped up the fall soccer season. She scored on average of 3.5 goals per game. She asked me the other day why there are rules in soccer. She said that if there were not any rules she could be more aggressive. How is it that cute little thing with blond hair and blue eyes could be so tough? Oh yeah Christa is her mom.
Christa has a new job that is a wonderful fit for the family life. She is up and out early in the morning and able to come home at 1. The only problem is that she passes out about 9pm.
My Sooners are #5 and have a chance to make the championship game. They have to beat Texas Tech on the 22nd. They will!
Today is Veterans Day. I am so blessed to pastor in this area. We honored our military this past Sunday and I was moved by how many men and women we had stand. It is truly an honor to speak into the lives of so many that serve our country. Thank you to all those that serve in this countries armed services. Thank you to everyone that continues to make this nation great. Let's remember to pray for our country - continually. May God truly bless America.
Lastly - don't forget "God doesn't, but we should, change is good."
Jay
What a fantastic weekend we just had. My son Landon, and daughter Kaitlyn, attended the Dare 2 Share conference with our youth ministry. They both were really touched by the Lord, and compelled to change who they were. Both feel a calling to share the Lord with others with renewed vigor. I am very proud of both of them.
Landon is really developing a passion for leading worship. He is learning that singing or performing is one thing, but ministering in worship is another.
Chloe wrapped up the fall soccer season. She scored on average of 3.5 goals per game. She asked me the other day why there are rules in soccer. She said that if there were not any rules she could be more aggressive. How is it that cute little thing with blond hair and blue eyes could be so tough? Oh yeah Christa is her mom.
Christa has a new job that is a wonderful fit for the family life. She is up and out early in the morning and able to come home at 1. The only problem is that she passes out about 9pm.
My Sooners are #5 and have a chance to make the championship game. They have to beat Texas Tech on the 22nd. They will!
Today is Veterans Day. I am so blessed to pastor in this area. We honored our military this past Sunday and I was moved by how many men and women we had stand. It is truly an honor to speak into the lives of so many that serve our country. Thank you to all those that serve in this countries armed services. Thank you to everyone that continues to make this nation great. Let's remember to pray for our country - continually. May God truly bless America.
Lastly - don't forget "God doesn't, but we should, change is good."
Jay
Monday, October 27, 2008
catching up
Hello all
I have not been on the blog lately. Life has been busy lately. Of course you are all busy as well. I will continue to update this blog a bit more regularly. Why? I put it on my calendar now. That way I remind myself. I need these personal reminders to remember these days.
I use to remember names very well but finding myself at capacity lately. A good thing: Church is growing. A bad thing: Can't remember everyone I meet. In the future I will use some of those word association tactics. Like remembering a name with something funny. Like when I met Christa. I immediately said wow gorgeous girl. Christa - angel. Like Christ. Get it. Well seriously I never could forget meeting her. This was just an example. And angelic......? How about the old 90 -10 rule.
Chloe continues to score goals in her soccer games and expects a dollar a goal. We stopped that after the second game and 11 dollars. Landon is writing song lyrics and developing his skating skills. I have a goal to get him a skateboard for Christmas this year since he has now announced that he is a skater. I have found it funny that he has never pursued a skateboard - and yet is a "skater". Kaitlyn is busy, busy, busy. Choir, County Choir, Two dance classes, and a passion to be socially involved at every non-busy moment. So yes the pace is quick moving.
Christa has started a new job at Qinetiq. A great company, and a great schedule. Pray for her as she has just recently experienced a sprained ankle. This occurred as she was eating kettle corn and walking: problem if you know what I mean. To add some detail, she was walking through a corn maze with uneven ground in boots with heels - a bigger problem.
It's Monday - good night of T.V. Heroes, and MNF. The weather has turned cool today, very cool, maybe a fire. Big Smile just came across my face.
At the church we just announced the first service for our new building, Feb 22. 17 weeks and counting down.. At last.
Pastor Rich and I will start a new series for November - Transitions. Lots of changes happening all around us - let's talk about.
Blessings
J
I have not been on the blog lately. Life has been busy lately. Of course you are all busy as well. I will continue to update this blog a bit more regularly. Why? I put it on my calendar now. That way I remind myself. I need these personal reminders to remember these days.
I use to remember names very well but finding myself at capacity lately. A good thing: Church is growing. A bad thing: Can't remember everyone I meet. In the future I will use some of those word association tactics. Like remembering a name with something funny. Like when I met Christa. I immediately said wow gorgeous girl. Christa - angel. Like Christ. Get it. Well seriously I never could forget meeting her. This was just an example. And angelic......? How about the old 90 -10 rule.
Chloe continues to score goals in her soccer games and expects a dollar a goal. We stopped that after the second game and 11 dollars. Landon is writing song lyrics and developing his skating skills. I have a goal to get him a skateboard for Christmas this year since he has now announced that he is a skater. I have found it funny that he has never pursued a skateboard - and yet is a "skater". Kaitlyn is busy, busy, busy. Choir, County Choir, Two dance classes, and a passion to be socially involved at every non-busy moment. So yes the pace is quick moving.
Christa has started a new job at Qinetiq. A great company, and a great schedule. Pray for her as she has just recently experienced a sprained ankle. This occurred as she was eating kettle corn and walking: problem if you know what I mean. To add some detail, she was walking through a corn maze with uneven ground in boots with heels - a bigger problem.
It's Monday - good night of T.V. Heroes, and MNF. The weather has turned cool today, very cool, maybe a fire. Big Smile just came across my face.
At the church we just announced the first service for our new building, Feb 22. 17 weeks and counting down.. At last.
Pastor Rich and I will start a new series for November - Transitions. Lots of changes happening all around us - let's talk about.
Blessings
J
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hump day
Wow, already Wednesday. I just finished working on the message for this Sunday concerning the Armor of God and spiritual warfare. This should be interesting as many people can get uptight, or weird when it comes to spiritual battle. In my own life I have discovered some truths and it matches scripture. With that said I am looking forward to sharing this on Sunday so that we can all learn what it means to "Go Medieval on powers of darkness".
Life is marching on as it is already Wednesday and I did not even realize it was the first day of October. September is over already? I am ready to really be into the fall with more than just football. I need weather, I need leaves changing, I love all of it so bring it on.
The family is doing well. Kids are growing faster than I know what to think. Landon eats more than the rest of us combined. He is throwing himself into singing. Kate is a dancing diva, Chloe a soccer champ. All of that is keeping us busy.
Keep praying for the family and friends in Baytown, Texas. We could also use prayer in the Hawpe household.
J
Life is marching on as it is already Wednesday and I did not even realize it was the first day of October. September is over already? I am ready to really be into the fall with more than just football. I need weather, I need leaves changing, I love all of it so bring it on.
The family is doing well. Kids are growing faster than I know what to think. Landon eats more than the rest of us combined. He is throwing himself into singing. Kate is a dancing diva, Chloe a soccer champ. All of that is keeping us busy.
Keep praying for the family and friends in Baytown, Texas. We could also use prayer in the Hawpe household.
J
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