Christa and I have been having a lot of fun lately - watching our 4 yr old. Maybe we should say hearing our 4 yr old. She can make my day - with just a few words. I just love that kind of innocence.
We are spending some time at Great Wolf Lodge a few weeks ago. As we sat pool side Chloe walked up to a lady as her family was interacting with Landon. They were from Pennsylvania and were followers of Christ, as Landon had discovered. Chloe seeing the conversation, went over to her and said "You are so pretty". The lady nearly fell into the pool. She beamed ear to ear. The next day as we were loading our car the father commented that this was a trip to celebrate a benchmark birthday (I can only speculate age). Chloe's remark had made the trip for them. Boom - a simple random kind comment and it made a huge impact on someone.
Chloe is awesome and says some great stuff, that I just wish I could bottle. Of course all my children have, and I would suppose yours to. It just once again reminds me the power of kind words. When is the last time we said with sincerity something kind to a co-worker, much less a stranger. Let me just say, that I am going to be alert to my world, and to its need for kindness that should be characteristic of Christians.
If you have young kids, treasure their words. It can change your day, and maybe somebody's world.
I saw Cloverfield, thumbs up. American Idol, nothing new. For those of you that have HD TV, I am now an addict to Sunrise Earth. Yes I am that sappy.
Blessing to all -
Jay
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Rain came
I just finished reading an article that says water restrictions in the area are being lifted and that our own county reservoirs are increasing. That is great news. It happened by watching and conserving our usage, and of course rain.
I am smacked in the face with this metaphor - We have to do something, but it is God that will bring it to be. This is so applicable for the believer. Dig in, study the bible, fellowship, learn, seek God, do the spiritual disciplines - but God will bring the increase.
In my own life - I am recognizing my duty, my responsibility to be a good steward of all that I have - but it is the Lord who will bless, guide, keep, sustain, anoint, provide, and protect me. Here we are looking at what our church is about to embrace - two services. It is daunting, it is intimidating, it is exciting. I have planned, and prepared, and I have found out that I need the Lord to help me through this weekend, and every other one for that matter. God will get the glory; because He loves to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Well friends - do all that you can in life, grow. Then trust the Lord with all your heart and see that there is even more than you could ever imagine.
Happy New Year to all - only 355 days left in this one.
Jay
I am smacked in the face with this metaphor - We have to do something, but it is God that will bring it to be. This is so applicable for the believer. Dig in, study the bible, fellowship, learn, seek God, do the spiritual disciplines - but God will bring the increase.
In my own life - I am recognizing my duty, my responsibility to be a good steward of all that I have - but it is the Lord who will bless, guide, keep, sustain, anoint, provide, and protect me. Here we are looking at what our church is about to embrace - two services. It is daunting, it is intimidating, it is exciting. I have planned, and prepared, and I have found out that I need the Lord to help me through this weekend, and every other one for that matter. God will get the glory; because He loves to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Well friends - do all that you can in life, grow. Then trust the Lord with all your heart and see that there is even more than you could ever imagine.
Happy New Year to all - only 355 days left in this one.
Jay
Monday, December 31, 2007
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
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
Saturday, December 29, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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
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
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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
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
Friday, November 9, 2007
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
