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
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Overcoming
Today I sit at this computer stunned, encouraged, and overcome that God is speaking a fresh word to me in a new way. I have talked with many friends, many family members, and colleagues concerning life. Let me give you perspective. Christa's parents live in Baytown, Texas near Houston. Their house was damaged, and they have been living in the church that they pastor for over a week. Power is still out in many areas. I have friends that I have not heard from in that area as of yet.
Others that I speak with , not hurricane victims, but fighting the fight. The struggle, the reality of the harshness of life. Today news of a bailout by the government to avoid an even greater financial crisis than what we are in.
People in the church, hardships relationally, hardships financially. Yet despite all this, there is a Hope. Why am I stunned? In this barrage of activity, morning drive, talk, email check, facebook messages, I have been getting a message. Through scripture reading, through worship songs sent via FB and listening to them in the car, to even an email I received this morning I am invaded with encouragement. I didn't seek it but it found me.
Thanks to all of you that are praying this week. I am so blessed to know that Horizons is a praying church. Persistent prayer will prevail. Let's keep praying, be encouraged we will overcome - God is with us, He today is with me. Thanks Jesus for hanging out with me.
Jay
Others that I speak with , not hurricane victims, but fighting the fight. The struggle, the reality of the harshness of life. Today news of a bailout by the government to avoid an even greater financial crisis than what we are in.
People in the church, hardships relationally, hardships financially. Yet despite all this, there is a Hope. Why am I stunned? In this barrage of activity, morning drive, talk, email check, facebook messages, I have been getting a message. Through scripture reading, through worship songs sent via FB and listening to them in the car, to even an email I received this morning I am invaded with encouragement. I didn't seek it but it found me.
Thanks to all of you that are praying this week. I am so blessed to know that Horizons is a praying church. Persistent prayer will prevail. Let's keep praying, be encouraged we will overcome - God is with us, He today is with me. Thanks Jesus for hanging out with me.
Jay
Friday, September 5, 2008
So far so good.
This week like so many others has moved along quite quickly. I find myself staring at the calendar and trying to recount the previous eight months. This was the first week of school. My son Landon is up and out the door with barely an exchange of words. Hopefully a grunt of acknowledgement that all is well, he needs nothing and "loves" school.
Kaitlyn has a French language class at the high school. So to avoid bus rides with an all high school crowd, I am driving her. I have to leave at precisely 7:25 to ensure that we are not to early and forced to stand around an intimidating high school, or to late and thus tardy. I have to say it is really weird to watch my petite eight grade girl marching into that building every morning.
Chloe has the system down. After that first day of thinking "oh no there goes my baby" has been replaced with "daddy you are supposed to drive here, and do this". She jumps out of the van likes she has done it all her life, waves her hand, and zoom gone. Is there anyway that we can keep her five forever? I would love to know any secrets that you may have out there.
I am 40 and loving every minute of it. Football is in full swing and yes I am crashing the diet this weekend. Bring on the brats the burgers, the chips and dip. We got wall to wall games everywhere.
J
Kaitlyn has a French language class at the high school. So to avoid bus rides with an all high school crowd, I am driving her. I have to leave at precisely 7:25 to ensure that we are not to early and forced to stand around an intimidating high school, or to late and thus tardy. I have to say it is really weird to watch my petite eight grade girl marching into that building every morning.
Chloe has the system down. After that first day of thinking "oh no there goes my baby" has been replaced with "daddy you are supposed to drive here, and do this". She jumps out of the van likes she has done it all her life, waves her hand, and zoom gone. Is there anyway that we can keep her five forever? I would love to know any secrets that you may have out there.
I am 40 and loving every minute of it. Football is in full swing and yes I am crashing the diet this weekend. Bring on the brats the burgers, the chips and dip. We got wall to wall games everywhere.
J
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