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.

What to leave behind in 09

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

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