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

Action needed

I love a few of these new commercials that are out there. They are talking about action. They are talking about being a doing company. They talk about being a company or a product that causes change ; because it takes action.

I see this time as a true season for the church universal, and the local church to be one of action. One that says it is one thing to make a statement and another to be actively doing the work. Over the last few weeks we have been sharing on Sundays the idea of "Just Add Jesus". Just add to your mind, and see what you can do. Just add to your heart and see what that would do. So with all the things that can happen to us when we add Jesus, let us also add Jesus to our hands and feet. That the things happening inside of us should translate into who we are on the outside.

You are know by what you do... Like oh that guy he is such a nice guy, that guy is such a complainer, that person is such a football fan. We get known by what we do.. So what do say about you? What are you known for? May we all learn to act like Jesus so we can be known as real followers of Christ.

J

Finally Feeling Spring

wow - the pace has been breakneck. The weather has been rainy. The time marches on. Last week was a celebration of some of the life happening at Hawpe House. Let's continue - Landon was leading worship in main service and really did well. Like with any 16 yr old artist we encourage him but cautiosly to keep ego in check.

Kate texts me yesterday to say she took 1st place in high jump, took 1st in her heat for the400 and got added to the 4x400 at the end of day. Awesome. She is loving it.

We are seeing the sun and feels great. I love the feeling of a sunny day. It ups my morale to handle the toil of life. Don't let the toil of life spoil life. For me - I have to keep praying, keep seeking, keep reading God's word. More of God will mean less of me.

We start a new series that speaks to the simplicity of Christ being fully in our lives. If we are to be fully devoted followers of Christ then we need to put Jesus into our mind, our heart, and our hands. Join us on Sunday as we serve up a few treats (we love to eat), and learn a few secrets. Just Add Jesus - it could change your life.

Keep on keeping on.

J

Celebrate

Today I celebrate: My wife is doing great with her birthday. A year older, still sweet and as beautiful as our first date. My chloe lost her two bottom teeth on Sunday after service. My Kaitlyn has made the JV dance team for high school next year. My Landon man is going to lead worship for youth Sunday this Sunday.

As for me - I got a virus through some Facebook video a "Friend" sent. He did so unbeknownst as someone hacked his account, and then maybe mine. I reset password and it appears to be okay. Wow - our world has changed and I am learning on the fly.

Wins are not easy to come by - but we need to learn to accentuate the positive and not be so negative.

J