your daily "One Another"

Galatians 5:13 (New International Version)

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love.

your daily "One Another"

Ephesians 4:2 (New International Version)

2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Anyone know this kid?

This is me being recorded recording!

Christmas in Fl

No snow :( but lots-0-palms
Here is our weeks rundown:
Arrived 7:30am Christmas morning at Sheila's parents house
We surprised them all and it was great.
Christmas evening we went and hung out with Davey and Janelle
Friday was shopping for Sheila (lots of it) and a movie for Me with my bro-in-law
Friday night was dinner with the Whitaker's (friends from our old church)
Saturday was more shopping for Sheila and I even went because there was an Apple store in it for me
Saturday night 10pm-1am I crashed a friends house for some UFC with friends
Sunday Sheila and I went to the church that I got saved at WAY back in 89
Sunday evening we went down a town or two to see the boyles and the Birds (more church friends)
Monday morning we did breakfast out with the family
Monday noonish we went to see Grandma (she has over 50 kids and grand kids)
Monday afternoon Sheila attacked Lettuce lake park with the kids
Monday night we went to meet Davey and Janelle for dinner and a movie (elf)
Later that night I blogged about my week....Hey thats right now!

Tomorrow we eat dinner with my brother and his new fiance
After that we are not planning anything




On a side note
While at the mall on Saturday I almost got into a fight. The mall was packed and people were on edge from all of the other people in their way. Well, As I was walking towards my destination I heard the most offensive thing ever. This dude was talking to another dude and he said....


I don't know if I can post this!

Well, I will anyway

Dude 1 said to dude 2 "hey man, this mall has an iPod Store"!
IT IS NOT AN IPOD STORE!!! It's an APPLE store!!! Get it right mr cool dude!!! It took everything I had not to jump on him and go wild monkey on his head! I mean the nerve. He is lucky I have self control or he would have a permanent limp!

So thats my story





BTW for those of you who don't know me: I am joking about going wild monkey and the limp but a dude did call the Apple store an iPod store!


Later guys and I will see you in 800 miles!

your daily "One Another"

Galatians 6:2 (New International Version)

2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

your daily "One Another"

Galatians 5:26 (New International Version)

26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

your daily "One Another"

1 Corinthians 12:25 (New International Version)

25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

Had a great Christmas

We are enow in Tampa and hooked up with Davey and Janelle last night.
We are planning on raiding the Nassar home late Saturday for UFC, I am hope to see some of our teens there.
I need Andy or Valerie to call me!

we will be back in NC some time in 09!!!!

your daily "One Another"

1 Corinthians 1:10 (New International Version)

Divisions in the Church

10I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

your daily 4 "One Another"s

Marry Christmas!!!!

Romans 16:16 (New International Version)
16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

1 Corinthians 16:20 (New International Version)
20All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 (New International Version)
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14 (New International Version)
14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

there better be some kissing going on today...It's Biblical!!!!!!!!

your daily "One Another"

Colossians 3:16 (New International Version)

16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 15:14 (New International Version)

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 15:7 (New International Version)

7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 14:13 (New International Version)

13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

your daily "One Another"

1 Peter 3:8 (New International Version)

Suffering for Doing Good

8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

your daily "One Another"

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (New International Version)

13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 12:16 (New International Version)

16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 12:10 (New International Version)

10b Honor one another above yourselves.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 12:10 (New International Version)

10a, Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

your daily "One Another"

2 John 1:5 (New International Version)

5And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

your daily "One Another"

1 John 4:11-12 (New International Version)

11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

your daily "One Another"

1 John 4:7 (New International Version)

God's Love and Ours

7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

so you think you can dance!!!

how bout some mad skillz

yeap, you been schooled

For or just with?

What is it with you? Are you living FOR Jesus or WITH Jesus?
I live WITH my wallet but I do nothing FOR it.
I think too often that we live with Jesus. And not FOR Him.
Is he your co-pilot or is he your steering wheel & head lights?

Once you have answered this for yourself, ask your friends and the guy next door which he thinks about you.
Yeah, I don't fair too well with this one either.


But I am trying.

your daily "One Another"

1 John 3:23 (New International Version)

23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

your daily "One Another"

1 John 3:11 (New International Version)

Love one another

11This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

your daily "One Another"

1 Peter 4:8 (New International Version)

8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

your daily "One Another"

1 Peter 1:22 (New International Version)

22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

The randomness

Just a few things from last week I camera phoned:
Wednesday night we broke into the B&G club where we meet and had band practice. It was kinda fun. I think our worship team rocks!


Here is Discovery Churches smallest set builder. Thank you Cassidy for your mad painting skillz!




And here is the promised cabbage hanging in our pastors master bedroom :)



So thats last weeks proof of at least some sort of work!!!

The numbers, cause they ain't in the bulletin!!!

Attendance 12/07/08 was 156 and offering was $3157.00
We were blessed with 10 1st time guest and 14 2nd-4th timers!

Attendance 11/30/08 was 127 and offering was $4355.00
Attendance 11/23/08 was 160 and offering was $2560.15
Attendance 11/16/08 was 182 and offering was $5271.00
Attendance 11/09/08 was 174 and offering was $3190.12
Attendance 11/02/08 was 161 and offering was $6944.35
Attendance 10/26/08 was 161 and offering was $2149.94
Attendance 10/19/08 was 176 and offering was $3369.00
Attendance 10/12/08 was 152 and offering was $2447.66
Attendance 10/05/08 was 150 and offering was $5768.25
Attendance 09/28/08 was 162 and offering was $2661.00
Attendance 09/21/08 was 179 and offering was $3337.00
Attendance 09/14/08 was 153 and offering was $2211.00
Attendance 09/07/08 was 219 and offering was $5109.00
Attendance 08/24/08 was 238 and offering was $3008.50
Attendance 08/17/08 was 193 and offering was $4706.64
Attendance 08/10/08 was 154 and offering was $4122.61
Attendance 08/03/08 was 124 and offering was $7012.01
Attendance 07/27/08 was 129 and offering was $2463.19
Attendance 07/20/08 was 168 and offering was $3828.36
Attendance 07/13/08 was 150 and offering was $4663.00
Attendance 07/06/08 was 138 and offering was $3103.67
Attendance 06/29/08 was 121 and offering was $3155.00
Attendance 06/22/08 was 138 and offering was $5557.02
Attendance 06/15/08 was 110 and offering was $4973.00
Attendance 06/08/08 was 135 and offering was $2668.00
Attendance 06/01/08 was 136 and offering was $7428.00
Attendance 05/25/08 was 116 and offering was $1160.00
Attendance 05/18/08 was 138 and offering was $4825.35
Attendance 05/11/08 was 133 and offering was $1699.00
Attendance 05/04/08 was 180 and offering was $7937.00
Attendance 04/27/08 was 185 and offering was $4609.00
Attendance 04/20/08 was 172 and offering was $3695.56
Attendance 04/13/08 was 178 and offering was $3571.89
Attendance 04/06/08 was 190 and offering was $9273.88
Attendance 03/30/08 was 184 and offering was $3891.26
Attendance 03/23/08 was 210 and offering was $5219.00
Attendance 03/16/08 was 163 and offering was $3862.23
Attendance 03/09/08 was 140 and offering was $2694.31
Attendance 03/02/08 was 190 and offering was $7505.75
Attendance 02/24/08 was 199 and offering was $3223.10
Attendance 02/17/08 was 182 and offering was $3452.76
Attendance 02/10/08 was 205 and offering was $2702.00
Attendance 02/03/08 was 190 and offering was $7186.00
Attendance 01/28/08 was 163 and offering was $5461.50
Attendance 01/20/08 was 160 and offering was $2110.88
Attendance 01/13/08 was 206 and offering was $2229.00
Attendance 01/06/08 was 162 and offering was $4096.69
Attendance 12/30/07 was 156 and offering was $5610.70
Attendance 12/23/07 was 145 and offering was $3553.00
Attendance 12/16/07 was 132 and offering was $3213.00
Attendance 12/09/07 was 166 and offering was $3522.00
Attendance 12/02/07 was 153 and offering was $3879.00
Attendance 11/25/07 was 124 and offering was $1215.00

Another great Sunday!

We had a wonderful time in worship. We had a blast with the kids and later that night we played some crazy games with the teens. Overall it was a good time. I am spending some time today to get ahead on things a little bit. I find my job so much more enjoyable when I am not running on last minute mode.

So I am working on getting a few weeks of prep under my belt so this will be a short blog! later!

your daily "One Another"

Hebrews 13

Concluding Exhortations

1Keep on loving each other as brothers.

your daily "One Another"

1 Thessalonians 4:9 (New International Version)

9Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

your daily "One Another"

Romans 13:8 (New International Version)

Love, for the Day is Near

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

your daily "One Another"

John 15:17 (New International Version)

17This is my command: Love each other.

Your daily "One Another"

John 15:12-13 (New International Version)

12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

your daily "One Another"

For the rest of 2008 I am going to post a "One Another" passage from the Bible. As you will see, there are a bunch of them. So check back each morning to see how God wants us to interact with "One Another"

John 13:34-35 (New International Version)

34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

What Davey is REALLY doing in Florida!!!

Ok, he told us they were moving for school and a job but our friends in Tampa have been spying on them and here are a few pictures showing us all what they are really doing!

Here is our lovely davey, Janelle & PawPaw racing in nascar family style!


And here is our friend playing some pro ball with the stands packed!



yeah right, school & and a job, they are livin it up down there!
We miss you guys!

Go check Daveys blog for more about him & them

Another Great Sunday.

We had a great Sunday service with a guest speaker Jonathan Combs from our sister church in Wilson called Wilson Community Church. Jonathan is one of Pastor Gary Combs sons and Jonathan has preached for them several times. He did a bang up job for us and I felt he really let God speak through him. If you want to listen to it click here.

We also had a blast in children's church (as always) we reviewed the last 4 weeks by playing games that tied into each weeks message.



And to finish off the day we has the youth (27 or so) at our house for movies and pizza. I think we exceeded the maximum capacity of our home!
Yeah, and this is only half of them! the rest are downstairs right now.

Good by friends

˙poƃ ɹoɟ ƃuıʞɹoʍ sı ʎןןɐǝɹ ƃuıop ǝɹɐ sʎnƃ noʎ ʇɐɥʍ ˙pɹoן ǝɥʇ ƃuısıɐɹd puɐ ƃuıʎɐɹd dǝǝʞ 'ǝɯıʇ uɐǝɯ ǝɥʇ uı ˙uoos ʎɹǝʌ ʇsǝɹ pǝʌɹǝsǝp ןןǝʍ ǝɯos ʇǝƃ ןןɐ noʎ ʇɐɥʇ puɐ ןןǝʍ sǝoƃ dıɹʇ ɹnoʎ ɟo ʇsǝɹ ǝɥʇ ʎɐɹd ǝʍ ¡sʎnƃ noʎ ssıɯ ןןıʍ puɐ sn ɥʇıʍ ǝɹǝɥ sʎnƃ noʎ ƃuıʌɐɥ pǝʎoɾuǝ ʎןןɐǝɹ ǝʍ :pןɹoʍ ǝɥʇ ɟo ǝpıs ɹǝɥʇo ǝɥʇ uo spuǝıɹɟ punoɟ ʍǝu ʎɯ oʇ


If you dont know what this is about, check Sheila's blog >

Coffee

I really don't need to comment on either of these videos....Whoops, I think I may have just commented on them by telling you that "I really don't need to comment on either of these videos"! My bad!!!

Helloooooo all, Here is one of my new friends: John (Njuguna), Denzel (Ndegwa), Anthony (Karanja) . They are here staying with us. They are part of the Daraja Choir that are in town for a few days (check my wife's blog for more info).

Psalm 8:3-4

"When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?"

One of my youth (Shannon) sent this to me. A friend of hers claims to have taken it.

Click on the image and check out the cross in the middle. Way to cool.
I will never understand how anyone can walk out into nature and look around, see the glory & splendor and still deny God.
You may think you can explain evolution but try to explain beauty and its effect on us!

There is just something about the "good ol' songs"

I love the blues flair on this one!!!

I may have to check out more of this bands stuff. He is/was with Mercy Me but I like this style better.

1st Christmas gift of the year!

My do boy (aka Brad) went out and got Jason, Randy and me tickets to the Trans-Siberian Choir!
It was Saturday night and man, let me tell you... It ROCKED MY SOCKS. I have never seen anything like that before! Between the music and the lights/effects, I was in sensory overload.

I took a few videos with my phone before it melted from all the fire:
Turn down your volume!

Remember when I used to post the numbers?

Yeah, me too. Sorry I honestly forgot that I do this.

So here is the update:
Attendance 11/23/08 was 160 and offering was $2560.15
A whoppi'n 12 first time guest and 10 second time guest!!!

Attendance 11/16/08 was 182 and offering was $5271.00
Attendance 11/09/08 was 174 and offering was $3190.12
Attendance 11/02/08 was 161 and offering was $6944.35
Attendance 10/26/08 was 161 and offering was $2149.94
Attendance 10/19/08 was 176 and offering was $3369.00
Attendance 10/12/08 was 152 and offering was $2447.66
Attendance 10/05/08 was 150 and offering was $5768.25
Attendance 09/28/08 was 162 and offering was $2661.00
Attendance 09/21/08 was 179 and offering was $3337.00
Attendance 09/14/08 was 153 and offering was $2211.00
Attendance 09/07/08 was 219 and offering was $5109.00
Attendance 08/24/08 was 238 and offering was $3008.50
Attendance 08/17/08 was 193 and offering was $4706.64
Attendance 08/10/08 was 154 and offering was $4122.61
Attendance 08/03/08 was 124 and offering was $7012.01

This was the last time I posted numbers
Attendance 07/27/08 was 129 and offering was $2463.19
Attendance 07/20/08 was 168 and offering was $3828.36
Attendance 07/13/08 was 150 and offering was $4663.00
Attendance 07/06/08 was 138 and offering was $3103.67
Attendance 06/29/08 was 121 and offering was $3155.00
Attendance 06/22/08 was 138 and offering was $5557.02
Attendance 06/15/08 was 110 and offering was $4973.00
Attendance 06/08/08 was 135 and offering was $2668.00
Attendance 06/01/08 was 136 and offering was $7428.00
Attendance 05/25/08 was 116 and offering was $1160.00
Attendance 05/18/08 was 138 and offering was $4825.35
Attendance 05/11/08 was 133 and offering was $1699.00
Attendance 05/04/08 was 180 and offering was $7937.00
Attendance 04/27/08 was 185 and offering was $4609.00
Attendance 04/20/08 was 172 and offering was $3695.56
Attendance 04/13/08 was 178 and offering was $3571.89
Attendance 04/06/08 was 190 and offering was $9273.88
Attendance 03/30/08 was 184 and offering was $3891.26
Attendance 03/23/08 was 210 and offering was $5219.00
Attendance 03/16/08 was 163 and offering was $3862.23
Attendance 03/09/08 was 140 and offering was $2694.31
Attendance 03/02/08 was 190 and offering was $7505.75
Attendance 02/24/08 was 199 and offering was $3223.10
Attendance 02/17/08 was 182 and offering was $3452.76
Attendance 02/10/08 was 205 and offering was $2702.00
Attendance 02/03/08 was 190 and offering was $7186.00
Attendance 01/28/08 was 163 and offering was $5461.50
Attendance 01/20/08 was 160 and offering was $2110.88
Attendance 01/13/08 was 206 and offering was $2229.00
Attendance 01/06/08 was 162 and offering was $4096.69
Attendance 12/30/07 was 156 and offering was $5610.70
Attendance 12/23/07 was 145 and offering was $3553.00
Attendance 12/16/07 was 132 and offering was $3213.00
Attendance 12/09/07 was 166 and offering was $3522.00
Attendance 12/02/07 was 153 and offering was $3879.00
Attendance 11/25/07 was 124 and offering was $1215.00

Quote of the week:

I have been listening to a few of Greenville's local church podcast and this statement rocked me:

"The big difference between us and God is that God doesn't think he is us"
Wow, so true, how often do we try to take control of what is rightfully Gods? Let's let God be the "I Am".
not the "I was" or the "I may" or the "I will someday".

Good Sunday at work

The music sounded great, We had a good amount of people come out to hear about God and what he wants from us. We rocked Children's church (which we call the ROCK!) and youth group (Crosslink) was shocking. At youth we split them up into groups to do a little discussion. We did this a few years back but it has been awhile.

So the wrap up of a crazy week was good and felt refreshing. Sometimes I feel guilty being paid to do this stuff!

Oh yeah, this week I am taking TWO sabbaths!!!!

Violent Pastor

ok the one in the red headgear is Pastor Jason. I was thinking that he needs prayer but the video below showes that Romans 12:19 still holds true:



so in short: you should not pick on people, especially not Joey!

Heading of to staff meeting with a chicken biscuit!

Well the biscuit isn't going to actually be in the meeting, but it will be in MY BELLY.
We are meeting at 7am so if you are an early-bird blog reader please give a little prayer for us Discovery Church.

Stuff I miss from Tampa!

OK, we have been here for awhile (in NC) now and this is home, BUT I have been missing some of our old stompin' grounds from back in Fl. We have our new favorites here but nothing can replace your first love. So here are some of the things we miss from back home:

Sure NC knows how to do BBQ but Sonnys has all you can eat!!!!!!!


Imagine a grocery store that is clean, modern, great deli and EVERYONE gets the same low price without having to be a "member" and cary bulky cards on your keychain.....Thats Publix (rumor has it they are headed north!!!


Ihop is good and waffle house is.... well, it just "is", but If you haven't been to a Village Inn for breakfast, you haven't ever had breakfast! And for people who don't cook allot, it was the #1 stop for "bring a dessert". These people are pie masters!!!! UMMMM French Silk Pie!!!!!!! I'll be back in 22 hours!


So those are my Fl stops to make on the next trip down there. If you are out traveling and see one of these places, stop in and see what I am talking about.

in honor of Davey!

We had our annual PARTnership party this Saturday night and Sheila went in true Discovery Church Fashion!!! RAINBOW Sandals! When we moved up here, everyone and I do mean everyone was wearing these $50 flip flops!!! Even in the cold. So when we were thinking of a costume that would be right at home here at Discovery, nothing else would do.
So for the party we both wore Rainbows

I love our church!

And not just because they pay me!!!
I love the fact that we are portable. We don't own a building. We rent a local Boys and Girls club and "convert" it to a church every week. This weeks setup looked so good that I thought I would post a picture of it:


when we first walked into this building to see if it was doable, we had serious doubts! But persistence and a great big God, makes it a place to love and worship Him.

It takes about 12+ people just under 3 hours to set it all up every week. It is hard work but good fellowship. Stop by some Saturday night and throw some curtains around with us!!!

Wow, That was a crazy busy, fun weekend... I need a nap!

K, So Discovery church had our PARTnership dinner Saturday Night (pictures coming soon). It was a costume party with a 70's theme. We had Bar-b-cuties cater it and we had a blast. Thanks to all the people who have committed to this church and to God. Before that we had a get together at a friends house (Derek & Amy) on Friday (yeap, another costume party). Then comes Sunday, game day: we had church (duhh) then we had Financial Peace then Sheila and the teens girls are doing a study on purity and finally we had youth group. Oh yeah, youth group was a costume party also!
So a long story short is: we have been running wild around here and dressing up doing it all!

Over all it was a great weekend!
We started our 1st of 5 sermons on Cabbage and you gotta check it out! Children's church was different and fun and the youth have accepted a good challenge this week to read 1 John

Heavy

Have you ever had one of those days where you just can get things done? Time goes by too fast and work goes too slow. Well I have had that all week. I have this little headache that just will not go away, a cold is trying to creep up on me and there is a ton to do. I just feel drained. I think I need an energy drink or five!

Oh well, I guess I should get back to it and stop blogging.

09 calender in the rough

JAM OUT

So Sheila (my lovely wonderful beautiful wife of my dreams) went to a rock concert last night, I don't know who the band was but they were thrashing!

Jason has gone to study

so its break time for us. He wants us to continue working but thats probably not going to happen. So far we have spent time in prayer and worship and we have some foundational ideas on the board. Stay tuned for more updates.

P>S> I am really looking forward to lunch... Valerie Rennie is hooking us up!

everything is fine in 09

OK, he have broken into the Hanson home and are now waiting for Brad to get here with some food... HURRY UP BRAD! We are settled in to put together our year calendar. If you read this within the next few hours please pray for this meeting to bring glory to God and Him alone.
Last years calender was awesome and absolutely God lead. There is no way that the sermon series were coincidence. So I am looking forward to this planning session!

I will try to check in throughout the day but no promises.

I'm still here

way too busy for all this church stuff that needs to be done, I sure hope our next president adds a day or two to the week.

Anyhow, I will try to check in more often.
Yeap, I preached last sunday and I had a blast. I went over an hour! But I think most people were engaged.
What other church requires 3d glasses?

This is our longes and shortest married couple (that was there this week)

Yeap, thats an engine hoist!!!
I look like a preacher... in jeans!

All is good on the home front and I am looking forward to Friday where we get to plan 09 (or at least start to plan)

for those who where at Discovery this week, here is your test:
What do these mean:
Dr Thunder
toothpick
toilet paper
3d glasses
old house

ready, set GO!!!

Get'in ready for CHURCH boyeeeeee!

oh yeah, been a way cool and busy week but I am stoked about being able to enter Gods house today, to join a group of believes and even non-believers in worshipping HIM, and to hang out with the coolest kids I have know for awhile. That is awesome! We are going to have fun at "the Rock" (our children's church) today! We are going to learn about taking care of the stuff you have which turns out to be a gift from God himself. Also, we are going to challenge the kids (all of them) to do a Christmas box for the Samaritans Purse.

Any way, I got some more "tweaking" to do on the lesson so.... Later gator!

Home at last!

if I had to use one word for the last 3 days it would be WOW. THe good WOW and the bad wow. Here we go:
wow, that was a long stinki'n ride
WOW, good food at FATZ
wow, bad ingestion from FATZ
WOW, I don't have to sleep on the floor OR with another dude.
wow, that was the coldest night EVER... TURN off the ac dude!!!
wow, looks like we will be walking in the rain
WOW, there sure are a lot of people at Catalyst walking in the rain with us.
WOW, we got a limo ride to the door, no rain for us!!!
WOW, I have heard from the top speakers in our country!
wow, my brain hurts!
wow, we (Discovery church) didn't win anything :( ... yet!
WOW, what powerful worship!
wow, the ride home was longer than the ride there!!!
wow, marcus gets weird when he gets tired.
wow, it was 3am before I got to bed.
wow, I gotta be up in the morning!!!
WOW, I just spent the last three days with the coolest people from Discovery Church!!!



WOW.

WOO HOOO

Leaving in one hour!!!! I will try to update you guys every now and then!

you don't have to be the best at what you do. You don't have to be the best teacher, preacher or singer. You don't have to know more, work harder or empress more people. All you have to do is:

"manage the little things in your life, over the long haul, and you will experience "success by default", you WILL be the last person standing"

This is from "http://www.deadlyviper.org/", check out their viper media.

yeah, yeah back off!

I know I haven't been around but honestly my time in front of this screen has been limited. So here are some updates:

My mom-in-law got a mac! She is now cool!!!
(other cool mac people: Sheila, Shannon (brand new user) Eddie, Jason, Davey, Jeremy, Jessica, Todd, Frank, Philip W., Brad, Felicia and Joshua ( It turns out that JENN is a mac user also.... She is cool!)
If you have a mac, let me know and you too will be cool!

Excited to be back in the grove after a vacation and trip to Fl.
BTW Val, we came by your house, shame on you for not being there!!!!
Get the privilege to preach to the kids in 2 days! yay!

Leave for Ga. in 5 days, 9 of us Discovery peeps will be at Catalyst Conference and I am pumped about it.

in three weeks I preach to grown ups! (at least by their age!) (Thanks for volunteering me RANDY!!!) At first I didn't really want to but the more I look over my message, I am getting into it and see it as an opportunity for people to be challenged.

I am learning that forgiveness still comes with consequences. And love takes work.

I am disappointed in our deacons... Oh Wait...We DON"T HAVE DEACONS!!! (At least that's what the deacon committee claims!)

I am called be be right where I am! THAT IS AN AWESOME FEELING!!!

in 10 minutes I will be in bed, Good night!

Something cool and often overlooked

It is the dark clouds that bring the life giving rain!!

Sorry it has been awhile.

I have not really felt much like blogging lately. Oh do not get me wrong, there is plenty to say. I just have not felt like saying it.

I have been spending a lot of time in the garden lately, the garden of Eden to be precise. No, I have not been there, sorry. But I have been dwelling there in my mind... allot.

You see, Eve was put in the garden for a reason and she had everything and everyone she needed. But she turned her attention to a distraction. A simple, harmless (almost) serpent. She gave him her full attention thus turning from God who longed to walk with her and talk to her. She wasn't focused on her Husband or her God. She was distracted. And really that is all it takes to go down the wrong path, a distraction. We get distracted when something or someone becomes more interesting to us than the ones who truly matter (think about a kid at school looking out the window to the playground instead of listening to the teacher).

So my question to Eve (myself and all my friends) is this: Why, when you have access to a loving caring God, do we spend time considering the serpent? What does that snake have that our Creator dose not? What makes him so appealing? I admit that I have turned my back on God and engaged and humored the serpent way to often. And so have you! But I still do not know why.

It begins with the consideration. When we turn our focus away from God we open up and invite trouble. So my prayer is to simple stay focused on God and the task He has for me.

Good-by Grand-dad

He passed away thursday morning and we are now in Florida for the funeral on Monday. Everyone is fine and all of the arrangements are made. He was 89 years old and has been ready to "go home" since his wife passed away a few years ago. One thing is for sure.. He loved the Lord! He listened to the Bible on cd all the way through several times every week! He used to read but his sight was bad so the cds took the place and then some.

It will be good to see everyone this week. We will be back by next weekend.

I will check in a little more as the week goes on, later!

sitting here

on the third floor of our cabin in Blairsville Ga. The cabin is getting bigger by the minute. We started with 4 couplesand before we eve got here one couple had to drop out. After day one Sheila's grandfathers health turned so Aunt and Uncle number two had to leave to go check on Grand-dad. So not its Sheila & me and her parents in a huge cabin in the mountains. There is a chance that her parents will have to head back to Fl. to be with Grand-dad and unfortunately for us, We may have to go there soon. He is 89 and refuses medical help, He is more than ready to meet Jesus. So we are waiting on Sheila's aunt to "feel out" the situation to see how long he may have. If things are bad Sheila's parents will go back to Fa. to be with him also. That leaves just us in a huge cabin!

Well enough of that. This place sure in pretty. There is nothing to do around here and I love that! No jem mining, shops of authentic (made in china) mountains souvenirs, No sliding rocks, just relaxing. We played pool, made a human broth in the jacuzzi and even made a fire (outside) for marshmallows. We did find a rib place that rocked some dead pig big-time!!! (ummm pork, it's not just for breakfast anymore!!!)

We miss the kids at church and the youth and we even miss the grown ups that act like kids and youth! We will be back soon. Pray for grand-dad. See ya'll in a few.

Up in the mountains!

and it is awesome. We are really just relaxing and enjoying the view. Our cabin is facing the mountains and surrounded by trees.

BUT there is one problem... DSL!!! I really miss my broadband internet! This stuff is mega slow and takes forever. Nope, I don't like it. Don't like it at all!

So we got all week here and head home on Friday. I will try to keep you all posted.

thats all for now.

Sunday ROCKED!!!

This week had to be our best ever. We had a ton of people come to church and I know we had a lot of 1st time guest because I got to meet a few. The music sounded great and the band and sound tech guys were awesome. Children's church was a blast, we had a ton of fun and learn some things in all of it. Man I pray we get somebody to lead some kids worship real soon. Right now they are going into big church for music and, well, there is no room for them in there!! That is a great problem to have. Youth was just over 21 teens and some of our leaders stepped up to star a small group during the week. God is AWESOME, but you know that!

Oh by the way, Chia Pastor is getting kinda out of hand!!!! Check it out

Chia update

The chia pastor is coming along nicely. I had to run out and get more seeds today. We have had (at this posting) 260 people contribute to Jason's fuzziness. You do not have to click refresh because chia plants do not grow that fast. You can check back each do to see how much it has grown. But here is the progress so far:


Remember, to contribute a few seeds, just visit the site. The next day there should be some growth. Here is the site again

Fuzzy pastor

So Randy and I have noticed that we possibly got the hairiest pastor we have ever seen. He is really fuzzy! So this week at staff meeting we nick named him "Chia pastor". And in honor or him I have created a site that we can all visit to watch his hair grow. I will deposit seeds on him with every Hit Count that the page gets. Each morning I will check the counter and see how many people have visited. Then for each and every one, I will ad more seeds. Lets see how fuzzy he can really be!!!!

Visit HERE to start adding Hits!

so I haven't posted in awhile

My fans miss me so here I post:
Since my last blog not too much has been blog worthy. Well We did have a 4 minute sermon this week, so I guess that should make it up here. We have been talking about fasting and we ended the series with a challenge to go home and REST, STOP working and remember God. We were not sure how the people would take it but we got a ton of comments on how much "we needed that!" We had 4 or so songs and Pastor Jason (chia pastor from now on due to his fuzziness) came out and did a quick wrap up of what we have been talking about and then sent us al home for a sabbath.

Other than that we are getting ready to go to the mountains in a week of so. It should be very relaxing and unlike all of our other trips, we actually have money set aside for this one. I am looking forward to it BIG TIME.

I also sold my little hot rod truck last week, for the first time in 10+ years, I don't have to spend money on it, nothing needs fixing and it's not rusting out in my yard. I will miss not having a gas guzzeling fast car but I am sure I will find something to replace the void in my garage.


well, this qualifies as a blog so consider yourself updated for now!

14 years TODAY

I guess about this time 14 years ago, I was putting on a tux and leaving the ring at home before our big day.
Right before the pastor took me out to the sanctuary on that day, we were in a little waiting area. The pastor jokingly told me I had two choices and he pointed to the two doors: one leading to the stage where we would be married and the other to the exit door. He said, that either choice would drastically change my life. My choice remains unfaltered and I have NEVER looked back to wander what door number two would hold for me. It is obvious to those who know me which door I picked.

Today is out 14th wedding anniversary and I still feel like newlyweds most of the time. There is nobody I had rather hang with and do things with than Sheila. Some people think we are a little "clingy" and I am ok with that. Mainly because Sheila is the only one I have promised to grow old with. She will be there no matter what. Not true with a lot of other people in life. Friends come and friends go. I pray we all have life long friends (I happen to marry mine). But people move away , hobbies change, believes change and life happens. I pray that all of you find or have found a mate that fits you as well as Sheila fits me.

So here, to celebrate our anniversary, is a look back at the big day that led to a bigger life:

"hey, why is everyone laughing while I kiss my bride???"






Oh, by the way, to those who think we are too touchy feelie, I ask you this: What would it be like for your spouse to let you lay your head in their lap and rub your hair until your headache is gone? Or how about an hour long foot rub after being on them all day? Yeah, I get both! so I will take touchy feelie any day!!!

Thank you Sheila for giving me an indescribable marriage and a wonderful life!!!!

Power of small groups

I cannot say enough about small groups, everyone should be in one. Discovery has been doing small groups since we started and we will continue. One of the major things that we have notice is a huge change in the lives of the members. Below is one of our longest standing small groups, and as you can see, the longer you are together, the more you resemble each other!

click on the picture to see the resemblance!


My prayer is that everyone can experience what the Dixion group has experienced!!!

yeah it's rap... Wanna make something of it?

Kinda hittin hard but a great message:


Check this last verse:
If I could write to every kid that out there
Every kid thats hurting feels like nobody cares
I would tell them that god can wipe away every tear
And he's right near and i would say it quite clear
Your here for a reason you're not a mistake
you are a special creation that God himself made
To the victims of abuse to every girl that was raped
You can live and be free from your pain
And find strength and no longer be ashamed
You can find peace and hope in Jesus name
You ain't gotta live with this hurt everyday
Christ came to give you life in a much better way
To every kid right now that's full of hate
And bitterness I'd tell em just to give it all away
To the one that came to take all the blame
That's what I'd write here's what I'd say

most awesome wedding ever

A while ago we went to Davey and Janelles wedding and I have to say it was moving, I didn't cry! I don't care what you heard!!! But it was a true honor to be there mainly because of this:

I don't think they EVER sounded better!!!

My official apology

To Jason and Randy:
I am sorry for my bad attitude lately. I have be very rebellious about almost everything from icc (pastors conference) to an associational luncheon to a book that we are to be reading. I don’t know why. I think this is just a new attack on me from satan or something. I have just been way too negative.

So Jason, Sorry! I will try to control my negativity and rebelliousness. Half of my problem is that I talk too fast and think too slow. I know these books, meetings, classes and conferences will help me do my job more effectively. I will try not to make any more bad comments on our latest read and even though it is not one of the 66, I will read it and try my best to get something out of it.

And Randy, I am sorry for constantly butting in on you. It seems you leave little breaks in your sentences and I try to slip in there way to often. Thank you for your patients and for not poking me in the eye for being rude. Your ideas and input are GREAT and we need them. Also forgive me for constantly tearing down the new book we are to read. By doing this, I am sure that I am giving it a negative vibe. And that doesn’t help you to want to read it. The book isn’t a best seller for no reason.

I am sorry and I feel like the south end of a donkey for the way I have been acting. Keep me in check and don’t let me act the fool for so long.

I am also sorry for making your jobs harder, thats NOT what I am here for.

For those of you who don’t know me or what I am talking about here, forgive me, But maybe God brought you here for a reason. Maybe it’s time for you to do a gut check to see how your attitude has been. If it’s been as poor as mine then I will pray for you and me at the same time, If you have a good attitude, send me some pointers to my comment section.

Here comes the pool!!!

Ok, maybe not a pool but while the water company was out here with that dozer, I sure did try to get them to dig me one!

We have this underground drain pipe in going through our back yard and we have been getting holes. 6"-8" by 6' deep. Well I never called them but they showed up to fix them anyway. They just poured concrete in them after digging them out a little.
They were kind enough to leave me some extra dirt to fill in some of my dog holes.

Wow, last week was crazy busy

It seemed like form Wednesday on, we were going all over the place doing all kinds of things. We had so much to do that we totally crashed after church on Sunday. This week is a little better even tho we are doing a good bit of stuff, it seems more spread out. I an bummed about this weeks service project because I will not be much help to them. We are going to ECU to move in the new students. Our goal is to not have them cary a single box. I cannot help because my heel is killing me from last week. I don't even know If I should be standing on it much less caring boxes up 4 flights of stairs. So pray that we have a great turn out and that they will not even need me.

Later gator

Hair gone by-by

Saturday I got up and wanted to cut my hair. It hasn't been cut for close to a year. People keep asking me "what made you cut it?" well, no reason, It wasn't for world piece, someone's salvation or some worthy cause. It wasn't for Locks of Love either. I would have done that but nobody wants old gray hair. So we headed to Fantastic Sams where Emily did a great job (go see her, she does great) I had it cut and colored and I like the cut ok but I probably will never color it again (at least not "normal" color :)) The cool thing about your hair is that it's not your problem, It's everyone else's. They are the ones that has to look at it. I only seen my hair a few times a day.

So here are the mug shot (as my mom calls it):


So, tell me what you think?

It's my Birthday!!!

NOT!!!
you would think that with iCal, outlook, plaxo and a blackberry leading the way, that our wonderful Pastor could get my birthday correct! But noooo, he put in the bulletin that TODAY is my b-day. It's next week! don't make me any older than I already am Jason. So I get a call today, from a great family, to make sure we are home. When they get here, they have a cake and card for me. They were sweating to get it to me TODAY since their spiritual leader announced it. So needless to say they could have waited a few but hey... I got cake!!! And I am going to eat it like it IS my b-day!!!

Heading back to Greensprings Friday

Somehow we let the teens talk us into going back to Greensprings.
So Friday if you are off work please join us for some fun swinging, diving and swiming. We leave our house at 9:00 am and return around 3:00 pm

here are some photoshopped pics from last time:

Numbers, one years worth.

Attendance 07/27/08 was 129 and offering was $2463.19
We had 12 first timers! I love first timers... but I really love 2nd timers!!!

Attendance 07/20/08 was 168 and offering was $3828.36
Attendance 07/13/08 was 150 and offering was $4663.00
Attendance 07/06/08 was 138 and offering was $3103.67
Attendance 06/29/08 was 121 and offering was $3155.00
Attendance 06/22/08 was 138 and offering was $5557.02
Attendance 06/15/08 was 110 and offering was $4973.00
Attendance 06/08/08 was 135 and offering was $2668.00
Attendance 06/01/08 was 136 and offering was $7428.00
Attendance 05/25/08 was 116 and offering was $1160.00
Attendance 05/18/08 was 138 and offering was $4825.35
Attendance 05/11/08 was 133 and offering was $1699.00
Attendance 05/04/08 was 180 and offering was $7937.00
Attendance 04/27/08 was 185 and offering was $4609.00
Attendance 04/20/08 was 172 and offering was $3695.56
Attendance 04/13/08 was 178 and offering was $3571.89
Attendance 04/06/08 was 190 and offering was $9273.88
Attendance 03/30/08 was 184 and offering was $3891.26
Attendance 03/23/08 was 210 and offering was $5219.00
Attendance 03/16/08 was 163 and offering was $3862.23
Attendance 03/09/08 was 140 and offering was $2694.31
Attendance 03/02/08 was 190 and offering was $7505.75
Attendance 02/24/08 was 199 and offering was $3223.10
Attendance 02/17/08 was 182 and offering was $3452.76
Attendance 02/10/08 was 205 and offering was $2702.00
Attendance 02/03/08 was 190 and offering was $7186.00
Attendance 01/28/08 was 163 and offering was $5461.50
Attendance 01/20/08 was 160 and offering was $2110.88
Attendance 01/13/08 was 206 and offering was $2229.00
Attendance 01/06/08 was 162 and offering was $4096.69
Attendance 12/30/07 was 156 and offering was $5610.70
Attendance 12/23/07 was 145 and offering was $3553.00
Attendance 12/16/07 was 132 and offering was $3213.00
Attendance 12/09/07 was 166 and offering was $3522.00
Attendance 12/02/07 was 153 and offering was $3879.00
Attendance 11/25/07 was 124 and offering was $1215.00
Attendance 11/18/07 was 189 and offering was $3906.00
Attendance 11/11/07 was 169 and offering was $2613.00
Attendance 11/04/07 was 145 and offering was $3459.70
Attendance 10/28/07 was 166 and offering was $2234.00
Attendance 10/21/07 was 126 and offering was $1295.00
Attendance 10/14/07 was 95 and offering was $1015.00
Attendance 10/07/07 was 156 and offering was $4523.07
Attendance 09/30/07 was 140 and offering was $2951.06
Attendance 09/23/07 was 159 and offering was $1612.00
Attendance 09/17/07 was 177 and offering was $4547.73
Attendance 09/09/07 was 163 and offering was $1822.30
Attendance 09/02/07 was 138 and offering was $3394.45
Attendance 08/26/07 was 199 and offering was $4596.00
Attendance 08/19/07 was 127 and offering was $2747.46
Attendance 08/12/07 was 132 and offering was $3945.00
Attendance 08/05/07 was 107 and offering was $2971.71
Attendance 07/29/07 was 132 and offering was $1998.00
Attendance 07/22/07 was 137 and offering was $2557.82

Claude pretending this is twitter

We are riding out to see Davey and Janelle one last time before we head home. We plan on driving through the night but may stop at a hotel in route.

See you in 12+ hours

Down here in the Sunshine state

We are getting wet allot! I don't get it. It rains every day! Anyhow, We spent Wednesday riding around seeing our Brandon Fl. Friends. We stopped by our old church (Kings Avenue) to say hello to them. Most of the staff was at a ball game so we missed them (or did they miss us?). Then we started house jumping. We didn't get to everyone (sorry, we do miss you) but we saw about 3 families from "back home". Sheila and I got to eat at one of our favorite restaurants and it was good. While it is nice to be back down here, It is defiantly NOT home. I miss my small group, my animals and especially my BED.

We will see you guys at set-up on Saturday night!

In staff meeting from 700 miles away!

And I am blogging! We got iChat logged in and the webcams running. 

Jason looks dazed and confused.

Off to Florida

We are heading out in a few minutes to meet up with Davey and Janelle. In the morning we are leading a 3 car convoy to Tampa, the Kolks new home. Now I don't know how these little towners are going to do in big ol Tampa but I made it ok. Remember, I am from New Bern. For all my Florida peeps, look in on them. I really don't know if we should pray for the Kolks or pray for Tampa!!!

Hey Davey, get ready for 6 lanes of traffic on your side of the road!!!

We will blog from Tampa... maybe :)


BTW, 300 post as of this one, I can believe I wasted my 300th on DAVEY!!!!!!!!!!

Vegetarians skip this post!

So we are heading to Tampa tomorrow night and today I looked in the fridge and saw some ribs thawed out. Well we can just leave them for a week! So while I was at set-up, Sheila was packing and getting the house ready for us to be gone, She also became the best wife on the planet by throwing the ribs on the grill to slow cook! So when I got home I was met by a rack of ribs that fell off the bone! Let me tell you, I have NEVER been more in love with Sheila! They were great, and I got some left for breakfast!!!

Set-up ROCKED tonight!

We had over 20 people at it. You guys really stepped up and made set-up a blast. We were pretty much done in under one and a half hours.
For the non Discovery Church readers out there: We are a portable church meeting at the local Boys & Girls club. Weekly we transform that place into a church. We meet at 6:00 pm and set up a ton of stuff (over 18 carts of stuff) and are usually there setting up till way after 9:00. But tonight we were pretty much done by 7:30!

Thanks to everyone who helped and forgive us for not being more organized. We are not used to that many people. I dream of the day when we have shifts doing it and the pastors don't even have to be there. We are getting close to that point but we still need a little more help.

Here is a stop motion of one of our main area set-ups

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL!!!!

40th day (nobody reads long blogs!)

Today is my 40th day on an internet fast.
What: No internet (work ONLY)
When: the last 40 days (5/10 - 6/19)
Why: it is/was distracting, it is/was an idol (see day 8), I needed to get into God’s Word
How was it: Great, in every way. I pray that I NEVER return to “that guy” Heck I don’t want to stay “this guy”

I was the guy that would sit down at my iMac and go straight to my tech sites, my news sites, a few blogs, ebay, craigslist, youtube, newegg, apple, and more, I am sure. Then through out the day I would return to check for updates. I would bet that I hit Gizmodo 20 times a day on most days. But I would go several days a week, if not all week, without reading my Bible unless it was for work. When you are in ministry, it is easy to neglect personal growth. Sure we get fed working up sermons and messages or lessons but God wants US to do it for US. This was/is NOT good. Reading the Bible on my own was happening (sometimes) but it was a choir that “needed” to be done. Not something I wanted or craved. And I should crave it. God, our creator, savior and the one we get to spend eternity with gave us His word so we can better know him. How did we ever get to this complacent place of the Bible being more of a decoration on a coffee table than a source to MORE GOD in our lives.

So by a challenge from one of my accountability partners, I put off the internet for ALL personal use. I decided after about 6 days that others have a problem with this and were encouraged. So I started blogging about it. Now I know that I should fast in private but this was not ordinary fast. This was more of an “eye gouging out” thing than a fast. The internet has become a major distraction for me. I spent more time online than in His presence. I even talked more about the internet than I did about God. I sure can point you to some cool youtube videos but I wasn’t pointing many people to God. Matt 12:34b “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” and Luke 6:45 “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”. This 40 days was a refocus and refilling of my heart. Empty out the junk and refill with the good: God, His Word and His Way. My prayer is that my mouth starts spilling out God’s word and even His power to change lives.

So I fasted, I prayed, and I read allot. God truly blessed this time especially in my reading. I desired to get back to my Bible. I read it with more focus than I have had in ages. I just could not get enough of it. And Its words have been on my mind and in my heart. I consider myself to be a poor reader. But during this 40 days I have read completely through the New Testament. My daily reading had me in John so I started from there and went through. Not just reading but studying and researching things I wasn’t sure about. I am now back in John and (like Nascar) going around again but now I will be picking up some Old Testament. I am feeling Job. I am not proud of me but am amazed at HIM (God) and the way he is moving in my life right now.

I want more, I want to find the days to be to short to read all I want to read, I want my past-time to be God. I want His words embedded in me. When people hear me, I pray they know what is in my heart and that it is Jesus. I want conviction in my life. I want others to feel what I am feeling and more!

I am not just going back to my “net ways”. With God’s help, I am going to keep away from useless sites that breed greed, lust, filth, coarseness, waist and distract me from a Savior who has something SO much better in store for my life, He died for more! I am short-changing His sacrifice for me. So pray for me, Pray for the internet and the control it has on people, and pray for God to move in all of our lives!

Teens to Kings

Dominion that is.

Tuesday we took a little road trip with the youth group to Kings Dominion in Va. I am not a theme park kinda guy but everyone else was. We had a convoy of 2 vans, and suv and a car all full of teens and a few wanna-be grown ups.

We had a blast! That place has a ton of rides (all of which I avoided). Sheila got on her first roller coster in several years and she became a kid again. Here are a few shots of the park:

We made it in a one day trip, next time I say we stay overnight in a local church or hotel. Thanks to all the drivers and to the Hansons who loaned us a van that has AC!!!!