Are you able to see yourself the way that God see's you? I love this video and I wanted to share it with this morning. The message is very powerful. Hope you enjoy.
Last Upward games tomorrow. If you haven't caught a game yet, come out and support it. The kids have a great time.
Have a Blessed Weekend!!!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Kirk Franklin - Imagine Me
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Upward '08
Upward is almost over and it always comes with a bittersweet feeling. What have I learned this year so far at Upward:
- I am very passionate about the program and its original cause...to see children and their parents come to know Jesus.
- The referee's were a big complaint after last years season...and it wasn't much better this year. I can say this because I am over the ref's. I have officiated more games this year than anyone and I know first hand; it has not improved that much. But I ask you with a ministry such as Upward that simply uses basketball to draw the kids in does the quality of the officiating really matter? Did we as coaches and referee's show the kids (in the heat of competition) Jesus? This should be the biggest concern, not the quality of the call. And just like the officiating suffered so did a few of us in this area, myself included. If you volunteered and helped me ref this year please do not take this personal, this vent was all on me. Thank you so much for giving of your time to help in this area...You Rock!
- I am becoming less sports competitive and more God competitive as the years roll on.
- The more of "I" that we put into whatever and the less of "Jesus" the more complicated it all becomes.
- We simply can't do anything an have an impact on the Kingdom without Jesus in it.
- With the other church involvement we had this year I think we have made strides toward growing the program in the years to come.
- Without countless volunteers this program would be nonexistent. Everyone who helped Thank You very much. Thanks especially to all the commissioners and to Matt Lusk for his countless hours he and Tonya poured unselfishly into this year.
- The cheerleaders are the best. All the girls are awesome and this new program
was a big hit and I look for it to grow next year as well. - Pray hard for this Saturday (our last game day) and especially for Monday March 10th as we have our Awards night celebration. This is one of the most important times of the season, we will share through a guest speaker the plan of salvation to not only the kids, but the parents as well. Thanks in advance for your prayers.
- In all things give God the Praise, Honor, and Glory!
All in all it was and still is a great season and I am already thinking BIG for next season. Once again if you are reading this and were a part of Upward '08 in any capacity, Thank You!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
UN-CHRISTIAN
Good morning all. The days sure get by don't they? It is just amazing to me how fast time goes by the older you get.
I want to share a brief word on a book that I am currently reading. It's titled: UN-christian...what a new generation really thinks about christrianity. It is a real eyeopener. This book was based on surveys, polls, and interviews that the Barna Research Group conducted over a couple of years. It was written by David Kinnaman (president of The Barna Group and a christian) and Gabe Lyons (cofounder of Catalyst - a christian conference for young leaders in the church today).
I am only 50 pages in to this 250 page book, but what I read yesterday really got me. Read this carefully:
Here is what it all boils down to - and I believe, one of the most important findings of our research for this book: among young non-Christians, 84% say they know at least one committed Christian. Yet just 15% thought the lifestyles of those Christ followers were significantly different from the norm. This gap speaks volumes.
So my question to you this morning: Can the friends that you run with see any difference in your life that makes you stand out? Do you just talk a mean game, but when it comes down to it are you just someone who fills a pew on Sunday? Is there really a difference in your life that lets people know you are a Christ follower? Bottom line: Would you be in the 15% or the remaining 85%?
Think about it and really do some soul searching, because everybody is always watching YOU.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I want to share a brief word on a book that I am currently reading. It's titled: UN-christian...what a new generation really thinks about christrianity. It is a real eyeopener. This book was based on surveys, polls, and interviews that the Barna Research Group conducted over a couple of years. It was written by David Kinnaman (president of The Barna Group and a christian) and Gabe Lyons (cofounder of Catalyst - a christian conference for young leaders in the church today).
I am only 50 pages in to this 250 page book, but what I read yesterday really got me. Read this carefully:
Here is what it all boils down to - and I believe, one of the most important findings of our research for this book: among young non-Christians, 84% say they know at least one committed Christian. Yet just 15% thought the lifestyles of those Christ followers were significantly different from the norm. This gap speaks volumes.
So my question to you this morning: Can the friends that you run with see any difference in your life that makes you stand out? Do you just talk a mean game, but when it comes down to it are you just someone who fills a pew on Sunday? Is there really a difference in your life that lets people know you are a Christ follower? Bottom line: Would you be in the 15% or the remaining 85%?
Think about it and really do some soul searching, because everybody is always watching YOU.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tim Hawkins - Cletus Take the Reel
In honor of the Bassmaster Classic being at Lake Hartwell this weekend...Here You Go! Thanks to Frank Gravina for sharing.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Blank
I sit here this morning with a million thoughts running through my head, but I just can't nail it down. Do you ever have those days? You know what you want to say, but when you open your mouth nothing comes out, or the way it comes out is not at all the way you imagined it or even heard it. I have found since I've been married that men are a lot worse at this than women. Lori almost never messes up with her speech, but I spend a lot of time with one foot in my mouth or leaving people wandering what I mean by what I just said. Can I get an AMEN from the men or is it just me?
A lot of times I go blank like this morning. Our walk with God can be a lot like this. We have every intention of doing this, that, or just trying harder to be good. But you see the devil is the master of confusion and sometimes we find a empty blank where we should have inserted God.
So today as you have your blank moments seek His counsel and use Him to fill in the blank. I promise it will make every situation better.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
A lot of times I go blank like this morning. Our walk with God can be a lot like this. We have every intention of doing this, that, or just trying harder to be good. But you see the devil is the master of confusion and sometimes we find a empty blank where we should have inserted God.
So today as you have your blank moments seek His counsel and use Him to fill in the blank. I promise it will make every situation better.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Examine Yourself 4 Minute Compilation by Paul Washer
Worth Watching. Paul Washer raises some good questions for thought. Hope you enjoy.
Winterjam tonight...get there early!
Have a Blessed Weekend!!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day
Good Morning everybody. To all the male readers if you have failed to get a present for the love of your life there is still time.
Here is a little Valentine Day Humor going out to all the Dads. Enjoy!
APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor. NAME_____________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH_____________ HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________
DRIVERS LICENSE #________________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________
CITY/STATE___________ ZIP____________
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Number of years they have been married ______________________________
If less than your age, explain ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back?__Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring? __Yes __No
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:
In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
REFERENCES SECTION: Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? _____________ mother? _____________ pastor? _____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION: Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place I would want shot would be: ______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my: ______________________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the: ______________________________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is: ______________________________________________________________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is: ______________________________________________________________
G. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________
I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE. _________________________________________________________ Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!) _______________________________ Mother's Signature ________________________________ Father's Signature _______________________________ Pastor/Priest/Rabbi
________________________________ State Representative/Congressman
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow thirteen years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back)
To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating. Daddy's Rules for Dating Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) :
Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them..
Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'
Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi . When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Here is a little Valentine Day Humor going out to all the Dads. Enjoy!
APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor. NAME_____________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH_____________ HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________
DRIVERS LICENSE #________________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________
CITY/STATE___________ ZIP____________
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Number of years they have been married ______________________________
If less than your age, explain ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back?__Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring? __Yes __No
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:
In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
REFERENCES SECTION: Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? _____________ mother? _____________ pastor? _____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION: Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place I would want shot would be: ______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my: ______________________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the: ______________________________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is: ______________________________________________________________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is: ______________________________________________________________
G. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________
I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE. _________________________________________________________ Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!) _______________________________ Mother's Signature ________________________________ Father's Signature _______________________________ Pastor/Priest/Rabbi
________________________________ State Representative/Congressman
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow thirteen years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back)
To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating. Daddy's Rules for Dating Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) :
Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them..
Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'
Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi . When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Hawk and The Crows
I am constantly looking around and taking in things when I am outside. You know, if I hear a sound I want to know what made it; except if its dark and I'm alone, I don't stick around very long at all.
I love to hear a birds singing and try to find out which one is making the noise. I think everyone knows what a crow sounds and looks like, but do you know how they act? Have you ever noticed how a small bird can chase away and aggravate a larger one. I have seen it so many times to where a mockingbird will chase a crow away. This big crow is dodging the darts and dives of this little mockingbird. And the crow pays it forward as he/she will do the same to a hawk.
It took me a while to set this up, thanks for staying with me. Anyway the other day I was riding down the road and I pass this huge Oak tree and I see about 10 crows scattered about the limbs all around this very large Red Tail Hawk. Its cold outside and my windows are up, but I can actually see the crows crowing all together at this Hawk.
The Hawk just sits there, steady and gazing at the horizon. Not for the perfect time to make a run for it, but for lunch. The Hawk is not at all influenced or swayed by his current situation. He is steady, sure, and confident.
On a daily basis would you consider yourself a Hawk or a crow? Are you so focused on Jesus that no matter of your current situation you remain steady, sure, and confident? Or, are you quick to jump on someone, spread a little gossip, and try to inflict some pain, like a crow? This past Saturday at Upward I am sorry to report that I was a crow. We had a situation that arose and I missed my opportunity to shine like a Hawk. For me it is a daily struggle to move me out of the way and focus only on Jesus. Do you battle this as well? What say you this morning...Hawk or crow? I hope Hawk!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I love to hear a birds singing and try to find out which one is making the noise. I think everyone knows what a crow sounds and looks like, but do you know how they act? Have you ever noticed how a small bird can chase away and aggravate a larger one. I have seen it so many times to where a mockingbird will chase a crow away. This big crow is dodging the darts and dives of this little mockingbird. And the crow pays it forward as he/she will do the same to a hawk.
It took me a while to set this up, thanks for staying with me. Anyway the other day I was riding down the road and I pass this huge Oak tree and I see about 10 crows scattered about the limbs all around this very large Red Tail Hawk. Its cold outside and my windows are up, but I can actually see the crows crowing all together at this Hawk.
The Hawk just sits there, steady and gazing at the horizon. Not for the perfect time to make a run for it, but for lunch. The Hawk is not at all influenced or swayed by his current situation. He is steady, sure, and confident.
On a daily basis would you consider yourself a Hawk or a crow? Are you so focused on Jesus that no matter of your current situation you remain steady, sure, and confident? Or, are you quick to jump on someone, spread a little gossip, and try to inflict some pain, like a crow? This past Saturday at Upward I am sorry to report that I was a crow. We had a situation that arose and I missed my opportunity to shine like a Hawk. For me it is a daily struggle to move me out of the way and focus only on Jesus. Do you battle this as well? What say you this morning...Hawk or crow? I hope Hawk!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Waiting Game
I will be back tomorrow. I have some exciting news from the weekend that I want to share, but I just don't have time today. Sorry and see you back here in the morning.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Super Bowl
So who would've thunk it? The NY Giants won! A modern day David vs Goliath, nobody expected it. But then again who really cares? I went to 2 different parties to view the game and it is the same every year.....nobody really watches the game.
The youth at church were busy playing in the gym or the game room despite having the game on the big screen, and at the Dorn's house everyone was grazing in the kitchen and just talking. It was just another Sunday night.
Reminds me a lot of our lives. We have the greatest gift living inside us and giving us power and we just walk around for the most part; with the business as usual attitude. We usually only exercise this power on Sundays. What if we let God show up and show out in our life every minute of every day? What kind of impact could we have in our environment? Think about it!
I updated the church website last night. It is a little plain right now, but it is a work in progress. I will be improving it as I get more used to that kind of thing. You can check it out here
Have a Blessed Day!!!
The youth at church were busy playing in the gym or the game room despite having the game on the big screen, and at the Dorn's house everyone was grazing in the kitchen and just talking. It was just another Sunday night.
Reminds me a lot of our lives. We have the greatest gift living inside us and giving us power and we just walk around for the most part; with the business as usual attitude. We usually only exercise this power on Sundays. What if we let God show up and show out in our life every minute of every day? What kind of impact could we have in our environment? Think about it!
I updated the church website last night. It is a little plain right now, but it is a work in progress. I will be improving it as I get more used to that kind of thing. You can check it out here
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Friday
I just wanted to drop you a line and say that I pray that God blesses each and everyone of you today and this weekend. See ya back here next week.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
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