Christmas Day

We had everyone at our house today. It was great. We did the best we could with this picture. Even Sadie wanted in it. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

Sunday Recap

Had a great service Sunday night. Here are pictures of our beautiful lights. The band was great. They did three sets. Started with secular songs, then moved to traditional carols and finally with contemporary worship. The dessert fellowship was fun and fattening.

Happy Birthday, Pam

Just a special shout out to my sister, Pam. It is her birthday today. She is one of my great encouragers and the Lord has been doing a great work in her life and we have grown together in the Lord the last few years. Hope you have a great day.

My Christmas List That Money Can't Buy

1. World peace. This always seemed like a wasted wish to me or a simplistic Miss America answer. I know that true peace will not come until Jesus comes with His kingdom but this issue has been on my heart a lot lately. I am thankful for the soldiers that will not see home this Christmas.


2. End global warming or at least all the ridiculous talk about it, for and against. Although I believe that we cannot destroy this earth that is held together by the power of His Word, I have been challenged recently to care more about the environment. His first mandate was for us to care for the earth. It's amazing to me that the Church has labeled this a "liberal" stance instead of seeing a biblical mandate for it.


3. Clean water for everyone. It is possible to end this problem in our lifetime if we all did our part. People deserve a better chance at life. I stay close to this issue and informed about these efforts. Clean water often precedes Living Water. According to the World Water Council, 1.1 billion people live without clean drinking water; 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation; 1.8 million people die every year from treatable diarrheal diseases and 3,900 children die every day from water born diseases. In Dec. of 2006, we raised $3000 to drill a well in Rwanda and changed the lives of hundreds of people in the village of Bugesera. This year we would like to drill another well. Living Water International exists to demonstrate the love of God by providing desperately needed clean water and medical attention, along with the "living water" of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone satisfies the deepest thirst. We will be accepting donations all month for this worthy cause as well as a special offering being received at our Christmas service this Sunday. By the way, according to Matt. 25 it is the perfect gift for Jesus on His birthday.
   


4. A cure for cancer. Cancer and other heart-stopping news reminds us that life is a gift and that every day should be cherished. Pattie's brother, Ray, is dealing with this. I would give him long life and health if it were mine to give. There are other health issues in our extended family, especially on Pattie's side, that I wish could be eliminated and full health restored.

Of course there are more things that I could wish for that money can't buy. There are many things that we would love to receive as a gift but they would never fulfill because it is a shortcut and there is much to be said about the journey or much to be learned through the process. I'm thankful that God as our Father wisely ditributes all of His good and perfect gifts from above.

Evan Almighty

Jim and Donna came over for dinner last night and then we watched Evan Almighty. It was very good, this story of a modern day Noah. When Bruce Almighty came out several years ago, my first instinct was to discredit it and label it blasphemy. But after seeing the movie, I was impressed with how these directors were handling the subject of "God." I enjoyed it thoroughly. This movie keyed in on obeying God even if it what He is asking you to do seems ridiculous. It encouraged me. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Christmas Eve Eve Service

We are trying something different this week - we are having a Christmas Service at 6PM with no morningt service at all. I'm calling it our Christmas Eve Eve Service. We decorate our church so beautifully and much of it is lost in the morning sunlight so we sre having our service at night to enjoy the splendor of the lights and trees. Christmas Eve Services are nice but sometimes its hard to get the family together and go when there is still so much to do before the morning. I'm looking forward to sleeping in on Sunday and enjoying the service in the evening. By the way, everyone is bringing a dessert for fellowship time. Sounds good!

Great weekend

Had a great weekend.

• Joe's Vassia concert was excellent on Friday night. They performed at a Vineyard church in Marietta. It was an old sotore front that they had turned into a nice worship place. Great artwork all over the walls from people in their own body. I would love for our people to express themselves in such creative ways.
• Shopping was good all the way into the fourth hour. Pattie and I had a great time together and although I think we should temper our spending on frivilous gifts, it was fun spending our money on others. It rained the whole time we were out but how can you be upset about that in these days of drought. Which reminds me that when I was watching the weather later in the evening, it was as if they were not happy about the rain. They just reminded us of how far we are still behind in our average rainfall. As if they want the entire deficit to be met in one rainfall. We would be in a heep of trouble if we got 20+ inches of rain at once. Lets just rejoice in the rain that we received and thank God that He hasn't dried up the sky completely.
• We had a lot of fun at the Dorr's Sunday night with the Middle Schoolers. We played the White Elephant Gift Grab game where you take turns choosing a gift under the tree and then the next person can "steal" the gift from that person or get a new one from under the tree. I ended up with a Joke-a-day Calendar. Here's a sample: Two antenaes met, fell in love, and got married. The wedding wasn't much but the reception was excellent! Ha, ha, ho, ho, hee, hee! I can't wait to start putting these into my sermons. Sunday mornings will never be the same.

Sunday Recap

• There was an overwhelming presence of the Lord in our service today. From the very first song, Joy to the World, to the last, Glory in the Highest, our building was full of the Lord's glory. It was very moving, encouraging, beautiful and free of manipulation. The good crowd and their participation in the praise portion of our worship service filled our building with a fresh sacrifice of praise. It was good.
• I had known what I was preaching on for this Sunday for several weeks. We were concluding our series The Christmas Conspiracy with a sermon called "The Child Who Would Save the World." A gospel message should be the easiest sermon a preacher could put together but on Saturday night I still had no sermon. Over the last 5 years, I can remember only one other time being in this situation. My usual routine for sermon preperation is study, read and listen for the first few days of the week, then I need to leave it alone and let it all cook. Then its like God takes all that I have learned then "downloads" it in sermon form later in the week. It literally feels like God downloading it for me to preach. Well Saturday night, I had not received the download. I was not paniced or stressed about it. As a matter of fact I took all of Saturday off to be with my family and to shop with my wife. I felt confident that God had a plan. About 3:30, Sunday morning I woke up refreshed and hearing God's voice. He was leading me to a passage that I hadn't even studied this week, Romans 5. I laid there and dozed and listened until 5:00 am and then showered, dressed, hit the McDonald's for breakfast and was at the church a little before 6:00. God downloaded the message and used it in the lives of our people. His presence was evident. I say all this to say that preaching is a mystery. It's more about listening than studying. It's more about what is on God's heart than my heart. It's His Word not mine. Sermon preparation is not an academic exercise but a spiritual endeavor. God often has to remind me of such things. He keeps me humble yet lifts my soul. He keeps me dependent but gives me more than I need. He gives me silence so I can hear Him clearly when He speaks. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
• I'll write more later but I just got a call and I must run.

Weekend plans

Heading down to the Vineyard in Marietta tonight for a Vassia concert (Joe's band). It should be fun. They haven't given a concert in awhile. Also, they know that their time together as a band is getting short. They are all Seniors and soon will be pursuing their own career paths. It's sad and exciting at the same time.
Pattie and I will also be doing the rest of our Christmas shopping this weekend. We have done alot on line but have some more to do. I love to give but I don't necessarily love to shop. The first hour is fun but the third or fourth or the second for that matter can be too much. Being with Pattie makes it fun.

Party time!

Heading to a Christmas party tonight with the Praise band and the Sound team. It will be great to get together with them. I love the people that I get to do ministry with. Sunday night, we will be partying with the Middle Schoolers and youth leaders. Should be a lot of fun.

Sunday Recap

Hey,I'm back. I know that my blogging has been very irregular recently but there were alot of things going on with my computer going down and our Holiday Snow Blast that we did over the weekend. We spent alot of extra time and energy and extra nights preparing for this Dec outreach and left little time for this. But now that is behind us and I'm ready to get back to a regular schedule. Here are some thoughts about this weekend:

• Thanks to all of our people who made the Snow Blast a success. Lots of work and energy was put into this and it was greatly appreciated. It was great to see the number of people who got involved. "The more, the merrier" is a true statement.
• This was a pretty big attempt to get people from our community to come back and check out our Warehouse for something other than church. We didn't get as many people as I would have liked but we had a great time and had some good contacts.
• The best part of the Snow Blast was seeing the kids' (and the adults') faces when they would make snow. We had a product called Instant Snow and it was cool stuff.
• Sunday was a good day! A good crowd and plent of visitors.
• We had another family attend that first heard of us from our October football outreach. That's 2 weeks in a row. It has taken 2 months but it is finally paying off.
• We had almost triple the number of kids in the Childrens Ministry.
• The music set was great but our sound system is starting to give us fits.
• Second message in our series, The Christmas Conspiracy. This week we contrasted King Herod with Jesus Christ. Christmas is about God bridging gaps. Next Sunday we will be talking about the obvious gap between God and man but there are other gaps that God is bridging. Last week we talked about God bridging the gap between the powerful and the weak which led us to worship Jesus Christ as the true and victorious King. This week was about the bridging of the gap between the rich and the poor. Herod's kingship was built on wealth and power but Jesus builds His kingdom on grace and sacrifice. This should lead us to give more. We can be about either widening the gap or bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. Read 2 Cor. 8 for a challenging message from Paul.
• Saw very little football but loved the Colts and the Packers big wins, still hating on the Patriots and I can't believe the Cowboys pulled off that victory.
• MNF was a disaster with the Falcons. What are the chances that the day Vick is sentenced, the Falcons play on Monday night. My heart goes out to Michael Vick. I pray for a changed man.
• Took yesterday off. Needed the rest and to tend to some things around the house. I didn't even check e-mails.
• Looking forward to this week. I need some alone time with God. He refreshes me. I love Him. He is my Savior, King, Father, Brother, Friend, Provider, Healer, Teacher. He is everything to me and all that I need.

Just a few things

This is from last week when we put up our tree.

Here we are getting ready for our traditional eggnog toast.

Sadie loved the eggnog.

• Had a Middle Schooler tell me that I reminded her of Santa Claus. She said it was not in a bad way but because I have white hair and I'm kind to children. I'll accept that.

Revolutionary Christmas

Joe Stagnaro did these awesome pictures to illustrate the 4 principles of a Revolutionary Christmas. I thought you would like to see them.

Sunday Recap 12-2-07

We had a great day!

• The Warehouse was beautiful with all the lights and trees. Thanks to everyone who helped make this day a success.
• Bob and the band were awesome. I am blessed to have Bob, Monica, Joe, Joe, Donna and Pattie as our worship team. I love the talent God has placed in our church.
• We had visitors who first heard of us through our October Fall Festival football outreach. It took 2 months but the outreach paid off.
• I believe that we must continue a strong presence in our community. The more visibility the greater the opportunity for reaching people. I love Holly Springs and will continue to reach out to it on every occassion.
• We were still excited about the parade the previous day and the joy and fun of working together on this project. You can go here for more pictures of the parade.
• Started a new series called "The Christmas Conspiracy." Contrasted God's approach to the world as opposed to the Roman Empire's approach and the claims of Augustus Caesar to the claims of Christ. Sounds boring and a little intellectual but was very powerful. I believe that Christmas is about worship. Everyone connected to the Christmas story from the shepherds to the wise men, from Mary to the angels all worshipped in response to this occassion. This sermon lifted Jesus up as worthy to be praised, worshipped and served.
• Our new computer came in and it is awesome. Thanks to the generous people who provided it.
• Put Christmas lights up at the house but we still have a lot to do.
• Someone left us 4 big boxes of food on the porch around midnight Saturday. Our dog, Sadie, was going nuts but by the time Joe and I got to the door no one was there, only the boxes. At first I was uneasy. We have some needs but food is not one that concerns me. We always have food. But then I was moved with gratitude and awe. The thought that God moved on the hearts of someone to bless us with such a generous gift and to give all the glory to God so that the only person we have to thank is God Himself is very humbling. God is good all the time, in plenty and in scarcity, in hardship and good times. Thank you to whoever acted generously and praise to the One who provides.
• Caught a cold. I think this is the first time I have had a cold in 2 years. I hate it.
• The Patriots dodged another bullet. I won't really mind if they win the Super Bowl but somebody has got to ruin there perfect record.
• We have a busy week and a busy weekend coming up but it is all good.

The Holly Springs Christmas Parade

Today was a great day! We participated in the Christmas Parade and we had a blast! Our group worked hard today and we had the best float in the parade. Our snow machine was a big hit and made everyone's day! We handed out gift bags with candy canes and other candy in them, a bottle of water and a Christmas in the Warehouse brochure that highlighted all the things that we are doing this Christmas season. We sorely underestimated the crowd and ran out of bags quickly but it was great to have this kind of turn out. Pattie and I went to this parade last year and it was very small with only a few people coming out to see it. It was probably 3x as big this year! It was awesome. We had lighted Christmas trees, the snow machine and Christmas music blasting. We promoted our Holiday Snow Blast that we are putting on at the Warehouse next weekend. Thanks to everyone who had a part in this event.

Sorry this is late!

Sorry that this post is so late in coming. My computer at my office went down last Monday. It is toast. But I am getting a new one but it probably won't be here until early next week. So I am using my computer at home and have had limited time to get on. It's hard for me to work at home because I love being with my wife and around the kids or I should say kid as in Rayanne - Ben and Joe are non-existent. And yesterday Camille was here so how can I resist her. Anyway, here is a report from Sunday:

• Decent attendance for a holiday weekend.
• Joe did the worship set with only the acoustic guitar with Pattie backing him up. He did a great job but I missed the full band.
• Had our last message in our Revolutionary Christmas series. Sermon was Love All. We can't pay back God for His goodness and the wealth He has given us but true gratitude to God is expressed through giving and serving. God doesn't need our money but He does know 6 billion people poorer than us who do. God has blessed us with greater wealth than over 90% of the people in the world. We live above the average so we ought to give and serve more than the average person. This really hasn't been about giving more to the church but about setting us free to live the life worth truly living.
• Met some people at the church Sunday afternoon to pull all the Christmas stuff out from behind the stage.
• Jeff and Andrea took the Middle Schoolers bowling.
• Pattie and I met Jeremy Hall and Heath New at the funeral home in the sudden home going of Randy Phillips. he was in his mid 50's. Randy worked with me in the youth ministry at Hopewell Baptist and his three kids came up in my youth group. It was good to see them and see God's grace active in their lives as well as in his wife's, Nan.
• Pattie made a big bowl of chili and I'm loving it and have been loving it for the last 3 days.
• The boring NFL was almost rescued by the Eagles beating the Patriots. But alas, they couldn't hold the lead and let it get away at the end but it was a great game. Someone please beat the Patriots!
• I love the Amazing Race. It's a good way to see the world.
• Put the Christmas tree up Sunday but we are decorating it tonight.
  

Thanksgiving

We are heading to Tennessee on Wed. We will be stopping in Trenton, GA to see Pattie's mother on Wed and enjoy a meal with her then we are heading to Dunlap, TN to be with my family until Sat. I love thanksgiving and I love being with family.

Great Day Sunday!

Sunday was a great day.

• Attendance and offering was very good. On a weekend when you think alot of people will be gone for Thanksgiving, we had a great turn out.
• The music was awesome. "Never Let Go" still moves me.
• The message went really well as we discovered how rich we really are. It was definitely a message that could change your life. Our wealth is the greatest competition for our hearts. We are easily deceived into thinking we don't have enough and that we always need more. Its time to start giving like the rich kids we are rather than like the poor people we think we are.
• Had a birthday party for my granddaughter, Camille, Sunday afternoon. She is awesome and we had a great time with all the family and friends again.
• My grandson, Matthew, got his first deer on Sat. What a man he has become. I saw a deer on Sunday morning. That's all I need.
• I also saw a wild turkey on the side of the road. I guess he's on the run with Thanksgiving closing in on him.
• It was great to have Mom and Dad and Pam in the service.
• We have a demon in the sound system. It has acted up 2 weeks in a row. Bring all the holy water you can find and we'll exorcise it this week.
• The Patriots and the Falcons are taking all the fun out of football but for two different reasons - the Patriots are too good and the Falcons are soo bad. It doesn't help being a Dolphins fan either.

Pattie's Surprise Birthday Dinner

Sorry for not posting sooner but I am having computer problems. We had a surprise birthday dinner at the church for my lovely bride, Pattie, on Sat. night. We totally surprised her and had a great time doing it.

I told her that I was taking her out to eat but had to run by the church to get my phone. She didn't expect anything and was surprised to see everyone there. I have a hot wife who gets more beautiful with time.

Pattie is the love of my life and is loved by everyone who knows her. She deserved every word, present, hug, and smile given to her.

All our kids shared with everyone why their mother is so special to them. There wasn't a dry eye in the place and they did a great job honoring their mother.

My Mom and Dad and sister, Pam, came down from TN for this event. It was great to see them. Pattie's mother doesn't travel as well lately and was unable to attend. It was the only thing that prevented it from being a perfect night. She sent Pattie some lovely roses.

Friends like Debra Childers and family like Michael Labato made this night possible. Debra catered the food and decorated the place beautifully.

The Singing Bus Driver

I like to sing and I often sing while driving the bus much to the disapproval of most of the riders. One kid told me that I should go home and sing from my rocking chair rather than on the bus. Another kid told me that I should be on American Idol. I want to believe the latter.

Fall leaves.

I have been impressed with the beauty of fall this week. This morning after my route I went home and got Pattie and Rayanne and took them to McDonald's for breakfast just so that I could drive them by some beautiful trees that I saw on my route before the wind blows them bare. I enjoyed it immensely. By the way, pray for Pattie, her back is really bothering her.

Channel Surfing

I was up in the early hours of the morning flipping channels when I came across a woman pastor from Los Angeles. I'm not big on women pastors (blame it on my conservative baptist background) and I usually can't listen to them (blame that on my male ego) but this lady was pretty good. Very deep, adept in the original languages, scholarly, interesting and inspiring. I'll have to hear more and know more about her before I give her my stamp of approval and put Dr. Melissa Scott up there with Kay Arthur, Beth Moore or even Joyce Meyers but I liked what I heard last night.

Can't Wait for Sunday!

I probably have one of the most important and exciting messages that I have ever needed to share this Sunday. I didn't say the "best message" ( I am not bragging) but a message that could truly revolutionize not only our Christmas, but our lives, church, families, community and even the world. I know that it sounds grandiose and full of hype but isn't that what the Word is suppose to do - transform us, change us, make us better! Shouldn't every message do more than just inspire but actually revolutionize the way we think and live? Most people resist change. Most people are comfortable in their rut. Most people don't have the courage and faith to do or try something different or even to obey basic commands from the Lord. But change is the difference between merely existing and truly living. I choose life therefore I choose change.

Axios Thanksgiving Feast

• Here are some shots of our Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday night. We has a good day Sunday. Great service and a great turn out for Sunday night. Thank you, Donna Warrington and Janice Sisk for doing such a great job and organizing this event. Donna Finch and Monica Selby and others helped with the decor. Thanks to everyone who set up and tore down. Thanks, Billy, for getting the extra tables.
• We heard alot of great testimonies from our people and had many guests. It is good to hear people speak from their hearts.
• We started our new series Revolutionary Christmas and presented 4 ideas to replace the current system of consumerism: Worship More, Give More, Spend Less, and Love All. Spent most of the service on the heart of worship which is obedience (1 Sam 15). This is not being anti-Christmas. We love everything about Christmas. it is about seeking God in using our gifts and money for the glory of God.
• The band was awesome! We had a great music set.
• Loved the new set design for our new series.
• Shared our Dec, Christmas in the Warehouse outreach events. Dec 1 - Holly Springs Christmas Parade. We will have a float and a gift for everyone on the parade route. Dec 2 and 8- The Holiday Snow Blast and Light Display. We had snow at our Thanksgiving Dinner. As you see in the pictures, the kids really loved it. I'll say more about this soon. Dec 23 - Special Christmas Evening Service. This is our Christmas Eve service. There will be no morning service on this day.
• God is good all the time! Even when the Colts lose again and Gordon lets the Nextel Cup get away.
  

White Christmas

We had a great time at the Fox last night. White Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas movies and this stage performance was excellent. It was worth it for the last scene with snow and the huge tree and the red dresses. They even had it snowing in the theater. What a great gift from Jim and Donna.

Going to the Fox!

Just a quick post. I have more to write about meetings I have had in the last two weeks but time has been limiting me. God is teaching me much and stretching me more than I thought possible. I am pumped up about our Thanksgiving Feast and our Christmas outreach. But tonight I will lay it all aside for a date with my lovely bride. Jim and Donna are taking Pattie and I to the Macaroni Grille for Pattie's birthday next week and then to the Fox Theater for a performance called White Christmas! I love going to the Fox with my foxy wife. It should be awesome!

Challenging Meetings

The last two weeks has been full of meetings. I haven't written much about them. I met with the Elders concerning a new lease on our building and our current finances. Met with our Leadership and Creative Teams to plan our Christmas outreach. It went very well and everyone was excited about what we are doing. Met with a local Pastor who is having great success in reaching people in Canton. Talked to him about our next step at Axios and the possibility of partnering together to reach Holly Springs. He was not too receptive to the idea of a partnership. I think that I am an easy guy to write off. I've been at it for 5 years and can't get over 100. He's been at it for 3 and runs several hundred. He's a good man and I consider him a friend. He proceeded to talk to me about shutting down Axios and moving on to what God has next. He believes that God often uses our first attempt at church planting as training and then moves us to where He really wants us to be. That was his experience. He recommended a book by Seth Godin called The Dip: A little Book That Teaches You When To Quit and When To Stick. Two things happend after the meeting: 1) I returned to my office and received and e-mail from my cousin Anne who tells me the story of her church and encouraging me not to quit or be discouraged. (She knows nothing of what I am going through and we have rarely communicated with each other.) 2) I read the book and it did more to convince me that its time to stick and pumped me up about the opportunity that is here. It showed me things that we definitely need to change but I am more convinced now than ever that our church is needed in Holly Springs. I love our church and its people. I love the lives that we have touched and seen changed. I love all the times that God came through with miraculous provision and signs of His presence. I love Holly Springs, Canton, Cherokee County. I love that God planted me and my family here. I could leave it if He called but I believe that He has placed me here for "such a time as this." I can't quit until God does! It is a fire within me that seems to burn hotter now than before. There is a harvest ahead for us. We will press on for as long as God allows!

A Day Off From the Bus!

I feel like a school kid, enjoying days off and anticipating Thanksgiving vacation and the Christmas break. Had a good day yesterday. Slept in a little and then Camille spent the day with us and she couldn't get enough of me! It was awesome. Met Joe and Joe Stag at the church late morning and worked on our Revolutionary Christmas set design. It's looking good. Put new brake pads on the Saturn which went amazingly well. Usually any mechanical work is very challenging, more difficult than it should be, takes longer than it should and I usually end up calling one of my son-in-laws for help. But yesterday was easy. Rachele and Camille and Ben and Davia were all at supper. Lately it has been me and Pattie and Rayanne eating together but last night it was nice to have a crowd at the Dinner table. Finished off the evening with an episode of House. It was a good day.

Sunday recap

• We had a great day in the Warehouse! I felt lots of energy before, during and after the service.
• The Praise Band was awesome today. I love their dedication to the Lord and to Axios.
• Closed the series on Mythbusters with a sermon called Supernatural. Looked at what Jesus taught about miracles and signs. Then concluded by busting myths concerning salvation, the greatest supernatural act of all time.
• Another baby shower for one of our young mothers-to-be.
• Can't believe the Colts gave that game away!
• One of my favorite shows started last night, The Amazing Race.
• No school, no bus, no kids tomorrow.
• Can't wait for our Thanksgiving Feast next Sunday.
• We had a hot chocolate stand in the Cafe area. It was awesome!
• Begin a new series called Revolutionary Christmas next week. We are going to attempt one of our biggest outreaches ever on Dec. 1 and 2. Its going to be fun!
• Its always a little unnerving when someone comes up to me after a service and tells me that they have a word from God for me. That usually means that they feel impressed to tell me what they don't like about me or our church. But this Sunday the man gave me a very encouraging word and I appreciate it very much and I really do hope that it came from the Lord.

More Trick or Treaters

Jenny and Brian came by last. That's Rayanne as some kind of queen and her friend, Emily, as a cat. Jacob is Batman and Matthew already is out of his costume. That is Pattie as Snow White. We had fun but we also had the fewest halloweeners ever. All the kids in our neighborhood are growing up. Had a few kids from the bus come by and I got my picture made with them. By the way, Jenny dressed as Cruella Deville and she looked great. Now lets start thinking turkey!

Halloween Stinker!

We had a skunk on our porch tonight!

It's just Camille!

Rachele and Camille!

Camille with Snow White!

Camille is the sweetest skunk ever!

Halloween

Halloween tonight! I told all the kids on the bus to come by my house and they were excited about that. I had a Middle School boy get on the bus this morning dressed like a pumpkin. It looked like something your mom would think is cute - on a three year old not a middle schooler. I prayed all day that he wouldn't get beat up. One kid said yesterday that he saw a house with "Halloween declarations" instead of "decorations." Rayanne is waiting for me to carve the pumpkin so I must go. When we get this night over with I can start thinking about "Christmas declarations."

Sunday Recap

• It is always good to be in the house of the Lord whether it is a warehouse or a cathedral.
• I think I know why churches have Sunday School - to guarantee that someone will be on time to the Worship service.
• I love the song "You Never Let Go of Me."
• Busted three myths about Satan and the spirit world: 1) Satan is an opposite and equal foe to Jesus Christ. Truth: Satan is an opposing force but far inferior foe to Jesus Christ. 2) Satan is a force to fear. Truth: Satan is a force to fight. 3) Satan is your greatest enemy. Truth: You are your greatest enemy. If you want these explained, order the cd.
• Had a great meeting after church about our Christmas plans. Got a lot of people on board, wheels are spinning, ideas are flowing. We are looking at the biggest thing that we have tried but it should be a great Holiday outreach. And we are hoping to raise more money for clean water and local charities.
• Rachele and Camille came over this afternoon. That is always a treat.
• We are back here tonight with our Middle School ministry. Jeff and Andrea are doing a great job.
• I survived Pattie being gone and she is home safely but I'm glad it was only one night.
• My mother-in-law called to inform me that that video of Pattie's road trip was not the road to her house.
• The Patriots and the Colts looked awesome today. Next week is the big showdown. Go Colts!
• The Red Sox are taking all the fun out of the World Series.
• How bout them Dawgs! Florida has a 3 in the loss column. Sorry Dwayne for my jubilation. I loved when the players stormed the field after the first touchdown. It set the tone for the game and caught Florida totally off guard.
• The Amazing Race starts next Sunday. I love that show.
• Halloween this week and my first bus paycheck! It will be a good week!

Have you heard of this guy?

Check out this man, Paul Potts, on a Brittish tv show. I think he's amazing.

Pattie's Roadtrip

Pattie did something today that I can't remember her ever doing - she went on a road trip by herself! That's right, she drove by herself to Trenton, Ga (which by the way, you can't get there from here - you have to go through Chattanooga and back into GA to get there) to spend the night with her mother while her brother, Doug, is away. Pattie and I are seldom apart and we prefer it that way but it is usually me going rather than her. So its just me and Rayanne and we are going to Jim and Donna's for supper. Wait - Rayanne just called and she wants to spend the night with a friend. Its going to be a cold, lonely night. Here's a clip of Pattie on the road.

Let's skip Halloween!

I am in the Holiday spirit already. It's mid-October and I had the whole bus singing "Jingle Bells" today. Rayanne watched "Elf" and "The Santa Clause" the other morning. Rachele told me that she has already watched "Elf" twice. My mind has been on Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's and it can't get here soon enough. We are having a Creative Team meeting on Sunday to finalize our plans for our Christmas stage design, Christmas lights and community outreach. We have a great plan and I can't wait to get it going. We announced our Thanksgiving Feast for the church for Nov 11 and by then we will have some exciting news to share with everyone. I am actually going to do 2 Christmas series, one in Nov called "A Revolutionary Christmas" which will be about thinking differently about the holidays instead of stressing and letting consumerism take over us. The second will be in Dec and is called "The Christmas Conspiracy." I'll tell you more about it later. Anyway, I guess I had better carve the pumpkin and buy the candy before I forget that Halloween hasn't arrived yet.

I love creative elements!

Check out these power point backgrounds that Joe Stagnaro made for each of the sermons in our series Mythbusters.

Sunday recap and more

• Sunday was good. The band was great. Joe did a great song called "Beautiful" by Phil Wickham to lead in to my sermon about heaven.
• Busted three myths about heaven: 1) There are many ways to heaven, 2) Heaven is a distant place of clouds, halos, and an eternal church service, 3) Heaven will be the same for everyone.
• Decent crowd with visitors.
• Went to the park Sunday afternoon with the family including Rachele and Camille.
• Andrea and Jeff did a great job with the Middle School Mythbusters Night. Had a good beginning. Busted myths that teenagers buy into. And we busted eggs with a tennis racket, teed up tomatoes and hit them with a driver, had a large mallet (sorta like Gallagher's Sledge-o-matic if you remember him) and busted apples, lemons, yogurt cups, and pumpkins. We were a mess but it was awesome.
• Made a late hospital call to Patricia Interiano. She is doing much better.
• Saw next to nothing as far as sports. Can't believe that Cleveland couldn't closeout the Red Sox. Colts and Pats look awesome.
• Met with Gary Lamb of Revolution Church in Canton on Monday morning. Gary is doing a great job in Canton and I wanted to talk to him about reaching Holly Springs. It's always good to talk to Gary. He makes me think and challenges me.
• We have a lot of decisions coming up concerning Axios and how we are going to reach this area. I want to be the church in Holly Springs. I want to stay in the warehouse. But most of all I want to hear from God and follow Him wherever He leads me.
• Got another great email from my cousin, Anne. What an encouragement and I can't believe that I have been missing out these past years on a great encourager and a very good writer. Thanks for tuning in, Anne!
• I have been put on a long term temporary route that is right in my neighborhood. The regular driver broke her arm and will be out at least 6 weeks. It's and easy route with pretty good kids except of the little Kindergarten girl that informed me that I am not the boss of her.
• Started this long term route just in time for Bus Driver Appreciation - chicken biscuits this morning from Sixes Elementary and a Sixes ball cap, a t-shirt from Freedom Middle School, and a bag of chocolate chip cookies from some mom on the route.
• Insurance kicks in Nov 1.
• Announced Sunday the date for our annual Thanksgiving Feast - Nov 11. This is always a great time.
• We have some great ideas for Christmas. Our theme is "A Revolutionary Christmas." We are working with Holly Springs to make an impact this christmas. We will be sharing these plans at the Thanksgiving Feast.
• God is good all the time.
• I haven't been perfect but I have been faithful.
• Marsha and Chip said good-bye Sunday. They are moving away. I hate that. Pray for them in this move.
• Heroes is starting to get good again. House is the best though and is on tonight. He makes me laugh.
• I am in love with my wife. Just felt like sharing that.

Heaven Through a Looking Glass

Tomorrow I'm preaching about heaven. From studying heaven and hell these last few weeks, I have learned some things from Jesus (imagine that!). Jesus taught matter-of-factly about Hell and warned people to avoid it but did not use it to scare people into following Him. He did the same with Heaven and showed it to be a place to be desired but did not use it to bribe people into following Him. The message of Jesus was life now not later and His invitation was "Follow me." The question is not "Do you want to go to heaven when you die?" Who wouldn't? The question is "Will you follow Jesus?" The first question is a good sales pitch but cannot deliver on the product. The second is harder but it is the path of faith and life that begins now and ends in Heaven. I think the real question is "Are you just wanting to get to heaven or are you really following Jesus?"

Middle School Ministry

Recently Andrea Dorr approached me about heading up a Middle School ministry. Our Student Ministry is a little strange because there is a gulf between the young and old. We have a lot of Seniors and the rest are in grades 6-9, no 10th or 11th graders. So this Sunday night we will be starting this ministry. We will be busting myths that teenagers buy into and should have a lot of fun doing it. Pray for Andrea and the other leaders and for the students that they will reach.

Here comes Turbo!

Friday I called Pattie and told her that I would be dropping kids at the bus stop in front of our house at 2:31. When I got there, she was waiting for me with Rayanne and my grandson, Matthew, and took these pictures.

Here I come
Dropping the little angels off.

There I go!

Do things really happen in threes?

We can go forever it seems without anyone in the hospital and then suddenly everyone is in the hospital. We have had three different people go in the hospital this week. Patricia Interiano had gall bladder surgery that was not as routine as it should have been. She will be in the hospital a few more days. Jamie Smith spent a couple of days in but is now at home confined to bed rest for the rest oh her pregnancy. Monica Selby had out patient surgery but should be in church tomorrow. If everything does happen in threes, I guess the rest of us are safe until next time.

Thanks, Anne!

My cousin, Anne, emailed me today and said that she had been reading my blog. It was great to hear from her but she closed with this verse that really encouraged me.

"God is not unjust: He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him
as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10

Sometimes in this church planting business you can feel like your greatest effort makes little impact and goes unnoticed but it is great to know that God sees. My desire is to be the church in Holly Springs. When people in this community think of church, I want them to think of us. I was a little amazed that out of all the churches in this area, we were the only one at the Autumn Fest. We met a lot of people and planted seed but only God knows what will come of it. I want to have a presence wherever a crowd gathers. I want them to see us everywhere. I want them to know that there is a church that will come to them and not just wanting them to come to us. It takes time and a lot of seed to grow a church. I am glad that God sees and will not forget the love we have shown.

Sunday, 10-14-07

• Had a ton of our regulars gone today but still had a decent crowd.
• The band did a great job.
• Kicked off our new series, Mythbusters, with Hell Under Fire. Busted 3 myths: 1-Good people go to heaven, Bad people go to hell. 2-A loving God would not send a person to hell. 3-It is neither fair nor just for God to send a person to hell for eternity.
• Took a nice long nap after church. I rarely take such a long nap.
• I'm a dynasty hater so the NE Patriots are starting to get on my bad side. I loved them when they were underdogs but now they are so good that they are forcing me to cheer against them. But I still cheered for them today because I still root against Dallas for being a former dynasty.
  
• Can the National League playoffs be any more boring? Red Sox/ Indians is a good match up though.
• Jeff Gordon wins again!
• Way to go Kentucky for beating LSU! College football is messed up. They definitely need a playoff system because there is no clear #1 anymore.
  

Great time at the Autumn Fest

We had a great day at the Holly Springs' Autumn Fest. First, I must say that I was impressed with the set up by the city. It was very well done and carefully thought through. There was good entertainment with live bands on the stage. They had bluegrass, blues, a Johnny Cash clone, an Elvis wannabe and my favorite was the band that did mostly Eagles and Credence Clearwater music. There were also acts from belly dancers (the last thing I thought I would see at the HS Autumn Fest) to karate. Our football setup went over well. It was a popular place. We gave out 250 CITW (Church in the Warehouse) footballs and everyone won a lot of candy and some won CITW t-shirts. It was great seeing a lot of people wearing our t-shirts by the end of the day. We talked to and invited a ton of people, took prayer requests and handed out some printed material from our church. We also gave out free water and fruit drinks. We were very well received. I pray that many will choose to visit our church. Here are some other observations:

• There was a spot that sold funnel cakes and deep fried oreo cookies. They will deep fry anything in the South.
• A guy told one of our ladies that he was looking for a church but he wasn't a "Bible thumper" and just wanted to come away feeling good after a service. Too bad I'm preaching on Hell tomorrow.
• It was a beautiful day and I'm burnt to a crisp.
• One man said he had heard that we were a church that liked loud music. I say amen to that. Our band rocks, our praise is loud and we have a message that must be heard!
• We were the only church that I saw participating in this event.
• We have great people who did a great job reaching out to our community. Special thanks to Tracy Thompson for heading this up. Thanks to everyone who helped.
  

Holly Spring's Autumn Fest

Tomorrow we have another community outreach in Holly Springs. This time we are partnering with the city at their own Autumn Fest. It is from 10-5 at Barrett Memorial Park on Hickory Rd. We are renting an inflatable football pass where you throw footballs through targets. We have purchased 250 footballs with ChurchintheWarehouse.com imprinted on them. We will also be distributing water. We are going to set up our "Love Holly Springs" table and hand out fliers about our church and take prayer requests from the community. I pray that we can meet alot of people and that this will be as successful as our Sept outreach.

MythBusters Starts Sunday!

Our new series called Mythbusters is starting this Sunday and I can't wait. I always get excited about new series because I have been studying them and thinking about them for weeks before we actually do them and can't wait to share what God is teaching me. What do we really know about heaven, hell, regeneration, miracles, demons, angels, etc? When it comes to the supernatural, it is easy to allow imagination and conjecture to define our beliefs. Even pop culture with shows like The Ghost Whisperer, Medium, Supernatural, Criss Angel Mindfreak, and other mystical shows can cause confusion about the afterlife, spirit world, and everything else in the twilight zone. Who better to turn to for the facts and to dispel the myths surrounding these things than Jesus Himself? Here are the sermon titles:

• Hell Under Fire
• Heaven Through the Looking Glass
• Rumors of Another World
• Supernatural
• possibly one more if I feel led to continue

The Creative team has done a great job with the set once again. Lots of black lights and neon paints. Big thanks to Joe Stag who is using his creative genius to help our church reach our community. He designed the graphic above.

Ray "Turbo" Brim

I had a kid on the bus shout, "Slow down, Turbo, that's my stop!" I kinda like that. Maybe I can get a new nickname. One of my new friends and fellow bus driver said that he told his wife, "This job is going to lead me to smoking or drinking, which do you prefer?" Don't worry about me, I'm keeping my sanity.

Sunday Recap 10-7-2007

• We had a great day in both attendance and offering. Many visitors and some others that we haven't seen in a while.
• Logan did a great job leading worship. He was genuine and comfortable and God used him to minister to our people.
• The message from Phil 4 went well and seemed to encourage many.
• Pattie and I had lunch with Jeff and Andrea Dorr. Andrea wants to start a Middle School ministry (6-8) and we had a great meeting about getting that started.
• Our friend, Connie, brought one of her dachsund puppies over to the house and Davia ended up taking it home as her new pet. Precious, cute dog no bigger than a minute but had our big dog, Sadie, shaking and hiding under the chair.
• Falcons lost, Dolphins lost, Packers lost. I need new teams to cheer for.
• But my Colts won and my man Jeff Gordon won one of the best NASCAR races I have ever watched.
• Joy up! You are as strong as the God who lives inside you!

Looking forward to Sunday

This Sunday I am preaching a stand alone sermon on some things that God has been teaching me personally from Phil. 4. We just finished "The Road to Somewhere" and next Sunday we begin a new series called "Mythbusters." We have another outreach planned for the 13th and I am praying that it will be as successful as our Dippin' Dots outreach last month. I will write more about these things later but I am excited about tomorrow. God has been using Phil 4 to ease my stress and to draw on the peace that God promises to the ones who trust in Him. I hope it will be an encouragement to you and others. Also, Logan Dean is leading worship. This will be the first time for him to lead since his wife, Amber went home to be with the Lord in May. God is doing a good work in Logan and He is changing the direction of his life. Logan shared with me how God is teaching him that life is too short to waste in a time consuming career that leaves little time for more important things. He is taking this time while he is young to venture out and pursue dreams of music and travel. I say, "Go Logan!" Don't miss tomorrow. It should be a great day.

Catalyst Conference

For the last 5 years Steve Sisk and I have worked as volunteers at The Catalyst Conference every October. We have heard some of the finest Christian leaders who have influenced the modern church movement over the last few years. We have heard church leaders such as Andy Stanley, John Maxwell, Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Erwin McManus, Rob Bell, Louie Giglio, Ron Martoya; authors such as Don Miller and John Eldridge; business leaders such as Tim Sanders, Malcolm Gladwell, Truett Cathy; various other entertainers, politicians and humanitarians. It has always been awesome. But alas, this year I was not able to attend because of bus driving. I didn't feel that I could ask off for 2 days after just being hired. I didn't want them to think that asking off would be a common practice for me. But Steve, my son, Joe, and Bob and Monica all are there right now. I have been thinking lately of people that are currently influencing my life and shaping my thinking. Here are 5 guys that I love:

1. Andy Stanley - I love the way he communicates the Word of God. It's amazing how preachers can take the most exciting message in the universe and greatest stories ever told and make them boring. Andy breathes life into the Bible.
2. Rob Bell -I appreciate the way he is able to take you back to the world of the Bible and how he connects the Old Teastament to the New. There is a freshness to his insights. We have Americanized Christianity far too much and he takes you back to its Middle East roots.
3. Erwin McManus - I love how he views the world and faith. His church is truly multicultural and his world view is the reason he is able to pull that off when most of us are just one demensional. His faith eyes see a big God in a big world and he moves forward with that vision.
4. Rick McKinley - growing a big church in one of the most churchless areas of our great country, Portland Oregon in the Northwest. He has done so by embracing his culture instead of being anticulture. His church is green, open to the arts, environmentally active, and urban. They are changing Portland. I love the tender way he approaches Scripture.
5. Perry Noble - a good old Southern boy building a big church in Anderson, SC. I love his heart for evangelism. I love how it permeates his preaching. It has encouraged boldness in my own efforts of reaching the lost.

Sunday 9-30-07

• Had a great day with the closing sermon on "The Road to Somewhere." This has been a great series and I believe one of the better ones that we have done. We finished with "Taking the High Road" and used "in all your ways acknowledge Him" as our text. Encouraged people to acknowledge that the Lordship of Jesus Christ extends to every path of their lives. Also that they would honestly acknowledge where and why they are where they are and who got them there. Several people responded in the invitation.
• Baptized two people. Tom, who had been baptized into the Mormon church, said that he had renounced his belief in Joseph Smith and embraced Christ alone as his personal Savior. God is doing a good work in his life and it was an honor to be a part of this step in his spiritual journey. The other was Davia, Ben's girlfriend. Ben led her to the Lord a few months ago and it has been a real pleasure to see God at work in her life. God has answered her prayers recently concerning a new job and an affordable apartment. He also has supplied other smaller needs that has shown her how much God loves her. She has become very special to Pattie and I and I know God is going to do great things through her, in her, and for her.
• Attendance was a little off compared to the last few weeks but the offering was great.
• Had a birthday party for Ben on Sunday afternoon. I love it when all the kids are at home. Also had several friends over. Ben is 21. God is doing something different in Ben's life right now but we are not quite sure what it is. He is not in school this semester but will start the next one but we're not sure where. Pray that God will open the right doors for him and provide his needs.
• Always remember that God is good and that He loves you. Your circumstances may try to tell you something different but if you hold on you will find that it is true. Circumstances change but God does not!

Who's had the greatest week ever?

This has been Joe's week. Tuesday he performed with his band and also did a solo bit in the school's variety show. Wed was the homecoming parade where he rode in a convertible corvette with his escort. And tonight was the actual homecoming game and halftime show. He should have won but he did have fun. I was very proud of him. His free spirit, his God-given talents, and his outgoing personality have made him a friend to many. Tomorrow is the homecoming dance and he and his date and all his friends are going together. It's great being a senior.

Good meeting

Had a good meeting with our landlord. We have til the end of Nov to decide whether we should move to another location. He wants us to stay even though he has had some offers on the space. He even told me that he was going to start tithing to our church until his family finds a church home in their area (he is in Cobb Co.). He has always acted generously toward us. He again expressed his belief in what God wants to do in this place and says that he prays for us regularly. My hearts desire is to stay here and see God finish His work in this place. I love our building but I am not tied to it. I would move if God so led. We will pray and listen for God's voice in this matter.

The Lord of the Land

I meet with our landlord (this word just struck me funny - is he really lord of the land) tomorrow at 10 am. Our lease is up in Nov. Pray that we can work another deal to stay in this building and also pray that we will know if God wants us to move. And if He wants us to move that God will show us quickly where He wants us to go. I'm trusting in the true Lord of the Land to tell us where we can plant.

My life has changed!

I started bus driving on Monday and my life (routine would probably be better) has changed. Up at 5 am and in the office between 8:30 and 9:00. This is a good thing. Afternoons after 1:00 are pretty well shot. It really has been fun for the most part. I picked up 2 boys from our church yesterday and seeing the look on their faces when they realized I was driving was priceless. I have a new appreciation for teachers. At least I get to drop them off. Here are some things I have seen in just the few short days on the job:

• A middle schooler who could stick his tongue all the way up his nose thus eliminating the middle man and keeping his fingers free of debris.
• A first grade girl with more boyfriends than Solomon had wives. She had to break up with one because he was crazy. She already had one crazy boyfriend but she couldn't handle two crazy boyfriends.
• A high schooler that made me think that this insurance better be worth it.
• Another first grade girl who like to point at everything with her middle finger to the horror of every other kid on the bus.
• I went down a big windy hill and when I looked up in the mirror all the kids had their hands up like they were riding a roller coaster.
• I didn't know that their were still dirt roads in Cherokee County.
• Nobody likes to be behind a bus so everybody pulls out in front of the bus. I wish they realized that busses carry kids.

Its all good though. I am grateful for this opportunity. I think it is good for me.

9-23-07 Recap

• Another great attendance. I asked the Lord to let us Spring into Fall by letting us take off where we left off and He has done just that. We have been running what we were between Eater and Mother's Day. This is a great start. Our Dippin' Dots outreach was very successful and we have another outreach in Oct that I pray will be just as effective.
• Played a video of guys riding down the highway fighting over what radio station to listen to which led them into a crash. The band immediately followed with "Crash" by Chris Daughtry. This went great with our sermon "Avoiding the Hard Road" which talked about listening to God rather than yourself, the crowd, popular wisdom, pop culture, etc. Listening to the wrong voice can end in disaster. Text was 1 Kings 22 with Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat.
• Offerings are not exactly where we need them to be but getting better. Keep praying.
• Baptism is next Sunday and I can't wait to see some take this step of obedience in their faith journey.
• I am working on our next series called "Supernatural." We will be looking at what Jesus (the most supernatural of us all) taught about the supernatural (heaven, hell, spirit world, etc.). It will be good.
• Went to Cowboys for a birthday party Sunday night. This is the only time I have been to this Country honky tonk. It is family night on Sundays with no smoking or drinking. They gave free line dancing lessons. Pattie is a natural but my Boot Scoot Boogie needs a lot of work.
• Starting this bus driving has been more time consuming than I thought. It should get better though.
• Joe is in the talent show at Woodstock High tonight. His band should steal the show.
• Joe is also in the Homecoming Court this Friday night. This ought to be fun.
• Pattie and I went and saw her mother on Friday. It was good to see her. Pray for her health, she runs out of breath easily. Pray for wisdom for the doctors.
• Rayanne led the Bible study for our youth group Monday night. I heard that she did a great job. The students are taking turns sharing what God is teaching them. What a great experience and opportunity.
• Sorry that I am late in getting this written. I'll do better.

It's Official!

Yesterday I took my CDL driving test and passed and now I am officially a Cherokee County School Bus Driver. I report monday at 6am for my first driving assignment. I have had 2 weeks of gruelling, intensive training (it was a lot tougher than I expected). I have driven a bus to every school in the county and there are a lot of schools. I have driven with, picked up and unloaded Middle/High schoolers and Elementary kids. I have met a ton of nice people. It has been a good experience. I approached our elders at the beginning of August about applying for this job. I had a great need for health care that the church was unable to provide at this time. I felt that I could do the bus driving job without seriously affecting my duties at Axios. The morning route is done between 6 and 8. This can be done before my usual starting time at the office. It will actually get me to the office earlier than before (8 instead of 9 or after). The afternoon route is from 1:30 until 3:30 or 4:00. But this time will be well worth it for the pay and benefits. The pay is very good for a part time job and is done in a way that I am paid all year round even in June and July when I wouldn't be driving. There are also plenty of school breaks during the year. The medical benefits kick in after 30 days and it is great coverage and very affordable. I am excited about this opportunity. This has not been an easy decision for me. I have been in full-time ministry since 1990 (17 years) and when we started Axios I felt strongly that God wanted me in it full time. But for some reason God has given me permission to do this job and has opened the door quickly for me to move through it. It will provide a great need for my family and the extra money will be a blessing but i am praying that it will be more than these things. I pray that He will let me meet people who need Him. That He will let me see our community through different eyes. That He will let me see our county for what it really is - a mixture of rich and poor, of the hopeful and the hopeless, the ugly and the kind. Maybe through this He will expand the borders of our church and of my heart and of our vision. Maybe I will only have to do this for this year or maybe I will want to do it for the next 10 years. Whatever it is I know that this is how the Lord has lead me. And I will follow with open eyes, a glad heart and the love of Christ.

Sunday 9-16-07

• We had another great day today. The set design, the songs, the countdowns, and the message have really flowed well the last two weeks. The stage design definitely adds to the atmosphere and I can't wait to see other creative elements enhance our services.
• Great attendance this week. We had more this week than last week after our outreach. We beat out Mother's Day for the third largest attendance of the year. Only Easter and our launch day in March were bigger. Praise God!
• All of the visitors that we had last week came again this week. 100% returned. That has never happened before. We also had first time visitors and at least one other couple came as a result of our Dippin' Dots outreach. Praise God with the loud sounding cymbals!
• Haven't heard what the offering was but I'm going to praise Him with the tambourine and dance for whatever it is!
• The message was about "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Our greatest need is not direction, wisdom, insight in order to choose the right paths for our lives. Our greatest need is God. We need God. Not what God can give us but God Himself.
  
• All the ladies' got together for a luncheon after church today. They had a good turnout and I assume they had a good time and I'm sure they had great food.
• Rayanne and I hit the Mexican restaurant for lunch. Everyone went in separate directions after church and it was just me and Rayanne. We had fun together.
• Joe's band played at Hobgood Amphitheater this afternoon. What a beautiful day to be in that setting. They did a great job.
• I can't believe that a month ago we were suffering through 100+ heat. Today we didn't even use our ceiling fans.
• I barely got to see any tv today. But I do know that Tiger Woods is the man, my favorite NASCAR guy Jeff Gordon took second, and the Falcons stink. maybe I can catch the football game tonight.
• Watched the movie, "Breach" last night with Pattie. It was pretty good.
• Pray for me Tuesday. I have an 8 am appointment. I'll share more about it soon.
• There are lots of things that I do not know or understand. But I do know that I love God, my Father and His Son, my brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love His church. I love the church that He has called me to. I love doing what I do. I want to do it the rest of my life. It can be a burden but it mostly brings me joy. I know that God is with me. He constantly reassures me of this. I'm glad that He is with me. It brings me comfort and joy. I love Him and I have tasted Him and found that He is good. Praise God with the harp or the drums or the electric guitar or the kazoo or with whatever noise you can make - just praise Him!
  

Our New Deck

Just thought I would show off our new deck and stairs as well as the carpentry skills of my son-in-law, Brian. I can't get over Brian and Jenny doing this for us. Sadie went up and down the stairs by herself for the first time today. What a brave dog!

Promised pictures

I told you that I would try to get some pictures of our set on the blog and here they are. My nephew, Nathanael, painted the city sunset scape. He also made the road signs. Our Creative Design Team put the pieces together on the stage. It looked great! The sign says "Road to Somewhere" and a car chase scene is on our screen as a countdown to the start of our service.

These two signs were placed on our street in the entrance of our warehouse. Straight Path comes from Proverbs 3:6 where God says He will make our paths straight. Good name and God's Favor is also found on that path.

Joe Stagnaro painted this awesome display on our side wall in the Worship area. Joe is very talented and I appreciate his artistic flare and his desire to use his talents in our Creative Design Team. He also plays the electric guitar in our band.