nsym blog

Day 5 from Savannah

2010-06-12T00:31:00.001-04:00

We had such a great day today...what a way to end a great week!

We spent the day making sandwiches, feeding the homeless and sharing Love! You would not believe how awesome the students did...talking to, praying with and listening to so many people! We stopped at several parks where the homeless gather. I wish everyone could have seen our students love so many different people. They were bold, tender and filled with compassion...they were also broken over what they heard and saw.

Again, it was a great day. We are tired, sun burned and ready for our own beds, but this trip was so worth the little sacrifice we had to make. I can’t wait to bring everything we learned back to Kennesaw!

We should be home by noon! Hope to see everyone on Sunday at the Men’s prayer breakfast and for church!

Day 4 from Savannah

2010-06-10T23:33:00.001-04:00

We had another great day and we continue to see God working! Today we went back to the same neighborhoods we canvassed on Tuesday to pick up can goods. We then dropped off the can goods at the Savannah Baptist Center and helped them with their ministry. What has been so awesome this week is being able to do so many different types of ministry.
Please continue to pray as Friday will stretch the students and leaders more than any other day! I can’t wait!

Day 3 from Savannah

2010-06-10T00:06:00.001-04:00

Wow, what a great day and night!

We spent today in the Word of God defining a missionary. The students had to find the verses themselves and create a definition based on the verses. We then had a free car wash. It was awesome to see the students talking to strangers, showing love and sharing Christ! Awesome day with many seeds planted.

Tonight was an incredible night of worship where three of our own students accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior!!! Can’t get any better! We had a great night of prayer and celebration! Of course, we had to go out and get more fresh Krispy Crème Doughnuts!

Keep praying! God is working, speaking and moving in the hearts and lives of these students!!!

Also, don’t forget to send a note of encouragement, just click on the following link, it is just that easy!
http://blogs.power-plant.net/2010/send-a-powergram-5/

Day 2 from Savannah

2010-06-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

We had an incredible day and an even more incredible night! Today, we had the opportunity to place hundreds and hundreds of bags with information on a canned food drive and information about the Canvas Church. It was a lot of work and it was extremely hot. But, there were no complainers and everyone worked together to get the job done. We will go back Thursday to collect the cans.

Wow...what an incredible night, the Concert of Prayer. A night of conviction, confession and change! God spoke and many were listening! Praise God for tonight!

Please continue to pray for us as we have a FREE car wash for the community on Wednesday. I hope that God will give us many opportunities to share His love and how He has changed our life!

Day 1 from Savannah

2010-06-07T23:56:00.004-04:00

Quick Update from Savannah...

Everything is great, dorms, food and campus are all good. The trip down was uneventful and we can not wait for the week ahead. Please continue to pray for us and the city of Savannah! Pray that God will break heart (even our own) and change lives!

Also, please think about sending an encouraging note to someone this week...a student or leader!

http://blogs.power-plant.net/2010/send-a-powergram-5/

It is easy to do and only takes a minute!

Time is a Trainer

2010-01-15T09:32:00.003-05:00

As I was doing my devotion this morning, I was reminded that God is in control all the time for all the right reasons. Sometimes He makes us wait to train us towards the following:

Obedience

Reliance

To find strength in Him

To get over ourself

Peace

God does not want our focus to be on worry, but on Him. Instead of worry, we need to look towards opportunity. Instead of stress, we need to focus on the glorious things He will do for the situation.

I want to control things so much, that I don't give God the time to do what He wants to do. I know I can not control God, but it is so hard at times to fully understand that He is always in control over all circumstances!

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Just Another Year?

2010-01-07T07:49:00.002-05:00

What will 2010 bring to you? Most expect something different but get the same old thing. We can't expect anything new without doing anything new.

What adventure is God calling you to? I spoke to two different friends over the past couple of days. They both had dreams, different dreams, but new and incredible dreams. These dreams were not man inspired, but totally God inspired!

My prayer for this year is that we will be God inspired. Inspired to do something new, something risky, even something crazy that only God could provoke us to do!

I have spent the past few days working on out calendar for 2010. We are doing a lot of new and God inspired things. New adventures and new ideas. God has already begun to trim our branches and stop the things we don't need to do and I pray He will continue to guide us this entire year.

God needs new ideas, new people, new risk takers and people ready for a new adventure. Satan is ready to slow us down and attack (Matthew 11:12), dull us and bore us...Pray it up and be ready for the YEAR!

Free Music...SWEET!

2009-09-30T15:04:00.005-04:00

50 Christmas songs the next 25 days FREE! A new Christmas song each day from each of the following sites:

Hear It First Christmas Songs

Amazon Christmas Songs

A New song by Phil Wickman:

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!

Another NEW Song by Phil Wickman

A Brand New Song by Unhindered!

Here is some free music from some great bands! Check it out and let me know what you think of the songs.

Todd Agnew "Joy Unspeakable"

Building 429 "Overcome"

Matt Maher "Alive Again"

A song by Third Day, Glory Revealed and Chynna and Vaughan...3 songs total!

Who is Laughing Contest?!

2009-08-26T07:36:00.003-04:00

So, this was recorded a few weeks ago during the ride home from an event. Everyone who was in the vehicle had a great time listening to this person's laugh! Take a listen and have fun!

Here it is...take your best guess! First one right will win...something! Have fun and I hope it makes you laugh a little too!

Time for a game...

2009-08-19T22:11:00.001-04:00

Coming soon, just keep watching.

A new shirt everyday...

2009-08-11T14:40:00.002-04:00

I went through my closet over the weekend and was astounded at the amount of shirts I have accumulated over the years. I donated several to Goodwill right of the bat and others I just could not make myself give them away...yet! So, I have decided to wear every shirt in my closet until I have worn them all...no repeats until all have been worn. I think this will help me decide on whether to keep shirts or give them away. It should also help me thin out the shirt herd that has been grazing in my closet for a while.

I would like to say something very Christian here, but I really do not think Jesus would even have the amount of clothes that I have or that most Americans have. Kind of abundant...kind of ridiculous.

The only thing I ask is prayer for cooler weather, I am going to go through the short sleeve shirts quick!

A crazy week...

2009-08-04T09:23:00.003-04:00

So, I have no clue what God is teaching me or trying to teach me, but I am totally done from this past week. Here is the run down:

A few days ago, my oldest daughter got a starburst (yes, the candy) stuck in her throat. I have never seen anyone choke before and it was crazy! She could not talk or make a sound. She had a frantic and very distressed look. Needless to say, I was a little freaked out as well, but managed to stay clam enough to preform the heimlich maneuver. One little push is all it took (THANK THE LORD!)! I pretty much felt drained after that...My youngest was really freaked out, but it was so sweet to see how much she loves her sister.

Now on to yesterday...My brother-in-law Bill and I decided to take our girls to Six Flags...hot, packed and sweaty...sounds like a fun day! It really was fun and we all had a great time. The way home, however, was a different story.

On the way home, we were involved in a four car accident that was caused by a drunk driver. The drunk driver fled the scene due to outstanding warrants, a suspended license and the fact that he was drunk (he was later caught by the Paulding police)! Praise God again that no one was seriously hurt, in fact, no one even had to go to the hospital. My two girls and my niece were in the back seat of Bill's car and got the worst of the accident. Glass shattered and went al over them all. We had to use tape to remove the glass that covered their neck, back and legs. Everyone was a little shaken up, but is doing just fine. It cold have been so much worse. God had His hand of protection upon us and I pray He never removes it!

Here are a few pics of the craziness:

Again, all praise glory and honor go to God for His protection!

What a good looking group!

2009-07-17T01:03:00.002-04:00

Atop the Vulcan

2009-07-16T21:01:00.000-04:00

Overlooking Birmingham.

At Dreamland BBQ, there is...

2009-07-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

"NO FARTING"

Dreamland BBQ...

2009-07-16T19:09:00.000-04:00

White bread and BBQ sauce. Uuuuummmm good!

SLOSS

2009-07-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

Sloss was closed, but we got to ride on a tractor.

Rain rain go away!

2009-07-16T13:44:00.000-04:00

We finished painting entire house and we are now in a school repairing
the inside of a Christian school in downtown Birmingham. Very cool!
We have another house to paint on Friday. Pray for no rain so we can
get our second house done.

In Him,
Nik Pepper
www.nsym.org
Matthew 5:16

Mega Relay!

2009-07-15T23:07:00.000-04:00

You would have to here to understand! Crazy!

A couple of tired guys.

2009-07-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

It is hot and humid, but we are almost done painting our first house.

Ready for Worship

2009-07-14T23:39:00.000-04:00

MFuge 2009

Tyler is in the HOUSE!

2009-07-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

Tyler is feeling better and his mom was able to bring him to mfuge
today! God is so awesome and such a perfect healer.

We had a great day of serving today...
Rachel and Rebecca are working. With children and are together.

Sarah, Alex and Brandi are also working with children, but in a
different group.

Michael, Tyler and Nik are painting together on the same group. It
has been an awesome day!

In Him,
Nik Pepper
www.nsym.org
Matthew 5:16

The food is delicious!

2009-07-13T18:50:00.000-04:00

Yum, yum.

We have arrived...

2009-07-13T18:41:00.000-04:00

We arrived safely and everthing here at fuge is awesome...even the
food! Please continue to pray for us and Tyler who is still at home
fighting an ear infection. We pray that he will join us in a day or two!

Mission 09...Birmingham, AL

2009-07-12T14:47:00.004-04:00

Please beginning praying for this incredible week of missions! You can leave prayers, words of encouragement or general comments throughout the week by clicking on the "comments" link just below this text!

Life is fleeting, part 2

2009-07-09T07:45:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share some more verses that show us how short life is and how we need to focus on the purpose God has for all of our lives...to worship Him fully!

James 4:14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters never get tired of doing good.

Finally, here is a website to make you think...What would you put on your tombstone? Are you living your life in that way?

http://www.jjchandler.com/tombstone/

I would love to know what your tombstone would say.

Life is fleeting

2009-06-28T21:34:00.003-04:00

We are starting a new series tonight and these verses have really been hitting my hard over the past week...life is fleeting!

Psalm 89:47-48

"Remember how short my life is,
how empty and futile this human existence!
No one can live forever; all will die.
No one can escape the power of the grave."

Psalm 39:4-5

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”

Ecclesiastes 6:12

In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone?

2009-06-26T13:29:00.002-04:00

A sign near Pine mnt Ga...i think i need to put this in my office!

2009-06-19T09:58:00.001-04:00

Waiting to get tires replaced on the van...oh what fun.

2009-06-18T19:40:00.002-04:00

Hanging at the OpryMills mall in Nashvegas.

Our night time worship

2009-06-18T17:36:00.002-04:00

Couple of pics with the youth and the pastor at Eastland Baptist

2009-06-18T17:33:00.002-04:00

A night with the youth...

2009-06-18T11:23:00.002-04:00

Last night we were able to hang out with and encourage the youth at Eastland Baptist. We had a great time with tons of pizza and fellowship. We were also blessed to bring 15 bibles to give to their ministry. Most of their students do not own a Bible at all. It was such a blessings and all of us a great night meeting new people and sharing the love of Christ with other students!

A few more pics...

2009-06-16T23:35:00.003-04:00

Our Free night in Nashville

2009-06-16T23:18:00.004-04:00

Some pics from the Parthenon:

Some more:

2009-06-16T19:06:00.002-04:00

Eating at Jacks bbq in Nashville.

2009-06-16T17:40:00.002-04:00

Charli just got pooped on at the Parthanon.

2009-06-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

Telling the world about vbs and Christ!

Concert of Prayer...

2009-06-16T00:14:00.003-04:00

All I can say is WOW! God has done and is still doing something amazing tonight! We had our Concert of Prayer and it was such a sweet time of brokenness. Many hearts were touched and many realized how much more God wants to use us...not only this week, but when we get HOME!

There was worship, prayer and tears...it was great, can't wait to share more on Sunday!

2009-06-15T20:38:00.002-04:00

Eating at Rose Pepper in Nashville...gotta love this place.

PowerPlant Day 2

2009-06-15T08:13:00.002-04:00

What a great start to an incredible week.

Sunday was awesome. Corey Skiles sang a great song called "Rescue Me" and I was able to preach from Amos about complacency within our lives and the Church. Eastland Baptist (check out there church) fed us a great meal!

After lunch we did a pray walk around the neighborhood. If you have never done a prayer walk before, it was great. We broke up into two teams and prayed out loud as we walked around the neighborhood.

I think the coolest thing about the day was finding out that Eastland's ice machine was broken. It just so happened that New Salem was just given an ice machine fro free! We really can't use it, because our ice machine is pretty new. God ordained that we get this ice machine up to Eastland for them to have and use! How awesome is that!

Pray that God will find away to the the ice machine up here this week!

Just imagine the smell...

2009-06-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

Our wonderful room for the week.

PowerPlant Day 1

2009-06-14T07:39:00.004-04:00

Last night made for an incredible start to our week on mission. It is so different than anything else we have ever done. The worship is different, the speaking is differnet, but it is all so good. The best thing about last night was the message from Alan (our project coordinator). He challenged everyone to be real, to be clean and to be ready to be used by God. This is NOT just a prayer for this week, but something when need to be doing everyday.

One of the best things about last night was the time of prayer we had during our church group devotion time. God was moving! We all shared what we thought about the week so far and then read Psalm 19:1-4.

God will be glorified!

Pics coming later today!

Don't forget to send a "Powergram" at the following link to all the students and adults!

HERE!

Nashville PowerPlant!

2009-06-13T17:45:00.002-04:00

We are here! Everything was very easy and we can't wait for it all to start up!

Don't forget to send a "Powergram" at the following link to all the students and adults!

HERE!

Pics and more info coming later!

Mission 09...Nashville TN

2009-06-12T15:53:00.003-04:00

Be sure to check back here often as I will update as much as I can!

Please be sure to send a note of encouragement to the students and leaders this week by going HERE!

Please the following info in the form:

Your Name

Student or Leader's Name

New Salem

Kennesaw

Your message!

Keep praying!

Back from one and off again on another...

2009-06-12T15:20:00.003-04:00

I have 24 hours to write this, so I better be quick!

Kid's Camp was awesome. All the kids were so good and we all had a fantastic time. I now have just 24 hours to wash all my clothes and pack again for the High School/College Mission trip to Nashville.

I will keep everyone up to date on the blog during our trip next week...stay tuned!

2009-06-11T16:37:00.002-04:00

After a visit to the Slaughter Salon...sweet!

The CRAZINESS of Camp!

2009-06-10T15:34:00.001-04:00

Yes, it is CRAZY!

"Love a Brother!"

2009-06-10T15:23:00.001-04:00

A quick little video...

More Trouble...

2009-06-10T13:03:00.002-04:00

Looks like they got in trouble...again!

2009-06-10T08:04:00.000-04:00

Fun at breakfast....it is going to be another great day. Although we are all a little tired.

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trying, trying and trying some more...

2009-06-09T22:23:00.003-04:00

Well, I tried to upload a video all day today to no avail...It is hilarious and I can not wait for everyone to see it. Maybe tonight, maybe not.

Everything here at Lee University has been going so well. No fights, no disrespect...just praise, fun and good times. The food was a little disappointing tonight so we got a pizza to end the night. It has really been exciting to see the guys and ladies grow and mature here on the trip. They have made group goals and are encouraging one another to accomplish the goals. It is a pretty cool thing to be a part of!

The weather has been hot but no rain! Continue to pray for learning and loving as Wednesday can be one of the longest and most tiring of days!

I will try to post so more pics and possibly a video on Wednesday!

What a great start...

2009-06-08T22:43:00.002-04:00

To an awesome week. All the kids have been so good! Each has been excited and a little nervous. The guys totally got the hook-up with the dorm rooms. We have two 2 bedroom dorm rooms. All fours guys are in one and I have another all to myself that we do the Bible Study in each night. The ladies are also in some nice rooms that have just had the bathrooms redone. Overall, everything has been sweet!

I will post some videos and pics on Tuesday, but the morning will come very early as we have to eat breakfast at 7:15AM! Ouch...that will hurt!

Until then, read John 1:14 and memorize it! We are!

Hanging at Chick-Fil-A on the way to kid's camp!

2009-06-08T12:41:00.001-04:00

uuummmmmmmm, Good!

Two weeks of Craziness!

2009-06-08T07:50:00.001-04:00

I am not totally sure what I was thinking when I scheduled the next two weeks in June, back to back camps! Maybe I was asleep, highly medicated or in a trance. Either way, I will only be home one night for the next two weeks! Enough time to wash all my clothes and do it all over again!

The funny thing is, I am not stressed at all. God has given me time to prepare both organizationally and prayerfully. It has been easy and I can not wait to see all the God is going to do!

I intend to update the blog often over the next two weeks to let everyone know how awesome God is and what He is doing in the lives of the students at New Salem. Continue to pray for me, my family, the leaders on the trips and all the students that will be attending.

Kid's Camp at Lee Univ...June 8-12

High School/College Mission at Nashville...June 13-19

AMEN!

We have a winner...

2009-05-28T19:04:00.002-04:00

Michael S. won the contest with his caption of the picture below. Way to go Michael and spend that Pizza Hut gift card wisely!

Worst Pic EVER! Go ahead and caption the following picture...

2009-05-20T17:19:00.004-04:00

This is the worst picture EVER! It was taken in the middle of a half marathon I did last Saturday at the top of a giant mountian we had to climb up...ridiculous! Go ahead and let me know how YOU would title this picture:

Instead of a Show

2009-04-30T12:24:00.002-04:00

We have spent the last three weeks studying some of the "minor" Prophets at OverFlow. It has been a great time of learning about Christ and how God continues to teach us new exciting things...from things even considered "minor".

Last week our focus was on Amos...much better than the cooke could ever be!

Read the words and listen to the song. Jon Foreman (switchfoot) "stole" the lyrics from:

Amos 5:21-24

²¹ “I hate all your show and pretense—
the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
²² I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings.
I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.
²³ Away with your noisy hymns of praise!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
²⁴ Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,

an endless river of righteous living.

I hope you had a wow moment when reading this and listening to the music. Praise God!

Blessing someone's Socks OFF!

2009-04-19T16:24:00.005-04:00

SO, a couple of weeks ago Chris Payne and I went to Nashville to check out the upcoming Powerplant Mission Trip that we will be going on this summer. During the trip, we ran into a not so nice lady at a church (imagine that). Anyway, this lady was very bitter and truly seemed sad. It was uncomfortable to even talk to her because she was so unfriendly. She wanted nothing to do with us or the mission trip.

We actually might stay at her church during the mission trip. Although many people would not want to deal with her attitude and bitterness, I hope to run into her again...Why?

I want to bless her socks off! If we have the opportunity to stay at her Church, I want to do everything to make sure she enjoys the week. I look at it as another opportunity for mission work. Here is a lady that works at a church and needs the love of God and others in a desperate way.

Please begin to pray for this opportunity and this lady! It is going to be an awesome week!

Lost in Nashville!

2009-04-02T17:14:00.003-04:00

Chis Payne and I drove to Nashville earlier today and then we drove some more and some more and even some more. We were very lost...even with GPS! The crazy thing about Nashville is they have streets that start on one side of the city and end on the other side of the city! This leaves the same street with many of the same addresses. I have no clue how the mail ever gets delivered up here!

Our purpose was to scope out the mission trip we are doing this summer and see what it is all about. I am even more excited! The goal of this year's trip is to help church plants reach the community. The church we are helping is not a normal church plant. They are an established church that has fallen apart. the church could seat well over 400 people and yet they only have 80 or so on Sunday mornings. Many in the surrounding community no absolutely nothing about the church at all. They have a young pastor who has been with them for 2 years. Pastor Brooks longs for help. when the average age of church membership is over 70, it is hard to get out and help the community.

That is where we come in...We take one week out of our summer to help the church build momentum, to help the community recognize they have a church that loves them and prays for them and to speak to many that need to hear the truth about Christ!

As we were lost, I kept thinking how so many people in this world think they know where they are, but they actually have no clue at all! Chris and I were so close to the church many times, but never saw it. Instead we focused on other things and sites as we kept on driving. At one point, we noticed a very cool looking old building that used to be a fire station...

Both of us thought it was so neat. The problem? Right across the street was the church! We passed right on by it without a clue at all! Again, we thought we knew where we were and where we were going, but we had no clue!

Luke 9:25 "And what benefit is it if you gain the whole world, but are lost or destroyed?"

Bunnies, eggs and peeps!

2009-03-24T20:56:00.004-04:00

We begin a new series focusing on Easter this Wednesday. It will be a two week series that will take a hard look at the resurrection of Christ and what that really means to us today. It will also take a hard look at why was Christ's blood necessary. For many, this is nothing new...but what we want to do is getting everyone to think:

How does this change us today?

If Christ did that 2000 years ago, what does it mean to me today?

How does the blood of Christ and His resurrection impact me?

What is Easter really about?

So, what does Easter really mean to you today?

Recovery...

2009-03-23T19:39:00.003-04:00

Wow, so I finally feel caught up...well, almost. Dnow was way good and it took a lot to get it done. I can not believe the awesome leaders we had for the weekend. Have to be some of the best we have ever had:

Chris P.

Cody D.

Nicole F.

Brandi S.

Scott S.

Angel R.

You guys and ladies ROCKED!

Three things really stuck out for me during the weekend and have stayed with me since:

1. The mission: working with CAYA was humbling and eye opening. Can't wait to do it again soon!

2. The messages: Cody Deese did a great job keeping the messages focused on love and action.

3. The students: We truly have some of the best, friendliest, funniest, coolest students around!

I have already been thinking and praying towards next year. I like to be very organized!

DNow 2009 Video is up!

2009-03-19T09:53:00.001-04:00

Our incredible weekend! Can't wait for next year!

Live, Love LOUD...DNOW 2009!

2009-03-16T14:39:00.004-04:00

This picture pretty much sums up the entire weekend!It was truly a weekend that was filled with learning about God's love and showing God's love!

A fun little fundraiser video...

2009-03-09T20:22:00.002-04:00

Enjoy...

One crazy week...

2009-03-09T14:52:00.002-04:00

So, this will be one of those crazy weeks! I am teaching at two different Middle Schools on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I am also getting ready for OverFlow on Wednesday night. Finally, I am getting ready for a little thing called Disciple Now...Live, Love, LOUD! that happens this weekend! Oh, did I mention I also will begin Soccer practice on Tuesday night!

This is really a week were I could get really stressed out and I think in the past I would have been stresses. God has really taught me to rely on Him more and more when I run into these weeks. How do you know the difference between relying on Him or doing it myself? Just take a look at my attitude or stress level. When I am doing it myself, I get grumpy, mean and not pleasant to be around. When I allow God to do it through me and I rely on Him, the stress is off of me!

Such comfort, such grace and such love. A God we can always rely on!

Isaiah 26:4 "Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."

Live, Love LOUD...DNOW 2009 is coming!

2009-02-27T11:37:00.004-05:00

You can still register here:

DNOW 2009 FORM

Don't forget to check out the videos...

And the Oscar goes to...

2009-02-24T10:19:00.003-05:00

How well do you know your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? How well do you know anyone you are close to?

I was great at putting on a show and wearing a facade (look it up, very cool word) so that people would not know the real me. All through High School and College I put on the show. I was actually very good at it! I could have won an Oscar!

It is hard for people to peel back the layers, to really reveal themselves to you. It takes time in this impatient world. When it comes to relationships, we need to sit back and listen and watch. Take a hard look at the person you would like to hang out with. What are they like on good days and bad days? We are all too easy to kiss first and ask questions later...

I am really stoked about a new book that just came out that covers this entire area so well:

B4UD8

"Before You Date"

Check it out...

Here is LOVE...

2009-02-21T20:02:00.004-05:00

From the Sunday School lesson and the upcoming DNow and the Ladies Tea...

As I was reading over the Sunday School lesson, this song hit me like a ton of bricks.

If you have never heard this song, take a long listen and then let me know what you think!

Here is love, vast as the ocean
Loving kindness as the flood
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom
Shed for us His precious blood
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
Throughout Heav'n's eternal days

On the mount of crucifixion
Fountains opened deep and wide
Through the floodgates of God's mercy
Flowed a vast a gracious tide
Grace and love, like mighty rivers
Poured incessant from above
And Heav'n's peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love

Chorus:
No love is higher, no love is wider
No love is deeper, no love is truer
No love is higher, no love is wider
No love is like Your love, o Lord

Attraction...What are you attracted to?

2009-02-17T07:41:00.002-05:00

I like tall red heads...ok, tall redheads named Mala! Seriously, have you ever thought about the things that you are attracted to? We tend to think of attraction as an opposite sex things..."He's hot, She's hot". Not just the opposite sex, but the things you surround yourself with. What are some of those things?

Here is a quick list of things that I surround myself with and thus, am attracted to:

God: His goodness and Faithfulness blow me away everyday. He never quits and never gives up on me.

Morals: I like moral things, I do not like foul language or dirty jokes. I do not like slander or gossip. God has made all of these things stand out more when I see them or hear them. I want to stay away from it all.

Family: I like hanging out with my family and I love spending time with my wife.

Job/Youth Ministry: It is not a job if you love doing what you do.

Music: I like music that is about God or reminds me about God. I like to sing worship and think, all at the same time!

Technology: I like the things that make life easier and more fun. I love the internet, but protect myself. I love my cell phone, but I don't answer it when I am having dinner or on a date my wife. Use the things of this world, but use them wisely!

Sweet Tea: I drink two things, sweet tea and water.

Video Games: I really have not been able to play as much lately. Just seems there are more important things to do. I do love playing, just been busy.

So, here is the point, what does your list look like? Would your friends approve? Would God approve? Are you attracted to the things of God?

Song of Songs 1:9-11

⁹ You are as exciting, my darling,
      as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions.
¹⁰ How lovely are your cheeks;
      your earrings set them afire!
   How lovely is your neck,
      enhanced by a string of jewels.
¹¹ We will make for you earrings of gold
      and beads of silver.

Solomon is excited and attracted. He notices every little detail about his love. More about attraction on Wednesday night...

God's Design for Dating...What are you looking for?

2009-02-12T19:56:00.003-05:00

Have you ever thought about the qualities you want in a spouse? Are you searching for a Christian? Are you searching for someone "hot"? Are you looking for a brainiac? We all can learn something from Song of Songs 1:5-6...

I am dark but beautiful,
      O women of Jerusalem—
   dark as the tents of Kedar,
      dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.
⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark—
      the sun has darkened my skin.
   My brothers were angry with me;
      they forced me to care for their vineyards,

so I couldn’t care for myself—my own vineyard.

Solomon thought his love was beautiful, even though she did not. He thought she was perfect even though she could see her flaws. Solomon found something better and more important than beauty...

More on this come Wednesday night at OverFlow!

God's Design for Dating

2009-02-12T08:03:00.003-05:00

So we began a new series last night based on Song of Songs that will focus on dating! It was an incredible night with great worship and a great skit (thanks Chris and Nicole!). Over the next few weeks I will verses and thoughts from Song of Songs. If you have not ever read the book, read it! Start here:

SONG OF SONGS

Song of Songs 1:1

"This is Solomon’s song of songs, more wonderful than any other."

This is the best of over 1000 songs that Solomon wrote. Why is it the best? It is about love, purity, purpose and honoring God. It is a love song for Solomon's first true love. It is poetry, lyrical, sweet words with deep meanings.

Song of Songs 1:2-4

Kiss me and kiss me again,
      for your love is sweeter than wine.
How fragrant your cologne;
      your name is like its spreading fragrance.
      No wonder all the young women love you!
Take me with you; come, let’s run!
      The king has brought me into his bedroom.

It is passion with restraint. It is excitement for what God is doing and what God has in-store! It is an example of love that Christ shows us each day.

Jellyfish

2009-02-09T08:46:00.004-05:00

No, not the kind that roam the sea, but the band. One of the best bands you have never heard of. Jelly fish is one of the bands that put out a couple of great albums, got fed up with the music industry and totally quit. I am a huge music fan and will sometimes get stuck on a song that will just not leave my tiny brain. Last night my daughter Sara had me play a Jelly fish song (I think because she liked the album cover) and it has been ringing in my head ever since.

The song is called Ghost Number One and was released in 1993. Great song that focuses on PRIDE and the devastation that PRIDE can cause.

Proverbs 11:2 "Pride comes, then the fall."
Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

Let me give you just a couple of the lyrics, then sit back and enjoy...

Ugly apparition, God's gift to oxygen
The puffed up immortal son
How they love him cause he'll become
The ghost at number one

How does it feel
To be the only one?
How does it feel
To be the only one that knows that you're right?
How does it feel
To be so deep down underground?
How does it feel
To be the only one who knows you've been buried alive?

Just one of those nights...one of those really cool nights!

2009-02-05T07:06:00.003-05:00

OverFlow was incredible last night! If you missed it, here is a little recap...

Last night was the last part of a series called "Something to Fight For". We focused on fighting for Time last night. The message was convicting for myself as I prepared becuase I focused on the things that I struggle with. You may or may not struggle with the same issues:

Busyness

Laziness

Priorities

The overall focus of the night was BREAKING THROUGH all that keeps us away from our Savior. Life is short, how are we living it?

Job 14:1

"How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble!"

The night ended with Autry breaking through 3 board with his fist! Totally AWESOME!

This song by Ryan Carson pretty much sums it all up:

Stands Forever...Day 21

2009-02-01T07:31:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 40:8
"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

No other book has sold more, been read more and has stood up against time and attacks. It is inspired by God and is a living breathing part of Him!

John 1:1

"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God."

What a great reminder after a great weekend of learning and growing at the men's conference! We have instructions from God that will never fade, that will never grow old, that will never become irrelevant! The Word of God, STANDS FOREVER!

He Knows Us...Day 19

2009-01-30T07:09:00.003-05:00

Jeremiah 29:13

"If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Jeremiah wrote this for all the Jews that were far away from their homeland, they were taken by the Babylonians. Many thought they would never see Israel again, many felt abandoned and alone.

Jeremiah is reminding all of us that God is here. Our hearts must continue to seek and learn about God. Jeremiah says to search with all of our heart. Christ is the most valuable thing in our life. Many times we do not treat Him with the value He deserves. We do not seek with all of our heart, we do not talk to Him or read about Him. Be encouraged, He knows us and only wants us to know Him.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

New Habits...Day 18

2009-01-29T07:17:00.004-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:17
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
When Christ draws us to Him and we accept Him into our heart and life we become new, different, changed. Our old ways, our old life and our old desires are replaced with new ones that come from Christ. Although we will still struggle, our change should be evident to all.

Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

It takes 21 days to form a habit, thus the reason we are doing this study. There are many habits that we need to get rid of. Many may old habits have disappeared when we accepted Christ. These are to be replaced with habits that are Christ like, studying His Word, prayer, service and love.

What habits do you have since accepting Christ? Which ones do you need to work on? Do you have any that still need to change?

All you need...Day 17

2009-01-28T07:02:00.005-05:00

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

What a comfort to know that God truly provides all we need. Even when we think we need more or we don't have enough of something specific. This verse just reminds me that God provides it all! I tend to get prideful and God always helps to keep me humble. He needs me to be humble so He can do the work He needs to do through me. When I claim it for myself, I fail. When I surrender it to God, He succeeds and makes me strong.

I need God's grace in every area of my life. There is not a single part of my life that I want to keep God away from.

What a great song, I think Corey may have sung it before:

My faithful Father, enduring Friend

Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end

It overwhelms me, covers my sin

Each time I come into Your presence

I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

God Provides...Day 16

2009-01-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

Matthew 6:33

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

Jesus is speaking on worry in the verses before. It is a big reminder that God will provide and He is in total control! Why do we worry about the things that we have no control over. If our focus is on the things of this world and stressing over them, how can we be focused on God?

Seriously, are you really focused on God when you are stressed over a class? What about that big project or test? God wants us to be prepared, to be ready...He does not want us to lose focus because we procrastinated or feel everything is stressing us out!

God is a giver, not a stressor.

God is in control, not of chaos.

God is peace and comfort, not agony and worry.

How can we line up our day and life with what He wants? "Seek Him first and He will provide everything we need."

Give it away...Day 15

2009-01-26T07:02:00.004-05:00

Luke 6:38

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Wow, what a great verse. Before this verse, Jesus is talking about judging others and forgiving others. Our giving may be forgiveness or a heart that is ready to understand and listen instead of rushing to judgment. Christ wants us to be givers, an example of giving in everything we do. Our first gift should be giving our heart and life to Christ. If you have not given your heart, you can not fully understand everything that God desires for your life. You can not understand the complete joy that sacrifice and giving can bring.

Again, it is not all about money. It is giving of every part of your life, your ear to really listen, your hands and feet to help, your voice to speak into someone's life and maybe even your hair...

Yes, I said hair. My daughter Sara just had 11" of her hair cut for Locks of Love. Locks of Love takes this hair and makes hair pieces for children that are going through cancer treatments or may have other diseases that cause hair loss. It was awesome to see her do it and to see how she wanted to give and help someone she did not even know! The hair and time i took to grow it were nothing compared to the blessing she received when she cut it all off! She is nine years old...just think what you could do and how you could be blessed!

The choice is yours...Day 14

2009-01-25T07:52:00.003-05:00

John 8:12

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Decisions, Decisions...they are always tough to make, but we have to face them everyday. The toughest ones always deal with sin. We can feel the Holy Spirit inside of us letting us know which way to go, but we still feel the temptation as well. Jesus is making it clear which way to always go. Not only does He say to stay in the light, but He also gives us two promise to live by if we do:

1. We shall not walk in darkness

2. We will have the light that leads to life.

We will stay out of darkness (sin, world) and have the one thing that leads to eternal life! When you really take time to break down the decisions you have, they really can become very simple. Why would anyone stay in a place that is dark, sin-filled and leads to misery? There is a better choice that is filled with light, openness, forgiveness and leads to eternity.

The choice is yours...

Our Safe Place...Day 13

2009-01-24T13:59:00.003-05:00

No Fear...

Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

I am not a big fan of scary/horror movies. For the main reason that I do not believe that God gives us a Spirit of fear. Instead, God provides us a Spirit of comfort, strength and help. God is our safe place when everything else is going wrong. He is also our safe place when everything is going great!

What is it that we fear and how can we overcome through God's strength? What or who is it that we turn to in times of trouble instead of God?

God is our refuge...our safe place!

Are you wearing the right shoes...Day 12

2009-01-23T07:10:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"

Peace (defined by Webster's Dictionary)

1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance b: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom peace>2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions3: harmony in personal relations4 a: a state or period of mutual concord between governments b: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity5—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
This world can try and provide peace in so many different ways: drugs to relieve stress, bath soaps ("Calgon take me away"), yoga, massages, and vacations. All of things might be able to relieve some stress, but it is always only temporary. God is the only one that can provide a peace that lasts forever. How can you claim that promise of peace that He gives us?
Focus on God! Have you ever noticed when you focus on God more, your day is smoother, you become less reactive to situations. You tend to think and pray more before you speak. Focusing on God gives us a peace that we need to tie on everyday...just like shoes!
Ephesians 6:15 "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."

Hope...Day 11

2009-01-22T07:18:00.003-05:00

Psalm 71:5

"O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O Lord, from childhood."

"You alone"...God alone is all we need. Try to depend on anyone or anything else and see what happens. They all fail you, I fail people. It is only God alone who never fails. Over the years, I have put my trust in relationships, school, job, money, but only God has remained. Don't waste your years like me trying to do it yourself through other things and other people. Instead, realize today that God is our one source of total trust, hope and love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love."

Greater Than...Day 10

2009-01-21T07:15:00.003-05:00

1 John 4:4

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

I always had a problem in school with "greater than" or "less than". But John makes quite clear for all us...we are greater for two reasons:

1. We are God's, we are His!

2. We are greater than the world. Not because of us, but because He lives in us!

Remember Philippians 4:13?

I am so thankful I am God's...I have tried to do it myself and can remember the misery and the failure. I still fail, but I know I have a God that will encourage, support, provide wisdom and love to a man that desperately needs it!

Submit first...Day 9

2009-01-20T07:24:00.002-05:00

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James teaches us the easy one step program for all Christians:

1. Give yourself to God.

When you do that, it will be easier to resist the devil, temptation and sin. The hardest part is understanding what it means to submit. It truly means giving God every part of your life and it begins with your time with Him. You won't give God anything if you don't know Him and don't spend time with Him. Think about it, you rarely give things to strangers. Instead you give meaningful items to people you have a relationship with. Christ wants that relationship with you!

Confession...Day 8

2009-01-19T08:56:00.003-05:00

Honesty time....I have a hard time admitting that I am wrong. Feel free to ask Mala as she will let you know quickly that I always think I am right. The truth is, I am wrong a lot...a lot more than I want to be. Either due to sin, pride or just plain stupidity! I not only have to confess to a holy, perfect God, but I also have to ask forgiveness from others.

1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

God is faithful and just and is a cleaner! I am so thankful that He will cleanse my dirty sin from me! Confession is the key and must begin with me as an individual. God can not force it, just like you can not force someone else to ask for forgiveness when they have hurt you.

Two things to do today...

1. Ask God to forgive you of your sin. When is that last time you have asked?

2. Seek forgiveness from someone else that you may have hurt.

Paintball and Conquerors...Day 7

2009-01-18T07:38:00.003-05:00

This study was perfect after playing paintball on Saturday!

1 John 5:4

…whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God?

John writes this to remind us that we can overcome the temptations of this world through Jesus.

It was a great day on Saturday, but getting "taken out" by paintballs can be a little painful. After the first hit, however, you realize that you can handle it. This world tries to do the same thing. Satan wants to "take us out", but through our faith in Christ and the power that He will give us, we can overcome any temptation...what a promise from God!

1 Corinthians 10:13

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

We are FREE...Day 6

2009-01-17T09:02:00.002-05:00

Romans 8:1-2

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

There is a great song by worship artist Todd Fields...

When I think of freedom, two things to come to mind. The song above by Todd fields and the scene in Brave Heart where Mel Gibson's character says the following..."They can take our lives, but they cannot take our FREEDOM!"

It is all about true FREEDOM. The devil wants to take away that freedom and hold us in bondage to it. The devil never wants to release us from it or allow us to forget it.

Christ, however, longs to forgive us, restore us and complete us. We no longer need to feel unacceptable by anyone. If the God of the universe loves us and accepts us, then we should truly feel love and accepted.

It has to begin with us and who we are trying to find acceptance from...is it God or the world? Is it Christ or our friends? Be FREE today!

Power, Love and Control...Day 5

2009-01-16T07:09:00.003-05:00

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and self-discipline."

Power: remember Philippians 4:13 from day three?

Love: Jesus is the ultimate example. One that I strive for, but fail. I was reminded yesterday at just how easy it is to fail at loving. There is a book on marketing called, "Prove It, before you Promote It". It reminded me that we need to show love with our actions (proving it) before we share with our mouth (promoting) with the people when know and that are around us. Are we walking example of the gospel?

Self-Discipline: I have done a study on Christian Monks and the self-discipline they have. I do not agree with complete removal from this world like the monks do, but their discipline is unmatched. They are completely focused and unhindered by this world. There are areas in my life that I need to focus more. I can only ask God for the Power and Strength to do it and I must try!

Never Let me Down...Day 4

2009-01-15T06:55:00.003-05:00

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

There is an 80's song by Depeche Mode called "Never Let Me Down Again". The song is all about trusting someone again after they have let you down. They can reassure you, but you still know that they have let you down in the past.

	depeche mode - never let me down again

	Found at skreemr.com

People will always let us down, but God never will fail us. Not only will He not fail us, but He wants a constant relationship for us. My prayer today is that the adults and students doing this study will hear from God and draw closer to Him.

I also pray that it will help to remind me to try my hardest to not let people down in the future.

Where is your Strength...Day 3

2009-01-14T07:23:00.003-05:00

Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Three words really stick out to me in this verse:

Everything

Him

Strength

Paul writes that we can do everything, not just some things or not just Church things, but everything. No, we are not going to be able to catch a bullet with our teeth like Brock Gill did at YEC:

But, when we are focused on Christ, we will find strength in Him. He will provide not only physical strength, but emotional strength as well.

We can strengthen ourselves through the Word. We can strengthen others through Godly encouragement and prayer.

Our daily life is filled with challenges (peer pressure, just trying to fit in, school, tests, dealing with friends, dealing with parents, money, job, homework) only Christ can gives us the focus, attitude and strength we NEED to deal with all the stuff we are faced with everyday!

Where is Your Focus...Day 2

2009-01-13T07:05:00.004-05:00

Luke 12-29-31 "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Godless people focus on the things of this world and worry themselves over it constantly. In fact many Christians do the same thing. Christ, however, gives us a promise that if we focus on Him, then He will take care of us.

We must understand where we are spending the majority of our waking hours. What is our life focused on? School? Work? TV? Video Games? Music? Texting? Does any of that glorify God...could you use it to glorify God?!

God wants our priority to be on HIM, serving His people and loving the people He loves! It can be very hard to do, but with His strength, we can do it!

Philippians 4:13 "I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength."

Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

New 21 Day Study...Day 1

2009-01-12T07:09:00.002-05:00

This is a new study that we will be doing for the next 21 days! The goal is to form a habit that will continue for the rest of our life. If you already have a quiet time, this will help keep you focused and directed. Please respond with your thoughts and be encouraged!

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

ASK

SEEK

KNOCK

All three are very similar. When Jesus repeats a thought multiple times, it is usually important. Jesus wants us to know that He hears us when we pray. He also wants us to know that He desires a personal relationship with us!

Jesus invites us to speak to him, to have a conversation. He is a personal God that wants daily fellowship with His children.

What are you asking God for?

More studies like this to keep me focused!

What are you seeking His will for?

Continued focus in marriage, family and balance with work and school. For Him to direct the way I should go.

What doors of opportunity has God presented to you?

Revealing old friends and how I can encourage them and speak into their lives!

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

We must ASK God first! We must SEEK God first! And Knock on God's door first!

Something to Fight For...

2009-01-08T14:18:00.003-05:00

What a great night last night! We began a new series called "Something to Fight For". Last night our focus was on TRUTH and how we should be fighting for TRUTH!

I had a couple of thoughts following last nights message:

1. How do we see God's Word? Do you believe it to be 100% TRUTH? If you are not at 100%, why not? Where do you see problems when it comes to TRUTH and God's Word?

2. What color is your ballon? Is it red or do you tend to make it blue or green?

I pray that everyone will continue to focus on what is eternally important! See ya next Wednesday!

2009...How will this year be different for you?

2009-01-03T13:03:00.003-05:00

What will you do to draw closer to Christ?

How will you share Christ with others?

What changes will you make?

What choices do you need to make?

Think about it a while and let me know...either by comments or by sending me an email!

Another FABULOUS day at YEC!

2008-12-30T00:19:00.002-05:00

With an incredible group of students and leaders!

A few pics from last night...

2008-12-29T07:27:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to so many...

2008-12-29T07:06:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthdays to:

Logan Scott, his birthday was Sunday and I so wish he could be on the trip with us!

Sarah Daniel, her birthday is today and I wish she could be here as well!

You both are missed greatly!

Kyle Kelly, his birthday is today and we will celebrate tonight!

Finally, I have to wish a special happy birthday to my sweet daughter Sara. Her birthday is today and I am not with her. I miss her greatly and can not wait to take her out on a special date when I get home....I love you babe!

What a great night...

2008-12-28T23:48:00.004-05:00

Dear Parents and Church...Do you know how great a group of young adults we have a New Salem? I am more and more impressed with their attitudes, respect and tenderness towards God. You can see the difference between our group and so many other groups.

I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful ministry!

Tonight was incredibly awesome! The worship by Fee was great, the illusions and testimony from Brock Gill was amazing and really made us all think. What made the night for me personally was the concert by Leeland. I used to be a huge concert person, but I have found myself disappointed by a lot of the live shows lately. Fortunately for us, Leeland was amazing! They not only played, but they worshipped and directed all of us towards worship as well.

Here is a song with the lyrics to follow...listen and understand!

There are many prodigal sons
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People's hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures

This is an emergency!

There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We're crying for them come back home
We're crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In it's state of desperation
For Your glory

This is an emergency!

Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!

And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

It is midnight...goodnight, God bless and continue to pray for us all!