Guitar Hero

Have you ever played Guitar Hero 3? My daughter challenged me to a head-to-head game today. She beat me. I played her four times... I won once! When it comes to video games, you might as well take your medicine. Your kids are going to school you. I loved every bit of it.

July 4th

Our church had a fourth of July picnic at Sanders Ferry Park tonight. There were over 100 people there. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, fellowshipped and played football. It is awesome to get with the family of God and hang out. Thanks to everyone who came and participated.

We have an outreach this Thursday, July 3rd. Hendersonville hosts the Freedom Festival every year. We will have ten thousand people there for the fireworks. Our church is involved in many areas. We sell hamburgers and hot dogs at the food court, we have a 40' x 60' hospitality tent for people to sit under to get out of the sun, and we run the Kid's Zone. We have eight inflatables on the baseball field that will entertain 2,000 kids. I love being able to get our church out in the community. If we are not reaching out, we're dying. This week will be extremely busy, but I look forward to it. If you get a chance, come out this Thursday. The event begins at 4:00 PM at Drakes Creek Park and the fireworks are at 9:00 PM. See you there.

Home of the Brave

Our girls had practice today at the church. The sanctuary choir is putting on a concert called, "The Home of the Brave" on Sunday morning. The children's church has two songs in the concert. My oldest has a speaking part. Her part is in French. I can barely talk in English much less French. I am excited for her.

I would like to invite you to come and experience the service on Sunday. We begin at 10:30 AM. We look forward to seeing you then.

Camp Jackson

Camp was awesome! There were seventeen of us that spent five days and four nights at Camp Jackson. This year they went with the American Gladiator theme. We played the assault, the eliminator, power ball, and several others. Our team won third this week. Job well done.

Of course, the best thing about camp are the services. God moved in a very special way this week. It is awesome to watch a student connect with God on a personal level. God has a unique way of lifting the unwanted, problematic burdens we carry bringing a freedom to our lives. I believe our students found a new found freedom this week as they entered the altar and encountered God. There were salvations, baptisms in the Holy Spirit, and healing that took place. God has and always will move in the lives of those who desire and want His presence. He is our Helper. Thanks be to God for what was accomplished this week at Camp Jackson. Justin and Kari Romero were our speakers and Steven Morgan lead praise and worship this week. They did a phenomenal job. I appreciate the leadership they brought to the services.

God never ceases to amaze me. I am thankful for what He has done in my life and what He continues to do in the life of others. I'll try to put up some pictures later this week.

Youth Camp 2008

Camp starts tomorrow. I'm looking forward to what God is going to do this week. Please pray for our campers.

Me & My Girls

Awesome afternoon. Jenny had a women's ministry meeting this evening. I got to hang with the girls. I pulled the youngest two in their wagon and the older two rode their bikes to Walton Ferry Elementary School and played on the playground. Afterwards, we went on a walk through our neighboring subdivision. My feet are killing me. My youngest two are out cold on the couch. They had a big day. I love spending time with my girls. It was a great afternoon.

Take every opportunity to spend time with your family. You will be glad you did.

Letting Things Go (To Goodwill)

This has been a day of cleaning out the garage. You never know how much junk you have until you start going through it all. We gave a lot to Goodwill today. We still have much more to go through but the garage looks tons better.

Sometimes I wonder why we hold on to so much for so long only to give it away later in life. Is it sentimental? Does it represent the past? Are we living some kind of fairy tale? Do we have separation issues? Why do we hold on to things that do not matter? Let me say, there is nothing wrong with having things. This is just an opportunity to say, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Make sure your treasure is laid up in heaven. Only those treasures will last.

Locks of Love

All my girls got their haircut today. My youngest received her first haircut at the age of three. Her hair was really long. All of them cut at least ten inches off so they can donate their hair to Locks of Love. According to their website, "Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis." I am proud of my girls for donating their hair to other kids who are in need. Check out this worthy ministry and see if you would like to participate.

Chuck E Cheese Night

My family went to Chuck E Cheese tonight. Our friend's daughter celebrated her seventh birthday tonight. Pizza, cookie cake, presents, and game tokens... you can't go wrong with that. Happy Birthday to Hannah. You are growing up too quick. Thanks for a good time... there's nothing like friends, food, and of course, skeeball!

Determination

It's official... I have two girls riding their bikes without training wheels. I am so proud of them and their willingness to learn. They are cruising around our cove in style. It's amazing to watch someone with determination. When you set your mind to it, things happen. Do you remember the story of Nehemiah? They had a mind to work. Things happened. A wall was built. My girls are riding their bikes. I am one proud papa.

What have you determined to do lately?

Applebee's and Bicycles!

Sometimes in life you never stop to smell the flowers.

Last night, I took my family out to Applebee's (Kid's eat free night). We talked, laughed, and ate. When we got home, we broke out the bicycles. My oldest is still learning to ride her bike without training wheels. What a privilege to take the evening and teach her how to ride a bike. I enjoyed watching her wobble, stop with her feet, almost hit a mailbox, and run me to death (holding on to the bike). Last night, she was riding long distances before she had to stop.

My girls, including my wife, are the flowers in my life. Spending time with them is living. I thank God for the bouquet He has given me.

What has God blessed you with? What are the joys in life that you seem to overlook, take advantage of, or ignore completely. Stop! Look around and smell the flowers and enjoy them often. You will be glad you did!

Father's Day

Wishing every dad a Happy Father's Day.

No Place Like Home

Jenny and I (and the girls) went up to Springfield today to visit with my mom and dad. My brother (Troy) was home from New York. It was great to see him. It's always nice to go home. We don't get up to Springfield too often, but when we do, it's great. We had lunch, played basketball, and caught up on the news. I am thankful for my parents. They have instilled in me a love for God throughout the years for which I am forever grateful. As Dorothy said, "There's no place like home."

Ecuador Pics

I haven't moved to fast in publishing pics from Ecuador. I have taken this week to get acclimated back into a regular schedule. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed taking this group to Ecuador. The students were awesome and so professional the whole week. I am proud to be called their pastor. Here are a few group pics from abroad. I hope you enjoy them.

Back from South America

If you are wondering why I haven't posted in a few days, it's because I have been in Ecuador for the last ten days. My wife and I had the privilege of leading 15 people to Ecuador on a Missions Trip. We worked with Missionary Philip Barber. What an extraordinary trip, thanks to Phil and his leadership team.

Our students did a phenomenal job. They worked hard without complaint or attitude. We ministered in several schools, a local youth ministry and Sunday services. We spoke to more than 3,000 people and saw many accept Christ over the first five days of ministry. All glory be to God. We have documented the trip with over 2,000 pictures. I will post again this coming week with a few of them. Thanks to all those who have diligently prayed for the success of this trip. We felt your prayers. God bless.