Neighbors

This Spring has been very interesting in "the hood". I started a new job. Melissa and I got an early start on the mulching of the flowerbed....heck, we even expanded it some. We also got three trees in the ground (transplanted from my nephew's farm). As I type this in the coolness of the basement, I am in the middle of wiring up our outdoor lighting for the Summer....well I am actually taking a break from that at the present.

As I look back at the events of the Spring so far, I see just how important Neighbors are to us here in Magnolia Grove. As I pulled into my driveway with the trees to transplant, one neighbor yells out, "I'll be right over!" And within twenty minutes there was four or five neighbors out in my yard, and the trees were planted. I am not even sure if I ever even touched a shovel either! They did it all!

I really can't explain the neighborhood we live in. It is not a common thing to have such caring and wonderful people as neighbors in today's society. However, I am convinced that your environment is pretty much what you make of it. As a friend (and neighbor) recently pointed out to me as I was going on and on about how good he had been to me; Melissa and I were one of the first in our home. So, we went around with Doug & Melanie and Tim & Kelli to introduce ourselves and give each neighbor as they moved in a welcome gift which included a Lowe's gift card. (if you own a home, you know just how important that was!!)

You see, just a little (it wasn't much money) act of kindness as each family moved into our neighborhood has gone a really long way in building the type of community that I grew up in nearly 35 years ago. Where everyone kinda watched out for each other and we all kept in touch with each other (especially during the Spring and Summer when it was warm). Now, it is not uncommon to have a meeting in one of the yards almost every evening with some of our friends and neighbors.

So, when you think of the mission of the Church and loving your neighbors as yourself.....don't make it more difficult than it ought to be. Just invest a little time and friendliness (sometimes a little help with the yard work) and the return on your investment will reap incredible payoffs. Some of my neighbors may not even believe in God, but now I have a real relationship with them. They have a friend who is a believer. Who knows what God can do when we give him the chance to work through our "ordinary" lives. Now, I have not just people who live around me. I have friends. I have neighbors. I have people who are there for me when I need them, and who I can be there for when they need me. Maybe the Church should move out of their building and into their neighborhood.

I don't have any ulterior motives. I just love my neighbors and love God, and the results are up to Him. If any of them ask me the reason for my hope in Jesus....I will tell them. But it is not my intention to "be nice to them, so they will come to my church." It is my intention to treat them as Jesus treats me.....to give them access to my real life. To be their friend. To be a true neighbor.

Overwhelmed

Well, this is my first week on the new job (well it is actually my third week now, but I am just now posting this blog) as Coordinator of Student Development and Activities at a local Community College. This first week has been a little challenging, but exciting. It seemed to start off slow….then I got my email account, and that changed everything. I began to feel a bit overwhelmed and wondered if I would really be able to do this to the level that my predecessor had done for the last 17 years. My confidence was about to hit the bottom, when I was handed a “stack” of new things to work on. (Those of you who have ever worked for a government institution can relate to the amount of paperwork “stacks” one can go through in a single day)
As I walked back to my office with my newly assigned “stack” of paperwork, I realized for the first time I was feeling overwhelmed. Then I thought of the book of the bible that I am currently reading through in my daily readings: Job. (This, ironically, is spelled the same as job) Job surely felt overwhelmed as his world seemed to fall apart right before his eyes. My minor “stack” of trouble could not even compare to the difficult “stack” of things facing Job. By remembering this difficulty that Job faced and how God never left him or gave up on him, gave me the strength to get through that moment of “overwhelmed”. I also recalled a verse from John 16:33 that states “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT)
As you go through your daily walk, there will be times when you feel overwhelmed. During those times, just remember the One who has overcome your overwhelmed moment….no matter what. We must live in the reality of our position in Him: the One who overcome the world. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, overcome!
By the way by the end of the day, I had been able to accomplish all that was laid before me in my “stack” of stuff before the end of the day. Mainly because of my attitude shifting from the “overwhelmed” to the “overcome”

Blog Changes

After a noted absence from the blog-a-sphere........I'm back! Well, not really. I am only back to let you know I will be making some changes to the blog as many things are going on in life right now. I am possibly starting a new job soon (in fact the interview is today at 1:45), I am involved in a new church plant (http://www.radiustricities.com/), I am getting ready for the launch of my relationship coaching practice and ministry at connectionpoint, and I am loving every minute of spending as much time as possible with my lovely wife and best friend, Melissa.

So, for now, I will not be posting on this blog unless the urge hits me from time to time. I am studying in Romans now, so there may be a few posts on my studies there. Until then.......

A Form of Godliness

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self‑control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
-- 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Recently I have been studying this text for a community group gathering, and I am faced with this question. Do we as the American Church have the form of godliness, yet no power? There are many websites, blogs and articles that comment and debate on such things. Many are “right” and many are “left”, still more have no direction at all. Some just complain about whoever is attempting to attempt the Christian life. I am just simply writing to make us all who claim the name of Jesus Christ as Lord to think about where we, ourselves, are in the journey.

Have we allowed the traditions of men and religions of the world to override the “power” found only in relationship with the one true, loving and just God? It is about so much more than I read in most blogs and articles. We are more concerned with image and what everyone thinks of us, than we are about whose we really are and what God himself wants from us in our daily walk with Him. What makes us think that if we get the “form” or image of being godly, we are home free from the responsibility of actually being a disciple (root word = discipline)? The traditions and religions are man’s effort to reach up to God and God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ is God reaching down to us. Not all religious traditions are “bad” and to throw out the baby with the bath water is not “good”. However, the bath water is in desperate need of changing. Why? Because we have only the “FORM” of godliness….without the power. The power is found in a daily appointment with God. How often do you truly sit alone with God and “taste and see that He is good”? When is the last time you were moved deeply to action by a quiet-time or devotion? Better yet, when will be the next time…or the first time?

Re-read the 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and think about the similarities and differences in our American Church culture today. Think about the similarities and differences of how you live your life today? I know from my reading of this passage I have been moved to evaluate where I really stand with Jesus and get rid of some “junk” in my life. I do tend to love myself more than others. I have been guilty of loving money, being boastful and prideful, ungrateful and loving my own pleasure rather than loving my God.

What if the Church in America really took a deep look in the mirror of Jesus Christ and found the true POWER of the New Testament Church? Imagine what could be. Maybe I am foolish to believe that the same God who’s Spirit empowered the Apostles can empower us today to accomplish Jesus’ mission in our world, but I do believe. I believe that Jesus came to die for much more than “a form of godliness” without power.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Lost and Found

The other day I was at work and looked down to see that my wedding band was missing from my finger. I usually never take it off, so I was shocked to see it missing. I immediately checked my pockets, then the floor.....then the entire building where I work. Along with many of my co-workers, neighbors and my wife we tore apart every area that I had graced with my presence that day.....to no avail. We didn't find my lost ring.

That night after feeling as depressed as I had in a while, my wife and I decided to put this horrible day behind us and turn in for the night. As we turned the bed down, out popped my ring!! Obviously I had taken it off in my sleep and never realized it was missing until around 4:45 that afternoon. At the same time, feeling like a fool and someone who just found a treasure, I hugged my wife and exclaimed, "THANK YOU GOD!" I was very happy to have found my lost item. It set forth many thoughts running through my head that night as I lay trying to sleep with a big adrenaline rush going on.

I thought about how much I valued the ring and how badly I felt that it was possibly gone for good. I mean, I know that my ring is just a symbol of my marriage and that a ring can be replaced. However, I was still pretty upset about loosing it. Then I thought, how upset or concerned do I get over those around me every day that are lost, without hope in Jesus Christ? The answer shocked me. God was showing me that He values each person, and is very concerned that some are lost and not believers in him. It's not about an eternal home in the sky one day as much as it is about abundant life here and now. God wants us to value those who are lost on this pathway of life, who don't know him...and he has placed us in their lives to make a difference.

The friends who stayed and helped me look for my ring long after it was time for them to go home, and neighbors who drove (with metal detectors in hand) to my work to help search the grounds for my ring are true friends and they showed me how much they valued me, by helping me search for my ring. We, as followers of Christ, must be intentional in our "search" for those who are lost and help them to find their way home. I value each and every human soul, and I want to make more of a difference in "my world" by sharing what a joy it truly is to "know Christ and the power of his resurrection" with those placed in my sphere of influence each day.

May we all seek to help the Lost become Found!

To know His voice

The watchman opens the gate for [the shepherd], and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. -- John 10:3-5 NIV

Sometimes it’s easy to get confused with all the different “voices” calling our name in the busy fast lane of our lives. We are seeking the direction and “way” to go in our lives and there are many good choices we could make. The bad is not our enemy. We know not to choose the bad, for the most part. Even when we “fall” and choose the bad, we know it was a wrong choice after all is said and done. It is the maze of “good” choices where we so often get confused and miss His “best”. So where do we go to find the best? To what “voice” do we listen and obey?

My prayer, as of late, has been to get into a “listening” position. Spiritually, mentally, and physically we must get into a “listening” position. What does that mean? Well, I think that we have to learn to “Be still and know our God”. Our God went to the mountains many times to get away from the distractions in his life. (Maybe that’s why I like the mountains so much). This move of Jesus was a physical move away from the “crowds”, a move that helped him mentally refocus and bring him spiritually under the will of God. This allowed Him to accomplish the mission.

I am finding that it isn’t that God has stopped speaking to us. It is largely that we have become so distracted by the “other voices” that we no longer know HIS voice. We would do well to imitate Jesus in our relationship to the Father. Spiritually, mentally and physically we should assume the “listening” position until we become so close to the Father/Shepherd that we know His voice and we run away from all the “other voices” calling to us in the chaos.

To know His voice…..is to be HIS. May you be His today. Listen. He’s calling you by name. Do you hear Him? Do you know His voice?

I dream of a Church.......

I recently asked the church that meets in our house to finish this statement. As a matter of fact we will be discussing our answers this week. I encourage you to post your answer on the comments section as well. Here is my attempt to finish this statement.

I DREAM OF A CHURCH......

...where I have true friendships
...where I am really known (faults and all) and I am still accepted and loved in spite of that
...where I truly trust those in the fellowship w/ my life and heart...and they trust me
...where I am built up in my strengths and allowed to use them to build others up
...where I am lovingly confronted in my weaknesses and gently restored by my "church" family into a right relationship with God and the body
...where Christ is truly the ONLY leader of the Church and all others are true followers and worshipers of Him
...where there is unity and our differences compliment each other so together we can know God
...where hurting, confused and lost ones can come to get restoration of their soul without fear
...where I grow in the knowledge and grace of God through the apostle's teaching, fellowship, prayer and breaking of bread
...I dream of this Church in my Neighborhood.....in my home....

Let it be so, Lord Jesus....Let it be so!

Spiritual Maturity

What does Spiritual Maturity really look like? The answers to that question will vary as much as the people who are asked it. I want you to think for a moment, what does it look like to you. Maybe list out some characteristics of a spiritually mature person on a sheet of paper. Think of those in your own life whom have shown you what it meant to be Jesus "with skin on". It always helped me to write down their names and then remember what it was that they seemed to possess which made them seem mature in their walk with God.

Okay, once you have your list of "things" that make someone spiritually mature, think of how you are doing in comparison to that list in your own life. Do you measure up? Are you walking with God as those people who influenced your life? Why or Why not? I know my list included some pretty simple, yet difficult things....for example: loving everyone, yet never condoning sin; praying and reading scriptures daily; being there for others, even when you don't "feel" like it. I didn't measure up too well compared to some old saints in the church in which I grew up. I am just now beginning to realize the impact of some of the godly men of my early years, who were my spiritual fathers. To help you with your list read Ephesians 4: 2-16

Once you have seen where you measure up on the list you have created, then ask yourself the question, "What needs to change in order for me to be mature in spirit?" Do I have someone to which I am ministering (a Timothy), someone who is walking with me (a Barnabas), and someone who is holding me to a higher standard through their example (a Paul)? Can I truly be a disciple of Christ unless I am making a disciple? If you are lacking these three persons in your life, then pray God will provide them for you.

How do we get from where we are now, to where we want to be?
L-ove
A-ccountablity
B-alance
O-bedience
R-elationships

We must LABOR....not by works, so we will not boast in ourselves....but by faith in the Son of God. We need all these to make it in our walk....and be spiritually mature. One thing is for sure, "if we never change what we're doing, we'll never change who we're being." The first step is to change our mindset (see Romans 8:5-8), and truly learn to LOVE ONE ANOTHER (John 15:17).

Remember, spiritual maturity is not so much a destination as it is a journey.....Enjoy the journey!

Markers of Remembrance

5”and Joshua said to them, cross again to the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone 0on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel.6 Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall say to them, ‘because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord: when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” -Joshua 4:5-7 ASV

There are times God has worked greatly in my past, upon which I can remember, and gain strength to fight the battle he has for me today. Sometimes there are tangible things that I keep to remember such times. I remember at a retreat once, God really spoke to me and simply requested that I give up my brand new automobile. It was much louder than an audible voice. There was a time at that retreat when we were given a single kernel of corn....the teaching that weekend was on the “fallow ground” and how we must die to self in order to live a true life in Christ. I remember looking at that kernel of corn after the prayer time and saying to a friend, “there is my new car.” I returned home that week and by the end of the week, I had “downsized” vehicles to the car I currently drive today...a 1993 Toyota Tercel. I still remember that day vividly, when God moved in my life and taught me a valuable lesson about material things. Mainly due to remembering that kernel of corn laid down in the middle of the floor that night. Any time I am tempted to “worship” material things today, I can remember that little kernel of corn, and I am given strength to fight against material greed.

The verse above from Joshua teaches us a similar lesson was taught to the Israelites that day when they once again walked across a very dry river bottom. When God moves in our life in a miraculous way, we want to remember those “special times” for strength in future battles. God obviously wanted the children of Israel to place the stones as “markers of remembrance” for His deliverance and stopping the flow of the Jordan River that day. David also remembered killing the lion and bear as he was facing his giant....it is what helped him defeat his giant, remembering the deliverance of the Lord from battles past.

So, whenever you experience God moving in your life in a great way, get a marker of remembrance to help you remember what God has done. It is so much easier for us to fight the battle before us when we have confidence from the last victory behind us. Press on, and remember the Victory is ours!

I am back...and Going Deeper

Well, I am back from the land of classwork. My graduation day is May 7, 2006!! It feels great to be finished with all the classes and have that 20 year degree behind me.

As we prepare for the Band of Brothers Retreat in February I found a poem by Laurie Anderson that a friend gave me years ago. I think this describes where Melissa (my lovely, supportive wife) and I are right now in our journey.

Shells

by Laurie Anderson

At first I was content to look for shells on the shore.

There were hundreds if not thousands

to choose from.

Shapes

Sizes

Colors

Textures.

Then I noticed where the tide broke -

there were better shells!

Bigger,

the swirly kinds,

in perfect condition --

a gold mine!

(I am pure tourist...)

Seeing them and getting them -

two different things!

I had my methods.

I would earnestly search -

There!

The perfect shell.

Concentrate-

Now! Grab it!

Just as I reach for it, the ebb tide would suck it back out-

along with the sand I was standing on!

Not to worry, here comes the surf again-

with my shell!

I lunge for it, come back empty-

Completely drenched, fully clothed

And completely drenched.

Finally,

I capture the shell.

As I put it in my bag, I again note,

It is much better than those on the beach.

Life Lesson:

There are wonderful things-

Easily within our grasp, like the shells on the beach.

they add joy to our lives.

But

Sometimes what I desire is just beyond my reach.

I then must decide, do I stay on the beach

it's warm and dry here-

Or

Do I step out into the tide,

Where the ground slips out from under my feet,

Nothing is very secure there.

It's time to go deeper-

To trust more

Loose my footing a time or two.

For you, it is time to go deeper.

Here's to going deeper with the Father and trusting Him more than I trust myself to provide what I need to accomplish the mission He has given me.

The next post

I just wanted to do a quick post and let you know that I will be posting very little during the next few months. I am in my last semester of school...at least for a while....and I have very little time to blog with all the meetings that God has been placing on my schedule lately. I am doing some life coaching and marriage coaching and between work, school and the coaching meetings, it doesn't leave much time for typing my thoughts for a few of you to read....I just counted on one hand the number of people who may read this blog, so no major life alterations should occur due to my brief absence. Anywho, I will be back in full swing in January of 2006.

Our first "Band of Brothers" sabbatical retreat is scheduled for February 24-26, 2006....if you would like more information on this, please go to www.connectionpoint.org and fill out the form and we will send you all the details.

God is really doing some great and exciting things with ConnectionPoint lately and we are very thankful for His leading in this adventure! Keep us in your prayers.

Until the next post................

The Courage to Die Well

Colossians 3:3.... “Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life – even though invisible to spectators – is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too – the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.” –The Message

Grasping this concept of the Christian walk is vital to our growth as a Jesus follower; the life through death concept. The only way that we have true life is through the death of Jesus Christ and the only way to really live out this true life is through the death of our sinful nature. Jesus has already done His part by dying for us, now it is our turn to make the choice to die to our selfish nature. There really are two deaths that bring the one true life of a saint.

So often we miss this “second death” of our self as part of the equation because we hide it in the grace that God gives so freely for salvation. Understand here I am not talking about salvation alone. I am talking about being a disciple of Christ (A Jesus Follower). For salvation, there is only grace through faith in the “first death”....the death of Jesus on the cross. I am saved only by His act of death and victory over death with the resurrection. However, to be a disciple and live the true life that I speak of, it relies solely on my own decision to put my selfish nature to death and follow the will of the Father. This is why the root word of disciple is discipline.....because that’s what it takes on our part. Sadly, many of us today have very little self-control and discipline. We are spoiled and still asking for more for ourselves rather than sharing what we have with others in need.

One of my favorite lines in the movie “Braveheart” is when William Wallace is in prison facing the imminent death, he prays, “God give me the strength to die well.” I think that should be my prayer more than I should have a safe and happy life on earth. We get fooled so easily into thinking that this world is our home. We forget that we are temporary visitors here, and that our prayer is to be “thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven”. When we live for His Kingdom, we have the courage we need to die well.

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” -- Mark 8:35-36

Timing is Everything

"You see, at just the right time, when we are still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." ---Romans 5:6


As I go along the journey with the Father, I am realizing that He likes to enter the situations at just the right time. Last month I was looking forward to our first minister's retreat for ConnectionPoint with 10 couples in ministry together for a weekend of rest and refreshing in relationships with God and each other. God seems to have other plans. However, I am not discouraged about this situation. I know that God has placed this desire on my heart to reach out to those who are in vocational ministry (part/full time, paid/volunteer). This has not changed. The only thing that has changed is the timing of the first sabbatical retreat. It will most likely be next year; I will keep everyone updated on this as dates are solidified. In the meantime, there is a distinct possibility that the first event will instead be a wilderness adventure for the guys in ministry. This is now being planned for February 2006....details will follow in future blogs.

I say all of this to let you know where I have been for the last few months. Melissa and I are growing on a spiritual level that we have never visited before. Our house church is getting some direction and heading into a "deeper" place than its ever been before. I am finding that God's timing for me may include my house church family as my means of support to be able to do this ministry to ministers called ConnectionPoint. I had always looked at doing one or the other, when I am now leaning toward that I can't do one without the other. God is still on the throne~! Nothing ever "shocks" Him off the throne either. He never worries! It is all in His timing. I actually think I am learning to live at peace with not knowing exactly what's next, but simply trusting God who is in control of all things!

Father, I pray that you will help my unbelief. Help me to continue to desire the growth in my relationship with you. I pray for our house church family, that we will be more deliberate in our mission to Love God and Love others! Help us to love the unloveable and to touch the untouchables. Father, I pray for ConnectionPoint, that it will be all that you want it to be....help me not to settle for only what I want it to be! I thank you for the "fellowships of the heart" that you have placed in my life....please bless my ministry friends and family.
William Wallace said in the movie Braveheart, "All men die....but, few men truly live." Lord, I want to truly Live for you! Help me have the courage to die well! (Galatians 2:20)
Thank you, Father....for loving me!
Amen.

New Update to the blog

We will be making some changes to the blog over the next month to make it more of a on-line newsletter/connectionpoint for those involved or interested in ConnectionPoint (a ministry to ministers). We plan many future events and activites that will from this point forward be posted on this blog....such as couples' retreats for those in ministry and thier spouses, seminars and one-on-one life coaching for ministers.

In Christ,
Keith

ConnectionPoint Retreat

Just wanted to do a quick post to let everyone know about our very first retreat for those in full/part time or volunteer vocational ministry. We have limited space, so if you want info, please email me at keith@connectionpoint.org and I will send info. The dates are September 22-25, 2005.
I hope everyone has a great day.....I will post more later!

Father's Day Thanks!!!

Melissa and I had a friend give us a fax machine to use for the ministry this weekend! God is AWESOME! Just when we need it, He always comes through. I know....you may think I am flipping out over a fax machine, but hey, it is pretty encouraging to me when God gives something that we have specifically asked for and proves to us that he is there and cares about our dream of making ConnectionPoint a reality.
ConnectionPoint is going to be a coaching ministry for those who are in vocational ministry. We will be planning our first retreat for pastors/youthpastors/staff/and any other minister who God leads our way sometime in September of this year. Keep checking for more info on details of this. Our goal is to be doing ConnectionPoint full time by January of 2006. So, please pray in that direction. God is faithful and He will make ConnectionPoint exactly what He wants and when He wants....and we are okay with that! His plan is better than our plan.
I will update with a post later.....but I just wanted to say Thanks to Daddy for taking care of me and Melissa this weekend! It was truly FATHER'S DAY!
Until next time......

The Master's Plan

As I look back over the last few months (2 to be exact) since I've posted, I can't really give a good explanation for not posting more often. I could make many excuses....but I am certain that you don't want to hear those!
God is teaching us many things lately; such as, how to trust Him more in the little things as well as the big things. Also, we are learning that there is always a test to pass before a promotion. And that the promotion can sometimes look and feel just like a de-motion. The one thing that must change is our outlook on the whole situation. We must stop looking at things in our life as only for our purpose......we are just a small part in the plan....the master plan (the Master's plan). The hard part seems to be staying on the master plan when things feel bad and don't go the way "we" planned. We must endure, preservers....press on toward the prize of the "high calling"! It makes sense when you look at it closely. Jesus had the highest calling and he was led to a cross to face death......because that was the plan!
So, why should we expect God to bless us beyond measure with the worldly comforts and successes that are the destination of our plans, if Jesus himself went to the cross. Are we better than him? the disciples? (almost all died for what they believed).
In Hebrews 11-12 we read that all those who had the faith in the master plan never saw it come to pass in their lifetimes.....but still they pressed on. That is FAITH!
So, my encouragement for you who have a dream that God has placed in your heart is simply press on! Never give up! Keep trusting the plan God has for you to get to that point in your life where you are focused and totally consumed with HIM.....then and only then can your "dreams come true"! He knows your dreams.....He gave them to you in the first place. All He is asking us is to give those very dreams back to Him and let Him make them what only HE can make them....PERFECT!
Until next time......I am Trusting in HIS PLAN!....and HIS TIMING!

Checking In

Just wanted to post a quick note to let everyone know that ConnecionPoint is on the verge of some big changes......the incorporation process is moving along and God has supplied some wonderful Lawyers who are willing to help us navigate the non-profit status waters. We are hope to have our first retreat sometime this year (2005)! Please keep this in your prayers and keep looking to the blog for updates.

Til next time,

Morning Coffee

This morning I am sippin' on a cup of java and pondering all the possibilities that God may bring into my life in the next year or so. To be honest, its a little scary! But it is a lot exciting! Anytime in my life I have been on the verge of discovering a new facet in my relationship with the Father, I get the feeling. You know "the feeling" don't you? Like the one you get just before your birthday when you are a kid. Knowing that better and brighter things are ahead, yet just a bit scared at the thought of being more "adult" and having to take responsibility for your own actions.
It is that very feeling that I have every time I am "growing up" a level in my walk. God is doing some incredible things right now as far as ConnectionPoint is concerned. I will be sharing more in the future about the "next step" in the journey. As for now, if you pray...pray for me.....that I will walk through my fears and follow the Father into the great unknown!
Well, I know this one was short, but my coffee's getting cold and I have to finish up some homework for my business strategy class on Thursday. Have a great day my friends, and remember just when you are the most scared......that's when God is about to work in your situation!

Quick note

Melissa and I are in Danville visiting her family. We are having a great time and are excited to see the little nephew growing so much. God is so evident in little children! It is just awesome. I just wanted to post a quick note and say, keep reading.....I will be posting soon. Life seems busy since getting a "real job".

We had a wonderful visit with some friends in Columbia, SC last weekend and we are working on the planning of a retreat for pastors and those in ministry. I don't know for sure what it will be, but it will not be your typical retreat. We want to offer Peace and rest for the weary minsiter and thier spouse. A romantic getaway for ministers if you will. A place to focus on filling up instead of giving...giving....giving of yourself for others. I will keep everyone posted on the progress of ConnectionPoint Retreat CPR.

Take care and we will catch you later!