Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Caitlyn's 4th Birthday
Today is Caitlyn's 4th Birthday! Daddy's baby girl is growing up so fast! I can remember how we moved to Conway from Sumter 1/2 way through the pregnancy and how at the end of the pregnancy we were making the 90 minute drive every week for appointments. Most of all I remember being in the O.R. when Jill had the c-section and getting to hold her for the first time! Being her Daddy is a distinct honor and privilege! My prayer is that she will passionately embrace Christ as Savior and live for Him with every beautiful ounce of her being! I am humbled by the gift God has given me in Caitlyn! I love you Caitlyn.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I.A. Camp (pt.2)
An amazing thing to see is how God has His hand on this camp and provides the needs that arise as the camp draws near. As of two weeks before the start of camp 70 sponsors were needed. To sponsor a camper is $175. In two weeks God in His graciousness provided for this need!
I left on Friday the 25th to go to Billy's house so that I could be there for the putt putt tournament fundraiser that was the next day which was the day before Camp started. In hand I had my fee and two full sponsorships. These sponsorships came through the giving nature of the 2 small groups we have been involved with at our present church, North Wake Church in Wake Forest, NC. While there God provided another through my sister-in-law Denise and her husband Eric. I'm so thankful for the giving nature of these people and the fact that God has placed them all in our lives.
Another humbling example of God's provision is seen in this story. On Saturday while at the tournament their where various people who came and played and participated in the silent auction. Billy, his son Ridge, his summer intern Adam, and myself formed a team and were playing on the course when Billy was approached by a woman. This woman was quite tall and slender and it could be seen that she was excited to talk to him. I talked with Billy after she left and was blown away to hear that she was a recovering addict who had come to know Christ as Savior who had come to support the camp. She did not have enough money for the $15 fee per person to play so along with her friend they put together the money the had on hand and paid the $15 to help support the efforts of the day on behalf of the camp! Wow! I was humbled to hear this!
Through donations such as these God covered the needs of the camp! It's so amazing to see Him at work!
I left on Friday the 25th to go to Billy's house so that I could be there for the putt putt tournament fundraiser that was the next day which was the day before Camp started. In hand I had my fee and two full sponsorships. These sponsorships came through the giving nature of the 2 small groups we have been involved with at our present church, North Wake Church in Wake Forest, NC. While there God provided another through my sister-in-law Denise and her husband Eric. I'm so thankful for the giving nature of these people and the fact that God has placed them all in our lives.
Another humbling example of God's provision is seen in this story. On Saturday while at the tournament their where various people who came and played and participated in the silent auction. Billy, his son Ridge, his summer intern Adam, and myself formed a team and were playing on the course when Billy was approached by a woman. This woman was quite tall and slender and it could be seen that she was excited to talk to him. I talked with Billy after she left and was blown away to hear that she was a recovering addict who had come to know Christ as Savior who had come to support the camp. She did not have enough money for the $15 fee per person to play so along with her friend they put together the money the had on hand and paid the $15 to help support the efforts of the day on behalf of the camp! Wow! I was humbled to hear this!
Through donations such as these God covered the needs of the camp! It's so amazing to see Him at work!
Tim Tebow at the recent SEC Media Day
At the recent SEC Media Day Tim Tebow admitted without hesitation when asked that he is a virgin. The Media was stunned by the admission yet Tebow was unfazed. In light of the developments in the death of Steve McNair and the lifestyle of many other athletes who publicly profess faith in Christ yet their personal lives show nothing of it I think its totally amazing to see someone who practices what he preaches. To see Tebow spend his summer sharing Christ in prisons and on mission trips during his spring break is something that should be commended especially in our culture. I am in no way a Gator fan but I am fully in love with Christ and when He is glorified in any way that's awesome! I will be in prayer for Tebow and his witness to remain pure in the glare of stardom.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
I.A. Camp (pt.1)
I'm going to write some posts about the I.A. Camp. I.A. Camp is a camp that I've been involved with for the last 4 years. It's unlike other camps. The campers are sponsored by my friend's ministry. My friend, Billy Wayne, has been in evangelism for over 20 years. He shares the gospel through Music and the Arts (which is awesome because as Christians we have abandoned the Arts in many ways and have lost a wonderful avenue for the Gospel to be expressed). His ministry is Vision Productions. I have to admit that he is unlike anyone in evanglism that I've ever met. He is nothing like the stereotypical evangelist that comes to mind (you know that suit and KJV type that screams at you until you relent). His heart for seeing lives impacted by the Gospel and especially for youth is what truly blows me away.
Vision is based out of Fall Branch, TN which is just outside of Kingsport. It is here where the offices and the Theatre are located. The theatre is Lamplight Theatre where there are performances throughout the year and where the Gospel is presented at each performance. The theatre has been in existence for 5 years and in that time there have been 5000 people who have come to know Christ as Savior through performances and events held there (this number represents those impacted by the Gospel solely at the theatre not through other endeavors wher Billy shares the Gospel). Along with the theatre Billy tours regularly performing in various venues and churches along with leading camps and other events where he can share the Gospel. He also serves as the tour Pastor for Decemberadio.
Billy has this amazing way of connecting with what he calls the "shag nasties" or those others don't reach. He takes people into his home and into his ministry and they are transformed by the love of God. This camp is like that. Most of the kids that go would not be able to go if it were not for that fact that Vision through donations pays their way to go. Along with paying their way to go there is also a clothes closet set up so that they can have clothes and shoes along with providing a backpack of school supplies. Many of the campers come from abusive backgrounds, are in trouble in some fashion, and are "unchurched". They are the type that more than likely "slip through the carcks" or, let's be honest, they don't fit the mold of what most churches will attempt to reach. It's amazing to see what happens each year as lives are transformed by the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This year there were 70 campers and 40 couselors. This was a change from years past in two ways: the first being that this was the most campers in years and the second being that our ratio of counselor to campers was the lowest in years (the ratio is usually as close to 1:1 as possible since the kids really need loved well with the love of God so this made things much more hectic than usual). My job changed drastically than in years past. For the previous 3 years I had been a counselor and this year I was the Camp Dean. The Dean handles issues that arise with both counselors and campers, you are part shepherd and part disciplinarian along with keeping things on schedule (which is a scary thing for me especially since I'm not always that best at sticking to a schedule and like to adjust on the fly as the Spirit moves - that is why Mary McClure was co-Dean, she is an awesome woman of God! She is also wonderfully creative with a great servant heart!).
This post is focused mainly on Vision and Billy so that a groundwork can be laid for further posts about the camp. It may sound like an advertisement and in a way it is because if it leads you to donate to the camp or sponsor a camper then that is great. I must say that I'm totally passionate about this camp and it has impacted me.
Vision is based out of Fall Branch, TN which is just outside of Kingsport. It is here where the offices and the Theatre are located. The theatre is Lamplight Theatre where there are performances throughout the year and where the Gospel is presented at each performance. The theatre has been in existence for 5 years and in that time there have been 5000 people who have come to know Christ as Savior through performances and events held there (this number represents those impacted by the Gospel solely at the theatre not through other endeavors wher Billy shares the Gospel). Along with the theatre Billy tours regularly performing in various venues and churches along with leading camps and other events where he can share the Gospel. He also serves as the tour Pastor for Decemberadio.
Billy has this amazing way of connecting with what he calls the "shag nasties" or those others don't reach. He takes people into his home and into his ministry and they are transformed by the love of God. This camp is like that. Most of the kids that go would not be able to go if it were not for that fact that Vision through donations pays their way to go. Along with paying their way to go there is also a clothes closet set up so that they can have clothes and shoes along with providing a backpack of school supplies. Many of the campers come from abusive backgrounds, are in trouble in some fashion, and are "unchurched". They are the type that more than likely "slip through the carcks" or, let's be honest, they don't fit the mold of what most churches will attempt to reach. It's amazing to see what happens each year as lives are transformed by the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This year there were 70 campers and 40 couselors. This was a change from years past in two ways: the first being that this was the most campers in years and the second being that our ratio of counselor to campers was the lowest in years (the ratio is usually as close to 1:1 as possible since the kids really need loved well with the love of God so this made things much more hectic than usual). My job changed drastically than in years past. For the previous 3 years I had been a counselor and this year I was the Camp Dean. The Dean handles issues that arise with both counselors and campers, you are part shepherd and part disciplinarian along with keeping things on schedule (which is a scary thing for me especially since I'm not always that best at sticking to a schedule and like to adjust on the fly as the Spirit moves - that is why Mary McClure was co-Dean, she is an awesome woman of God! She is also wonderfully creative with a great servant heart!).
This post is focused mainly on Vision and Billy so that a groundwork can be laid for further posts about the camp. It may sound like an advertisement and in a way it is because if it leads you to donate to the camp or sponsor a camper then that is great. I must say that I'm totally passionate about this camp and it has impacted me.
Our Night Away
Jill and I recently had a chance to go out of town together. It was the first time in at least 7 years that we were able to do so. Living so far from family and having 3 children puts a damper on that. It's difficult to find someone willing to watch the kids overnight so we've always spent our time together after they've gone to bed. Our wonderful friends the Pauley's know kids, since they have 3 as well, and Wendy is supermom so they agreed to watch our 3 so we could go outta town for the night - we had watched their crew for their 10th anniversary in May.
We booked a dinner cruise on Lake Norman outside of Charlotte along with staying a night in a hotel not far from the lake. I have to admit I was like a nervously excited schoolboy on a first date! We talked and talked leading up to leaving and the weekend was beyond anything I expected! We had such a blessed time together! The time together and the cruise were amazing and I'm so thankful that God gave us this time!
We've been married for 10 years and each day gets better! That feeling of an excited schoolboy is one which I get to experience on a continual basis with Jill in my life. I have been so blessed that my mate is my best friend! Lord I thank you for Jill and the blessing she is in my life.
We booked a dinner cruise on Lake Norman outside of Charlotte along with staying a night in a hotel not far from the lake. I have to admit I was like a nervously excited schoolboy on a first date! We talked and talked leading up to leaving and the weekend was beyond anything I expected! We had such a blessed time together! The time together and the cruise were amazing and I'm so thankful that God gave us this time!
We've been married for 10 years and each day gets better! That feeling of an excited schoolboy is one which I get to experience on a continual basis with Jill in my life. I have been so blessed that my mate is my best friend! Lord I thank you for Jill and the blessing she is in my life.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
It's been a while
It's been a while since my last big blog. Here is an update of what God has been doing over the past month:
I finished Greek 1 & 2 which was a great challenge. I learned quite a bit but I was not ready for the workload. I was in class Monday through Friday 9am to Noon May 26th through July 3rd. Each day in class would be followed by 4 to 6+ hours of study each day. It was interesting to see how even the most accurate english translation has its faults in translation. I'm going to try and keep up with what I've learned so that I can apply it as God grants opportunity to teach His Word. By completing these classes I'm now on track to graduate next May! I praise God for this opportunity and how He is shaping and molding me through it and also praise Him for Jill as I wouldn't be able to make through this without her amazing support.
This past weekend was crazy! I had not had the time I usually have with the kids and Jill so this weekend was a whirlwind of activity. On Friday, as I basked in the glow of finishing Greek 2, we went to fireworks at the local high school. We met up with some friends (the Pauley's who have 3 boys - yes, when we get together it's always a party!) and watched the fireworks. It was priceless as Chloe cried, Caitlyn cried at first and then loved, and Caleb sat on my lap wide-eyed and his heart beating a mile a minute with a big grin!
On Saturday we went to fireworks in Rolesville (a town about 5 mintues from our house). While there we met up with the Joyce's from our small group. We watched the fireworks and everything went well until Caitlyn got bit by an ant right before we left. When we arrived home Jill asked Caitlyn where put her shoes and Cailtyn answered in tears that they were still in the field where we had parked in Rolesville. Sooo after we carried in Caleb and Chloe I picked up flashlight and headed back to Rolesville with Caitlyn. After searching in the dark for 15 to 20 minutes and man with tattoos all over each arm walks up to me and asks if I was looking for a pair of sandals. He stated that he and his wife decided not to wait in traffic and walked across the field and he walked over them. He them started to help search. After searching for a while he said he couldn't remember where they were and started to walk away. At that point I thanked him for his help and continued to search. Within in 2 miniutes I stumbled into a depression where I found the sandals! Super Dad to the rescue! Seriously though, Caitlyn was starting to freak out and I had just prayed that we'd find them and we did.
On Sunday we again got to see fireworks! Before the fireworks I got to take the girls to a birthday party where we got to tour a movie theater and see how the films are set up and then watch the movie "UP". The movie was awesome and very family friendly. As soon as the movie was over we had to bolt and go meet up with Jill and Caleb (who both took naps while we were at the party) to go to a minor league baseball game - the Carolina Mudcats the AA team of the Cincinnati Reds. We had a great time with the Pauley's and the girls got to meet "Muddy" the Mudcat! Then the fireworks! 3 nights in a row! Only a few tears this time.
God has really opened my eyes to something of late. He is teaching me of humility which is a difficult thing considering that I must be the most prideful man in the world. Humility has everything to do with Him and nothing of me. Humility is most difficult for the one wronged or presumes that he has been wronged. Asking for forgiveness is the easy thing, the granting of it and following through on granting it is the truly difficult thing. Through this I have seen how amazing the gift of God through His Son Jesus truly is.
I'm excited about this upcoming weekend! Jill and I are going away together for the first time since before we had Chloe! Our friends' are watching the kids and we are going on a dinner cruise on Lake Norman just outside of Charlotte and then spending the night there. We are both pumped! Jill is the most beautiful woman I've ever met and to get this time together is a true blessing. Thank You Lord for this time we will have together!
I finished Greek 1 & 2 which was a great challenge. I learned quite a bit but I was not ready for the workload. I was in class Monday through Friday 9am to Noon May 26th through July 3rd. Each day in class would be followed by 4 to 6+ hours of study each day. It was interesting to see how even the most accurate english translation has its faults in translation. I'm going to try and keep up with what I've learned so that I can apply it as God grants opportunity to teach His Word. By completing these classes I'm now on track to graduate next May! I praise God for this opportunity and how He is shaping and molding me through it and also praise Him for Jill as I wouldn't be able to make through this without her amazing support.
This past weekend was crazy! I had not had the time I usually have with the kids and Jill so this weekend was a whirlwind of activity. On Friday, as I basked in the glow of finishing Greek 2, we went to fireworks at the local high school. We met up with some friends (the Pauley's who have 3 boys - yes, when we get together it's always a party!) and watched the fireworks. It was priceless as Chloe cried, Caitlyn cried at first and then loved, and Caleb sat on my lap wide-eyed and his heart beating a mile a minute with a big grin!
On Saturday we went to fireworks in Rolesville (a town about 5 mintues from our house). While there we met up with the Joyce's from our small group. We watched the fireworks and everything went well until Caitlyn got bit by an ant right before we left. When we arrived home Jill asked Caitlyn where put her shoes and Cailtyn answered in tears that they were still in the field where we had parked in Rolesville. Sooo after we carried in Caleb and Chloe I picked up flashlight and headed back to Rolesville with Caitlyn. After searching in the dark for 15 to 20 minutes and man with tattoos all over each arm walks up to me and asks if I was looking for a pair of sandals. He stated that he and his wife decided not to wait in traffic and walked across the field and he walked over them. He them started to help search. After searching for a while he said he couldn't remember where they were and started to walk away. At that point I thanked him for his help and continued to search. Within in 2 miniutes I stumbled into a depression where I found the sandals! Super Dad to the rescue! Seriously though, Caitlyn was starting to freak out and I had just prayed that we'd find them and we did.
On Sunday we again got to see fireworks! Before the fireworks I got to take the girls to a birthday party where we got to tour a movie theater and see how the films are set up and then watch the movie "UP". The movie was awesome and very family friendly. As soon as the movie was over we had to bolt and go meet up with Jill and Caleb (who both took naps while we were at the party) to go to a minor league baseball game - the Carolina Mudcats the AA team of the Cincinnati Reds. We had a great time with the Pauley's and the girls got to meet "Muddy" the Mudcat! Then the fireworks! 3 nights in a row! Only a few tears this time.
God has really opened my eyes to something of late. He is teaching me of humility which is a difficult thing considering that I must be the most prideful man in the world. Humility has everything to do with Him and nothing of me. Humility is most difficult for the one wronged or presumes that he has been wronged. Asking for forgiveness is the easy thing, the granting of it and following through on granting it is the truly difficult thing. Through this I have seen how amazing the gift of God through His Son Jesus truly is.
I'm excited about this upcoming weekend! Jill and I are going away together for the first time since before we had Chloe! Our friends' are watching the kids and we are going on a dinner cruise on Lake Norman just outside of Charlotte and then spending the night there. We are both pumped! Jill is the most beautiful woman I've ever met and to get this time together is a true blessing. Thank You Lord for this time we will have together!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thought for the Day
Good friends are like WEDGIES you share deep things with them and then you pick on them.
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