I want to start this with a statement I read this morning. "Few things are more beautiful to God than seeing His people serve and work together in a united rhythm. It's like a symphony to His ears." I read this in a book I just got called "Doing Church as a Team." Wayne Cordeiro, pastor of New Hope Church in Hawaii wrote this book. One of the reason I am reading this book is the title, the other reason is before Sarah and I came to Springhill we took a trip to Hawaii and while in Hawaii we attended New Hope, and all I can say is, Wow! what an experience.
New Hope Church does not operate out of a church building, rather they meet in schools in various locations throughout the Hawaiian islands. It takes alot of teamwork and organization to pull off their services every week. Without one person functioning in the capacity that God had gifted them who knows what could have become. Not only was the teamwork noticable, the hospitality was great. I can say that even though we were not familiar with anyone at New Hope we felt like we were a part of their family.
Over the next few months lets work harder at becoming the TEAM God wants us to be. One that is focused on Him, while investing in the lives of those who come to Springhill. Let work hard together, be welcoming and friendly and open to building new relationships with others.
You guys rock and I hope you are having a great week.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
WOW! $2500
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the youth ministry here at Springhill. THe Silent Auction went great, and as a result of your generosity the youth ministry took in $2500 to be split evenly among the 27 teens who helped work it. Thanks again.
On a lighter note I wanted to give you a link to the baptism videos incase you wanted to have a laugh or two. I hope you enjoy them.
Video 1-
Video 2-
On a lighter note I wanted to give you a link to the baptism videos incase you wanted to have a laugh or two. I hope you enjoy them.
Video 1-
Video 2-
Friday, April 17, 2009
Funny
Yesterday I was mowing the lawn and before I was done mowing, Sarah had to go to work. So, she came outside, said that Ethan was inside finishing up his lunch and that she had to go. I thought "cool, I will be done in 5 minutes and then go in and eat with him." After maybe two or three minutes I finished mowing, put the lawn mower up and headed into the house. When I walked through the door, there was Ethan standing on a chair in front of the fish aquarium. In his left hand he held the net and in his right hand was one of the fish. I was really ticked at first, 
and was about to blow, when Ethan turned to me with a smile on his face and said' "look at this daddy, I caught a fish."
It was awesome he was so proud of catching a fish and wanted me to see it. I have talked about going fishing and hunting and he always says he wants to go. I realized how much he wants to be just like me and how he strives to do things that will make me happy. I love that kid. He is so much fun. Then I started to think. How many times have I been to the fish store and the worker can't catch the fish. The sad thing is there's like 50 of them in the aquarium. My son however pulls off this amazing feet at the sly age of 3. That's right he caught a fish in an aquarium with only 8 fish in it. I could no longer help being upset with him. No, dad was proud of his son because he was trying to do what Dad has always talked about doing.
and was about to blow, when Ethan turned to me with a smile on his face and said' "look at this daddy, I caught a fish."It was awesome he was so proud of catching a fish and wanted me to see it. I have talked about going fishing and hunting and he always says he wants to go. I realized how much he wants to be just like me and how he strives to do things that will make me happy. I love that kid. He is so much fun. Then I started to think. How many times have I been to the fish store and the worker can't catch the fish. The sad thing is there's like 50 of them in the aquarium. My son however pulls off this amazing feet at the sly age of 3. That's right he caught a fish in an aquarium with only 8 fish in it. I could no longer help being upset with him. No, dad was proud of his son because he was trying to do what Dad has always talked about doing.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Random Thoughts
So I have been preparing for the guys Camp Out this weekend, and boy is it going to be fun. Our campground area is right on the edge of the Niangua river, out in the middle of nowhere. There is no TV, Radio, cell phone reception or anything. Man it's going to be awesome. As I have been planning this a number of random thoughts hit me.
First, I thought about how God wants us in the middle of nowhere, so he can show us where he wants us to go. So many times we try to keep ourselves busy and think we know what God wants us to do, but we don't seek him on a daily basis. The writer of Psalms tells us "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Are you consistently relying on God's word to guide you and direct you in your daily life? If not you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere, with no map and no directions. When we rely on God's word we know that He is going to give us directions one step at a time. He doesn't want us to rely on anything else but Him.
Second, when was the last time you went somewhere where there were no distractions? I mean no TV, radio, ipod, cell phone reception. It's probabyl been a long time since many of us have had that. What gets me about this, is that God tells us in His word to "be still and know that I am God." Many times we run through the chaos of life missing out on what God wants to tell us cause we can't hear Him over the noise in our life. We stay busy trying to do great things for God, when He wants us to be involved in our relationship with Him daily. It's an ironic thing when God speaks to Elijah on Mt. Horeb (I Kings 19:9-13). Notice how God wasn't in the wind, even though the wind tore apart the mountain. He wasn't in the earthquake that I am sure was felt for miles. He wasn't in the fire either. He was however in the gentle whisper. A gentle wind that spoke to Elijah. Notice Elijah's response. He instantly pulled the cloak over his face, in respect for God's holiness.
This weekend is going to be an awesome time for us to get away as guys, but it may be the spark you are needing to propel you in the direction God wants you to go. It may provide you the stillness you need to hear the voice of God. Are you ready? I am!
First, I thought about how God wants us in the middle of nowhere, so he can show us where he wants us to go. So many times we try to keep ourselves busy and think we know what God wants us to do, but we don't seek him on a daily basis. The writer of Psalms tells us "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Are you consistently relying on God's word to guide you and direct you in your daily life? If not you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere, with no map and no directions. When we rely on God's word we know that He is going to give us directions one step at a time. He doesn't want us to rely on anything else but Him.
Second, when was the last time you went somewhere where there were no distractions? I mean no TV, radio, ipod, cell phone reception. It's probabyl been a long time since many of us have had that. What gets me about this, is that God tells us in His word to "be still and know that I am God." Many times we run through the chaos of life missing out on what God wants to tell us cause we can't hear Him over the noise in our life. We stay busy trying to do great things for God, when He wants us to be involved in our relationship with Him daily. It's an ironic thing when God speaks to Elijah on Mt. Horeb (I Kings 19:9-13). Notice how God wasn't in the wind, even though the wind tore apart the mountain. He wasn't in the earthquake that I am sure was felt for miles. He wasn't in the fire either. He was however in the gentle whisper. A gentle wind that spoke to Elijah. Notice Elijah's response. He instantly pulled the cloak over his face, in respect for God's holiness.
This weekend is going to be an awesome time for us to get away as guys, but it may be the spark you are needing to propel you in the direction God wants you to go. It may provide you the stillness you need to hear the voice of God. Are you ready? I am!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Congratulations
Well it's a final. This year's National Champ is North Carolina, and they put a hurting on Michigan State. I knew they would. The winner of this year's youth ministry pool, for the 3rd time in four years is Kylee Anderson. I know we were just as shocked as she was.I am starting to think she takes part in more pools and gambling than she is letting on. Last year is the first year she has been beat, and she still got 2nd place. Here's to domination. Congratulations Kylee, You rock!
Mark Harris took 2nd place and was close, but not close enough to beat Kylee. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Upcoming Excitement
Hey guys,
Wanted to give you a heads up on some of the upcoming excitement that we have going on here at Springhill.
This Sunday April 5- A.C.T.S. After Church To Somewhere will be going to Steak n Shake directly following the 2nd service.
Also this sunday don't forget our special night at "The Merge" Parents & teens are invited to come for a night of dynamic worship focusing on reuniting, refocusing and reenergizing the family. You won't want to miss this. Cr. Rodney Reeves from SBU will be our special guest speaker.
April 10- 1st Friday will be at the Refuge. We will have a bonfire (weather permitting) and a game night. Come hang out have some fun and bring a friend.
April 17-18- Guys Camp Out, the cost is $20. This is going to be a great weekend full of camping, fishing, fun, games and skeet shooting. Sign up by Sunday April 12.
I hope you are having a great week, and look forward to seeing everyone this sunday.
Wanted to give you a heads up on some of the upcoming excitement that we have going on here at Springhill.
This Sunday April 5- A.C.T.S. After Church To Somewhere will be going to Steak n Shake directly following the 2nd service.
Also this sunday don't forget our special night at "The Merge" Parents & teens are invited to come for a night of dynamic worship focusing on reuniting, refocusing and reenergizing the family. You won't want to miss this. Cr. Rodney Reeves from SBU will be our special guest speaker.
April 10- 1st Friday will be at the Refuge. We will have a bonfire (weather permitting) and a game night. Come hang out have some fun and bring a friend.April 17-18- Guys Camp Out, the cost is $20. This is going to be a great weekend full of camping, fishing, fun, games and skeet shooting. Sign up by Sunday April 12.
I hope you are having a great week, and look forward to seeing everyone this sunday.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Reminiscing on 34 years of friendships
Have you ever thought about all the people who have been a part of your life and have shaped it in some way. The people who pushed you to be a better person, they laughed with you when something funny happened, they cried with you when you struggled. Those who you played crazy games with, skipped school with or just hung out with. Teammates, Coaches, teachers, parents, siblings, the list goes on and on. I am continually amazed at how many people influence us and make us who we are. From the people in our lives who discourage us to those who build us up every one of them contributes to us becoming who we are.
Over the past 34 years I have had friendships with some outstanding people who continue to influence me for the better. To recognize every one of you would take much time and then I would forget someone. The years spent in school were a blast, and the friends I have through that are great. Four years in the Navy would be very difficult without the friends and coworkers that understand what you go through daily, thanks. My teammates that helped me become a better athlete. The kids that have been a part of the ministries I have been involved in. I know I am looked at as the teacher, but I want you to know you have taught me as well. I want all of you to know that you have influenced me greatly. I am continually thankful that God placed you in my life, and I pray that you experience the same joy in your friendships both now and forever.
My parents continue to show me what it means to live out Christ daily. Even though I am apart from you, you have greatly influenced me to be a man who relies on the strength and power the Lord gives me. My BEAUTIFUL wife, who God gave me to enlarge my sense of humor. I still am amazed how God brought us together. I am so thankful for my kids, Ethan and Brooklyn make me so happy, I only pray that I can live out a true godly example of what it means to follow Christ daily. I have a long ways to go. Lastly, I want to thank Jesus. Without Him all of this wouldn't be possible. You are the Savior of the World, and my Savior as well.
Over the past 34 years I have had friendships with some outstanding people who continue to influence me for the better. To recognize every one of you would take much time and then I would forget someone. The years spent in school were a blast, and the friends I have through that are great. Four years in the Navy would be very difficult without the friends and coworkers that understand what you go through daily, thanks. My teammates that helped me become a better athlete. The kids that have been a part of the ministries I have been involved in. I know I am looked at as the teacher, but I want you to know you have taught me as well. I want all of you to know that you have influenced me greatly. I am continually thankful that God placed you in my life, and I pray that you experience the same joy in your friendships both now and forever.
My parents continue to show me what it means to live out Christ daily. Even though I am apart from you, you have greatly influenced me to be a man who relies on the strength and power the Lord gives me. My BEAUTIFUL wife, who God gave me to enlarge my sense of humor. I still am amazed how God brought us together. I am so thankful for my kids, Ethan and Brooklyn make me so happy, I only pray that I can live out a true godly example of what it means to follow Christ daily. I have a long ways to go. Lastly, I want to thank Jesus. Without Him all of this wouldn't be possible. You are the Savior of the World, and my Savior as well.
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