Monday, December 31, 2007

Monday Thoughts

  • I'm working on my talk for Sunday... it's all about vision and why we do church the way we do. I'm excited about it because it's all about reaching people. It's all about getting in line with God's heart for our community
  • Worked out this morning...man one week off kills a person...the first 25 minutes of my workout was brutal but then I got back in the grove. I feel really good now.
  • Looking forward to a good New Years Eve at home...just hanging out with Brenda.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Awesome Day

Sunday Rewind

  • It was over the top being able to baptize three people from CATF today...I know this is just the beginning of many more getting baptized in 2008.
  • It was great to give our team a break today and do the baptism at another church....thanks to Mountain Park Church and Herm Plett. Having a break from setup and tear down was really nice.
  • Today was really good, but I can't wait to get back to the theatre next Sunday. I love how we do church and all the great people that are part of CATF. I'm biased but I better be:-)
  • I didn't do a whole lot today...but I'm beat tired for some reason.
  • We celebrated Christmas with my in laws today. They gave me two hens and a rooster...now that I have your attention I'll explain. I wanted someone to make a gift to World Vision to help a family in need. World Vision has different things that a person can buy for families in poor countries....so I was able to give a gift of a 2 hens and a rooster. I think it's a whole lot better than getting a partridge in a pear tree. Let me tell you...it feels real good to know a family will be able to start a small farm and support their family.
  • Back to the Y tommorow morning. I don't think I over ate during the holidays, but I miss the work out.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Back Home

We got back home at around 4 pm today. Flights were all on time...no surprises...that's my kind of flight.
  • Had a great time with my parents.
  • Weather was perfect in Florida.
  • Got to walk on the beach several times.
  • Shopped with my family...I love seeing the enjoyment they have when finding just the right item.
  • I am amazed that most of the teens shop at four stores - Hollister, American Eagle, Aero Postal and Abercrombie...with Hollister seeming to be the busiest. I have never been in a Hollister when there wasn't a line up at the cash register (15 to 20 deep) I buy the odd item from these stores, I like to be in style... within reason:-) I love the casual styles they offer.
  • Got together with some old friends that we have known since the days we lived in Florida...this was really good.
  • Drove my mom's convertible along the Gulf....that was good.
  • Ate some good food...but not too much. I'm learning to be a little smarter with what and how much I eat.
  • It's good to be home.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Vacation Coming To An End

Well our family vacation is coming to an end. We are all doing well and will be back in town tomorrow. Looking forward to the baptism on Sunday at Mountain Park Church. Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Celebrate! Need I say more:-)

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Sunday Review

  • Great Day!
  • Rained like crazy today....it was just a week ago we got nailed by that incredible snow storm. Can't wait till we get a Sunday that isn't bad weather.
  • Music was really good today.
  • First time guests connected at CATF today...that's what it's all about.
  • We are reaching some really amazing people that would likely not be attending church.
  • Talked to someone today about overseeing hosts teams....this will be a great move...she will do an awesome job.
  • Felt like today's talk connected with the people.
  • Looking forward to what we have planned for the new year.
  • Attendance was good...but still looking for us to break through in this area.
  • As usual our volunteers hit a home run...you are the best.
  • We have a break next Sunday....no church at the theatre...we will do baptisms at Mountain Park Church.
  • Going away to visit my parents for a few days. Should be a great time. I need a break. The last year has been a hard push...but well worth it.
  • I may not be updating the blog as often over the next week.
  • Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Saturday Evening Thoughts

  • The Leafs are killing me again...they just can't seem to play hockey.
  • I can't wait till tomorrow...I really sense that peoples lives are going to be impacted with Christmas forgiveness. I also think people are going to come to faith in Christ.
  • I can't wait till Christmas Eve...I'm going away with my family. I love spending time together.
  • I ate too many Christmas cookies tonight.
  • I'm still going to the gym...burned 450 calories on the cross trainer today. Good thing... I think I replaced those calories with the cookies I ate.
  • Drivers are crazy this time of year and unfortunately the gym is right by the mall. I'm not even in the whole shopping frenzy and I'm still subject to their wrath. As we learned last Sunday this is earth and not heaven. In heaven we will have perfect drivers like me.
  • I am still amazed at our exceptional volunteers at CATF...we could never do it without you.
  • NHL referees are blind some times....man. Sorry the hockey game is one as I type this.
  • Our cat is going to the kitty motel...pretty nice place, but not home. I'm a softy and I hate to take the cat there.
  • Next Sunday we are over at Mountain Park for a baptism...very cool.
  • Leafs scored in OT....thank you.

3 Days Until The Big Day

Are you ready?
  • Shopping done?
  • Gifts wrapped?
  • Food in the fridge...this is really important/
  • Baking done?
  • Travel plans settled?
  • Ready to go to church on December 23?

It's a busy time...it's a fun time...it's the celebration of the year. Enjoy the Saviour's birth. Life will never be the same for those that have a relationship with Him. Let's Celebrate!

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Remembering Christmas Past

I thought I would record some of my Christmas memories:

  • I remember the year I got a puppy...but the puppy was a problem and had to go back. Let's just say mom couldn't handle the puppy pooping all over the house. As an adult I now understand...I would do the same thing.
  • I remember the year I got a cat...the cat stayed...the cat knew where to poop.
  • I remember the year I got Pong for Christmas. It was cutting edge...I was the only kid to have this great new video game. If you don't know what Pong is, check it our here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PONG
  • I remember the year I got goalie pads for Christmas. Yes I played goal...that explains a lot about me doesn't it.
  • I remember the year I got Atari. My dad and I stayed up all hours playing, Space Invaders. My dad got a rash on his hand from the controller. I think it was nerves because I was beating him. This is Atari http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari
  • I remember the year I got married, December 17, 1988. We spent that Christmas in Florida on our honeymoon and ate at the Clock Restaurant twice that day. It was the only place open in Naples, Fla.
  • I remember our second Christmas. I went and got my parents old Christmas Tree, it was as old as me. It resembled a oversize bottle brush. But it was a tree and it was our first Christmas in our home.
  • I remember our first Christmas living in Florida...strange without any hope of snow.
  • I remember many Christmas mornings with our children. Excitement and anticipation...so much fun.
  • I remember last Christmas with my parents in Florida. We spent Christmas Eve on their patio around a fire. My dad making smores for all of us...I think he ate most of them. He would deny it...but we know the truth. Food and Christmas provide a lot of memories for me.
  • This Christmas will provide many more memories...

This truly is the best time of the year. Thank you God for celebrating your Son's birth in such a remarkable way. So I say....let's celebrate His birth big time this year...take time to deck the halls...have a blast because we are celebrating the birthday of our KING.

Merry Christmas

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Your Faith Will Be Rewarded

I was reading this morning in 1 Peter and was reminded that all those who by faith accept Jesus Christ, will be rewarded. The reward will be spending all eternity with the one who gave His life for me...it will be a wonderful place. It will be more than anyone can imagine. If you are dreaming of the perfect Christmas gift....Jesus gave that gift to each and every person. If you have never received this wonderful gift, this Christmas would be the best time to do that.

1 Peter 1:8-9
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

Not only do followers of Jesus Christ have a gift of a heavenly home one day, we each have a purpose and plan to fullfill on this earth. God has given us the gifts of time, talent and treasure to invest in reaching others for Him. Are you investing what he has given you, to make a difference in the lives of others? Let's not hold tight to what we have been given, but open our hands and serve others. Serving with their eternity in mind.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

It's almost Christmas

....and I can't wait till this Sunday. I can't wait because I believe God is going to do some great things in lives of people who attend this week. I believe that people will come into a relationship with God this weekend. I believe that people will be flooded with God's forgiveness and in turn see life in a new perspective. I believe that relationships will be healed and transformed. I can't imagine a better place to be on Sunday and I can't fathom why God has given us the opportunity to bring his message to this community. It truly is amazing! We are the recipients of his forgiveness and now he has made us the messengers of his forgiveness. So this week, as you go through the hustle and bustle, remember you are the conduits of his forgiveness. This Sunday as you come to be part of CATF, remember that you are the life stories of his forgiveness. Your life speaks volumes, so bring along someone to see what forgiveness is all about.

Merry Christmas

Monday, December 17, 2007

A Classy Guy

Roger Blackmore is a classy guy. It was great to have him with us this weekend. He travelled to Church at the Falls despite the horrendous weather forecast. He braved the blizzard like weather on our way to church Sunday morning. We almost got run off the road by a transport truck to top it off. Once we arrived at CATF he delivered a great message entitled, "Lessons I've Learned When Life Stinks". Afterwards we journeyed through the much heavier snow that had really come down during church. During the afternoon we enjoyed football and much conversation. Roger is a man of great wisdom. He is a guy that I'm glad I know. We are a better church because of our connection. Not only does he offer a lot, he's really fun to hang with.

Thanks Roger, you gave us so much. We appreciate you!

Look forward to visiting Long Island sometime. Here's Rogers blog, www.churchatthemovies.blogspot.com

Way to go Church at the Falls

Way to go CATF you went above and beyond this past Sunday. Thanks to our set up team, band, host team, sound and video team, Kidmo and Lil K team and the guys that pull the trailer....and for all who attended. You each braved the elements to pull of a great Sunday. You all are crazy and dedicated....that's a good thing. This past Sunday showed me one big thing...we will do great things with this church. We will reach our community, because we have a dedicated team that realizes how important our task is. Take a look at what Roger had to say about our great church, http://www.churchatthemovies.blogspot.com/

Have a great week!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

See you at church - weather seems ok.

We are pushing ahead this morning. Weather doesn't look too bad, so we will see you at the theatre. Look forward to all who are able to make it out this morning. Drive carefully.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Get your kids innoculated before it's too late.

Please protect your kids...

Snow Headed Our Way...Again

It looks like we will contend with another winter snow storm this Sunday morning.We won't get caught this time. The trailer is going be out of the compound on Saturday and in someones driveway close to the highway. Our truck has weight in the back and we will make adjustments to put more of the trailer weight on the back of the truck. Wow! This is part of being a portable church in Canada. But it's still worth it.

  • It's worth it because we have 4 people getting baptised in 2 weeks.
  • It's worth because I got a call from someone who accepted Christ at CATF a few months back and they shared with me about answered prayer for a recent health concern. I don't have permission to share more than that, but let me tell you...it is exciting!
  • It's worth it because there will be people at CATF on Sunday that need to hear from God.
  • It's worth it because I believe people will come to faith in Christ over the next two weeks.
  • It's worth it because we get to be part of what God is doing...what a deal.

Pray that the storm passes us by and also that our guest speaker gets in to Buffalo safely on Saturday evening.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Have you tried something new lately?

Have you tried something new lately? We are creatures of habit. We love the comfort of knowing what to expect. So we tend to want things to stay the same. A new version of software can drive us crazy, but most often once we learn about the new version we find it to be an improvement. We buy a new car and it has more gadgets and at first we are hesitant to use them. But then we start using that gadget and wonder how we ever got along without it. Change is not a bad thing. New is not taboo. Staying current is a good thing and it is something I am determined to do, even into my senior years. Yes, I am planning ahead because it is so easy to become a stick in the mud. Now I am not advocating change for the sake of it, but too often we never get anywhere near that point. Most of us will dig our heals in long before that.

For the church to stay relevant we must be wide open for change. Church at the Falls is place that will change in order to make sure we are reaching our community. We will change music, speaking style, presentation and so on. We will do whatever it takes to present the never changing truth of God's word in a relevant way. You see, too many churches like their own comfort more than they love souls. Sound to straight forward...the truth is straight forward. We must, at all costs deny ourselves and our personal comforts. We must connect with our culture. That's why we are so different from many churches in our community. We do things that we feel will connect culturally. Do we do it all right, no. But we are working hard at it though. Thanks to all who embrace this value at CATF. We are making a difference.

Try something new this week...break your habits.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

UnChristian

Just picked up a book entitled UnChristian. It is a thorough review of how the 16 to 29 year old generation views Christianity. Here's a quote from the book,

Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card something has gone terribly wrong. Using description like "hypocritical", "insensitive", and "judgemental," young people share a impression of Christians that's nothing short of...UnChristian.

The data for this book was collected in the US, but still there is something this be learned. The Canadian church has been distant from culture and not cared for the needs within their communities. This has sent a message that we are all about us. Not every church has been guilty of this, but many have. At Church at the Falls we want to work hard at being a caring church that is reaching the disenchanted in our community. A big job, but not impossible.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Band Update

January will bring transition to our Worship Band. Nathan Kendall has decided to step down from his position as Worship Leader. Nathan feels that at this time it is best for him to reduce his responsibility in this ministry. For all of you curious people...no it's not happening on bad terms. Nathan will still be around CATF playing in the band and being a great friend to many of our young people.

The next big question, "Who will lead the band?" After much prayer and searching the best option is to move Brenda Duff into this position on an interim basis. Brenda has served in this capacity in the past and will also have the excellent privilege of working along side another worship leader from a church here in Niagara Falls. This worship leader will mentor and work with Brenda and our band during a weekly practice that will commence mid January. We are truly grateful for his help and believe it will be a great experience for our band. His input and leadership experience along with Brenda's leadership will help us continue our excellent music.

We are truly grateful for Nathan's commitment to our church over the last number of months. You have done a great job! We will miss you in the position of Worship Leader, but we are glad you will still be around at CATF. We have really grown to care for you and truly want God's best for you. Props to Nathan (that means thumbs up for the older generation....at least I think that's what it means).

God has done some awesome things at CATF and I know he has just begun. Let's focus on reaching one more for Jesus.It's all about Him and not about us.

A Speakers Worst Nightmare

Too Funny

Good Morning

Good Morning! It is Tuesday at about 6:55 am and I excited about the week ahead. Excited that we will have Roger Blackmore with us this Sunday. Roger is from Church at the Movies in Long Island, NY. Excited as we approach Christmas because I believe we will see a lot of new faces at church and some of them will come to faith in Christ.

Here's a few thoughts I had while reading the Bible this morning:

  • 2 Timothy 2:2 NLT You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. This verse reminded me that I need to be passing along what I learn from the Bible. If I just take in and don't give out, I become a fat unhealthy Christian.
  • 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. I'm not a coward when I run from temptation, I'm doing what God said to do. If I think I am able to withstand temptation using my own strength I am deceiving myself. I need to run away like a bomb was dropped next to me, because staying around temptation has the potential to blow my life apart.
  • Titus 3:4-5 NLT When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. This is Christmas...Jesus coming into the world to show us how much he loved us and to give us the gift of forgiveness. Have you received that gift? If not, what is stopping you. Simply pray asking him to forgive you of all the wrong you have done, ask him to lead your life and commit to follow him in every way. If you prayed that today, welcome into the family of God.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Monday Thoughts

  • I'm working out regularly and feel really good.
  • I'm also eating more now that I'm working out...that's OK because I'm not trying to lose weight.
  • I am simply amazed at the variety of people at the gym. Some that are real intense and clearly in good shape and others that I'm not sure they ever leave the locker room (if they do... it's to go to the snack bar).
  • Ate Japanese food for lunch. Not too bad.
  • Did some laundry today.
  • Garage door broke on Friday, but got it fixed today. Thankfully the condominium corporation covers that repair.
  • The Leafs play tonight. We will see if they can get back on the winning track.
  • I have free tickets to the Niagara Ice Dogs game this Friday. Never gone to an OHL game before, so this should be fun.
  • Monday is my day off...it's been a good day. Can't wait to get back in the swing of things this week.

Not Working

If you tried to subscribe to my blog, I'm pretty sure that feature is not working. If anyone knows how to set this up let me know, because apparently I have no idea.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Project Share Celebration

Even with the crazy tech problems today, nothing could overshadow our Project Share Food Bank presentation. We presented a cheque for $1200 to help families have a Merry Christmas...that was awesome and I was so proud of our church. Let's keep doing this kind of stuff...I think the devil hates it and tries to disrupt us as much as possible. Nothing will stop us....even if I have to stand on a box and shout to you next Sunday without a sound system:-)

Here's what the Bible says about giving to those in need....
Matthew 25:34-40 (English Standard Version)
34Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Good Day Today

We had a good day today. Great attendance, I think Kidmo had its highest attendance yet. We actually ran out of coffee, but I think we may not have had the right amount or we had a couple camels drinking it down. We also had a couple new members in our band today....so glad to see some new faces.

Technical problems continue to plague us on Sunday morning. We are working hard to correct these issues, but they seem to multiply as fast as we fix them. I've heard more portable church pastors say that the devil will do his part on the equipment, hoping to distract people from hearing the music and message. Please pray regularly for our equipment to function properly. Pray that we continue to do things with excellence.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

There's a little elf in our blood

Merry Christmas http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1125126449

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Marriage Tune Up


If you have been married 5 months or 50 years (or anywhere in between) here is great marriage resource provide by a great church in St. Catharines. http://www.centralgospel.ca/images/couplesretreatbrochure.pdf The retreat will be held in Niagara Falls at the Sheraton Fallsview, February 15 and 16. This retreat will line up with a series of talks will do end of January into February on relationships.
If there is enough interest at CATF maybe a group will go together. Email me and let me know if you are interested in going and we will see what happens.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Satisfied to Socialize

Is it possible that followers of Jesus Christ get satisfied to socialize. What I mean by that, do we get so comfortable with just going to church that we forget what our calling is. Jesus said, "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19 It wasn't an either or...it was both following and fishing. You see we get caught up in one or more of the following lies... it's the churches job or the pastors job or the other person's job to reach people for Christ. We get caught up in our church committees, our bible studies and or fellowships. We forget the great commission and the call to reach one more for Jesus.

Paul said this to the church of Thessalonica, Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us.1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Paul says that in the same way that you came to faith, pray for others to come to faith. Get involved in seeing people come to faith in Jesus Christ. Are you satisfied to socialize or are you ready to reach others with the great news that you have received.

Reach one more for Jesus!

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Started Working Out Again

Brenda and I just started working out again a the Y. Man, I am out of shape. With being inactive for the last 2 months I am really really out of shape. I definitely need to keep up with this, so ask me how I'm doing next time you see me...accountability is a good thing.

I really worn out....good night.

A Great Wife...Couldn't Do It Without You

I just need to brag on my wife a little today. I can't imagine life without her. God has brought us to together so that we can complete each other...I would not be the man I am today with out a women of integrity standing beside me.

She has loved me, cared for me and whacked me upside the head when I needed it :-) Not only has she been an incredible wife, she has loved and cared for our children. She is a great role model and a constant guardian of our children.

It doesn't stop there...many sacrifices are made as a wife of a pastor. She shares me with a lot of people. She helps carry much of the emotional pain that I carry for people that are hurting. She sacrificed financially for many years (years when I worked two jobs and we rented a basement apartment in order to make ends meet). She cares for people in ways that I don't have the skills to. She does stuff for the church that she doesn't have to, but does it because she cares. She supports me and that means so much...especially when I left my secure church position to start Church at the Falls. We wouldn't have this church today if it wasn't for her unfailing support and love for me. So today I honour my wife for her commitment to God and to me. Thanks Bren...you are the greatest.

No...I'm not trying to get out of the dog house....for all you cynics out there.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Amazing

Don't miss this inspiring video.


The Need Is So GREAT

This morning I keep thinking about the many spiritually needy people in our community and how they seem to be so distant from God. Jesus had this to say when he witnessed those distant from God in his own community...

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 NIV

The really awesome thing about Jesus' interaction with this group was that he cared for their physical need...he gave them food. Jesus gave us the model for reaching the hurting.

So, how are we doing? Are you more interested in telling your community what the Bible has to say or are you living what the Bible has to say. Jesus said something about "loving your neighbour". Let's care for our community and show them God's love. Walk among your community as Jesus did.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Project Share

This Sunday a representative from Project Share will be at Church at the Falls to receive the $1000 gift we raised to help with the Christmas Basket Program. Way to go CATF....God is pleased with our desire to help the needy. I see this as just one step toward many other opportunities to help the less fortunate in our community.

Here's some pretty strong words...
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Proverbs 28:27

At one time in my life I ignored the poor. After all... I worked hard to take of my family, so why couldn't they do the same. I had an arrogant pompous attitude. I had forgotten that all I had comes from God and that he had entrusted it to me. Part of that entrusting is to give to his church and to the poor. I am thankful that God got through my thick head and now I see the needy in a different light...in the "light of his love". I not only see the need, my heart beats fast when I think of ways we as a church can help. Thanks again for all of you that had part in giving to make Christmas brighter for those that are hurting. I'm proud to be part of this church.

A New Week

Monday is recovery day for me...speaking on Sunday is tiring. Someone has said that speaking to people from the Bible for 30 minutes expends the equivalent energy as doing physical labour for 8 hours. I don't know that there is scientific proof for this...but my body agrees with that statement. Don't get me wrong, there are no complaints here. I love what I do and I love bringing the transforming truth of God's Word each week, but it can be tiring at times. Non the less I'm recharged and ready to go for another week.

It's cold out today, but it looks like it's supposed to warm up by the weekend. Good news for our trailer crew. Last week was tough getting it out of the lot. So we now have a new plan...when it looks like a big dump of snow on Saturday night into Sunday we will pull the trailer out ahead of time. We also added weight in the back of our pick up truck. Hopefully we can now avoid getting stuck:-) An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - or in our case let's plan ahead so we don't have to call a tow truck.

God has made this new week...let's enjoy it and show God to those around us by how we live. Remember your life speaks volumes. What an awesome responsibility you have...sharing Jesus with the world around you.

Remember, 25% of people will come to church at Christmas if someone invites them. Be a real friend and invite as many people as you can. It's not about you this Christmas it's about those who have yet to come to faith in Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Sunday Thoughts

  • Haven't got the final number...but we came real close and maybe exceeded our goal of $1000 for Project Share Food Bank. That blows me away to know that our people are that generous. The cool part is that our regular giving has been up also. God honours those that give....especially to the poor.
  • Great day today....good attendance despite the snow.
  • The truck and trailer made it through the snow, but the guys told me we need to get some weight in the back of the truck before the next snow fall...if you want to sit in the back of the trailer let me know:-)
  • The band rocked! Nathan did a great job. A couple new faces in the band...awesome.
  • Volunteers are what makes CATF happen...two thumbs up.
  • We had tech problems galore...computer, lighting, sound. We need to pray more for the equipment to work right.
  • We are having the volunteers at our place today....if you just started to volunteer this week...we will get you over at the next volunteer appreciation. We are likely gonna have 25 peoples over....not sure where we are going to put everyone. I guess the patio is out of the question unless you like sitting in the snow.
  • My family is great! They serve and support CATF big time. I could never do it without you guys.
  • Thanks to Ian Gordon and Ray Pacque - two great leaders.
  • We are pushing hard to break the 65 barrier...I need to start praying for NO snow storms on Sunday. Let it snow during the week.
  • Invite a friend next Sunday.

The Forecast Was Right

It really snowed over night...four or five inches This is our first Sunday with snow. Should be interesting with the trailer. I talked to the guys yesterday and we made a few plans in case of the this kind of weather. So we will see how all the loading and unloading goes.

This afternoon is also our volunteer appreciation, for all who have served at CATF. Should be a great day! We could never do it without you.

Check back in later for an update. Have a great Sunday!

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Christmas Lights

I know the video below has been around for awhile, but it still amazes me.

I can't even string a set of light along the front of my house...so even trying to imagine how this is done short circuits me.

To see more of Carson Williams work go to You Tube