Minus 2 more...

Hurray!

If the scales were honest this morning I've shed another 2 lbs. I'm at the halfway mark now... 5 more lbs. to go. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it seems to get harder and harder to lose those excess Holiday pounds.

I'm convinced the key is consistency. A few rules of thumb I'm using to maintain my ideal weight, as well as losing a few lbs when I need to:

• Eat Regularly - Two years ago I was told that if I starve my body by missing a meal, the next time I eat my body will store the food as fat instead of burn the food for energy. So important to keep the metabolism in a burn mode.
• Watch the carbs. No way I can eat Ice cream every night and lose weight. You right!...dieting stinks:)
• Beware the starches. I also learned that starches can trigger the fat store mode of my metabolism as well. So, I avoid breads, white potatoes, and pasta. (This truly is the most difficult for me because the potato is my favorite food.)
• Eat Vegetables. I literally eat as many vegetables as I can. I agree...Life's no fun eating like a rabbit, but it's a price I'm willing to pay for good health.
• Apples, Apples, and more Apples. I can't say enough about apples. I'm not a biologist, but I'm convinced there is something medicinal about the apple...'an Apple a day keeps the doctor away.'

I'm also not a nutritionist, so before you make major changes to your diet check with your doctor...:)

Refreshed

Had a great time today hanging out the with one of my old students Craig Polston. He's now pastoring a church and doing a great job. So refreshing sharing ministry ideas and just talking church. There are just some things in a pastor's life and work that only another pastor can fully understand. We really were able to experience one of those level 3 conversations.

A Sick Heart

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you felt sick?

I believe our emotions are a gift from God to move us to action. If we want something bad enough...if our heart is sick enough...we will do whatever it takes to get what we want.

Do we really have a desire for lost people to come to Christ? I believe the sickness of our heart reflects the depth of our desire to bring people to Christ. We need more sick hearts! How sick is yours?

The sicker the heart the greater the joy of the heart when that desire comes true. O the joy of seeing people come to Christ.

'Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. ' Proverbs 13:12

Good Communication: What does it look like?

Our small group topic last night was Good Communication: What Does it Look Like?.

We learned about three levels of communication for married couples:

• Level One: The 'Grunt' Level.
• Level Two: The 'Information' Level.
• Level Three: The 'Inner Feeling' Level.

The sign of a strong marriage relationship is when people are comfortable and confident enough to communicate at level three: Sharing our inner most feelings.

Here are the four helps for couples to move up their communication level:

• Be quick to listen and slow to speak. (James 1:19–26: Proverbs 20:5)
• Ask God to help you to have Spirit-controlled conversations. (James 1:19–26; James 3:2–12: Proverbs 15:23)
• Speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:1–16)
• Our words should encourage and build up. (Ephesians 4:29–5:2)

Small Groups: WOW!

Last night was our second Strong Foundations for Newlyweds Small group meeting. The first meeting was great with just four people, but last night I felt it was off the charts with twelve people there.

Wow...I can see why small group meetings have become so popular and productive. This small group type of gathering is new for Gi and I, so we feel as if we have a lot to learn, but are anxious to just learn as we go.

We are so thankful for the great people in the group. Can't wait till next week.

‘This is not good!’

What was the first thing that God said was ‘not’ good?

God said of His creation that everything was good. Have you ever wondered, ‘What was the first thing that God said was not good?’ Well here it is: ‘It is not good for man to be ALONE.’ (Genesis 2:18)

Whether you are more introverted or extroverted is irrelevant, God says that relationships are good for us. Relationships are the source of life’s greatest fulfillments as well as life’s deepest sorrows. Good relationships require skill and much work. It takes work to build and maintain healthy, meaningful relationships, but as Solomon reminds us that in the end it will be worth it.

‘Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.’

The Psalmist said it this way:

‘How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.’

I’m really enjoying our current message series:

What did you expect?

What expectations did you have about your marriage before you ‘tied the knot?’

Last night our small group talked about marriage expectations. We all have expectations going into marriage. Most premarital expectations are unrealistic. Unfulfilled expectations in marriage will cause heartache and strain for couples. Proverbs 13:12 says, ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick.’ Couples should communicate what they expect in their marriage and develop realistic expectations.

Realistic expectations, because they can be fulfilled, builds a marriage and makes brings great joy and satisfaction. The second half of Proverbs 13:12 says, 'but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.’

Another thought on expectations. Be sure that most of your expectations are placed on you and not your spouse. You should be more concerned about you being all that you can and should be for the one you are married to.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Daytona 500

WOW! I’m really enjoying my Christmas present this year!

I love surround sound. I thought it couldn’t get better than watching the Super Bowl in Surround sound. But man, there is nothing like watching the Daytona 500 in surround sound. I feel like I'm really trackside, right in the front row.

Sunday Visitor

It’s always different just going to church and not preaching. I’m really sensitive about how our church feels to first time visitors. Not being involved in the service gives me an opportunity to kind of feel what a visitor might experience. We need to make sure the service is not filled with ‘religious’ practices or jargon that does not help our worshiping the Lord.

I really appreciate George’s challenge to get ready for Lord’s return. We never know exactly when He will come back, but we do know that He is coming back.

Valentine’s Day

Gi and I enjoyed our 30th Valentine’s Day together. We had a delicious candle light surf and turf home cooked meal. After dinner we watched Fly Away Home…great movie!

I sure am thankful for a great wife and for her being my sweetheart for so many years.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Sunday at home

Sure missed being in church today. I guess there is nothing more difficult for a preacher than being at home on Sunday and not being able to preach. It was especially difficult today, knowing the we were not able to launch our new series Rescuing Frankenstein Relationships.

I do appreciate George willing to step in for me today. He has several years ministry experience. His last being a one year term in China. He and his wife Pat have a great testimony. They both are always willing to do what ever the Lord would have them do.

Day in the Hospital

I woke up Friday morning with a bad pain in my stomach. Turned out to be an umbilical hernia. Nothing life threatening, but they did go ahead and do surgery yesterday. I've known about he hernia for some time now, but the doctor said they wouldn't do anyting till it started giving me trouble. It's Saturday and I am doing fine now. I cannot lift anything for six weeks or so. But, I expect in a week, I’ll pretty much back on my regular schedule.

Thanks for all your paryers.

The Extra Mile

I really believe God blesses when you go the extra mile. We plant, water, but He gives the increase. Thought we had another special Sunday Morning Service this week. I can't say enough for those who give that extra mile effort for the services each Sunday. It was really evident this week. I felt the service Sunday was a real success. No way that would have happened without the extra mile effort some people put into it.

Rescuing Frankenstein Relationships

I'm really excited about our new invite cards and message series.

Does it sometimes feel like a “monster” is choking the life out of your relationships? It’s Alive!!! But you can overcome the monster’s grip on your life. It is possible to have successful and meaningful relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers. Join us Sundays @ 11 AM to find out how to tame the relationship "monster".

Live His Work

Really looking forward to our final talk this Sunday in the Series ROCK SOLID. Our final exercise for a ROCK SOLID life is Living His Work. I believe that God's plan calls every believer to get involved in His work. Imagine what church would be like with no workers. What if no one got invovled in serving others? Obviousely for the Lord's work to be accomplished, people must engage in the work of the ministry. You are needed in God's work!

But, how does serving God help strengthen my life? It's the personal growth, the accountibility, the joy of serving and helping people...but the big thing for me is living for a cause bigger than I am. This helps me keep life in perspective.

You are needed in the ministry. But, you need to minister!

Happy 23rd Birthday!

Amanda is 23 today. Ever since Amanda and Brittany we little I've taken them out for breakfast on their birthday. Of course going in a little late for school was always fun for them. I really believe that, 'To a child love is spelled T.I.M.E.'

I have always enjoyed our breakfast time together. Now that they are both young adults, I'd like to be able to do breakfast more often. I'm a very proud parent and so thankful for who they have grown up to be.

Looking forward to celebrating her birthday today.