Charlie Party

Go baby Go Baby Go

2009-09-25T18:36:00.000-04:00

Follow Me on Twitter

2009-09-06T23:32:00.002-04:00

So I will not be doing many blog post any more, maybe 5-8 a month. But I will be posting on twitter everyday at least 5 times a day. On twitter I will share thoughts and ideas but in a more stream line way. So please keep coming back and seeing what kinda party is going on in my world. And thanks for stopping by and showing your support.

Great Message

2009-08-17T16:41:00.001-04:00

WOW

2009-07-23T13:12:00.003-04:00

This is one of the most moving pieces I have EVER seen. I am so thankful I turned on the TV at this moment to watch this breath taking dance. Moved me to tears. ENJOY!!!!!!!

VideoTeaching.com

2009-07-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

This is a AWESOME thing Life Chuch is doing.

It was great to see so many churches using shared teaching this June during One Prayer. More than one million believers around the globe learned together through powerful messages about who God Is… It’s incredible to think that a message recorded in Australia can change a life in Costa Rica or that a pastor in a small American town can influence people in Ghana, Guatemala, and points in between.
Both this year and last, we heard from many churches who were trying video teaching for the first time and were amazed at the results. We’re excited about seeing shared teaching on a global scale, and are building on that momentum with the launch of VideoTeaching.com. If you haven’t heard us mention it before, VideoTeaching.com is a site where churches will be able to download high-quality video messages from gifted Christian communicators. It’s all free, and it’s launching next week!
We’re adding finishing touches to the site, uploading more messages, and getting ready to share VideoTeaching.com with the world. In the meantime, feel free to let your friends know about what’s coming. See you on the site soon!

Weekend Madness

2009-06-15T07:56:00.002-04:00

Friday I spent most of the day getting things in line for a graduation party for 2 guys from the funeral home. Heated up some BBQ that Chuck McLean cooked man that was some good stuff. And had to make a couple of gifts for and grads.
Saturday I cut some grass but it was to hot so I waited till later that day. Went and picked up Laura to hang out. I did not see her Friday cause she got to go to the Taylor Swift concert. Finished cutting grass and Laura and I headed out for Chick-fil-a and Goodberrys ice cream.
Sunday was church. Got up early to finish some items for the parents.
Sunday 9:30 service numbers were LOW but picked back up big time for 11:00
Chris and the band rocked it out again busting out a David Cook song for the opening.
Scott was spot of with his talk breaking down another myth.
Kidz Cove we are talking about FAITH. We did stuff a little different and went off script and talked about Baptism and what is was and why you did it and what it does for you. We are talking about this cause June 28 if we have any kids that want to we are doing a big KIDZ COVE BAPTISM DAY.
Sunday afternoon was a nice lazy day around the house. I took a nap and Laura watched a movie. Laura family also came over to have dinner. I cooked some slammin BBQ chicken with stuffing and gravy. And we hung out playing punch-out on the Wii
All in all it was great weekend. It could have been 10 times longer but it was still great. Got lots to do this week for the Father's Day Golf Tournament on Sunday. So I need to get to bed and get some rest some I am 100% for the rest of the week.
PEACE

WOW

2009-06-07T23:25:00.000-04:00

Weekend Madness

2009-05-25T12:33:00.002-04:00

Friday Night I stayed home and got ready for a singing gig I had on Saturday.
Saturday I got up early and went and loaded all the Spotlight sound stuff up and then unloaded it at Southern High School since the show is in 1 week now.
Left there and headed to Sacred Grounds Coffee House to set up my sound system and do a little practice before the show.
Went back to Southern cause they were having problems with the mics
At 4:00 I finally made it back to the house to relax before the show. Looked over my words, showered and grabbed a quick power nap before heading back out.
Showtime at Sacred Grounds and we had tons of folks come out to hear me sing. I think this was one of my favorite sets cause I got to do whatever kinda music I wanted to do. I did some Old School Pop, Country, Christan, and Jazz. Loved it can't wait to do another one.
Saturday night I crashed hard cause I had a major headache so not much fun there.
Sunday was church still had the headache but pushed through cause that what we have to do.
Chris and the band lead off with some Creed and did a awesome job with that.
Scott was in week two of our series "Remember" This week he talked about fasting. Not one of the easiest things to talk on but man he did a great job.
Kidz Cove was rocking and rolling. We talk about how Adam and Eve should have listened to GOD and how sad he gets with us when we don't listen.
Went home after church and grabbed and nap to try to shake this headache.
Big Rock was Sunday night and we talked about fasting as well. We shared how fasting is more than just from food and how we should fast from anything that distracts from GOD. We had the teens write down their biggest distractions and how many times they were coming to try to fast from it this week and the we set the paper on fire to help his destroy the distraction.
Sunday night myself and a bunch of guys from church got together and watched the UFC that come on Saturday night. MAN IT WAS AWESOME!!!!
Little funeral work today and then some golf

'The A-Team' Cast: Then & Now

2009-05-21T23:22:00.008-04:00

No show better encapsulates '80s action adventure TV than "The A-Team." The series, which first aired in 1983 and ran for five seasons, starred a commando fighting force out of Vietnam, "sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit." The men promptly escaped and survived in Los Angeles as underground heroes for hire, able to construct weapons from spare parts and sidestep any real physical harm amid a barrage of cartoon-like violence. The revolving door of cameo appearances by the cheesiest of '80s mega-stars, such as Hulk Hogan and Boy George, only enhanced the show's campy appeal. In honor of Mr. T's 57th birthday today, check out the members of that crack "A-Team," then and now.

Mr. T (Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus): Then
Born Laurence Tureaud on May 21, 1952, he really did go by the first name "Mr.," middle name "period," and last name "T." Sylvester Stallone discovered the Army vet-turned-bouncer-turned-wrestler-turned-bodyguard to the stars (including Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Steve McQueen, and Michael Jackson) on the "America's Toughest Bouncer" competition and cast him as Clubber Lang in "Rocky III." "The A-Team" was created as a vehicle for the up-and-coming actor with the trademark mohawk, gold chains, and unforgettable catch phrase, "I pity the fool" -- which ultimately went from sound bite to motivational reality show. Really. Mr. T: Now Mr. T has never found the level of success he once enjoyed on the "A-Team." When the hit show ended, he went on to star in the series "T. and T." as a former boxer who teams up with a public defender to solve crimes. The series lasted just over two seasons, and health problems since then have prevented him from taking on more time-intensive roles (he was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 1995). These days he mostly sticks to starring in commercials and hawking his Mr. T Flavorwave Oven… move over George Foreman.

George Peppard (Col. John "Hannibal" Smith) "A-Team" fans might not believe this, but George Peppard was a legitimate film actor. If you've never seen the classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with Audrey Hepburn and George, you should check it out. But be forewarned: it's a sensitive movie – nothing blows up. Peppard spent most of his career making war movies, including "The Blue Max" and "The Bravos," before becoming a TV sensation at age 55 as the cigar-chomping leader on the "A-Team." After the series ended, Peppard made a few TV and movie appearances (his final one on an episode of "Matlock") before died in 1994.

Dwight Schultz (Capt. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock): Then Producers were concerned about the unbalanced character of H.M "Howling Mad" Murdock before the "A-Team" premiered, so they planned to cut the part after the first episode. But audiences took to the unpredictable pilot, and he stayed for the run of the series. Dwight Schultz: Now All you Trekkies out there will recognize Dwight Schultz as the equally quirky (but in a much more nerdy way) Lt. Reginald "Reg" Barclay from "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Star Trek: Voyager," and the flick "Star Trek: First Contact." But these days you're more likely to just hear his voice as characters in animated series and games, including "Spider-Man: Web of Shadows," "FusionFall," and "Terminator Salvation: The Video Game."
Dirk Benedict (Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck): Then As an actor, you're lucky if you ever grab the brass ring and win a starring role in a hit TV series. Dirk Benedict was able to latch onto two of them: first as Lt. Starbuck on the original "Battlestar Galactica" and then as Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck on "The A-Team." Dirk Benedict: Now Dirk shifted gears after leaving the "Team" and played Hamlet at the Abbey Theater. Perhaps not surprisingly, the response from audiences and critics was negative, so he went back to TV roles on such shows as "The Commish" and "Walker, Texas Ranger." When an updated "Battlestar Galactica" was announced in 2004, Dirk waged a public protest, calling the new, much darker series an "un-imagining" rather than a "re-imaging." Maybe he was just upset that Lt. Starbuck had become a woman in the new "Galactica" (a character he referred to as "Stardoe"). His most high-profile role in recent years was his third-place showing on the U.K. version of "Celebrity Big Brother." He made his entrance "A-Team"-style in the signature van, theme music blaring, with a suitcase full of cigars.

The "A-Team" Van: Then The fifth member of the team, of course, is the iconic black 1983 GMC G-Series (G-15) van, belonging to "B.A." Baracus. If you have a crime-fighting team (especially one that includes a guy the size of Mr. T), some fancy-schmancy muscle car just isn’t going to cut it when you're hunting down bad guys, so B.A.'s ride had some special modifications, including a custom red rear spoiler, white bucket seats, shag carpet, sunroof, and, of course, weapon storage case. The "A-Team" Van: Now Many vans were filmed throughout the show's run, several of which were wrecked during "The A-Team's" signature stunts, which featured jumps, crashes, explosions, and gun fights. Two pristine models, used for close-ups with the cast, were kept by producer Stephen J. Cannell after the series ended; in 1992 Cannell sold one of the pair to the Cars of the Stars Museum in Keswick, England, where it's now on display.

Weekend Maddness

2009-05-19T15:52:00.004-04:00

Friday I worked at the funeral home all day and then headed home to work on hanging some hand towel holders Laura thought I needed in the bathroom.
Saturday was a full day. Slept in late and then headed to play golf followed by some fishing. And I got burnt. When I left the house it was a nice overcast but by 4:00pm my arms and face were and nice beet red. (Note to self DON'T do that again)
Sunday was church at the Creek and it was AWESOME.
Chris and the band were solid again this week
Scott kicked off our new talk on "Remember". It is a modern interpretation of ancient traditions. This week was Communion
In Kidz Cove we talked about Samuel and his boss Eli and how you can learn alot from your leaders. Like how Samuel learned how to hear God speak to him from Eli.
Big Rock was awesome as well we are doing the same talk for the teens as we are for the adults. We just make it more teen friendly or as I like to say we TEENAFA it.
Sunday night I crashed hard after watching Dane Cooks new comedy special. That dude is INSANE
Monday I was right back to Hall-Wynne for another start to another work week.
And you may have seen that Laura was no where around this weekend. She left on Friday to head to D.C. to watch her best friend Emily graduate. And she will be spending most of the week chillin on the Chesapeake Bay with Emily and her family. Glad Laura could get away cause I know she needed it. I miss her so much and can't wait for her to come home.

And this week does not look like it is going to be any easier. Big things on tap this week. Working on youth room, starting on stage design for our new series in June, and working on the Father's Day Golf Tournament. Man it is going to be crazy!!!

Peace out I gotta go back to work

Stand by Me

2009-05-14T23:33:00.002-04:00

This has to be one of the best videos I have ever seen. We did this song at Hope Creek not to long ago. And my prayer is that I will always stand by Jesus and proclaim is goodness forever.

Enjoy

Guest Blogger

2009-05-08T23:19:00.001-04:00

This is a great post that I wanted to share with everyone

Guest: Brian Kruckenberg
Title: 11 Days
Last summer during OnePrayer I was participating in the weekly fasts. On the morning of the first fast, I sat down to read out of Deuteronomy. I wasn’t quite sure what God would have for me there but after reading just a few lines I read something that I can’t ever recall reading before: “Normally, it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea…” (Deut. 1:2, NLT) I stopped right there. I couldn’t believe what I just read: Eleven days? Really? ELEVEN DAYS!?! So, what’s the big deal? Well, what should have taken the Israelites about ELEVEN DAYS took them FORTY YEARS…or, by simple calculation: 14,600 DAYS! You see, God wanted to give the Promised Land to the Israelites and they were a short eleven-day journey away from receiving this amazing gift but instead they bickered, doubted and rebelled their way to a journey that would last 14,600 days. That absolutely blows my mind.
There’s so much more to this story (no doubt, the battle for the promised land would have still been there) but the questions for now are these: What is taking us years that God could do in days? What issue has handcuffed you for years that you could be on the way to defeating in a few weeks if you listened to God, faced it head on and seriously dealt with it? Eleven days or forty years? It is up to us.

Weekend Madness on Monday

2009-05-04T10:36:00.002-04:00

Friday I took 2 of the most important people in Carlton Miles life (his mother and Mrs McIver) out to eat to celebrate his 46 birthday and to remember a great man.
Saturday was a long day that started at 5:30 so I could be a Dennis house at 6:00 to help him and Kim move some stuff out for a yard sale.
Saturday I also headed to Southern High School to help with Spotlight practice. Mrs McIver wanted to get the kids on mics ASAP. My good friend Becky was in town to teach some dance moves to the kids. So it was good to catch up with her.
Saturday night Laura and I headed to Hope Creek for a cook out to welcome 2 new boards members. Renee and Todd. We had a cook out and just hang out and fellowship it was awesome.
Sunday was church 3 services in one day is tiring.
I am not a numbers guy never have and never will. But numbers were down this week not sure why I just no they were down.
Only number I care about is this people accepted Christ this weekend. THAT NUMBER IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
Chris and the band just flat out rocked Sunday. Lead off with some U2 and Chris nailed it.
Scott did a great job wrapping up our series "It's Personal"
In Kidz Cove we took the story on Jonah to a whole nothin level. We also revealed a new value as well as 2 new songs.
Laura and I had lunch Sunday with some old friends. Adam Cook and his wife Val and one of the cutest babies alive Olivia. Adam is the Student Pastor at NHC and is one of the funnest guys I know. Great to see them again
Sunday night was Big Rock and we wrapped up our series " Who you haggin with". We talked about how to become wise true friends. Really great series for us in Big Rock.
Sunday night after Big Rock I crashed HARD and now I am right back to it and could not be happier.
Golf on Wednesday and I can't wait

Peace

What is on my mind

2009-04-30T09:24:00.002-04:00

So the past couple of days I have been doing alot of thinking about life and what not. I have been asking myself tons of questions. But the one question that has been on my mind alot is this.

When we get to heaven will we see the people that have gone on there before us.

Will we know who they are, get to hug, kiss and have a great time with them. Will they look the same.

I would love to hear what you think

Weekend Madness on Monday

2009-04-27T09:27:00.004-04:00

Let me start off by saying I have a holy hangover this A.M.
Friday night was a date night for Laura and I. Had some dinner and then headed to see Jordan High School put on "Beauty and the Beast"
Saturday was prep for 2 different talks I gave this weekend. I also started working on the set list for a singing gig at the Scared Grounds Coffee House on May 23
I fixed Laura's Favorite dinner on Saturday Spaghetti with meat sauce and homemade garlic bread.
Sunday was a long long day.
Hope Creek was rockin it hard core with week 3 of "It's Personal". And Scott was just on point.
Chris and the worship team were all over some worship with some face melting stuff.
This week was a little different cause the Kidz Cove team did the opening song. We sang our Kidz Cove Theme Song. And it was AWESOME. Kids dancing everywhere. And a big shout out to Laura Beth, Alice and Gerard you guys rock.
We wrapped up this months value CONVICTION talking about Stephen. And how he died cause he keep preaching about Jesus.
Sunday night in Big Rock we were in week 2 of "Who ya'll hangin wif". We talked about how to spot the wise folks you need to be hangin wif.
Crashed hard Sunday night after Big Rock. I have crazy respect for Pastors who talk over and over again on the weekends. It has to be draining cause I know it is for me. But I keep thinking about how these people need to hear this and praying that God will change just one of their lives if not all of them.
And that my friends keeps me going no matter how tried I am.
PEACE OUT

words of wisdom

2009-04-22T17:06:00.000-04:00

A.W. Tozer said,
“It is doubtful that God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”

More on this later still wrapping my head around it

Prom Season

2009-04-20T23:35:00.002-04:00

This is the season that teenagers across America go and get their hair did, nails painted, their fake and bake on and spend all their part time job money on a limo and dinner. For what you might ask PROM and I for one loved the prom. I got to dress up and bust a move to my favorite tunes out on the dance floor. I also love prom photos cause people wear so crazy stuff to the prom. A great way to kill some time is look up Ghetto Prom Photos........ hours of fun. But here is the best prom photo I have seen in while and it comes from a family I know. Just one word to describe it PRICELESS.

This will be me when my daughter goes off to PROM!!!!!!!!

Weekend Madness

2009-04-20T08:20:00.002-04:00

Man what a crazy weekend again
Friday I headed to South Point to grab a few things and saw Tyler Zeller from UNC basketball team. Home Boy is listed at 7'1 and I believe it.
Friday night I also caught a great movie something I don't do often but it was nice.
Saturday I worked around the house. Cleaned windows, vac, mopped floors, washed dishes. You know all that manly stuff.
Saturday Laura and her mom heard off wedding dress shopping and she found the one.
Saturday Laura and her mom headed over to the house and I cooked us dinner. Grilled pork chops, boiled potato's and a garden salad.
Sunday was an great day for us at Hope Creek. Still seeing new faces which never gets old.
Chris and the band we off the hook with worship. Opened up with some Dave Matthews "Were are you going".
Scott was in week 2 of "It's Personal" Awesome job man
In Kidz Cove we are still rocking out with our value of conviction. Talked about Peter and John and how they stand up for what was right when they preached about Jesus after his death.
Sunday Laura and I headed to look at different tuxes for our wedding so we can get all that stuff started.
Sunday I also spoke in Big Rock about healthy relationships. I shared with them stories of my life before I had those healthy relationships. We studied the verse of Proverds 13:20. I think it was a good talk and it seems like the teens like it.

WWWWV

2009-04-15T19:05:00.002-04:00

Wednesday is always a hard day for me cause it is almost the weekend but it still feels so far away. So I thought it would be cool to have a good laugh on Wednesday and hope we can make it till the weekend so we can recharge and start all over again. Hope you enjoy

Weekend Madness

2009-04-12T21:05:00.003-04:00

Let me start off by saying WOW this was an awesome weekend for us at Hope Creek. It will for sure go down in history as one of the best.
Friday night was our 2nd Journey to The Cross and it was just wonderful. And we followed that up with Good Friday service. Chris and Jessie were on point with worship on Friday night.
Saturday was Easter Egg Olympics and it was off the chains. Over 30 kids showing up to have fun on this all important weekend. Kids had a ball with the different stations. There was Egg Decorating, Egg Olympics (which is different relays kicked up Creek style), and the popular Egg Dropping.
We also had a HUGE Easter Egg Hunt with over a 1000 Easter Eggs for the kids. Tons of candy for everyone. And everyone walked away with some sort of prize so no one left empty handed.
Saturday I stayed around the church and just worked in The Cove to make sure everything was just right for everyone on Easter.
Sunday was the highlight of all the weeks hard work. We opened up the service with White Snakes "Here I Go Again". Yes we did White Snake in church and it was awesome.
There were only a handful of parking spots left during 2nd service and we also had to add seats during 2nd service which is just amazing. God was really rockin our world today at Hope Creek.
Worship was way tight. Maybe the best I have ever heard the worship team today.
Scott was all over the message kicking off " It's Personal"
In Kidz Cove we kicked it up a whole nother level with not 1 not 2 not 3 but 4 actors as we told the story of Peter, John and Mary at the tomb of Jesus. Leroy as an Angel. WAY FUNNY!!!!!
The adults told me they could hear the kids laughing and having a great time so I think they had fun.
The whole Kidz Cove team stepped up big time. I wish I could name them all but there are to many. So let me just say from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU. You are the best team a guy could ask for. You challenge me daily to become better and it is an honor to service along side of you in helping kids and families into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Easter was awesome and our prayers were answered. We prayed all week that churches across the triangle would see a revival break out. That seats would be filled with folks craving the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that the Holy Sprint would work in the lives of the people that crossed through their doors. And he did that and so much more.
THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING
Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next week.
Oh and the UNC Tarheels are CHAMPS again. The start to an awesome week.

Weekend Madness

2009-04-05T22:49:00.002-04:00

Friday was a long day at the Creek. Loads of mulch and gravel had to be moved around the campus.
Got to drive a Bobcat to move the loads and yeah I almost died I really think I saw the face of GOD himself.
Saturday I had to get up early cause we had a Spring Clean Up Day at the Creek. We started out with some worship and then about 50 of us worked 8-5 making Hope Creek look the best it can for folks that drive onto our campus each and every day.
Saturday night I headed to Duke's Chapel for their Country Ham and Egg Dinner. Wow it was awesome
Sunday was another early day. As I headed to Hope Creek I could not help but think of all the folks in the area that need to hear the message of peace here on one of the holiest days of the year.
Awesome day at the Creek. Lots and lots of new faces. We had our Ministry Fair today and had new folks sign up to help out.
Speaking of the Ministry Fair the Kidz Cove team stepped up big time and made a killer booth for Kidz Cove
In Kidz Cove we shared the story of Jesus praying in the garden right before he was arrested. We talked about how alone he must have felt but that he still stood up for what was right.
Scott was all over the message today and Chris and the arts team had a slammin worship set.
It was a great day for us in the history of Hope Creek.
Another long week again this week. But can't wait to see what God has in store for us with Easter.
God is rockin and rolling right now in the lives of so many and I am just happy I get to go along for the ride.

weekend madness on Monday night

2009-03-31T01:10:00.003-04:00

Friday night I hung out with my good friend James Browne. Had dinner at Bullocks BBQ always good and then watched the UNC game. I love hanging out with James and his wife they are so much fun.
Saturday I got up early and helped chop 200 pounds of BBQ for a event that is coming up for Dartball.
Saturday I also had to work at the funeral home. I hate working on Saturdays most of the time it is my only day off.
Saturday night I just chilled at the house. Laura hung out with her family on Saturday. So I prepped for Sunday and got some other things done around the house.
Sunday was church at The Creek. Lots of folks there, numbers are way up for us from this time last year with is always a plus.
Sunday was also the big give for us at Hope Creek. There was enough money given to but everything we needed and then some. AWESOME!!!!!
Chris and the band were on fire with some spot on worship
Scott did just another staler job with his message
in Kidz Cove we wrapped up Hope with a talk about how Jesus really is.
Big Rock on Sunday night was kickin. The football was out and my arm was about to fall off.
Sunday night was also 201 and there were lots of folks taking the next step to partner with us at Hope Creek.
on a side note. TARHEELS won and are in the final four for the 2nd year ina row. 2 more games to go until we cut down the nets!!!!!!!
Hearing that the heels are in the final four makes me miss Carlton. He would have been so proud.
I am spent so goodnight

Change starts small so just do something nice and watch as it changes the world

best video ever

2009-03-29T22:37:00.000-04:00

Will

2009-03-26T08:15:00.001-04:00

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will".
Vince Lombardi

Weekend Madness on Tuesday

2009-03-24T10:51:00.003-04:00

Friday night I got to put my new bed together. I know I must be growing up cause I have never had a real bed before. You know head board, feet board and rails. But I love it, it is so awesome to come into the bedroom and not have to sleep on a bed on the floor.
Friday night Laura and I got to hang out with a great couple from Hope Creek Todd and Rebecca Sketch. We went to the Ale House for some wings and to watch as many basket ball games at once as we could. It was great to just hang and get to know them better.
Saturday I cleaned house. I mean really cleaned house. I vacuumed every room top to bottom and cleaned every surface top to bottom. I even did the toilets. REAL MEN DO HOUSE WORK!!!!
Saturday night I headed to Hope Creek to do some prep work for Sunday and to just clean up a little. Lots of stuff going on right now some things were a little junkie
Sunday was an all day at Hope Creek event. It started with 2 Sunday services. Chris and the band we slammin this week. Scott was spot on with his talk on prayer. And in Kidz Cove is was another rockin week
Sunday at lunch we had a Kidz Cove leadership meeting to discuss up coming events and share praises and concerns. Thankfully there were far more praises than concerns. There were many great ideas thrown out in that meeting.
Sunday night was also 101 so instead of heading home I just stayed at the church and got a bunch of work done on the ministry fair that we are having at Hope Creek on April 5th.
Sunday night was also Big Rock and it is always fun to hang out with our teens and chill
101 was awesome cause we got to share our mission, vision, and values with new folks and that never gets old.
Sunday night I crashed HARD after some reading in the word and prayer
Monday I was zapped but felt good cause of the work that had been done over the weekend. At times I get tired cause I am working 2 jobs but seeing people come to know Christ and his amazing love for us charges me up again and I am ready to keep fighting.

Happy St Patty's Day

2009-03-17T01:11:00.002-04:00

Nothing is more Irish than a good Tenor singing "Oh Danny Boy". Hope you enjoy

oh and if you see someone NOT wearing green be sure to pinch the crap out of them

Weekend Madness

2009-03-15T21:51:00.002-04:00

Friday I headed to to the Homestead in Timberlake for some GREAT food and friendship with James and Melissa Browne. Came back to the house to chill and have some famous Homestead chocolate pie.
Saturday was my lazy day. I got to watch all the games of the ACC tournament. A Saturday of nothing but college basketball does it get any better than that?
Sunday I headed to The Creek for 2 services of helping people Belong, Believe, and Become.
I am not a big numbers guy but Sunday was a great day for us at Hope Creek over 200 people came for Sunday services.
Scott was spot on with his talk today.
Chris and da Band were kickin it with some rocking worship
Kidz Cove was straight off da hook. Over 50 kids for us this Sunday.
James Browne made his teaching debut as Leroy in Kidz Cove today. We keep talking about Hope and Leroy taught us all about the Last Supper.
Headed to Red Lobster with about 30 people to celebrate Scott's birthday. Happy Birthday Scott
Now I am watching the Roast of Larry the Cable Guy. Bad language but man this is some funny stuff. They are ruthless. I think one day it would be cool to be roasted like that.
Lots of work this week to get ready for Easter Egg Olympics and our Ministry Fair and working at the Funeral Home in there.
Heard one of the best quotes today " When we all come together as a community and help, the world changes" Awesome just AWESOME
Oh and I can be the bigger man congrats DUKE. Man I just throw up in my mouth a little bit
Good Night

Chuck Norris Facts

2009-03-10T23:54:00.003-04:00

If you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, Chuck Norris has more money than you.
There is no 'ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
Apple pays Chuck Norris 99 cents every time he listens to a song.
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
Chuck Norris can eat just one Lay's potato chip.
Chuck Norris is suing Myspace for taking the name of what he calls everything around you.
Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.

Happy Birthday Chuck Norris

Story on Carlton from the N & O on Monday

2009-03-10T23:48:00.003-04:00

Big man with deep voice had wide impact
Amber Nimocks - Correspondent

DURHAM -- When Carlton Miles stood before a group of high school singers, his aim was to teach them more than how to reach the high notes. He wanted his students to know how to push themselves, how to realize their potential and how to retain their humility when they did.
A large man with a deep voice, Miles' mere presence seemed almost enough to convey his expectations.
"He could speak volumes without saying much," says his friend Charlie McNeill. "He just had a way, that when he spoke to you, you knew he was talking from his heart. It was never demanding, never overbearing, always from his heart."

Carlton Miles was a music educator in the Durham schools. He pushed students but was 'never overbearing. Miles died last month at age 45 after a brief illness.
He grew up in Durham and graduated from Jordan High School and N.C. Central University. He spent most of his career as a music educator in the Durham schools.
For the past eight years, he directed the Spotlight Singers, a choral group that features Durham County schools' best vocalists. Through his leadership of the singers and his involvement with many other musical groups, he quietly inspired countless others.
Lisa McIver met Miles when he was a student in the band at Jordan High School. She was the choral director. He played the drums, but when McIver heard him sing, she recruited him to join the chorus. Through the years, he spent a lot of time with McIver and her children, becoming almost a family member.
McIver describes Miles as a gentle person with a knack for listening and a passion for music.
"He didn't just play the drums," she says. "He made music with them."
One of the staples of Miles' year was the production of the Evening of Entertainment, a showcase of performances of Durham County students of all ages. This year's event, held this month at the new Durham Performing Arts Center, was dedicated to Miles.
'All of us went over it'
McIver says Miles extended the kind of friendship that transcended traditional barriers of age, race and status. The hundreds of people of myriad backgrounds who attended his memorial service bore witness to that, she says.
"He built that bridge, and all of us went over it," she says.
Charles McNeill met Miles when he was a Spotlight singer as a senior in high school. Miles became his vocal coach and eventually a great friend and mentor.
His association with music and Miles led McNeill to his current occupation as a family pastor at Hope Creek Church in Durham.
"I would have to say that he was one of the greatest musicians and vocalists I've ever met, but he was also the most humble and generous man I've ever met," McNeill says.
Talented musicians tend to be prima donnas, McNeill says, but Miles never was.
McNeill says that, as a student, he learned from Miles the value of hard work.
"He always told us that what we put into it was what we got out of it," he says.
Music to ministry
McNeill and Miles started hanging out, bonding over many common interests, including a passion for musicals. McNeill says he had drifted away from the church when Miles began encouraging him to attend services at New Horizon Church, where he played drums in the band.
The music, Miles told him, was outstanding. It took a little persuasion, but McNeill began going to New Horizon.
"They brought me in with the music, and while I was there, I started listening to the messages," McNeill says.
That opened his heart to a call to the ministry, he says. It's among the many gifts his friend left him with, and one of many memories he plans to return to regularly.
"As long as I can keep him alive in my heart and I can pass along the things he taught me, the spirit of Carlton Miles will never die," McNeill says.

Weekend Madness

2009-03-10T10:36:00.002-04:00

Friday night Laura, her mom and I headed to the DPAC to take in the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar. Awesome Awesome show
Saturday was a cleaning day at the house. Put a deep clean on everything
Saturday night Laura and I headed to hear a great musician Todd Parrott. He is one of the sickest harmonica players I have ever heard
Sunday was church at Hope Creek. 2 services and lots of folks there. Scott did a great job with his talk and Chris was money with the music. Great job guys
In Kidz Cove we are talking about Hope this month. Played "What that Smell" as our game. Kidz Cove is rockin right now
Sunday was also the big game for us here in the Durham area. Duke-UNC. My heels won and we are 2-0 against them this year YAH!!!!
Sunday night Laura and I headed to some friends house to watch Saturdays big UFC fight. Dude there were some big time knockouts.
Laura is on Spring Break this week so I get to see here everyday and that makes me happy.
Small group tonight and I can't wait. I love our group

2009-03-05T11:53:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of blog post over the last couple of weeks. It is not that I have not had anything to say in fact I have had to much to say. There are so many thoughts running around in my head right now it is hard to keep them all straight. So here is just a glimpses as to what I am thinking most days.

My faith in the public school system is fading fast. They are not concerned about the students anymore just the numbers and stats.
I am so tired about hearing how Durham is a bad city. I believe in Durham because of the people that live here and I know that God is the God of this city and lord of these people. There is hope for Durham
Since Red Robin has bottomless fries shouldn't we just be able to go in their and grab some if you ever bought anything from them.
Why do the really good shows ( Burn Notice, Psych) only come on during the winter
Why are churches not doing everything they can to reach people with the most important message ever Jesus is the real deal.
Who would have ever thought A-Rod was on the juice
Why are the NBA champions called the World Champs they have not played teams from all over the world.
Why as pastor do we look at other churches as the competition and not as team mates.
When are we going to get out of this money funk
Speaking of funk why are there no more big time funk bands.
Laura wants to know why my feet always smell like funk
I think that churches that try to be like other churches and not original are stupid
Fireproof is a great movie bad acting but great message
If the church wants to reach people that no one else is reaching we have to do something no one else is doing. What is it that we need to do?

Told you that my mind was all over the place. Hope you are not to confused by my thoughts

Weekend Madness

2009-03-02T20:51:00.002-05:00

Let me start off by saying this was one crazy week not just weekend
Wednesday the staff and board from Hope Creek hoped in the car and headed to ATL and North Point to get our learn on from 2 great leaders.
Thursday we were in a conference all day learning how to be better leaders. And after sitting there for 8 hours we hoped back in the car for a 6 hour ride home. Needless to say a LONG LONG couple of days
Friday I thought I would have time to recover but nope had to work.
Friday night I headed to the DPAC to help out with this years EOE
Saturday I headed back to the DPAC for more EOE. I was helping move more than 200 little kids back and forth
Sunday it was time for church at Hope Creek
Chris and the band were rocking the house during worship.
Scott did an awesome job with the sermon talking about the five things that grow your faith
In Kidz Cove we had a new value HOPE and talked about how God has a plan in everything we do.
Laura and her dancers did a great job this week. She is really doing a good job leading them and I am very proud of her
Sunday right after church I headed back to the DPAC for the performance of EOE.
As a tribute to Carlton some folks got together and sang the show opener "Faithful Friend" as they showed a DVD of photos of Carlton through the years
Sunday night I crashed HARD and it snowed!

Weekend Madness

2009-02-23T22:38:00.002-05:00

Friday I headed to Ms. Miles house to check on her and spend some time talking to her.
Friday I had some dinner at Champs at South Point and then headed home cause I felt like my head was about to fall off.
Saturday I had a guy who came out to help do some work on the house. Little odds and end stuff nothing huge
Saturday was also a lazy day for me cause I felt like I was walking around at about 40%
Sunday was church and Hope Creek was ROCKIN
Sunday was wrapped up "The game of Life" and Scott was all over it. Great job dude.
Chris was sick and had no voice but Kate stepped it up and did an awesome job leading worship.
Killer ending to the sermon with "Love Story" by Taylor Swift and we showed photos of all the couples in the church
Back in Kidz Cove we were talking about fairness. Did something really cool and as I told the story one of our new leaders Ty drew a picture of what I was talking about. Man the kids loved it and it just brought a whole neither level to the COVE
Sunday the Kidz collected item for Circle of Love to donate to the Durham Rescue Mission. Just one word to sum it up. AWESOME!!!!!!!
Going with a group of folks from The Creek to North Point Church in ATL for a couple of days should be fun to hang out and get some new idea's
Still trying to get used to this new normal that I have now in my life. It is hard to not think of Carlton but I know where he is and how healthy he is now and that makes me happy. Just going to take some time to get used to it.

It's so hard to say goodbye

2009-02-19T22:31:00.004-05:00

A week ago today at around 5:00 pm I had to say goodbye to one of my best friend here on this planet Carlton Miles. Along with losing my grandparents it has been the hardest thing I ever had to do. My grandparents lived long lives 78 and 82. Carlton was gone after only 45 short years. I knew Carlton first as my teacher who took me under his wing and taught me to sing from my soul. To preform like it was your last time here on earth. After becoming my mentor he became my friend. As my friend he still taught me so such. I have had some great times with him over the past 10 years. But I will have many more great times with him cause I carry him in my heart and will pass the wisdom he gave to me to others I cross paths with. Carlton Miles will live on forever in the hearts of people he touched.
Here are so highlights I thought I would share.

Singing Lionel Richie in a huge town car in NH while doing a Cancer benefit
Sitting on the deck at Mrs. McIver's beach house watching the sunset
Watching Carlton dance after UNC won the national championship in 05
Having Carlton as a drummer in church got me to go back to church again
Serving beside him in Kidzoogle and creating a place where 400 people a week saw how cool God can be.
Getting some of the best seats on Broadway in NYC cause he was so big
Late night talks sitting out on the patio while enjoying a nice steak
Knowing he was going to sing a Laura and my wedding makes me smile cause he loved us that much

Carlton I love you. You were more than just my teacher, mentor, friend, you were my brother and I will miss you everyday. I can't wait to hear the band you are a member of when I meet you in heaven again someday.

Time off

2009-02-10T10:07:00.002-05:00

Taking some time off from Blogging to spend with a great friend of mine that is not doing to well right now. He is very sick and could use lots and lots of prayers. If in the moment I am moved to blog I will but I really want to turn all of my focus on to helping and being there for him. I will be back soon.
Thanks for reading and understanding

CM

WOW

2009-02-05T12:07:00.001-05:00

Kay Yow's heart felt goodbye. Nothing more you can say to that

Weekend Madness

2009-01-26T22:42:00.002-05:00

Friday I went out to a friends house to get the low down on how to feed there dogs since they were headed out of town and Laura and I were going to have to take care of them.
Saturday I had to work at the funeral home. The funeral was for a guy that I went to high school with that was killed in a car crash. This is the part of the job that never gets easy.
Saturday night I headed out to James and Mel Browne's house were Laura was house sitting and cooked dinner and helped with the dogs for a while before I got called back into work.
Sunday I headed to Hope Creek early to prepare for the day since we were having a program wide Kidz Cove meeting.
Did not have to do much teaching Sunday cause my homie Kim Ferrer taught as Gina and he did an awesome job talking about Moses.
Back in Kidz Cove we also played a game called Pick your Moses not your noses.
Sunday in main service we continued our series "30 days to Live". And Scott just rocked it. He was not at 100% but God still used him to help changes lives Sunday. Isn't God GREAT!!!
Chris and da band were on fire with their killer worship set. They lead off with Tim McGraw's " Live like you were dying"
In the Kidz Cove meeting we talked about Vision and how important it was to have it. We played a cool game in which we had 2 teams. Tappers and guessers, the tappers had to tap out a song which I gave them on the guessers shoulder and the guesser had to try and guess the song. This is a very very hard game. But the image it gives is that is how it feels when you only have 1 piece of the puzzle for vision. People, parents, volunteers, and staff walk around trying to guess what you are trying to say.
Sunday night was Real Life Live where teens bring their parents to youth. Not sure how it went cause I had a major headache and slept for most of the rest of the day and night

Hurray up and lead

2009-01-23T00:34:00.004-05:00

If you read this blog and are a leader in your church, company, choir, club, or country ( little to far I know) then now is the time for you to hurray up and lead. After a phone call with a friend and mentor, this thought just hit me. He asked, "What do you think other youth programs are doing cause I want to see if I'm on the right track with my program". And I thought WHO CARES what other people are doing. I might not be the smartest person, the sharpest knife, or the brightest bulb in the box but I do know this. Instead of asking what others are doing, ask what have they not thought of yet. Don't get sucked into what the biggest or "best" churches, companies, choirs, or clubs are doing. Do something different, be your own program or maybe more important do what God has called you to do. Not what He has called others to do. Leaders it is not to late to grab a group of folks and brainstorm. Think about what kids, teens, and adults like to do and then somehow do it in a way that shows them God's unbelievable grace and love. But hurray up and stop being copycats and lead like no else has ever lead before.

HOOPS

2009-01-22T22:54:00.003-05:00

Now this is some old footage of me and some of my killa b ball skillz. Hope you enjoy!!!

No Weekend Madness

2009-01-19T09:20:00.003-05:00

I am not going to do a Weekend Madness this week but I promise it will be back next week.
Today I wanted to share where my mind and heart are right now. I think God has used Hope Creek Church here in Durham, NC to open my eyes. When I was a teenager I thought the church as a whole was dying. I mean in my small Methodist church there were little to no visitors, there was a handful of kids my own age and the number on Sunday keep getting smaller and smaller. So I become one of the people that lift and turned my back on the church. 7 years later I found a place here in Durham that had "IT". There is where God worked in my life big time. He showed me that church can be different from what I was used to. He showed me that church can be fun. He showed me that God's word could be taught in today's terms. He showed me that my heart longed to serve him. After 5 years of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, highs and lows. I decided to leave to take a larger part in God's Kingdom. I became a Family Pastor at Hope Creek. It was clear on that first day they had "IT" as well. There is something special about this place even through we are smaller in size than some places there heart for lost people can't be matched. The folks that make up Hope Creek are not perfect, to be honest they are a bunch of sinners but that is OK cause so am I. But they get "IT" they understand that it is not about them. But we do EVERYTHING we can to still make them happy and still focus on the lost. That is the tight rope we walk as Pastor's at The Creek to make sure we don't sway one way or another. That has been the eye opener I have learned in my first year on the job. It is hard to walk a tight rope, something you fall, something the rope cathes you between the legs, and sometimes you make it all the way to end only to turn around and do it all over again.

Great Quote

2009-01-17T13:53:00.002-05:00

When God calls you to do something, he enables you to do it.
- Robert Schuller

The Real Deal

2009-01-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

David Crowder is the real deal. He is truly blessed with a gift from God and he uses it to please him daily. What gift did he give you that you may or may not be using. Hope you enjoy

Bubba or Nolan

2009-01-14T20:05:00.004-05:00

So as I am sitting here watching the Duke-GT game I am faced with a question. Is Duke guard Nolan Smith Bubba from Forrest Gump. I think so but you be the judge.

Weekend Madness

2009-01-13T12:20:00.003-05:00

Friday night there was not much going on so I headed home and caught up on some reading and prep work I needed to do for Hope Creek
Saturday I cleaned house and finished taking down the Christmas stuff.
Saturday night Laura and I headed to a coffee house to hear my good friend and co-worker Mike Poole sing. Mike has a really nice voice and he does the classics really really good.
Sunday was a crazy day at The Creek. I was there before the sun was up to prep things for the day.
Sunday was also week 2 of our new series "30 days to live" and I can tell you there was not a dry eye in the service after Scott got done speaking.
Chris and da band were spot on this week as well. Nailing the tune "Time" by Hootie. And the worship set was just killer.
Back in Kidz Cove we talked about being more like Ants and not Slugs. We also dove down more into the value of resourcefulness.
Sunday night was also the return of Big Rock and it was ROCKIN. If you are in grades 6 -12 you don't want to miss next week. I promise you Big Rock is the coolest things happening at 5:37pm on Sunday nights
Carolina lost again...... it is OK I think they may lose 2 or 3 more times this year but I still believe we will cut down the nets in March

Weekend Madness

2009-01-04T19:48:00.002-05:00

Crazy crazy crazy is the only way to describe the past week and weekend. So here goes:

Friday after Christmas Laura, her family and myself left to head to Disney for a week of fun in the sun with the mouse.
Monday was our first day at the park and we spent it at Epcot
Tuesday was Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
Wednesday was Magic Kingdom all day (15+ hours)
Wednesday was also of cause New Years Eve and the fire works were amazing
Wednesday was our last day at Disney
Thursday was Universal Studios
Oh yeah I also got in engaged on Thursday
Friday I had to get up at the butt crack of dawn to be at the airport at 5:30am
Flew home and got unpacked and cleaned up and headed to Moncure, NC for practice in one of my best friends weddings
Saturday I spent most of the day packing up the Christmas stuff and then headed back to Moncure for Kevin and Rebecca's wedding.
We laughed, cried, danced, and had one of the best times ever
Sunday was a GREAT day at Hope Creek. Lots of folks, lots of Worship, lots of FUN
Scott just ripped it up with "30 days to live"
oh and I got engaged. I love you Laura

Taking a break

2008-12-27T21:01:00.002-05:00

So I will not be blogging for the next week as I am on Vacation in DISNEY!! And some big stuff is going to happen in Disney and I will blog about it when I get back.

Weekend Madness on Wednesday

2008-12-24T12:39:00.002-05:00

Sorry for not doing my regular weekend madness on Sunday night but everything has been crazy until now so here goes.

Friday I worked late at the Funeral Home so there was not not much going that night.
Saturday I got up early for another day at the Funeral Home. (I am trying to work as much as I can because I am leaving for Disney on the 26th and nee the money for when I get back)
Sunday was church this was my 2nd week with the new 9:30 and 11:00 service and I love it. I really think this is one of the best moves we have made as a staff and board. They say you are only 1 great move away from doubling the size of your church.... This might be it)
Sunday afternoon Laura and I went and meet her mom at Southpoint for lunch and little shopping. I dislike going to the mall during the Christmas season cause it is CRAZY. But it was nice to hang out with her mom
Sunday night was the big Panther - Giants game. My team did not win. But man it was a good game.
Monday was another work day at the Funeral Home. BUSY
Monday night I headed to the the Durham Rescue Mission to help cook some turkeys and ham for Christmas dinner. I got started doing this when my friend Chuck asked me to 3 years ago. We cook 4 times a year and every year we see more and more people coming to help. Which shows that good people with huge hearts are still out there.
Tuesday I was back up early to head to the Mission to make sure everything was taken care of.
Tuesday I also headed to the Funeral Home to do some work since I am off on Wednesday and will not be back until Jan the 5th
Wednesday I headed to Hope Creek to get ready for Christmas Eve service tonight at 6:00. I promise this is a service you are not going to want to miss.
Final thoughts (ah la Jerry Springer). Our Savior, our lord, our comforter, our friend, our king, our HEALER is on the way. Make way for the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords. For this is the day the lord hath made. Are you Ready for the Healing to begin today

Journey to Bethlehem

2008-12-18T22:43:00.003-05:00

Don’t miss the chance to walk through the first Christmas this Friday night 12/19/08.
The Journey will open at 6:00pm and run until 8:30pm.
It takes around 20 minutes to walk through the interactive stations.

Refreshments will be served, so stop by on your way home from work or bring your whole family.
The kids will really enjoy this interactive “Christmas Story” and it will give you a chance
as a parent to experience Christmas in a whole new way with your children.
Hope to see you all this Friday night at Hope Creek!!!

Weekend Madness

2008-12-17T18:15:00.001-05:00

So this week I have been getting over a battle with a cold. It was kicking my rear end but in the end I won and am feeling much better.
Saturday Laura and I hosted a party at the house for the Christmas season. Had lots of fun, had lots of food and drinks and even played little Guitar Hero.
Sunday was church. This was the first Sunday I had with our new service time. And it was good. And there were lots and I do mean lots of folks there on Sunday. Sunday was the largest number of folks on a single weekend at Hope Creek in a long time.
Chris and the band were just ripping it up. They had a 3 piece brass band that was just kicking. Scott did a banging job with week 2 of our series "Come home for Christmas"
Kidz Cove was awesome as we talked about the Christmas story from the view of the Shepherds
Sunday night was also 201 which meant that I got to hang out with some folks that want to go through the partner process at The Creek. And that is always AWESOME!!!

SICK

2008-12-09T00:34:00.002-05:00

Right now I have some major sickness going on so I hope to be back up and running by the end of the week.

Monday Video's

2008-12-01T23:28:00.003-05:00

This is one on the nastiest dudes I have ever heard on the harmonica and I know this cat. His name is Todd Parrott and he is from right here in Durham, NC. He is pretty real deal as far his skills go and has played on way to many CD's to name. So hope you enjoy

I love Turkey

2008-11-26T14:21:00.003-05:00

So Thanksgiving is Thursday and I for one love this holiday. When else can you eat so much that all you want to do is lay down a go to sleep. And the leftovers oh my. Man I love Thanksgiving. But more on Thanksgiving tomorrow. For now enjoy this song about my favorite day.

Weekend Madness

2008-11-23T18:00:00.002-05:00

Thursday night I went to a powder-puff football game. It was cold outside but there was heat coming from the field. Those girls were playing some ball. And the guys we cracking me up doing their cheers.
Friday I had a lazy day since I had Friday off. Even though it was cold outside I still played 9 holes of golf. Yeah I know I am crazy. I also got my hair cut on Friday. And if I can say so my self I fixed a banging dinner Friday night.
Saturday I had to work at the Funeral Home and then headed to the church for our last Saturday night service ever. Starting on December 7 we will be having 2 services on Sunday at 9:30 and 11:00.
Sunday was a huge day for us at the Creek. Lots of new faces and lots of energy. Worship was banging with our opening song "Mighty King of Love".
Sunday we also did some interviews from the stage. We talked to a family that adopted 2 children from Ethiopia, a young guy who serves in the nursery and introduced our new youth pastor Kate Nelson.
Back in Kidz Cove we were kid crazy cause they were every where. By far the most kids we have had since I have been there and let me tell you it felt great. We wrapped up our talk on Gratitude and next week we talk about Baptism.
No Big Rock tonight since we're taking the holidays off so it was a lazy day of football, basketball, and movies.
Now if I could only decide what to have for dinner!

Purple Cows

2008-11-17T14:55:00.003-05:00

Just a thought to chew on. If you've seen a brown cow you've seen them all but a purple one we would stop and take notice. So here is the thought "If you aren't remarkable you're invisible." What do you think?
For more info on this check out this great post from Mark Batterson
http://evotional.com/2008/11/purple-cows.html

Weekend Madness

2008-11-16T23:22:00.002-05:00

Friday I got to spend some time with Laura and her brother Michael we had Chinese for dinner and then went bowling.
Saturday was a lazy day which meant no work at the funeral home. So I did some yard work around the house and just chilled.
Saturday night was church at The Creek. Kim did a great job teaching this week. Saturday night we had Cove Leaders meeting and everyone really stepped up with some good ideas for how to improve things for the kids. So there will be some new stuff coming your way starting next week.
Sunday was another awesome day for Hope Creek. New folks all around and that is GREAT. Chris and the band did an sweet job with the opening song John Melloncamps "Empty Hands". Scott also rocked out on " Less is More".
Big Rock was kicking cause it was a party. We are taking some time off so our teens can spend this busy time of the year with their families. So no Big Rock until 2009
This weekend also brought a huge change for us as a church. Starting in December we will not be doing a Saturday service anymore. But we will be adding a service at 9:30 on Sunday morning.
Monday is mine and Laura's 2 year anniversary and I love her more now than I could have ever dreamed. Every day I fall more and more in love with her. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

WOW

2008-11-10T21:49:00.003-05:00

So is it just me or do they not make things like they use to. I really believe that workmanship is gone. Wood is not all wood anymore, tile is not all tile anymore and drywall well drywall is just paper thin now a days.

Here is an example: Man who would have ever thought that you can throw and teenager through a wall.

Guess you never know what will happen at Big Rock so be there Sunday nights at 5:37PM

Weekend Madness

2008-11-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

Friday was just a chill and hang out around the house night. Homemade dinner and some t.v. Sometimes I just love to sit around and do nothing and recharge the body.
Saturday I had to work all day at the funeral home. We got super super busy and I worked more on Saturday than I wanted to.
Saturday night was a great night at the Creek. I did not have to teach this weekend so I got to sit back and watch as my leaders did there thing. And they were AWESOME. I am so proud to service the Kidz Cove team and look forward to this wild ride.
Sunday we had lots of new faces and the Creek. Worship was just jammin and Scott hit a homerun with the wrap up of "Fanatic". There is a real buzz around church right now and I know God is not done with us yet.
Had a great lunch with some friends. Man Red Robin is the junk.
Sunday night was Big Rock and we were off the charts. New faces again this week which is always a great thing. We finished our talk on Worship about how to worship.
Had a little problem at youth....... who know that a person could really bust through a wall. (pictures to come later)
It is Sunday night late and you know what that means "House" is on so I am on the couch watching away the night.
Busy week ahead working at the funeral home and church. And it does not look like I will get a day off.
Thanks for reading

Today is the Day

2008-11-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

JUST DO IT

Weekend Madness

2008-11-02T23:47:00.002-05:00

Friday was Halloween and I passed out candy to about 60 kids. This was my first Halloween at the house and I loved handing out all that candy.
Friday I also got to go Dougie's house for a little of hang out time with some ol friends.
Saturday I got up and meet Laura early and we headed to my parents church for there annual bazaar. We had some good home made biscuits and I got some Christmas stuff.
Saturday I spent most of the day working on the new value for back in Kidz Cove.
Saturday we headed off to church at The Creek. Lots of folks new and old there.
We prepared to say goodbye to our church drummer Josh as he leaves Monday for the Marines.
Sunday was a great day at The Creek. Lots of energy. We are on a roll right now.
Scott started our new series "Fanatic: What do you worship" and just ripped it up.
Chris and da band had a really great worship set.
Back in Kidz Cove we had a ton of kids over 30 for the 2nd week in a row.
Big Rock just rocked my face off. Small numbers but huge message. We talked about the war for our worship and how to not let it sneak up past God
Very tired right now so I am off to bed.

I know I am BUT.........

2008-10-31T15:34:00.002-04:00

So I know I am no Tiger Woods when it comes to golf but I think I have found someone worse then me. Take a look and enjoy

Do you listen?

2008-10-23T19:10:00.004-04:00

As leaders we are told from the start that you have to listen to your people. That you can't lose touch of what the people want. And while that is true, what group of people are you listening to. Most of us tend to want to listen to people that give us comment after comment of praise. But what about the people that give us negative comments. Do we toss them aside and acted as if it did not happen? NO! I believe to be better leaders you have to listen to the negative comments cause those are where the problems lye. It means that there is a possible problem with our program. Don't let only the praise drive your program. Listen to the negative ones and see if they have merit. But don't forget to celebrate the praises. I think positive comments help you get on the right path. Negative comments help light the way. Listen and learn from BOTH

Weekend Madness

2008-10-20T16:37:00.002-04:00

Friday was a lazy night. Got work for Trunk R Treat done. And then headed off to church for service
Saturday night after church some guys got together to watch the free UFC event on TV. Not a very good one so glad it was free
Sunday was church all over again. Scott was in week 3 of "It Came From Within" and he talked about jealousy. Something that ALL of us deal with in some way.
Chris and da band did a bang up job on the worship. We started out with a Gin Blossom tune "Jealousy"
Back in Kidz Cove we are still talking Determination and this week we talked about the plagues God sent. Gina (Kim Ferrer) did a great job telling the story this week.
Big Rock was just awesome we talked about jealousy and got the teens ready for Boo Bash next week.
Lots of work this week getting ready for Trunk R Treat on Saturday at 7:30 and then Boo Bash Sunday at 5:37
Laura has been gone since Thursday with her mom to visit family, she gets back Tuesday and I can't wait I miss her alot.

The Fair

2008-10-15T21:55:00.004-04:00

You can smell it in the air, it is mixture of corn, cakes, ham biscuits, cheese sticks, cotton candy, turkey legs and much much more. That's right the NC STATE FAIR IS HERE. The fair starts tomorrow and I for one am ready to partake in the goodness of fair food. I don't really ride any rides. I play some of the games, I even look at some of the side show stuff. But I mainly go for the food! So I thought since this is basketball country I would share who is in my Sweet 16 and let you vote and tell me who is in your "Sweet 16"

Weekend Madness

2008-10-12T22:33:00.002-04:00

Friday I worked at the funeral home all day and then headed to the Creek to get some work done for the weekend.
Saturday was another long day at the funeral home working on some demo. We are remodeling the room we show all the caskets in.
Saturday was also the biggest day for UNC football in a while. We were 22nd in the nation coming into the game against Notre Dame on Saturday and we should me up in the ranks after the 29-24 VICTORY
Saturday night was a great night for us here at The Creek. Lots of folks at Saturday service this week.
Sunday was also a great day at the Creek. Saw new faces again this week. It is a great sign when you see new faces each week. It means we are doing something right.
Scott was in week 2 of our series "It Came From Within". Today we talked about GUILT.
Chris and the band were rocking with the set and brought it on home with "Heart of the Matter"
Back in Kidz Cove it was all about Determination as we talked about Noah's Ark.
Big Rock was smokein lots of teens, lots of energy, lots of fun. We also talked about guilt and how we tuck it away in the bottom of our hearts. And about how behind guilt you will find anger. And the only way to get ride of them is to confess not to God but to the person that the guilt come from.
Very tired off to bed another long week

More Than A Feeling

2008-10-09T22:11:00.002-04:00

So last night we had Group Link at Hope Creek and it was AWESOME. More than 40 folks have signed up to be in a life groups. Laura and I are hosting a mixed group. Singles, married and dating folks. I like to call us overflowers. These are the folks that did not fit into the other groups. But trust me I believe they fit with us. We were having so much fun last night people told us to keep it down. So our new group will be meeting on Tuesday nights at 7:00pm. And I believe more than a feeling that this group is going to be the bee's knee's. I can't wait for dinner on Tuesday so we can learn more about each other. Man GOD is doing some great stuff at Hope Creek right now and I am blessed to be a part of it. See y'all at The Creek this weekend

Weekend Madness

2008-10-05T21:30:00.002-04:00

Let me start off by saying man THIS WAS A GREAT WEEKEND
Saturday was a lazy day. No work at the funeral (first time in a month). Watched alot of College Football. Which I think is right up there in the number 2 spot of best things in the world behind Jesus and in front of BBQ.
Had dinner with 2 of the best folks I know James and Melissa Brown. I really don't believe God made two finer people. They never judge, never have an unkind word to say about anything, and they are on fire for God right now. Dinner and playing the Wii was awesome Thanks Y'all
Headed to the creek early on Saturday to get some work done. Since it is the beginning of the month that means it is a new value so I had to change all the signage
Saturday night service at the Creek was slamming.
Sunday service followed suit of Saturday...was AWESOME. Scott started off our new series "It came from Within" and it was strong real strong.
Chris and da Band did their thing. It was wicked.
In Kidz Cove we had so many kids I had to go and get extra help. Now that is a great problem to have. We talked about Determination and even when stuff gets hard you gotta finish it.
We played a cool new game called "Sock Wrestling". You have to stay on your knees and the person that gets the other persons socks off wins.
Did not make it to Big Rock but heard through the grape vine it was da bomb.
Had to go back to work at the Funeral home again tonight.
Now it is off to bed heading to Jacksonville tomorrow for a graveside service. Leaving at 6:30 AM (BOOOOOO on that)

WOW

2008-10-04T00:22:00.002-04:00

I am not a huge hockey fan but this is awesome.

Coming this October

2008-10-01T21:06:00.002-04:00

Is there something you just can't shake. Something that seems to follow you around no matter where you go or try to hide. Something that lives deep within the bottom of your soul that is just too ugly to bear. Something that, at times, seems to take over your life. Find out what it is, how to get rind of it and how "It Came From Within" the next 4 weekends with us here at Hope Creek www.hopecreek.org. See you at The Creek

Weekend Madness

2008-09-28T22:00:00.002-04:00

Wow another busy week. Maybe this week will be a little bit slower.
Thursday night we installed new stage lighting back in Kidz Cove. I really think it is going to help out big time.
Friday night I had a meeting with one of my KEY volunteers Cathi Loftin. Man she really has the heart of a saint. She is so on fire to reach children it makes me want to do more. And her husband Johnny is a class act. He is a KEY volunteer in Big Rock. Just a great family.
Friday Laura and I also got to play Rock Band over at Cathi and Johnny's house. One word AWESOME
Saturday had a service a the Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center here in Durham. I don't really like Coach K as a Coach (Only cause he coach's the Devils). But as a person he seems really nice. And he has built a first class building in honor of his mother.
Saturday night we had a great service at the Creek
Dinner on Saturday was the bomb can you say Kanki
Sunday Scott wrapped up our series eXposed with exposing the truth about Eternity. And man he hit it out of the park. Great Job Scott
Chris and his team really did a great job on the worship set this week. Sorry for the life of me I can't remember the opening song
Back in Kidz Cove things are going gang busters. Kids are doing everything they can to earn Cove Cash. And more important kids are having fun in church while learning values and life lessons
Big Rock hosted Real Life Live tonight. Real Life Live is a parent/teen night where we teach both about respecting one another and how to show that respect.
Great dinner tonight cause it was Home Cookin' made by yours truly
Can't wait for Wednesday cause I am playing in a golf tournament to raise money for Child Abuse Prevention

If Only

2008-09-26T17:01:00.003-04:00

I really do believe that if Hope Creek had an organ like this you MIGHT see it on the weekend. It is a little rough at the start but I promise it gets better after about 20 seconds or so
Enjoy

weekends in October

2008-09-22T23:37:00.003-04:00

I thought I would share our new series for October at Hope Creek with you. We are going to be trying something new this month by doing the same series in youth as we do in the main service. Just with stuff that apply to them as teens. And who knows we might add some stuff back in Kidz Cove as well. I promise this is going to be a don't miss series at the Creek. You can check it out every weekend at 6:00 on Saturday night and 11:00 Sunday morning. And make sure you bring a friend!!!!!

Weekend Madness

2008-09-21T21:35:00.002-04:00

Crazy busy busy week at the funeral home this week. Not alot of church work since that took up most of the week
Friday was a crazy day as my dad was rushed to the ER with what they thought was a heart attack. Good news is that it is not a heart attack but they are not sure what it was. He has a Doctors appointment on Monday in the A.M.
Saturday was another long day at the Funeral Home to the point that I did not even make it to church until the last 15 minutes.
Saturday night Doss and I did a concert at the Scared Grounds Coffee House and man in my humble opinion we rocked the place out.
This weekend Doss and his crew on the Arts team stepped it up big time and just rocked with some great worship. Doss rocked it with our opening song Chris Brown's "Dreamer"
Scott did an awesome job with week 3 of our series eXposed revealing the truth about church
Back in Kidz Cove we were into week 3 of Knowledge. Handed out alot of Cove Cash this week and I loved it. Gordo was back this week but watch out Coach is coming to the Cove next week
Big Rock rocked my face off. I really love hanging out with those teens. We switched stuff around and met in the large group room back in Kidz Cove and did a stripped down acoustic set for worship. Man it was AWESOME (insert huge guitar rif here)

Cove Cash

2008-09-15T19:58:00.006-04:00

I thought I would share with you a new thing that we have started at Hope Creek back in Kidz Cove. And that is the start of Cove Cash. You might be asking yourself what is Cove Cash? Good question. Cove Cash is a reward system for kids that do the things each week in Kidz Cove that we ask them to do. In the Treasure Chest (Our parenting resource center) is a huge treasure chest full of all kids of goodies that kids can choose from when they earn $25 bucks in Cove Cash. Each piece of Cove Cash is worth 5 bucks so to get the 25 bucks the kids must do 5 things. And here are the things we would like for them to do each week

Bring their bible to Kidz Cove
Bring a friend to Kidz Cove
Bring a tithe to give back to the church
Remember the definition for the month's value
Do their God Time Card's and have their parents sign off on it

I thought I would add a photo of Cove Cash as well. Each character back in Kidz Cove will appear in the photo of Cove Cash (not just Gordo)

Weekend Madness

2008-09-15T08:31:00.002-04:00

So not to stressful of week this week. The Kidz Cove remodel is done so I had no projects this past week.
Friday night Laura and I meet some friends of ours for dinner. We went to a Ham and Egg Supper. And boy was it good. I really do think I could eat my weight in Country Ham.
Saturday was a chill day for me as I got up late, ate a late breakfast early lunch and hen just laid around on the couch most of the rest of the day. I had huge plans so going an getting everything I need to re-seed my yard, take the dog to get groomed, all kinds of stuff. But NOPE just sat there and watched CSI on Spiked network all day.
Saturday we had church and this was our first Saturday back in full swing with leaders and lessons the whole shebang. Great night for us at the Creek.
Sunday got up and did it all over again. Scott was not feeling so hot but he was still able to rock our face off with a great 2nd week of our series eXposed. This week he talked about God and Suffering (if god loves us why does bad stuff keep happening).
Chris and the rest of the band did and bang up job on some Worship. Great job guys
Back in Kidz Cove they got to meet Gordo for the first time. He talked about Temptation, sang some Temptations songs, and how to make the Wise Choice if you were temped.
Big Rock just was awesome again this week. I really feel these teens want to learn some and are hungry for God's word right now.
Numbers were a little off but more important Energy was through the roof, Sprites are high, Hearts are willing to service, Faces have smiles on them, and new folks are still coming each week. I have not been at Hope Creek long but there is a buzz going on that I have never felt there before. And it feels good
Back to work this week writing playbooks and doing all the paper work side of ministry in Kidz Cove

The new wave of praise and worship

2008-09-14T23:17:00.002-04:00

Is this what the new wave of Praise and Worship is going to look like? I don't know but I HOPE NOT !!!!!

Weekend Madness

2008-09-09T17:21:00.002-04:00

wow talk about a crazy coupe of days. All week long it was a big push trying to finish up all the remodeling projects by Saturday.
Friday a friend if mine come by and binged out the space with some sweet air brushing to the walls.
Saturday was an early day as Scott, Doss and myself prepared for a prayer service to help get everyone on board with us and pumped about Sunday's Re-Opening
Also because of all the rain on Saturday we had tons of folks that were in the church cleaning every inch of the place.
Saturday we also cooked 20 pork shoulders to service on Sunday for of BBQ lunch
Sunday was a long long day. Lots of new folks, lots of energy, lots of fun
Chris and the worship team rocked mine and everyone else's face off with an awesome worship set. The opening song was Cold Plays Viva la Vida complete with strings and all
Scott just plan brought it kicking off our (in house) series eXposed. This week he eXposed the truth about faith
Back in Kidz Cove we were rocking and rolling with our kick off for the new year and our new space. Lots and lots of kids and lots of fun.
After church we had some award winning BBQ and that is always a plus
Little nap before Big Rock
Big Rock was rocking hard. Lots of new teens and Scott did a awesome job with our new series Contraband
All in all a great great weekend at Hope Creek. Each and every person that calls Hope Creek home should be proud. Can't want to do it again this week

The Power of Questions

2008-09-03T23:17:00.002-04:00

Recently I saw a list of questions that I thought I would share. This is a list of questions to ask your team to make sure you are on the right track.

General Questions:

What are we doing that we should stop doing?
What are we not doing that we should start doing?
Who is doing something we need to learn from?
What are we doing that has gotten stale?
What area of ministry is under-resourced?
Where have we experienced inappropriate spending drift? Who is going to help cut expenses and when will it be done?
Are we avoiding any problem issues?
What are our blind spots?
What ministries are struggling? What changes are we making to them in the next 30 days?
What do we have to celebrate?

Only in Durham

2008-09-02T23:06:00.002-04:00

I am sure many of you have heard about this, but it is so funny I had to share. Saturday was the kick off for college football here in the triangle. And in attempt to kick it off in style a major mix up happened. The man flying in to the stadium jumped into the wrong place. He should have been 8 miles down the road in Chapel Hill at UNC not in Durham at Duke. Way to go guy I am sure you are going to make Sports Center. But hey nice landing

Weekend Madness

2008-08-31T23:59:00.002-04:00

ANOTHER long week of projects at the church back in Kidz Cove. But we got alot done this week. Stage is done, value signs are done, deck is done. Now it is touch up's and CLEAN UP
Great weekend for us at the Creek. Lots of new faces even on this Labor Day Weekend.
Scott wrapped up a great series on Jonah. Awesome job Scott.
Chris and the rest of the band rocked my face off again with another great worship set. You're Gone was our feature sing this week.
Back in Kidz Cove we were slammed and it was great. 5th Sunday means Party
If you read this blog September 7th @ 11:00am at Hope Creek is going to kick some major booty. I promise you, you don't want to miss it
Laura was home this weekend from her first week back at school. I missed her so much so it was great to see her all weekend.
One more week of projects and I can call this remodel DONE!!!!!!!

What is Church

2008-08-28T11:25:00.002-04:00

I got this idea from another blog Craig Groeschel (you should check it out. It is on my side bar of blogs to read). He was asked if he had a definition of what is " Church " And that got me thinking. I mean really what is CHURCH? If you were posed with this question from someone who was un-churched what would your answer be. I believe as followers of Christ we need to know what church is. And as leaders of the church we should come back to this question from time to time to make sure we are doing it. I will share what I think church is in another blog soon.

Weekend Madness

2008-08-25T21:33:00.003-04:00

Crazy long week of remodeling projects at the church this week. We built a tech booth, a stage and cut a window out and put in a new door. And we did this with no professorial help
All the painting is pretty much done. There is some touch up here and there and some shading to do on the coral. But it all has at least some paint on it.
Saturday was week 3 of our series Jonah and Scott brought the thunder. If you missed it or any of the weeks you can go to the web site www.hopecreek.org and down load the pod-cast.
Chris and the band rocked it out with one of the strongest worship sets we have been in a while
Back in Kidz Cove we had tons of kids. I think vacation is over so for now so everyone is coming back to church.
Lots of new faces with is a good sign for us as we gear up for our Grand Re-Opening on September 7th
In Big Rock I talked to the them about the mission of Hope Creek and ask for them to step up because they are the hope of the world.
Huge project this week with the building of the new deck for our Check in room. Once this happens all the big projects will be done and only clean up and so small stuff will be left to do.
Funeral home is crazy busy right now and I can see no relief in sight. Guess that means another long week again this week.

Battle of the Bands

2008-08-18T16:43:00.004-04:00

This is one of the funniest video's I have seen in a while. And a good lessen to all those that are auditioning for bands this fall.

Weekend Madness

2008-08-18T00:27:00.002-04:00

Chris and the rest of the Arts Team did an awesome job. Can you say some Johnny Lang in the Worship set.
Scott rocked out another great talk on Jonah.
Great Leadership meeting Saturday night with all the team and church leaders at Hope Creek. Scott helped us renew our focus and know our wins
Lots of kids back in Kidz Cove this weekend. We have been taking a break for the summer from teaching but I am ready to get back to normal.
Laura and I went to visit a friend of ours that has cancer. Chuck is doing great and will come home Monday. God's grace has been around him and his family big during this hard time.
Getting ready for a big week of projects back in Kidz Cove. New door and deck will be in the new check-in room by this weekend ( I hope)
If you call The Creek home. September 6 we are having a special service just for you and it is going to be all that and a big ol bag of chips. Worship, prayer, and service for all those that will grace our doors for the re-opening on September 7th
Sad that the summer is almost gone and that means Laura will be going back to school. I love the summer when I get to see her everyday. I don't say it enough but I love her so much!!!
Getting ready to rock your face off with our Grand Re-Opening on September 7. I promise it is going to be something you don't want to miss

Some kinda of wonderful

2008-08-13T11:32:00.003-04:00

It does not matter how many times I see this it never gets boring. As you can tell from the photo's we went to the arch yesterday. The cool thing is not only did we get to go up inside of the arch but we took a helicopter ride to see it from different views. Here are so cool shots I thought I would share

It's so hard to say goodbye

2008-08-10T20:12:00.004-04:00

Actor, Comedian, Father, Friend, Brother, Uncle, Child of God. The actor known as Bernie Mac died Saturday morning of complications from pneumonia in a Chicago-area hospital, his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles.
"The world just got a little less funny," said "Oceans" co-star George Clooney.

Bernie Mac blended style, authority and a touch of self-aware bluster to make audiences laugh as well as connect with him. For Mac, who died Saturday at age 50, it was a winning mix, delivering him from a poor childhood to stardom as a standup comedian, in films including the casino heist caper "Ocean's Eleven" and his acclaimed sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show."
Though his comedy drew on tough experiences as a black man, he had mainstream appeal — befitting inspiration he found in a wide range of humorists: Harpo Marx as well as Moms Mabley; squeaky-clean Red Skelton, but also the raw Redd Foxx.

Mac worked his way to Hollywood success from an impoverished upbringing on Chicago's South Side. He began doing standup as a child, telling jokes for spare change on subways, and his film career started with a small role as a club doorman in the Damon Wayans comedy "Mo' Money" in 1992. In 1996, he appeared in the Spike Lee drama "Get on the Bus."
He was one of "The Original Kings of Comedy" in the 2000 documentary of that title that brought a new generation of black standup comedy stars to a wider audience.
"The majority of his core fan base will remember that when they paid their money to see Bernie Mac ... he gave them their money's worth," Steve Harvey, one of his co-stars in "Original Kings," told CNN on Saturday.
Mac went on to star in the hugely popular "Ocean's Eleven" franchise with Brad Pitt and George Clooney, playing a gaming-table dealer who was in on the heist. Carl Reiner, who also appeared in the "Ocean's" films, said Saturday he was "in utter shock" because he thought Mac's health was improving.
"He was just so alive," Reiner said. "I can't believe he's gone."
Mac and Ashton Kutcher topped the box office in 2005's "Guess Who," a comedy remake of the classic Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn drama "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Mac played the dad who's shocked that his daughter is marrying a white man.
Mac also had starring roles in "Bad Santa," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Transformers."
But his career and comic identity were forged in television.

You will forever be missed

M.I.A

2008-08-08T22:21:00.003-04:00

So I have been away for the past couple of days at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit. And man it was an awesome event. 2 whole days of speakers who's only job was to build you up and make you better leaders. Thought I would share some insights from the event

When you make a good decision Thank Everyone -When you make a bad one blame no one but yourself.
A miracle is not our job but God's
Follow your compass not your clock
What are you going to do to impact the world
Our job as leaders is not to fix or grow or change people only God can do that
Multi-racial churches are a seek peak into heaven
Sin is like a big sneeze... Sure it feels good but there is going to be snot everywhere
Sunday at 11:00am is the most segregated time in America
One person can't bring IT but one person can kill IT
57% of people believe there are multi different ways to get into heaven
If you were God for a day would you pick you
When Christ comes back it will be the ultimate justice until then it is just us

So what are you going to do to step up your leadership

Weekend Madness

2008-08-03T23:06:00.003-04:00

Instead of weekend madness it has been more like week madness. 27 days until the re-model is done and boy I am ready. One cause I am tired but two cause that means that the grand re-opening is right around the corner.
Thursday and Friday were prep days for our Huge Yard Sale we had on Saturday. We got rid of so much stuff and made alot of money in the process.
Had another great couple of days painting coral and trim. I think we still have a couple of more paint days but should be done with all of that in a week or 2.
Speaking of painting man the folks that are working on the murals are really kicking some tail. They look better than I could have even thought. I am very lucky to have such talented hard working folks that service along side of me.
Saturday was the big yard sale and it brought in 600 bucks and maybe more important helped get rid of a bunch of stuff.
Sunday was a rocking day at The Creek. Worship was awesome. Scott reminded us to live in the now not the past. We had baptisms today and 2 folks took the plunge. Great energy and feel around Hope Creek right now and I am just happy to be a part.
Back in Kidz Cove we had kids color fish for our new check in room. And we talked about one of the most famous stories in the bible that deals with fish Jonah. We got to feel what it might have felt like in the whales belly(jelly) and also what it might have smelled like (sardines).
About to hit the hay another long week. We start building the new check-in desk Tuesday Painting is cool and all but this what I have been looking forward to all along BUILDING STUFF.

Do you know what your gifts are?

2008-07-30T14:45:00.003-04:00

Here is a test you can take on-line that will tell you what your spiritual gifts are. The test is 108 questions long, so hang in there I promise it will be worth your time to find out how God wired you.
http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1

And let me know what your results are

Funny Video

2008-07-30T11:00:00.004-04:00

If you know me you know I love sports. So at this years ESPY'S Justin Timberlake hosted and did an awesome job. So I thought I would share a funny video or 2 from that show.

Question of the...

2008-07-24T16:32:00.002-04:00

I love food if you can't tell that by my photos. But something has always bugged me about food. So here is my question of the day (thought out loud). When you go and eat Chinese food there are always Mexicans in there eating. But when you go and eat Mexican you NEVER see Chinese people eating. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

Weekend Madness

2008-07-21T23:26:00.002-04:00

Thursday I found out a great friend of mine has cancer. He goes on Tuesday to see what the next step is and I will be right there with him. Chuck I am praying for you and your family and will be there to do whatever you need
Friday I worked but that night I took off and did not do anything. It was my only chill night for the whole week.
Saturday it was yard work, yard work and more yard work. And then headed to church to do some work to help clean up for church that night.
Great weekend at The Creek had a guest speaker Marc Barnes who shared what the church is doing world wide to help reach lost souls.
Saturday night Laura also got home from being away for a week. I missed her alot so I am glad she is home
Saturday night was fight night. And boy did the UFC have a great fight card. Anderson Silva is the best fighter I have even seen
Sunday was more church. Chris and the band did some awesome worship. And in the back we had lots of kids. I think things are starting to turn for us and it is only a matter of time before we can dearly hold on.
Sunday night was our first Hope Creek 201 were we talked about prayer, reading the bible, service, tithe, and the beliefs of the church. Great night and Great job Scott

Why do bad things.......

2008-07-18T11:52:00.003-04:00

I have never calmed to know everything (even though some of you may think other wise). So I still to this day struggle with "why bad things happen to good people". I have heard all kinds of stories from folks about "bad things". Some are happy stories about fathers that worked so much and they never spent time with his kids, then he loses his job and he finds a new outlet as a father and it builds back up his relationship with them. While yes that happens everyday and it is a great story, that is not what I am talking about. The stories that get me are the bad ones that go like this. Man/Women loves the lord with all their heart. They honor God like they should. They honor him like a Father. Then cancer, or a car wreck, or murder hits. Why? I don't know. I don't understand.
A great family who are dear friends of mine are going through this very thing. They are church going, Christ believing, God heart people. Yet he has been told he has the big-C Cancer. Why, God why these people, Why now. I understand that God has a plan, I understand that he will not put anything in front of us that we can't deal with. But I still have the WHY'S. And before you say it I know I know I am a Pastor and I should not question God's will, but I am also a human and I am hurting right now. So if there is any one that reads this blog and can help me. PLEASE DO!!!!

How to stay sharp

2008-07-14T10:27:00.002-04:00

I get a great newsletter every Monday called Monday Morning Insights. This was the insight for this week. In his book, Practicing Greatness, Reggie McNeal discusses how great leaders need to stay very sharp mentally. Reggie gives us several ways that we can keep our brain chemistry healthy. Some are simple. Others take a little more effort:

• Adequate sleep (a sleep-hungry brain is subject to fuzzy thinking and poor judgment)
• Proper Diet (especially a good amount of protein)
• Moderate your use of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine (don’t use these to ‘medicate your anxiety’
• Adequate exercise (helps physically, but also mentally)
• Daily doses of positive human contact (leaders who are connected are keeping their brains ‘wired’)
• Mental recreation (It helps from making your thoughts dull and tired)
• Muse time (time to ponder, noodle, reflect)

Great advice. How are you doing? Are you giving your brain an opportunity to stay on top of its game?

Here’s to a vibrant ministry!

Selecting a good leader

2008-07-14T10:23:00.002-04:00

Another Insight

Selecting the right people to serve around you is one of the most important things you’ll do in ministry. The right people can help you reach many more for Christ. The wrong people can hold you back like a thousand-pound anchor.
This week, let’s discuss how to pick the right people.
Today I’ll list ten of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on selecting great people:

Character is more important than giftedness.

God often uses those others overlook.

My wife is almost always a better judge about people than I am.

Past success is a good indicator of future success.

There is often a reason someone is looking for a job.

Teach-ability is non-negotiable.

When I’m trying to talk myself into liking someone, it’s best to move on.

People from within the organization typically have a huge advantage over those who are from without.

One of the best ways to attract better leaders is to become a better leader.

We’re all better off when we pray, listen, and obey.

What would you add or take off the list?

Weekend Madness

2008-07-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

Friday went out with some great friends for dinner at Texas Road House. Great steak just really loud.
Friday I also tried to play my Wii that is only 5 weeks old and it would not work. No power or nothing. So I packed it up and took it back to Wal-Mart. Where or course they did not have another one. So I got my Money back and I am looking for another one.
Saturday during the day was a lazy day. I got to sleep late and only did as little as possible. I don't get many days like that so it was nice.
Saturday night head to The Creek for some great worship and a great talk given by a women that grew up Jewish and converted to Christianity.
Sunday was the same thing. Great feel with awesome worship. Back in the Great Adventure we are talking about Endurance and we tied it in with the movie Cars and character Lighting McQueen
Big Rick Sunday night went great we talk about "Purity of the mind". How purity was much more than just sex. So we hit on 3 impurities Anger, Rebellion, Lust. And the check points to help clean your mind out.
Got meetings planned this week with all the kids workers so I can share our new vision with them.
Plus we start putting fish on the walls so it is going to be a long week
Laura is gone all week with her mom and I miss her already

Wake me Up

2008-07-11T09:20:00.000-04:00

Remember how I told you I used to be famous. Well here is another photo of me in case you doubted me before

Worship

2008-07-11T08:57:00.000-04:00

Worship comes in many forms. Most of the time we think of worship when we sing on the weekends to God. Worship is meant for God. But sadly sometimes instead of worshipping God we worship stuff. Cars, money, houses, woman/men, jobs, you get the idea. But last night I experienced the ultimate in worship. 11 people showed up on rainy night July 10, 2008 at 6:00 to help paint the kids area. These people had worked all day and I am sure where tired and had better things to do. But they gave up there night to help improve God kingdom. They did it with out any negativity or resentment. In fact they were up beat and happy the entire time. Laughter, joy and singing filled the space. It was worship. And it was great. So to those that came out last night and helped from the bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU. If you want to be a part of worship like this come on down. We have many more days planned and all you need to do is show up. So shoot me a e-mail, comment, or see me this weekend. And lets worship together and build upon God's great work at The Creek.

Weekend Madness

2008-07-06T22:32:00.000-04:00

Crazy couple of days repainting the kids wing. We finished step one of the blue paint now it is time to paint some fish.
July 4th was spent working in the yard and cleaning house. Laura's mom and papa came over for pork chops and steaks.
Saturday was kinda of a lazy day finishing the yard work up. And I had to head to the church for a bit to clean up and a prep for Sunday. Then we headed to some friends house for some taco's and UFC
Sunday was week 2 of our series "The Star, The Cross, and The Crescent". We looked into the world of Muslims. Scott really did a great job on this. It is a tough thing to speak on and he did awesome.
Chris had some rockin good worship going on today. Great songs, great musicians, great set
We only had 1 service this week with the 4th and the energy is always off the hook when we are all together. If this is what is in store for us I am looking forward to it.
In the Great Adventure today was Wacky Olympics day. It was fun getting back to my kid days and playing with them
And to top it all off. I got to take a nap today which does not matter that how.
It was a hard week for my 30 day challenge. I missed 2 days but my plan is to make them up at the end

What a feeling

2008-07-02T23:04:00.000-04:00

OK for those people that know me know that I am not really good at sharing how I feel. But I just had to take a moment to explain what I am feeling right now. For a long time I thought God hated me because nothing in my life seemed to be going right. I was not happy in fact I do alot of stuff to sprees what I was feeling. But I think the old saying is true "Behind every cloud is a sliver lining". Well let me tell you what is happening in my life that is my sliver lining.

I have a great family. My mom and dad have always been remodels of how to live a Christ centered life. And love me no matter how much I screw up.
I have a great girlfriend. Who I love with all my heart and I know I will spend forever with.

I have a great group of friends. That know just when I need to laugh and when I need a shoulder to cry on. They are a blessing and I am lucky to call them friends

I have a great work family at Hall-Wynne that make every day a good day at work. It is a tough job but they make it better.

I have a great work family at Hope Creek. Scott and Chris help me everyday grow as a leader and pastor. They are always ears to listen to me speak my mind and hands to pull me up when I am down.

I have a great group of folks that work weekend and week out at Hope Creek to help people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an honor to service beside them each week. I only hope that I can lead them by example.

I have a great a chance to do some great big God sized stuff at the Creek. And I can promise you this. I will my best in everything I do. I will give 100% to help build the church and help spread the word of Jesus Christ here at Hope Creek.

So to everyone and everything on this list

Thank You for changing my life

Weekend Madness

2008-06-29T21:50:00.000-04:00

Great weekend at The Creek. We kicked off our new series "The Star, The Cross and The Crecent " talking about how the world's top 3 religions all lead back to one person Abraham. If you missed this week check out our podcast to catch up. Scott really nailed it.
Had a good friend Carlton Miles come to the Creek this weekend to check us out and he loved it. Thought it was a very welcoming place. I would love to have Carlton on board with us cause he is awesome musican and person in general.
Finished up our talk this month in the Great Adventure on self-control with a cool game day. Next month we are looking a teamwork as our value.
Spoke tonight at Big Rock talking about why and how to have queit time with God. Shared with them how it takes time for our minds to catch up with what our hearts are doing. And that we must renew our minds to know God's will. Challenged them to spend 12 mintues a day in God's word and prayer for 30 days.
Starting the re-model project in the kids area Monday night. Can't wait to get some paint on the walls and see the whole project take off. Get ready Creek cause this is only the beginning of what is about to come for us.
Going to be starting my 30 day challenge tonight. So hope you will to.
God is rocking my socks right now and pushing me in ways that I could never imagine. I just hope that I will not get in the way of HIS plans for my life.