A spot where I rarely put my thoughts

I met a Snail on my way to work this morning.

2010-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

I walked out of my front door this morning only to be met by one of the slowest moving creatures on God's creation... a snail.

He was steadily trekking across my sidewalk coming from the grass headed towards my house. I thought to myself, "Self. Why would a snail leave the comforts of the nice, cool, wet grass for the harsh, hard, dry concrete of my walk way? If he were to continue on his journey in this direction, the sun is sure to dry him out and scorch his body. Does he even know what he is doing? This is certain death for him!"

So, after having this elaborate conversation with myself, I picked him up by his shell and proceeded to place him back in the grass heading in the opposite direction. I got into my car and proceeded to drive off to work. As I drove I watched the other drivers around me and I thought, "How many of these people are like the snail I met this morning? Choosing to leave the safety of their natural habitat and trading it for something that might look promising, but instead will only lead to certain death?"

We come across these kinds of people everyday. People that choose to live outside of Christ (their natural habitat) and instead choose to venture into some place (the world) that looks more appealing but will only end up in certain death.

So I guess from all of this, I ask you this... when was the last time you picked up a snail and saved it from certain death?

Noobs in New Bern...the summer starts in T-minus 9 days.

2010-06-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

My summer is getting ready to hit full swing!

I leave next Sunday night for Camp Rudolph and then home for the weekend and then off to a camp that I have never been to... Roanoke Christian Service Camp or RCSC.

After that I have a week off, then vacation with the family, and then off to two more weeks of camp back to back! Oh the summer in youth ministry!

What are you doing for the summer?

-Have a Pepsi and a smile!

Noobs in New Bern...how the time has flown by!

2010-06-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

We have been in NB now for a little over 4 months. We have adjusted very well.

Let me say this: (I guess I will since this is my blog :/ )

We do miss our Northampton Church family. I miss the teens and spending time with them and their families. I miss being apart of the ministry that is taking place in Hampton VA. I miss working with great men and women of God that want to do His will and serve and love people. I honestly do...

but I say all of that to say this: I am truly loving our new ministry. I have been stretched and challenged in new ways. And in this, I am growing as a person, a follower of Christ, and a minister.

As a person:

I am so filled with flaws. One of my biggest, and personally most annoying flaws, is the fact that I am easily distracted, procrastinate, and unorganized. (I know that that's three, but to me they all go together.) For me, it takes an immense amount of discipline to get things done. I h

ave found a couple of ways to help in this area:

1. Write the tasks down that I need to get done.

This at least helps sort through the things that I know need to be done in a particular week.

2. Do things immediately.

If something is set on my desk that is important, I need to do it that minute.

3. Be Attentive.

Basically... pay attention and don't assume.

Follower of Christ:

Here is a revelation... I have found that the more time I spend in prayer and reading, the more excited I am about God, His Word, and His will for my life... I know... NOVEL CONCEPT!

Seriously though, I know when I have not spent time in the Word and in prayer because:

1. My struggles are greater

2. My distance from God is farther

3. My attention wains from where it needs to be

A Minister:

My time in ministry at NH was invaluable! I learned many great things from many people. I appreciate them all.

It has truly helped me in my new ministry. Now, it is different at a church plant, but my previous work has been a real blessing.

Here's a little update on the family:

The girls are great! Claire is talking more and putting words together. It was almost over night that that happened. Actually, the ladies went to VA for a week and when they came back Claire was chatting it up!

Gracie still asks to go to school. We are going to look into day programs for her to attend.

Maybe we can find something for Claire as well. Gracie still astonishes me with her knowledge and comprehension! She definitely got that from he mother.... as well as her looks!

Katie is doing great! She is getting ready to start selling Pampered Chef again. We could do without the second income, but it's a good way to meet people and it gives her adult interaction... which she needs.

Fund raising:

Thanks to many generous people, we are at about 25% of our monthly support. I am getting ready for the summer months where I will be at a number of camps doing some fundraising. And again, that is in thanks to many willing camp deans to bring on Two Rivers as their missions support.

Please continue to pray for us as we continue to minister to the people in New Bern.

-Have a Pepsi and smile!

noobs in New Bern...these are the people in your neighborhood

2010-04-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that song from Sesame Street? Well, I got to meet a couple of new people in the New Bern neighborhood.

I really, really like the downtown area of New Bern. I have made a couple of good friends in the downtown area.

1st there's Herb. Herb is an older gentleman that was a professional musician. Really good guy and great guitar player. He works in a small music store called the Musician's Toy Shop. I try to see him once a week and play a Taylor or two. He teaches me some songs, chords, and picking styles. He's a well spring of knowledge when it comes to music... well, country, bluegrass or gospel... but hey, isn't where the roots of Rock-n-Roll are?

I got to go and hang with him for a bit, even laid down a funk bass track for something he was working on... good times. I spent a little more time there then I had expected, but it was a good opportunity to talk with Herb.

2ndly... (the whole reason I left the office to being with) There's Sabrina. She is a middle aged woman that works a the Pepsi store. It is the home of the creation of Pepsi. I went in to get a drink and maybe a piece of memorabilia. Well, they didn't have anything I wanted (or least I wanted to spend money on) so I was going to get a drink... all I had was my card (no cash) and it was only 75c... I got to talk to Sabrina and she ended up giving me my drink for FREE!

I had a good time getting to know a couple more of the people of NB... hopefully these can be relationships that can lead to their growth in Christ.

An interjection of ridiculousness

2010-04-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was cleaning up the house, I was listening to one of the morning shows and they were talking about how the contestants had to be away from their families in order to be on the show...

I was thinking, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" These people choose to be on a show in order to make money... they chose this. They weren't told they had to be there or they would be punished for not showing up!

Especially Katie Goslin... that woman is extremely selfish... she has made her fame off of her family. She doesn't have a single talent or commodity that allows her to earn money on her own. Except for maybe patenting her newest hair style.

We have men and woman that are fighting for freedom in another country and can't be home with their family because it is their job.

America. Let's put things into perspective. Really... who cares about DWTS!? It's good entertainment, but it's not a sacrifice!

Rant done.

BTW... the soldier is a friend and former youth group member of mine.... Danny Marshall. He is still in Afganistan. Please continue to pray for him.

Noobs in New Bern...It's been a month!

2010-04-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has already been one month since my family and I moved to New Bern. Last night Katie and I were talking about the number of times we have moved in our lives. Counting this one, it makes seven for the both of us (the difference is, I actually moved from one state to another 5 times!)

So far, New Bern has been great. There are a couple of things that are different:

1. Most everything except Wal-Mart shuts down at 8:00... even some restaurants!

2. I work in the downtown area of New Bern, and there are a bunch of awesome coffee shops and cafe's, but there is no music scene.... really?

3. Things aren't quite as accessable here as they are in Tidewater.

4. We have a mall, but I would call it a HALL. It's not big enough to be a mall. The closest mall is in Washington. (is it me, or is that a Susess type sentence?)

5. There are 2 starbucks in New Bern. Neither is a stand alone store, but the Almond Tree Cafe makes up for it with it's awesome coffee blends and 2.99 breakfast! Yeah I know 2.99 eggs, bacon, grits, toast....Where you at cracker barrel?

Katie now has a job... at least until our townhouse sells. And what's better about it... she works at the Almond Tree!

I am going to be adding a fund raising update to this blog. Thank you to all that have already started your giving... you are truly a blessing to me and to TRC!

Noobs in New Bern... A Day Off!

2010-03-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

So I took the day off today and stayed home with the family. We didn't do a whole lot because of the rain, but I had a great time playing the girls. They are getting so big, way to fast.

Gracie's imagination is incredible to me... the things she thinks of and makes up. Some of it is silly, but most of it is absolutely hilarious.

Claire has started this new thing where she will climb onto the couch, and if you are there watching her, she will just walk off the couch thinking you are going to catch her, which of course I do. She laughs and rolls around and then get's back up on the couch and does it again.

She is going to be a ruff neck!

If you haven't seen them on facebook, here are a couple of recent pics.

I am just bout ready to send out support letters... this has been a process in and of itself.

OK! I am beat... have a wonderful night.

Noobs in New Bern... What's the haps?

2010-03-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

I get to see some pretty crazy things outside my window. Yesterday, Krystal and I were watching a couple take pictures with the bear (if you don't know what I am talking about, check out my first 'noobs in New bern post). Now, this isn't an unusual event, but the lady was pregnant, and she was posing like a model... without hearing the conversation with her, I am guessing husband, it just looked hilarious. I took a picture, but then felt creepy... so I erased it.

I got the opportunity to meet a new couple at TRC's "What's Brewing". This is something we do to meet new people that come to the church and it's held at a local coffee shop called the Almond Tree (great coffee). They were a neat couple. He is a freelance architectural photographer from Switzerland and she is a CPA from Columbia. We had a great conversation and it was a lot of fun getting to know them. They said they really enjoyed the worship service and are excited about coming back.

The family is good. Katie has been involved in a couple of Bible studies and she is getting to know some of the ladies from church. There is a young couple (the Upchurch's) that we are connecting with. I went and played frisbee golf with Dave Upchurch on Tuesday. My shoulder is now wrecked for the next two weeks!

Thanks again for the continued prayers. We are still praying that our house sells sooner than later. Please keep in your prayers the ministry here at TRC.

God Bless you-

Noobs in New Bern. the end of week one

2010-03-08T04:14:00.000-08:00

It really was a good first week in New Bern. I have met a bunch of really great people that have a heart for Jesus and that want to serve.

I was in the office just about everyday this week for a few hours or more (I need to go in today and put together a bookshelf so I can get rid of some boxes) and one of the best things, I am already getting to the point that I don't need my GPS with me! Now that is something for a directionally challenged person.

The girls are finally getting settled in. The house has been an adjustment for them because in the town house you could stand in the living room or the kitchen and see that there was someone in the other room (this was a comfort for the girls). Now, if Katie is in the bedroom, or the kitchen, the girls call for her to make sure she is still there, or they go running to find her. They met Dave and Bonnie's girls and for Gracie, it was like they had always known each other. Claire is doing very well. She follows Gracie around everywhere still, and she is still climbing up everything.

Our first Sunday was great. One of the big differences is that I now have to be up at 6:30 to be at Epiphany School by 7:30 to set up for service. The set up is no big thing, it's getting up so early. I guess it's a good thing I have been getting up that early anyway.

Mike and the worship team did a great job, and Dave's sermon was on point. (If you don't already, you can subscribe to the podcast on itunes or go to www.tworiverschurch.com and there is a link to take you to the audio).

I did get a chance to play golf with Dave and two other guys from church. We had a great time... even though it was wet and cold. I played terribly, but fun none the less. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and thoughts. We still haven't sold our house in Y-town, so please be in prayer for that.

G-

Noobs in New Bern

2010-03-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, we are now residents of New Bern NC!

We got in last night after a great, loving send off from NH.... to the Northamptonites... You all truly blessed me and my family over the past 8 and half years. Thank you for your friendship, support and love and thank you for yesterday... it was a great time!

We got to our house late... like 12am. Not only that, but when we walked in the door, a wave of heat hit me in the face... that's right, the thermostat on the ac unit was broke and the heat

was running constantly for 24 hours. On top of that, the sink in the kitchen was leaking. We got the girls in the house and let them look around. We then got ready for bed after opening the windows in the bed room and shutting off the AC unit. We really didn't sleep very well because the girls slept with us. Our first breakfast in New Bern... McDonald's. Of course.

Dave came over and helped me load up my office stuff in the van. TRC has a rented office space in the downtown area. This is a picture of the view that I get every morning. Now the view makes up for the size. Three people work a space that is the size of my old office at NH. So, far everyone gets along. (But it's o

nly been one day. I am sure I will tick someone off at some point)

Dave and I at with another Dave at a Mongolian place (It wasn't thai... Chris Hosman, but it was good). The other Dave works with the youth at TRC, so it was good getting to know him. We will be having lunch again soon to talk about some ideas and plans for the future.

Katie and I got some other things situated and went grocery shopping with the girls... about the girls:

They are doing fine. I think the turmoil has affected their sleep, but we are working hard at getting them back on a regular schedule. They got to play outside in our fenced in backyard and we also went for a short walk through the neighborhood.

All in all a good first day!

Packing...moving...office

2010-02-25T06:38:00.000-08:00

We are almost packed up here in Yorktown. We will be loading up the truck on Friday and Saturday. Hopefully we will leave the area on Saturday around 9:00am so we can get to NB by 12:30. We have a crew helping here. Some of them will be following us down and helping with the unload. Thanks to Krystal Strawderman, we have a crew in NB that will be meeting us at the house.

We don't know what house it will be (at the moment). I know that sounds funny but, here's the story...

We signed all the paperwork for a rental house, but we got a call from a the real estate company saying that they are trying to work with the owner of a house that we really liked. We wanted to buy their house but we aren't able to until our house sells. They are seeing if the owner is interested in doing a rent to own situation. The good part about this is that it would alleviate moving two times in a year. The down side of this is that we don't know when our house will sell.

One house or the other, I will be in the offices of TRC Monday morning. This is truly an exciting time.

I ask that you continue to pray for our house sale here. There have been a number of hits on the web but only a couple of people have come by to look at it, but we know that God is faithful and things will work out in His time.

the progress...

2010-02-18T19:18:00.001-08:00

The only action on the house... 3 people looked at the detailed listing on line...

Please continue to pray that God provides a buyer for my house.

TRC- We are excited about being at TR church. I had the opportunity to look at the new meeting location (the Epiphany School) the other day, when we were down on Monday looking at houses. We are meeting in the worship area of the school. Oh , I guess I need to mention that the school used to be a church, but then it was turned into a school.

Dave and I have been talking about ways to change the look of the area that aren't permanent... I guess that is on the list of the "Top 10 things you need to do when you get to New Bern". Also is: find a doctor, a pediatrician, a new bank, unpack our stuff as well as 5 other things that I don't now yet.

I guess Jay H. was correct in saying "I would rather take a beating than move!"

We are going to be moving down the 27th. We have a group of friends helping us get things packed and then they are going to follow us down to NB and help us unload. After unloading and doing a little setting up, we will come back to the Y-town and then Sunday will be out last day at NH. Wow, the last day after 8.5 years... I still don't think it has completely hit me yet.

Off to C-ville tomorrow for Launch... should be good times!

G-

Time is running out...

2010-02-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

It is just a few short days before our family is in a new state, in a new house, and I will be at a new job.

For those of you that have done this before then you know the stress that comes along with it... and I am feeling it.

I have not sold my house in Y-town yet. We have had a couple of looks and a couple of people have downloaded the listing off the web. If we don't sell this house, then we will have to rent. The good part about that is: a. It will give us a little more time to find a house. b. We at least have a place to live for a year!

We have been trying to get ready to move amidst the stomach flu and colds. Have a sick family doesn't help the situation!

Here are a couple of things I wish I would have done different.

1. Painted the house neutral colors as soon as we knew we were leaving.

2. Put my house on the market earlier.

3. Asked for a couple of weeks severance so that I could get ready!

I am sure there is more that I wish I would have done in advance. Lesson learned. I hope I am able to share my experience that will help someone else!

Oh well... Please pray that my house will sell quickly and that the move is not overly stressful for my family!

Update

2010-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

So far the transition has been slow at best... and time is limited.

Our house is not on the market yet because there are things we need to do to get it ready. Please pray for this!!!!

Finding a house in New Bern has been easy thus far. There are number of houses for sale in our price range. We are planning a trip down soon to look at them in person. Same as above, pray for this as well.

I have a heavy heart right now for the ministry at NH... it seems as though the number of youth that have been attending is declining since I announced my resignation. I guess that could be expected, but I honestly didn't see it coming. I don't see myself as the type of person that determines whether or not someone comes to church (meaning I felt as though the youth would continue to stay involved even though I wasn't there).

If some of you have experienced this, please reply and let me know how you handled it and the reactions of the youth.

The elders are in prayer about the next step to take. I know that these men will seek God's wisdom and leading in finding the next person to bring in to continue the ministry.

A New Chapter

2010-01-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard yet, then here is the news...

I have resigned as the youth Minister at Northampton Church f Christ. After 8 years of ministry in Hampton VA God has opened a door at a new church in New Bern NC. I will be the Associate Minister at Two Rivers Church and I will have the opportunity to work with my mentor Dave McCants, which is intimidating as well as exciting.

I will be starting a youth program (there is a group of teens and parents that are meeting but I am going to build on what work has already been done) for the Jr. and Sr. High students of Craven County and the surrounding area.

I will also be doing some media work as well as making sure everything is ready for Sunday morning worship. I know that this is not an exhaustive list by any means. I am sure there will be much, much more to do.

My family and I are excited about the opportunity, but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scarred as well. Over the next week I am going to be blogging about my fears of going to a new church. I hope that those that read this can give advice about the things I am nervous about, and then keep those things in your prayers.

G-

Exit...Christmas and other thoughts!

2010-01-08T11:10:00.001-08:00

I am at the house today taking down Christmas decorations. It seems like it was just last week I was watching the Woolard family picking out their tree and feeling like a schmoe because I didn't have mine up yet. Not only that, why is it that when I went to the storage unit to get the decorations I wore jeans and t-shirt and I had to wear thermals today?! Virginia weather.

So now I have more boxes back in my house so I can load them up and take them back to the storage unit... my townhouse is to small for all this stuff... I feel... cramped! hahaha... listen to me complain about having a house... I am such an american!

January is packed with Youth events... SNL, Deeper, YAC's, and Winter Jam... I will barely see my family on the weekends! Oh well, that's ministry sometimes. You know, I love the ministry. There I days that I think that what I am doing isn;t good enough. There are days that I feel like what I am doing is really making a difference. To put things in perspective for myself, I need to remember that it's God that does the work through men, I just have to be willing to listen and do.

OK... all over the place today... you all have a blessed day!

G-

The Love God

2010-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

A friend equated me to this cat...

let me know what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O81mnYTlRec

A Rant for 2010...

2010-01-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in like...well...months and the first thing I am posting in 2010 is a rant, but I have to get this off my chest...

What is it with people these days... I guess more over its the younger generation... let me explain!

I was at the mall with my wife and girls. We have a double stroller (which is about the size of hot a hot dang H2 and turns like 747) and it is hard to get through the mall much of the time. What makes it more difficult are people that walk right in front of, or stop right in front of, or walk right at you and not move or say, "excuse me".

There are no more manners... people only care about themselves! A simple excuse me is all I am asking for!

The other thing are the people that run red lights! Now, admittedly, I will run the occasional yellow, but if I have my family in the car, I will slow and stop at yellows. The worst about this that I have seen lately is the mother in a mini van with kids.

You see, I live right across from the Y in Yorktown. The light at the intersection coming out of the Y that puts you on Magruder (a 4 lane, 55 mph road). It never seems to fail that there will be 2 to 3 cars that go through the red light coming out of the Y. In fact they will be going through the light while the other directions get the green! Do the red light runners not know that they could kill someone? And why... so they can get their child to soccer or baseball or to the mall a whole 2 minutes earlier?

I just dont get it! I am beat with rude and red light runner people!

OK... I am done.

Happy New Year.

It's been a hot minute...

2009-08-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Over two months...I would say it is been a just a few days since I have posted a blog.

Let's get caught up... shall we?

The summer was crazy but good. I spoke at Oak Hill camp for senior high week. Had a great time at CIY in PA. Took 11 Jr. High students to Open Door Christian Mission in Creswell NC. They dug a ditch that was 100 yards long for a new water line. The following week we took a group of senior highers to Nags Head for a couple of days. I ended the summer with a 3 night teen VBS at NH. It was a great three nights and I really appreciate all the hard work from the volunteers that put in time and effort to make it a great event!

What about recently? I am so glad you asked.

We decided to switch the program nights for the youth program. We gave our youth worship an identity by calling FUSE youth worship. Fuse gives us the idea that we can be melded together, or that we are an instrument that ignites an explosion. (not to blow up the building, but to take our Christian life and live it in such a way that it is like an explosion that everyone can see)

I am starting the program with a 4 week series in Acts call Revolution. We want to show the youth that what the 1st century church did was revolutionary and look at how was can be like that...a spark that turned into a flame that caused an inferno! I will be preaching the first message of this series at SNL on the 13th as well. If you are in the area, come check it out!

Sunday nights will be our deeper Bible study nights. We will be starting a 12 week series in through Colossians.

I am excited about the changes and the new series and study. Pray that all goes well.

The family is doing great.

Claire, i can't believe this, is almost a year old. It seems as though is was just last month she was just laying under a play mat looking up at the toys...crazy. Katie and I are pretty sure she'll walk before she's a year old.

Gracie starts going to school 2 days a week starting tomorrow. The school is at the church so I will be taking her and bringing her home after lunch. She is talking like a 3 or 4 year old and her comprehension and memory is amazing to me. She definitely got that from her mother, as well as her good looks!

Katie is selling Pampered Chef now (so if you need something email, call, or FB me) and she is enjoying that. She loves being at home with the girls. She is a great mom and a beautiful wife... lucky me!

Ok! That's good for now.

G-

the summer has begun!

2009-06-24T07:52:00.001-07:00

Wow! It's been just about a month since I posted last and many things have happened.
Ministry:
I started the summer "tour" last week at Oak Hill Camp. I had a great time with the kids and met a bunch of new youth from the Richmond area. I was invited to be the speaker for the week...I think I stunned them. I tried not to speak to long, but sometime I just can't shut up...typical preacher.
\
I got home Friday night and spent the weekend with the family. I then left Sunday night (after performing a wedding) for DC so I could pack up my brothers fiance because they are moving to Raleigh because she was accept to Duke Medical school. We arrived there at about 12:30, went to bed, woke up and had them packed by 11:30-12. Went had lunch and then drove to NC. We got to Raleigh and had them unpacked by 8:00. We showered and then went to Carolina Ale House. Great place, good food!
I left the next morning with one of my brothers friends (with whom I road to DC) then went to the office for like 30mins.

Last night Katie and the girls were able to visit with some friends from Florida that we haven't seen in some time...the Poyners! AWESOME!!! We had a great time at Red Robin!
We got the girls home late, then got up early!

I start the next leg of my tour in a little over a week... CIY PA. Then ECE at MACU, and then Open Door Ministries for a Jr. High missions retreat, and then Sr. High Beach trip!

I am already looking forward to August, that's when the trips end!

OK. you can all retrun to your normal lives!

2009-05-28T07:31:00.001-07:00

Just a test from my phone.

American fizzel!

2009-05-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

I didn't watch the whole season of Idol, however I did watch the last 6 weeks both Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Let me just say that I could have gone to the very end of the show and watched the results. I felt the show lacked any redeeming values (maybe except for the Black Eyed Peas). I had a better time making fun of cracked out Paula and the other "brillian" woman commentator (I dont know her name and I don't even feel like looking it up). She makes comments like she's eating a mayonase sandwich!

I am however glad that Kris won. I figured one way or the other he was more marketable then Adam and Kris would have an album out first anyway.
So there you go....what are your feelings and thoughts?

Strapped

2009-05-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be going to a hand gun safty course so that I can get my concealed hand gun permit.

I currently have a Kel Tec sub-compact 9mm.

I like ok. But I am not able to afford the hand of my choice, but I am thankful for the one I have.

I will blog tomorrow about the class.

Worship?

2009-05-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last week a friend of mine posted a video that sort of poked fun at the big worship leaders, you know the guys and gals whose music we use each week in our church.

It came during a week that I lead worship at N.H. (which I do weekly with the youth, but once in a while I do it for our morning worship).

I know the video was meant to be funny, but it really made me think, "what are we doing in our music worship? Has it become Christian karaoke? Do we get a group of people who enjoy music, play instruments, sing, and lead a group of stone face individuals (people who sing without emotion or passion) that like to sing the songs they hear on K-Love or any other local "Christian" radio station and call that worship?"

Is that even right?

Personally:
I have been playing music since I was 16. I've played in garages, living rooms, clubs, backyards and college campuses.
I made a life change and God honored that and blessed me with numerous opportunities to continue to play music. I was able to be a part of a group of people that lead others in worship to God.

I truly love music and I love singing songs about God and to God.

But this past week and even today I have to ask myself what are my motives? Is it that I just love to be upfront? Is it that I want the attention? Am I really able or worthy to be the one to lead a group of people before the throne of God in songs of praise to Him?

I like how David Crowder puts it:
"The atom, it’s not really...I mean it’s a symbol. You see that (talking about a picture of an atom) and you think atom. It shows electrons moving in elliptical paths around a nucleus and all...we know that’s not how an atom works. Or looks even, for that matter... But what we mean to say is that the elements of worship are inadequate, much like the atom depiction. But this is what we have you know? It helps us carry the idea."

So what I guess I am trying to say in my scatter brained ideas is, "Is what we are doing in singing songs to God truly worship, and am I worthy of being a person to lead it?"

G-

Funny how God works...

2009-05-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

So each week I write the Bible study for our church bulletin. This week just happened to be about conflict, anger, and quarreling...which is something I truly needed to read and hear.

I have a number of well, weak areas in my life and dealing with conflict is one of those areas. I usually do one of two things; run from it or explode. Those that read this know that I don't normally explode and that I am a mild, laid back person. So to say that I explode may be humorous to you. But I do, and did...

Now understand, I don't get mad about just anything. There are things that I will get passionate about and defend. I have found that now that I am dad one of those things are my girls.

Looking back, I am not apologetic for dealing with the conflict, I am however sorry for the outcome.

I wish that I could learn to handle conflict differently.

How do you handle conflict?

See you prison!

2009-04-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=96331

A friend of mine sent this link to me this morning.

Maybe we will begin to feel the pain and stress that Paul felt for preaching the gospel.
And since when can the government get involved in the church? They kicked the church out of the government a long time ago!

So you all in prison!!! :)

BEAT!

2009-03-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this blog by saying this - I am not writing this to get sympathy or "atta boys". I am writing to share my recent frustrations with our youth worship services....

I started a series out of the book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Good book. I have enjoyed reading it as well as teaching it to the youth.
I have spent more hours on these lessons then I have on any others in the past 6 months. I have made videos to illustrate topics, I have spent time in research and writing, I have spent time and really thinking about the songs that would emphasize the point and bring worship to God, and still I get the same blank stare and little enthusiasm in worship.

I haven't had any games or fun stuff during the lesson (there's an hour of hang time before) so I guess that is my problem (at least that is how I feel). So I am looking more now at less time in preaching and singing and more time in fun and games. Maybe that will bring some smiles to some faces!!!! hahaha

I know that's wrong, but I am just at a loss at conveying God's message in a way that motivates teens to make a change.

And then at our office meeting, I have realized that over the next 3 months, we will meet for youth worship a total of 4 times. How is that effective? I think I am just at a very frustrating point in ministry.

If you have (and I know you have) experienced frustrations like these, let me know.

G-

a little note

2009-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Give somebody a job and pay them some money so they can live and educate their children a buy a home and have the basic necessities of life. And no matter what the job is, it takes on dignity."
MLK Jr.

President Barack Obama stated nearly the same thing last night... He said something to the effect of Let's get these people jobs so they can afford to send their children to college. I am trying to find the transcript of last nights address.

If you find it let me know.

A crazy weekend with a small political thought

2009-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Ugghh,

What a crazy weekend.
Saturday night Katie and I had an evening to ourselves. My parents came over to watch the kids (i love my parents for that).
we got home around 10:30. We went to bed at 11:00...that is a little later then I normally go to bed on Saturday nights. I got to church a little earlier then I normally do so I could help set up for the morning services.
After I was done setting and cleaning up for services, I went to my office, sat down and started to feel sick...the rest of the day was spent at home in bed. I was dissapointed because I had so much to do. I missed youth worship that night and now, my Launch registration is going to be late! Awesome.

Oh well.

I am in the office today at about 75%. I have a meeting tonight. I may not go, depending on how I am feeling.

I watched the Presidential address last night.
I am not sure about this whole stimulous package. I am not sure how giving money to banks to loan out to people who don't have money to pay it back is going to help the economy?
I am not sure where these 4 million jobs are, and I am sure the unemployed and highly qualified would love to know.
I agree that something needs to happen, but how about this...let's work on getting people out of debt and teach them how to use money wisely.
I think we need to stop selling people Sham Wow's, Snuggies blankets, All in one tools, and rediculous knives that never go dull but if one does we'll replace it for free!
I am not sure the government needs to put their hands in this, but who else is going to do it?

Give me some feed back and insite...I would really like to know your thoughts.

BTW- At least Barack sounded good!

Past couple of days...

2009-01-28T06:48:00.001-08:00

Not a whole lot going on. I have been busy with church stuff and reworking some youth programs. Yesterday was one of those days where I wanted to be at home, so after the office meeting I dipped to the house and spent the evening with the fam. I made dinner (spaghetti...of course) and then we just relaxed watching Polar Express. That is one of Gracie's favorite movies (the other is Sleeping Beauty). We thought we were going to have a quiet night together (Katie and I) but Gracie decided she wasn't ready for bed. She screamed for about 20 mins. We got her out of bed for a little while and then put her to bed when we went to bed, at 9:45!!!! I haven't been to bed at 9:45 in I don't know how long.

Claire is doing great. She is sleeping through the night now. It started late last week. She slept all night Thursday and Friday, but we thought it was just a fluke. But NO! She is sleeping all night for almost a week now.

It has been neat to watch her grow. I know it wasn't long ago that Gracie was that small, but it is just neat to watch another one grow into her own little person.

Two Beautiful Girls! God is so Good!

G-

After a week!

2009-01-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Last time I posted I was getting ready to leave for Esau.
I had a great time this year. In the past I felt that the week went by real fast and I didn't have time to see half the guys there (because some of us play golf in the morning) but this year was different. I got to meet a couple of new guys (Joe Snow and Chris Gallahue...I am sure that is not how you spell his name) and get there perspective on being new youth ministers.

I had some good times with Conley, always fun, and I was able to pick the brain of a couple of seasoned veterans. At what point do you become a "seasoned veteran"? I have been at it for like 8 years now...am I seasoned? (hahaha...like a good steak) I don't feel like I am because I still look to guys like Brandon Craig, Phil Murdock, Dave McCants. These are guys that I look to for ideas and I am encouraged by there longevity and their devotion to the ministry.

Last night was our first night meeting with Langley Christian Church for youth worship. We are meeting for the next 6 weeks for a series called Christianity 101. Derek did a great job speaking and the kids seemed to enjoy the time together.

So here I am now, it is Monday and it is catch up day. I have an elders report to do, a funeral to attend for a High school senior from Hampton Christian, and programing to get done and planned for the next two months.

G-

A week in refreshment

2009-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

I leave Sunday afternoon for a week of refreshing. That's right folks, it is time for Esau once again. We will be in N. Myrtle Beach for 5 days! I am super stoked about the trip. Hope you all have a great week as well. I might do check up's through the week....we'll see.

G-

The Beard...and Abram

2008-12-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

So I am growing a beard. So far I have had mixed reviews. The important part is that my wife likes facial hair. What are your feelings about the winter facial hair growth?

On to Abram.

So Abram hooks up with Hagar and God blesses the copulation with a child. Now I say "blessing" because the Bible says that children are a blessing. Just because the act of love was sinful doesn't make the child not a blessing.

So what got Abram to this point?
1. Went to Egypt. Why?- It was the haps (happening) place to be. Maybe Abram went to Egypt because of a lack of faith that God was going to provide in a famished land. None the less, when they left they brought something with them up out of Egypt (well, someone)

2. Abram was promised a child, and he was going to get it. Once again, this might have been an act of a lack of faith. Instead of waiting on God's timing, his wife Sarai, wanted her husband to be fulfilled in having a son.
Men, we cannot know, or understand the woman's feelings in a situation of infertility. We might have a small glimpse one day when we are no longer able to perform sexually, but for a woman who has wanted to have children her whole life and not be able to, must be devastating. experience.
So Sarai offered for her husband to sleep with Hagar (the "something" that they brought up out of Egypt with them) the Egyptian maidservant.
Men, don't ever fall into the trap of the wife's "oh, that's fine with me" line. If she says something like that, just don't.

13 years later, God speaks to Abram, changes his name, gives him and his wife a son and between his two boys 12 nations rise. In all of this God's promise stood the test of time. God was faithful even while Abram was not.

So for us.

1. Wait and walk with God. Don't go ahead of God thinking you know the way and don't get distracted by the things that look good along the way.

2. Be patient, still and listen to God.

3. God is faithful even we are not.

I love how God has used idiots time and time again to glorify Himself. It gives me hope!

Thoughts and expansions on this are challenged and welcomed.

A couple of things

2008-12-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

First:
Thanks for the encouragement from the last blog. I know you guys know I didn't write it for posterity's sake, I wrote it because Rich's message made me realize what God can do when you allow Him to work through you. Sometimes in ministry, I know we feel like, "what are we doing, and do people really care?" But when you get to see things like that, you feel better about your calling.
I know that the people I mentioned were influenced by people other then me as well and I praise God that those other people were in their lives to help them.

Second:
After blogging yesterday, I left the office to and deposit my paycheck. There is a tattoo shop that I frequent (Rock Steady Tattoo) because 1. they are great artists and 2. I have a couple of good friends there.

So I stopped by briefly yesterday on my way back to the office to see what remodeling they had done to the shop. I was in the shop all of 2 mins. when one of the guys I study the Bible with said, "Hey, when are you going to baptize me?" I was floored! I said, "There's the water, what's stopping us?"
I took him back to the church, introduced him to the staff, and we celebrated in his victory!
If you saw this guy you wouldn't guess he had given his life to Christ, but I believe that he is going to great things for the Kingdom. I know it won't be easy for him, but he has begun the journey and I am excited to see what is going to happen next!

Praise God for victories!

Fruits of your labor

2008-12-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

I have been in full time ministry now for nearly 8 years (to most of you who read this...rookie) but over the past couple of years I have seen the work of people that used to be in the youth group at Northampton. Some are volunteers in the church, some are full time workers, some are still students, and some continue to help out here.
I want to bring to light just a few:

Chris Wolkowich- Full time fire fighter and para-medic. Loves His job and is a trust worthy person.

Mandy Wolkowich- Married a fire fighter, is almost a full time teacher, helps out at Northampton.

Daniel Voris- Married- is the full time youth minister at Cherry Grove in Charlottesville.

Beth VanBuskirk Thompson- Married Joe, helps at

Tori Jones Brooks- Married Tyler, they are serving at a church in IN.

Ben Wolf is studying at Liberty University

John Thomson- Graduated Johnson and is now full time military

Dominick Thompson- Studying at JMU and is involved with the campus ministry

Sarah Danielson- RBC student, now CNU student, spent a good deal of time on the mission field while at RBC. She is studying to be a teacher.

There are more students that are doing great things. I am sure I will be chastised for not mentioning someone (please forgive, this is not an exhaustive list). I mentioned all of these because I feel their time in youth group has made a lasting impression on their lives. Last night at youth worship, one of the former youth group members came back to speak, and did a great job.

Rich Meister. The guy is so smart. I learned something from him (not that I couldn't) and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. I know he is planning on going TX for PBT, and then off to some country to translate the Bible.

God bless all of you and your families.

Another series finished

2008-12-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Last night was the last sermon through the book of James. I know I have taught from that letter at least 400 times. It really wasn't my idea to preach through it, but my youth leadership team wanted to go through James. At the end of last nights festivities I told the kids that they were to read through passages of the Bible that dealt with Christ's entrance into the world. We'll see what they come up with. We are going to do a couple of weeks of seasonal sermons and then in January we are getting together with Langley and doing six week series on Christianity 101. We have a couple of new kids and a good number of Junior High students so we thought it would be a good idea to start off the year with a good foundation.

I took the opportunity to go to the gun show Saturday. I am saddened to say that I purchased nothing. I really got all hype about buying a hand gun and thought that I would have one by now, but with more searching a researching I am finding that I am not sure what kind I want. I originally thought Glock, but Tuarus makes a great 9mm (24-7 pro) it just feels better in the hand. I guess I will just take my time for now.

My daughter, Gracie had a fever over the Thanksgiving holiday. She didn't ahve strep (which is a blessing), it could have a been a viral cold, but we think it was teething. Those of you with children (that read this) know that those nights are some of the most un-joyful nights ever! I guess it's a rite of passage. She's good now, but for those couple days, it sucked.

G-

No Family Life Center?

2008-11-24T08:26:00.001-08:00

I am in the middle of Essential Church, good book by the way.

The writers noted that at one time the church was one of the "3" (places of community). There is the home (where people have a lot more to do these day's. You know, with the invention of the 50" plasma, there is a world of excitement out there). Second, there is the job place, and 3rd...well it used to be the church. Now a days its Starbucks, or Panera, Moe's, B-Dubs (shout out to Joe and Conley), or whatever watering/wing hole you prefer.

So the question becomes, how do we make the church the number 3?

I am all for putting a B-Dubs in Northampton, but we can't even fit a vending machine in here.

I was surprised to find that a family life center (or gym as they called it in the book) wasn't the answer. Not really, but as I thought about it (and as the writers pointed out), a family life center really isn't for outsiders, it's for the members. I thought about all the things WE wanted in this family life center we have been working on since long before I was here; classrooms, Nursery, gym area, worship area, you know the building...everything in one, and it's true, it's not about reaching out, the building is more for reaching in and deepening our relationships and our faith in Christ.

So to all my readers...what's the answer? How do we make Northampton 3?

PS- I am going to the Gloc shop today(...hopefully) they have one on J Clyde. I think I have decided on the Gloc 19!

Birthday!

2008-11-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's not mine, but it is our faithful, and ever dilegent secretary's birthday today. For those of you who read this and knows her, it just gives you an opportunity to call Roni and say Happy Birthday! Where would the world be with out secretary's!?

I gotta go get a gift card now...have a great day.

Thanks for all the replies on the gun thing.
Neal- Honestly, I want a gun because it is cool...i mean really...how much more rock-n-roll would I be with a Gloc on my hip? (ok, maybe i don't need one)
thanks to billy for the gloc site. I nearly spent the whole morning reading all the models.

Does anyone know if their preacher carries in church?

G-

Guns

2008-11-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

I have been on this big kick to get a gun..well...a couple of guns. Since I am a minister, I am able to have a concealed weapons permit (not unlike any non felon, citizen) which is the way it should be. It is our constitutional right own and bare arms.
So I went to the range last week and shot a small 9mm. This week I borrowed a friends .38 that I am going to try out. It should be good times. I think I am going to try a S&W 9mm that they have at the range. I am just trying to find something I like and is affordable.
I also want a Remington 870 12gauge, for house protection of course. I am not really a hunter. I never really got into it.

I am also really thinking if I need to carry a gun on me at all times. It's a big responsibility. We'll see as time passes. I am most assuredly going to get my concealed permit. I am fearful we will lose or right to carry. I am almost certain that if that happens crime rates will go up!

G-

Noob

2008-11-17T08:17:00.001-08:00

Ok,

Yes, I drink coffee. I prefer Starbucks Pike Place (preferably brewed at home) but First Colony is good, and Seattle's Best is OK. I was at church yesterday morning and I had already had one 12oz cup of coffee from 7-11. Well, that wasn't going to satisfy my needs, so I decided to rush into another class and steel some coffee from them. After preparing it properly (2 sweet-n-lows) I headed back to my class to teach. I took one sip and nearly threw up. Why is it that people make, buy, and drink bad coffee. There is so much good coffee out there. Ridiculous.

Tattoo's...yes I have two and hopefully, one day, more! I didn't get into it until later in life, like most things in my life (Christianity, college, marriage, kids). I get all my work done at Rock Steady Tattoos in Hampton by a great artist, Mike Higgins. Thanks to Mike and the shop for the great art and good friends!

Rock-n-Roll...who doesn't want to be a rock star? I figure if goofs like Bruce Willis and Keanue Reeves can have rock bands and play in clubs, why not me?

Not bad for a first blog...we'll see what happens later!

G-