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The Easter Apology « Videos « The Skit Guys

2010-03-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Easter Apology « Videos « The Skit Guys

Me & YEC 2009

2010-01-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Y.E.C. 2009 was great to say the least. One part, in particular, I fell in love with was the Skit Guys. I encourage everyone to check them out online at, you guessed it, www.skitguys.com - or you can to go to my facebook page and check out some of the links I've posted.
But I have to say that the speakers both said things that really made me think. One thing was that the church is full of NOT so PERFECT people, but is centered around a PERFECT God.
How often do we let what one person says or what one person might do push us to a point of disgust. I can say that nearly every time I wake up and say I am not going to live in a state of anger or allow myself to be discouraged by someone at church, that "Oops I did it again." should be my theme song. I can fly off the handle faster than anyone I know and I can go to the furthest extremes with that anger than anyone I know. I mean, if it was a talent I would be a star.
LOL, I guess I am also one of those "NOT so PERFECT people". I know, shocking isn't it? I can hardly believe it myself.
But we all point at someone else when there is a problem or when things don't go our way. I know I am not alone in that. In John 14:6 Jesus said He is the way. So why are we surprised when things don't go our way?
Then later one of the speakers asked if when things don't go our way, do we jump to another church. Are we dating the church, like "Oh, you broke my heart so I am going to start seeing another church"? And I have to say there has been more that once (okay, more than 100) times when jumping to another church sounded like a great idea. But it would have been my idea, my way.
And they asked if church was your "hobby". Now I have to say that this comment threw me a little. I know what a hobby is, but I don't really know that I have one, other than doing stuff for one of the classes I teach or helping with some project going on. I really feel that I spend all my free time doing something related to the church.
That sounded nice didn't it. "I do so much for the church." But here is why it bugs me. How much of that "work" am I doing for God? How much of that am I doing because "my way" says it needs done and I am the only one who can or will step up? How much of that "work" is me showing all my church brothers and sisters what a great person I am? How much do I promote myself, and my church, over my God?
How much?
More than I know I am sure.

Y.E.C. is targeted to the youth, but I am way past that age and am grateful I too was given a lesson. I too walked away with something to apply to my life, and something I could share with my friends.

Let me know what you think. If you can relate to this or think I'm off my rocker, drop me a line.

2009-10-07T02:43:00.001-07:00

Fall Retreat 09

Click pic to see group one of three.

Fall Retreat 09 was a blast.

Flexibility

2009-07-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be flexible?
For the past couple weeks our young RA class has been planning a camping trip. Each Wednesday night class has been given the opportunity to do something fun, on their own. Some went to the movies, some went out to eat; but I thought why not take the money we were allowed to spend and buy some tents. I thought this would be good since it would be something we could use over and over. And so it began.
At the beginning of the church year I gave the boys their Camp Craft workbooks that are different for each grade. They have things in there like knots, fire, and first aid. Well, almost half of them did them and turned them in and should have gotten patches for the vests they should have gotten. (that’s another story I won’t go into) So, camping would be good for those that did the booklets to use what they learned and good for the ones that didn’t so they could see what they needed to have learned.
The camping trip would be planned out by the boys, with some helpful suggestions from me and Terry H. (the teachers of the class).
Well, the date was set and everything was planned out and smack, the date has to be changed. That wouldn’t be such a big deal if we weren’t so busy trying to do fundraisers for Fall Retreat. So when are we going camping?
This all sparked a good conversation with the boys about being flexible. Now I have to say I am not the most flexible person in the world. As a matter of fact I don’t think I am flexible at all, so this was good for me too.
Being flexible it when we do something we really don’t want to so to make things better for someone else, give and take. Flexible is not being a push over and I think that is worth mentioning.
One of the boys going into the 6th grade said he is flexible when his sisters want to play school. Oh my, can you relate to that. Its summer! Why do girls like to play school so much and they always have to be the teachers. He went on to say that he has to play the student, but he is always the worst behaved student till his sisters get tired of getting onto him and they quit. Well, that’s not being flexible. We talked that maybe being flexible there would be to play, but be the role of the principal or may the board of education, and work with the teachers.
Then we talked how some of us that are older thinks everything should go our way BECAUSE WE’RE OLDEST. That’s not being flexible. But some thought things should always go their way because they are the baby of the family and babies need to get their way. That’s not being flexible.
But how is God flexible with us. Is His love flexible? I say no because he loves his children despite the stupid things we do. Is his mercy flexible? No, he forgives us completely when we ask. How is God flexible?
I think God is the most flexible in that he bought us each and everyone a gift, and the cost of this gift was the life of His son Jesus Christ. I couldn’t imagine buying such an expensive gift and then saying you have the choice of accepting it or denying it. The closest I can come to even semi-understanding this is to say a man goes and buys the most expensive diamond ring known to man kind and there is a no return policy because he has a woman’s name engraved on it so he can’t get his money back. He presents this to the woman he loves and she says no and rejects the diamond ring. He is stuck with the ring and can’t return it to get his money back, but loves her anyway.
That is about what God has done for us. He bought us a gift of salvation threw his son Jesus Christ, but even though He didn’t have to, He gave us the choice to either accept it or not.
The gift is paid for.
We just have to take it.

4th of July '09

2009-07-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

2009-07-04 4th of July 09

Click Pic to see album
We had alot of fun last Wednesday night at the 4th of July party at the church. They had games set up, and had a bake sale, sold popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and much much more. There was singing and alot of really cool people showed up and took part in the fun. It was a great time. Hope you enjoy some of the pictures I took.

Am I BLIND?

2009-04-02T03:55:00.000-07:00

Last night, in our RA's class, we assigned 2 Corinthians 5:7 as this weeks scripture memory. It says, "For we walk my faith, not by sight". Then we did something a little stupid, but alot of fun, and split the kids into teams of two and blindfolded one. The other had to lead the "blind man" down the hall, down the steps, and threw a short maze of tables. Then we traded roles, blind man and guide, and went back up stairs.
As we sat there and talked about it, we talked about how God leads us spiritually and we are blind men with out him. What happened? Well, like the kids who were "blind", some ran into chairs, one bumped his head on something hanging on the hall wall, one fell down the last few steps, (I was there and caught him so he really just lost his footing), and they all walked with their hands out in front longing to find something stable to help them find their own way.
Spiritually, haven't we all walked around "blindfolded"? Haven't we all fallen down, lost our footing and bumped our heads? But God is there, always, to pick us up and to remind us that if we had just listened to His leadership, we wouldn't have fallen, tripped, or bumped our heads.
Then I have to look at myself and how many times I refuse to listen to God's leadership. I depend on myself and it never matters how far out ahead of myself that I hold my hands or how hard I try to lead myself, the fact is I am blind. I can't see things as God sees them. I can't lead myself threw life's obstacles and trials, and I fall. I find myself trying to stand again on my own two feet with no clue which direction I need to go and I fall again. Then, when I've given all I had and have nothing left, God's hand is there and all I have to do is raise my hand to Him and He lifts me and moves me from harms way.
Yes, I am blind, and maybe a little slow, but God is there and as long as it takes me to learn to trust His leadership in all things, He is there and will patiently and lovingly always pick me up.
I will always be blind and will for as long as I am on this earth need to rely on God's mercy and guidance threw this obstacle course we call life.
But as sure as I write this and know it to be true, I also know there will come a time I forget I am blind and try to move on my own. So, be careful when your out there roaming the valley that you don't trip. It may just be me on the ground struggling to get up that helps you fall to the dirt, and there will both be needing to find God's hand.

And just a little note for the parents of our RA's ... I plan on having more pics to post in the next couple weeks.

JUDGEMENT

2009-03-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

As anyone who know me, and most likely anyone who has read this blog knows, for the past few months - no at least a year I have had a few issues bothering me at church.

The problems I have is best summed up in one word and that word is judgement.

I have a problem, as most do I am sure, of being judged. I don't like feeling as though I am under some kind of microscope and every action, thought, or desire is left unprotected and open to the scrutiny of those which would dem themselves worthy to be my judge. Simply typing this out starts my blood to boil and for what?

Intellectually I know the opinions of others are worthless and should bear no weight on me or my spirit. But emotionally I can't fight it. Emotionally I want to rage a vicious attack back at what I'd like to call my enemies. But intellectually I refuse to call these people my enemy and call them fellow church members. It seems wrong on many levels. But it is the emotional defeat spilling over into a spiritual battle.

But just as those sitting in judgement over me, I too sit in judgement. And how fair is that for me judge those back for judging me? How fair is it for me to sit and think or worse voice my opinions and fuss when word gets back to me about judgements made against me.

It is a battle that spins out of control, pulling everyone involved into a pit and for the past while, I have found myself in that pit without the desire to crawl out.

I have tried to limit the interaction I have with those I know judge me and those close to me.

I have declined opportunities to go to worship, fellowship, or church functions; just to stay away from those I know judge me.

I have entertained the idea of leaving the church, not finding a different one. Leaving so that my path would no longer cross those I know judge me.

But still, even with all this effort, I still feel judged. I am still judged. And worse, I still judge.

I can not do anything about the actions of others.
I can not change their opinions or what I have called "Church Politics" and those that practice it.
I do not have the right to judge them and declare what is right and what is wrong no more that I would give them the right to do it to me.

All I can do is watch my actions and my mouth.
I can keep my opinions focused on one question, "does it glorify God?"
I do have the right to not care what others do, think, or say. And maybe in time I will allow these people back in my circle and value their friendship. Maybe one day I will grow to a place where my judgement is not justified by their judgement. And maybe one day judgement will not be the battle it is with me today.

The problem is not a problem I have with someone else, though I know we can all improve. The problem is with me. I have the problem.

Art - Creation v/s Destruction

2009-03-05T02:53:00.000-08:00

Last night the RA's and GA's at church had a great class.

The plan was to allow the kids to team up and create abstract art. I mean, kids of all ages love to get a little messy and we've been focusing on teamwork, so what better way to accomplish both.
I explained, as best I could, what abstract art was and showed a few examples I had found on the web. The kids looked at what really was just a mess on canvas which sells for thousands of dollars in the art world, and thought they say horses and balloons. And one that just looked crazy to me, they thought they saw people jumping up and down.
So I asked them if a lesson about abstract art could be relevant to us at church.
The first one to speak up was a boy in about the 5th grade and he quickly said no. He added the only relevance art would have to church was that we were going to create it in the church social hall. A few others agreed with him and I asked again, could a lesson on creating abstract art be relevant to us in church. A little time passed when another teacher added that as Christians everything we do should be relevant to God and should be Christ centered. A few agreed with him and added their spin, but it was really cool to see all the little wheels turning as they tried to make up their own minds as to the relevance art would have to a church lesson.
As we know from the book of Genesis, God is the Creator. I asked the kids who among them thought they were created by God and did they think they were created special. They all did and we pointed out that too often we pick out something we don't like about ourselves (like being to fat or to thin, a pimple, a big nose, etc.) and we give what we see to be a flaw power to discount how special God made us. Then we talked about when someone in the classroom is making fun of someone how we tend to laugh and encourage the one dissing the other, but as Christians we should help lift up the one being made to feel cheap.
Read 1 Peter 5:8 and you will see Satan is the destroyer. When we, children and adults, laugh at racist jokes or engage in gossip, or judge someone, we too are allowing Satan to work. We are not allowing God to create love and peace from within us.
The kids worked as teams to create abstract art. They did a good job working together and some look really cool. But as I told them, when God created us, we where not abstract creations. He made us with purpose and value.
It is just something to remember when we catch ourselves judging others.
It is something to think about when we are feeling down and judging ourselves.
But it is something to be thankful for that each one of us is a child of God and that we are special and meaningful.

"The Shack" by WM. Paul Young

2009-02-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

As some may know, I don't like to read. I am the type of person that would much, MUCH, rather wait till it was made into a movie, and then wait till it comes out on DVD and watch it at home. I've said it over and over that if a book was any good it would be made into a movie and when people say something about the movie missed a point or you didn't get the whole effect; I'd say it wasn't a point I would have cared about anyway.
But a couple weeks ago I went to the dentist and my dental hygienist, Tonya, told about this book and that their entire office read it and couldn't wait to come to work the next day and talk about it. She was so excited about this book that when I came back to work I googled it and there was a sample of it, I think the first chapter. I read the first chapter and knew I had to read it.
The book I am speaking of is "The Shack":, by WM. Paul Young.
It is by far the best book out there. I have told everyone I've seen about this book, and only wish I had more time to spend with it. It is only $10 and some change at Wal-Mart. Our store here has sold out and I trust they will be getting more in because this book is in such high demand.
I am almost finished and could only say that reading it has opened my eyes to more of the truth about myself.
I don't want to ruin it for anyone else, but WOW!
The main character, Mack, is so much like everyone I know. We can all relate to him; though we may not and hopefully never will have to go threw the loss this man and his family has. His character is our character and the lessons he learns about God are lessons I personally feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to apply to myself.
Visit www.theshackbook.com and just read the first chapter. Then rush out and pick up a copy. Many people I've talked to about this book want to barrow my copy when I am finished and I don't think that is going to be an option. I plan on going back threw this book with a fine tooth comb and writing notes in it like you would a study guild.
I really can't say enough about this book.
I think every Christian should read it and I would love for my church to start a book club with this book.
This book has changed me in that I am glad I read it. A movie or play could only give you a portion of what the actual book has to offer.
In short, I can only say I feel this book has to have been God-inspired.
I look forward to discussing your feelings and opinions about this book as I hope everyone will pick up a copy.

ME? ME? ME?

2009-02-13T07:40:00.001-08:00

ME?
So many times, if not always, I ask "What about ME?"
I ask what I can do to pay MY bills; I ask what I can do that would make ME happy; I ask what changes I can make that would make things better for ME; I ask what am I doing or going to do that makes ME feel good about ME trying to glorify God; I don’t want to sing at church unless it is a song that moves ME; I try to make things I’m involved in as interesting as I can so that it doesn’t reflect poorly on ME.
But why is it about ME?
Why won't I allow myself to focus on God?
Why when I do things at the church to I focus on what I am doing and dismiss the fact that it is not ME but God working threw ME.
Why when projects are good or well received do I think I did a good job and when things go wrong or are not perfect do I think there is something else I could have done? When there is not 100 percent of the people at our church 100 percent happy about something, why do I take it personally? Why ME? ME? ME?
For the past few months I have been trying to step back from the church and trying to fade in the background. Trying to not be involved in every little thing and trying not to rock the boat with MY opinions.
As many of the people that know me and see me daily have heard, Marc and Sherry Lewis (friends of mine from school) are getting ready to head back to Thailand as missionaries. I hate to see them leave the country, but honestly am so proud of them. Not because of what they are doing, but because of the amount of faith they are able to put in God.
It is one thing to say God is in control, but a different thing to actually live your life with God ACTUALLY in control.
And again I have to ask, “What does God want with ME, how am I not putting God’s wishes before MY own?”
Then the reality of it shows itself; God’s glory is GOD’S glory. I can only prepare myself so that HE can use me; so that HE can draw people to HIM; so that HE can allow me to witness HIS glorious actions.
The feeling of, well for lack of a better term, jealousies I have for those doing God’s will abroad is a wake up call that I must answer. I know everyone can’t go to foreign countries and I know I have a part here in Fitzgerald to play where God can and will glorify HIMSELF, everyday while I am right here.
But I can prepare myself, prayerfully asking God to show me what I need to do.
A few months ago our preacher used an analogy of grapes and how you’d toss out the bad ones and only use the good ones. I don’t want to be a bad grape. Call it pride or whatever, but I want to be the best grape, used to make the best wine or jellies – a used grape.
There it is.
Sitting on the shelf and gathering dust is how I allow myself to be and feel. And all the work and whatever I put into things at the church, I can’t help but feel it is empty because so many times it is ME putting in all I have. I fail too many times to see what GOD has to offer and to acknowledge that all ME is not enough.
God has a plan for ME. I know this and I know it is a wonderful plan. God is in control regardless of whether I think I am or not and I know one day all the questions I have will be answered. I know this and it is a fact that helps keep me. I know that questioning myself, who I am – what I am, is good and evaluations help us move forward rather than sitting still of falling backward. I know that when I fall God will catch me. And I know that I am not the only one ever to feel or think this way. I know in God’s time He will plant me where He wants me and this may be it. I know that HE will prepare me according to HIS plan.
And it is these last few sentences that I have to hold on to because I know it to be true and in HIS word.

2009-01-29T21:34:00.001-08:00

YEC '08

2008-12-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

Click to check out some pics.

YEC '08

YEC '08 was WAY COOL!!!
This was the first time I had ever gone to YEC and I can tell you now that it is not the last. We had a great time and I can't say enough how awesome it is to see a group of youth that size there to praise God. Most adults, I am sure, will not ever get to experience anything like it.
The first thing I want to say to the adults is ... The 80's are back. These kids are dressing like we did and rocking it out. Crazy? Yes, to say the least. So get out your clippers and cut yourself a mohawk, grow it while you can and if you still have your youthful locks, hold your head upside down; spray it, wax it, or hot glue it; take a nap on it; and rock it out because its not just the girls that want to have fun. Yeah, they played Cindy Loper's song.
Anyhow, the conference was about being CONSUMED. And I am proud to say that it was not just a topic relevant to the kids. The speaker noted that we can become consumed by our desires, and to alot of teens, they can be consumed with wanted that perfect grade or to win that all important game; but as an adult I have to ask myself what consumes me. Sure helping out at the church and doing this that and the other takes up alot of time, but can I say it consumes me, or am I just burning up a bunch of time. Am I on fire for Christ.
Sometimes I feel that I was and now I am trying to relight a piece of wet wood, and I am sure many of us feel that way time to time, but I don't want to allow myself to get comfortable relighting that same old piece of wet wood. If we are consumed and on fire for Christ, how can we be comfortable and complacent.
Leia just told me we had 9 kids step up and go down to pray. Some prayed to receive God's free gift of eternal life. Others prayed to renew their commitment to Christ because a growing Christian wouldn't just sit there and not move to grow and some felt as though they had. 9 of 16 kids.
And we were challenged to take that fire for Christ and see how we could effect our world, starting with our neighborhoods. The kids were encouraged to go home and share with lost family members and friends. The teens were asked what they were doing to impact their schools.
Consumed.
How are we as adults consumed.
We're burnt up and burnt out with the stresses of work and raising families. We allow everything and anything to get in the way of what we know God would have us do. We are consumed with the biggest and best of everything. I can speak only for myself when I say I can, and often do, allow crazy things at church to tick me off. I call it church politics, and dismiss it as something that doesn't matter. But it does. It is something I allow to separate me from the body of Christ. I allow my dislike of a meeting, my dislike of conflict, my hatred of not getting my way, to douse cold water on the what should be burning log of my life serving God. I allow stupid inhibitions to control me and keep me from spreading God's word, laziness to keep me from studying God's word, and selfishness to keep me from representing God's word; all for the sum of me not living God's word and not allowing God's word to consume me.
These past couple days was going to be for me, a time to watch some youth run around for a while.
These past couple days turned out to be a time for me to reflect and see where I am measuring up to the plan God has for me. I hope and pray that as the children share what they may have learned, that it will also be a time of reflection for them as well as their parents.
We've said the youth is the church of tomorrow; this conference taught us that the youth is not. The youth is the church of today.

CHRISTMAS '08

2008-12-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas at our house has become way different than it was when I was a kid. The celibration is not about gifts any more, its about the birth of Christ. The food is not realy about seeing how much pie we can eat, but more of lets get together and fix a really great meal. And I don't focus on what I am getting, but what can I get for my niece and nephew. Last year I got them loud musical instraments. Joe and Shawna were not pleased. This year I went for silent killers, play-doe, makeup, coloring mess makers, and yes a spider for Nick to chase Abbi around the house with.
This year I've tried to encourage the kids at church, after opening their gifts from "Santa" to stop and say a little prayer thanking God for the gift he gave us. I'd encourage anyone reading this to also stop and thank God for the gift of eternal salvation. Sometimes we think we're so less than perfect that we don't deserve this free gift and they are right, we don't. But God wants to give it to us anyway. It is like this. We all know someone who has a kid we think is really bad behaved. Always into something, right. Well, what did that kid's mom and dad give him for Christmas. They went out and got the best they could and held nothing back. Well, that is how God looks at us. He wants the best for us no matter how bad we are. There is a gift out there that can't be topped for anyone that has not yet accepted it. Just give it some thought.

Oh, this Sunday I will be telling all of how I make Sweet Potato Crunch to anyone in Sunday school. Hope to see you there.

The Challenge - Results

2008-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well, lets keep it positive.
No we didn't reach our goal of 50, we had around 20, which is really great.
Am I going to tell the class what I do to my Sweet Potato Crunch?
I haven't made my mind up yet. Part of me wants to because I think everyone tried; then the other part says no, because we didn't reach our goal.
I would have been willing to shave my head for 50 or have given myself a rock'n Mohawk for 30, but you can't un-tell a secret. So we'll have to see how I feel about it Sunday morning.
I will tell you this, double the crunch. Its the best part!

The Challenge

2008-12-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

As some may already know, I am currently teaching my Sunday school class, First Steps, to Mrs. Beth's class, Spairs and Pairs. This past weekend was only week two of the seven week course and I issued the class a challenge. This challenge was different than most challenges I give my class. Ususally I tell the class that if we have 100% perfect attendance, I will cook breakfast for the class the last day. This class is special. It is full of people eager to be baptised and to join our church; people eager to learn about and share Christ.
So...
I have made the challenge for our Sunday school class to have 50+ people next Sunday 12-21-08. Fifty people! WOW!
A couple months ago our church had high attendance Sunday and we had 138 people in Sunday school - the entire church had 138.
It is going to take some work and more importantly alot of prayer to get 50 people.
But if we do there were two choices of prizes.
One was my reciepe for Sweet Potato Crunch. I know your saying big hairy deal, but I make some GOOD! sweet potatos and have had to make them every Thanksgiving and Christmas for the past 10 to 15 years. Once you've eaten my sweet potato crunch, you won't want to eat anyone elses.
Second choice was me shaving my head.
Either choice the class would have made would effect me just as bad as the other. I'd almost rather shave my head than to tell anyone how I make sweet potatos.
Well, the class voted to get my reciepe, and now all they have to do is to get 50+ people in class.
Let's see how it turns out.

Breakfast with Santa

2008-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

From Blogging with BA

This weekend was packed full of fun.
Saturday morning I was privleged to help with our Children and Youth fundraisers. The first being "Breakfast with Santa." A number of kids got to come sit on Santa's lap (AKA my Dad) and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Their parents got to take pictures of their kids with their own camera so that they could then download them and email them to all their friends and families.

Dad worked with a local photographer, Lori Gragg, where people got some really great pictures of their kids with Father Christmas.

The picutres taken at the church didn't look anything like this one. I'll see if I can't download some of them later.

After the kids got their picture with Santa they went to the Social Hall and were served Sausage and Pancakes.

I think the kids and the parents alike had a great time.

I want to say something before I post this blog.
We go to a church in Fitzgerald Georgia that may not be perfect, and a person can't say we're a small church nor can they see we're a big church, but we are a church that sees the need to do things for and with the children and youth. More importantly, we are a church that will get up and do things for and with children and youth. There are people in our church that show up EVERY time they're needed to help. There are people in our church that volenteer EVERY time they hear there might be a need of help. There are people that donate funds EVERY time funds are needed. I can say "THANK GOD!" our church is a church with a vision, a desire, and the willingness to step up. I mean we know it is not of us. We as men and women couldn't or wouldn't do it of our own and we know it is of God. But; I know people can and sometimes do turn a deaf ear to what it is God is asking them to do. It is just that God is so wonderful and has done so much for the children and youth of our church that it blows my mind.
It would be impossible to mention everyone that has helped, so I would personally like to take the time to publicly say thank you to each of them. Thank you for helping but THANK YOU for showing me how much a person has to give and how special that gift can be. When I sit back and look at our church, I can't help but be proud of what God is doing; even when I may not be totally happy with everyone in it, God's blessings totally outshine any mistakes we as members may ever make.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

I thought it might be nice to share a few things I am thankfull for this year, and to do that I wanted to share what it is I did on Thanksgiving.

I worked at both my jobs Wednesday before, so I was tired come Thursday morning. I intended to get up and make sweet potato crunch for my mom to take down to my brother's house. They had all planned to go down there and eat with him and his family, I was scheduled to work that night and didn't want to make a rushed trip back to Fitzgerald and planned not to go.
Well, dad had to play Santa for my brother-n-laws cousin down in Valdosta and so they were leaving earlier than I thought they would and I didn't get the chance to make the sweet potato crunch everyone has come to expect every holiday. (What can I say it is good!)
I laid around and finally, for my Thanksgiving meal, I opened a can of raviolli. Most people that ask how was you Thankgiving follow that question with an indepth description of everything they had to eat and how good it was. When I say I opened a can of raviolli, they almost gasp as if it is unAmerican to not have turkey and all the trimmings, but really what difference does it make.
Now not on Thanksgiving day, but later in the weekend, I sat down and thought about this odd reaction I was getting. I understand some people really feel turkey day, I mean Thanksgiving, is a day to spend with family and to reflect of how the past year was so great and to eat till you can't breath. Great! if that is your thing, go with it.
I can say that I am thankfull that I had anything at all to eat. There are so many people without and the road our country is on, next Thanksgiving there may be even more people without.
I can say I am thankful to have a family as cool as the one I've got. Sure they get on my nerves and it has never killed me to see them do something without me. I've always enjoyed my quiet space and don't see the point in ruining others good time when I'd rather be home alone. But there are times I do things with them and I can say I enjoy it when I do.
I can say I am thankful for the friends I have from school. I've lost touch with many of them, some just because we grew apart and others because of stupid descisions I've made. But it seems slowly one by one, I am getting contacted by them and updated on their lives is counted a blessing.
I am thankful for the church family I have. I know they are growing spiritually and learning about themselves as I am about myself. Even the church politics that always knocks me for a loop can't stop me from loving those people. I've tried to not like some of them because of it, but I don't have the strength.
I am most thankful for the fact the God has chosen me to be who I am. I know I am not perfect, nor will I ever be, but I know God has a plan for my life and I have to open myself up to growing into that plan. It is not secret that a couple years after I became a Christian that I turned my back on the whole thing. It is no secret that I tried to convince myself that what I knew was true, God died for my sins, was little more that group brainwashing; till I woke up and realised once you know the truth you can't unknow it and came back to the church. And I can be thankful that regardless of who I am, God is there picking me up over and over and over again, even when sometimes it would be better to leave me broken.
You know everyone wants to live a life without regret, but how can you do that. If we look back and see ourselves for who we were and who we are, how many of us can say we've been the best we could have been? How many can say they've treated everyone with respect, dignaty, and love. If I could say I've treated everyone with a loving heart, I'd be happy. But I have not and do not. I allow myself to engage in conflict with members of our church over petty things - my blog, VBS, getting a bus - and fail to remember that Jesus brought people to Himself with love. And He is the example set before us to teach us how to live.

I think Thanksgiving, for me, is best summed up as a time Thankful for the reminder to be self-reflective. The food isn't important, and doesn't matter.
Who I am to myself and to others is.

RA's 2008

2008-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

From Blogging with BA

This is a picture of most of the boys in our RA class. All the boys are not there, but to have a night when we are all there is very rare.
Something that has just developed is a partnering with an RA class from Liberia. We are going to send packages to one another which will give the boys to chance to learn what God is doing in boys lives across the world. It is very exciting and very cool to see how God works in our lives in matters like setting this up. I can say that I don't always, if not almost never, stop to see just how God is working in my life. I think as Christians, we can all get to the point where our own actions is all that matters and when faced with opisition, we allow ourselves anger and resentment; when if fact if we've sat back and given God control we would find it less stressful and that pieces more easily fall into place. There is a project that I feel God has laid on my heart with the teens in our community. Last night, on my way home, I started thinking about it and that little quiet voice came up and asked if I was going to pray about it and let God part of it or was I going to charge ahead, steamrolling everything that gets in the way. Well, as we all know, it is easy for us Christians to ignore that voice we know is the Holy Spirit and do what we want to anyway, but this time I listened. I've given this project to God and only ask that those that read this blog will spend alittle time in prayer. Pray for our RA class. These boys are faced with a world that doesn't reflect the things we teach in church. Pray for the boys in the RA class in Liberia. I don't know anything about their living conditions, but to know there is a church starting an RA class is encouraging and I know Satan is raging an attach there. Pray for me, that I will give God control and I will be the example to these young boys that God would have me be. Pray that God would give me patience with the leaders of our church, and that this vision will come to be and will impact the teens in our community and who knows the world. Pray for our teens and children. They face battles we hardly knew exsisted when we were that age and pray for each other. Many times we're told something or see something that ticks up off without ever taking the time to try to understand what the other party is going through that would have provoked the offending action. Church politics is a nasty monster in a church and I truely wish it were banned from all churches. Let us all get on board doing God's will and leave our own agendas at home. I pray that God blesses you all and that a lesson of God's love will be learned by us today. I pray that peace will be in our hearts and our spirit of combativness will be silenced. I pray a smile will rise up from our hearts to our faces and that the lost world would see that smile and be encouraged to allow Christ into their hearts.
Bless you,
Brian

High Attendance Sunday

2008-11-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was High Attendance Sunday.

We had a really good turn out. 138 in Sunday School.

Our class, First Steps, had a special treat where I fixed us a breakfast casserole and hash browns, with coffee and orange juice. We started class with a contest where each volunteer blew a balloon to the finish line. The point of the exercise was to think of ourselves as the balloon and the volunteer as the Holy Spirit. We could then imagine how difficult it is for the Holy Spirit to lead us when we are trying to do our own thing. Then we studied some statistics of what unchurched people think of Christianity and religion in general. The information came from the North American Mission Board web site, http://www.namb.net and it really made me think.

One question came up that I thought was really interesting when discussing how we could make it easier for the Holy Spirit to lead us. It was asked, how do we know when what we hear is the Holy Spirit and when is it ourselves? We know that we are naturally sinful and that it is of God any good that comes from us; therefore, any good is to the glory of God. So, it is my opinion that when faced with a decision, I have at least two choices, I know the one that is right and good would be the Holy Spirit leading me, and the one evil and nasty is of me. I need to listen to the Holy Spirit and do what is right and good in order to allow myself to be lead by God.

We concluded our class with a quick presentation of the 4 Spiritual Laws. I gave each person a tract and encouraged them not only to read it for themselves, but to share it with a friend or family member that may be trying to make a spiritual decision.

Class was great, but Brother Jimmy's sermon was wonderful.

You might say that Jimmy gave his version of the "Fire and Brimstone" sermon. I can say with out hesitation that it was done with more love than I've ever heard such a sermon. Most of us have heard something like "Repent or Burn!", but Jimmy talked on what a person in hell would want to say to the people left behind, and he really hit it home when he mentioned what a parent might want to say to their child if the parent found him or herself in hell. How much would a parent want to warn their child of the consequences of their actions.

It was truly a blessing and I feel privileged to have heard it.

Fall Festival '08

2008-10-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of fun this month.
The kids rode in a float at the Sweet Potato Festival held in Ocilla Georgia on October 25. Some of our Wednesday night teachers handed out tracks and free water to people as visitors shopped at different vendors booths.
Then on October 29, the Y/C Department sponsored it's First Annual Fall Festival Carnival.
Some games were; Pick-a-Stick, where kids picked a stick and got the number of pieces of candy that matched the color on the sick; Pie Toss, where kids got to throw a whip cream pie at Mrs. Leia's face; Hidden Treasure, where kids dug in sand to find the hidden coins; Fish'in, where kids held a fishing pole behind a curtain and pulled it out to see the cup was full of candy; Shave the Balloon, where kids used a popsicle stick to shave a balloon and tried not to pop it; Bean Bag Toss, where kids tossed a bean bag into some buckets to win candy; Football throw, where kids threw a football into a Target to see how much candy they could win; Basketball; Horse shoes; and face painting. Pop corn and Kool-aid were served.
There was a raffle where people won prizes donated by local businesses here in Fitzgerald.
Things rapped up about 8:30 with around 200 people coming to play.
It was a lot of fun.

October is What?

2008-10-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

October has been and will continue to be my favorite month of the year. I love it. The summer is over and things begin to cool down. The leaves begin to change colors and the grass stops needing cut. I mean what is there not to like about October.

Our church children and youth have a few things planned. One is to participate in the Sweet Potato Festival in Ocilla. They have planned to ride on a float with a sign that says God is the Great I Yam. Get it?

The next big thing they have planned is the Church Fall Festival. They will have some games set up where the kids in the community can play and get some candy. It will also be a good time to get to share Christ.

Look for pictures of this months activites in future blogs.
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It's not about US ... It's all about Him!

2008-09-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

Click on Pic to view album

Fall Retreat '08

Fall Retreat '08 - Know His Character

On September 26-28, West Side Baptist Church - Youth and Children went on our FIRST ANNUAL FALL RETREAT. We left Fitzgerald at 4PM Friday and, after stopping to eat a pizza picnic dinner at around 6PM, we arrived at the FFA FHA Camp in Covington Ga at just after 8PM. By 9PM we were in our meeting room and starting the intro of our lessons.

On Saturday morning we enjoyed a breakfast of grits, eggs, and sausage. Some also had fruit and or cereal, with milk or juice. Class began at 8:30.
We started our first lesson with a taste test. With four volunteers, who could pick out the "Real" Coke between four samples.
The first taste was of Ritz Cola, 3 of the 4 thought it was the "Real" Coke.
Second was COKE Cola, and again 3 of the 4 thought is was the "Real" Coke.
The third sample was Chek Cola, made here in Fitzgerald at Deep South.
ALL FOUR KIDS THOUGHT IT WAS THE "REAL" COKE.
The fourth sample was Tonic Water, and ZERO kids thought it was the "Real" Coke.

This was a lot of fun, but with a point. After the taste test, we asked why some of the volunteers liked the other drinks better or thought that the other drinks were the "Real" Coke? and How does that relate to people believing in false gods or not sure they follow the REAL God.
We asked an open question, "How do you know your following the real God?"

The second lesson started with a race. Four children volunteered, each blew up a balloon and on the word go tossed the balloon in the air, put both hands behind their backs, and blew the balloons across the room and back.

It was a close race, and when each team of two finished, we explained what the race represented. The balloons represented us, and the contestants represented the Holy Spirit. We asked the kids what was hard about blowing the balloons in the direction they wanted them to go. They said the balloons didn't want to cooperate and kept falling down. What happened. The volunteers (remember are the Holy Spirit) had to keep picking them up and getting the balloons (us) back on track. We talked about how hard the Holy Spirit has to work to keep us on the right track, and what we can do to make that job easier.

Our third and last lesson began with a skit performed by the teachers that went on the retreat with us. The skit made the point that unless we first know Jesus for ourselves, we can not share him with others. Of course this was done in a fun way where one lady loved food, not Jesus; a man spent his time pursuing relationships with women rather than one with Jesus; two women found joy in shopping, not knowing Jesus; another man found life in books, not Jesus; a grumpy old man kept to himself rather than surrounding himself in Jesus; a drunkard searched for joy in the bottom of a bottle; and finally at the end of our short skit, the young lady finds Jesus with the help of another young lady who knew Him and could tell her how to find Jesus Christ and shared the ABC's of becoming a Christian.

In between class, WE HAD FUN!

We got to play mini-golf, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and ping pong. The children got to play on the paddle boats and the youth were allowed to participate on the Low Ropes course. At the end of the day we were treated with a nice bonfire on the lake. We sang a couple songs and had a moment of invitation, followed by everyone holding hands and taking turns praying.

We had lots of fun in the cabins too. Pouring cold water over the shower curtain on someone while he was taking a shower was a favorite prank in the boys cabin.

Everything went well and we knew we had been blessed by getting to know more about God's character while having such a good time.

The Character of God

2008-09-18T02:32:00.000-07:00

We are very close to our First Annual Fall Retreat, and the topic of study is "The Character of God".

This has to be the greatest topic to learn about, especially for young and new Christians. I mean who wouldn't want to know more about God the person.

But is it me or does it also seem to be a topic we can not even hope to completely understand it all.

The people closest to me all know I am rather crazy and do stupid stuff all the time. They know I like tattoos and will show the two I have before they can ask. They also know that if I had the money, I'd have about three or four more. They know I tend to get ticked off about things quick and that I am working on keeping my mouth shut till I've had a chance to think about what it is that just ticked me off. They know I love my dogs and hate cats. They know I've never wanted kids of my own, but working with kids a few hours a week is cool. They know I don't focus on marriage or dating and that I am fine with being alone. They know I can't stand church politics and "Christians" attacking Christians is above all else the one thing I can't stand.

But what would they say about my character?

Would the people that know me best describe my character as someone who has a hunger to know the character of God? Would they even describe me as a Christian at all?

I hope and pray that as the lessons for the retreat are written, that the parents of our youth and children, that the teachers of our Sunday school classes, can take this journey with me. I hope they can not only see what the lessons will be, but will also take the time to open their minds and hearts and allow God to share something with them as well.

This is a church growing and thus, experiencing some major growing pains. We have to be not only tolerant of each other, but encouraging for what the other person is doing to try and spread the message of Christ.

One thing was said at the Sunday school convention at Norman Park that really has stuck with me. He said, "The backdrop to the Holy Gospel is a group of people that LOVED one another."

This may be the one characteristic of God that is mentioned or talked about the most in the Bible: and therefore, maybe considered the most important. The Fruit of the Spirt in Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." * * Note * * Love is first on the list.

I challenge everyone that reads this, especially the members of my church, to take a hard look at themselves, and ask "do I love people?"

The truth, I don't love people as much as I should. If I did, I wouldn't get mad so quick, I'd evangelize more, I'd be a brighter shining light pointing the lost to the road of forgiveness and hope.

Lets all be in prayer that God will heal us, and that He will raise us up to truly loving each other, not the fake stuff we sometimes throw out there.

Peace out my homies.

RA's - Start of a New Year

2008-09-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NAS)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an
appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God

We have started a new church year and I, with the help of Terry Harper, have been given the pleasure to teach the young RA class. We have 1st graders up to 5th graders.

We have started working toward earning our RA patches. One of the first patches we are going to start working toward is the Camp Craft badge. It is going to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity for the boys to do something with their dads. I look forward to presenting our class with their first patches.

Two Sides to a Church

2008-09-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

These past few months have been a large challenge for me at church.

Though I like everyone there, I feel that "church politics" is being allowed to kill us. I have said many times that there are two sides to any church, the spiritual side and the business side.

The spiritual side is what we as Christians are drawn to and called to church for. We attend the church of our choice, with like minded believers, to receive spiritual nourishment. Just as the body requires nourishment to carry on its daily activities, survive, and prosper; so does the spirit require nourishment to carry on its daily activities (sharing and being a light to the dark and lost world), survive (no the spirit won't die, but it's fire can be quenched), and prosper (just like the body grows, so does the spirit grow as it is sanctified in Christ).

The business side is what keeps the lights on, but has no place dictating what the church does or doesn't do spiritually. Church business can become a distraction from the true business of the church, reaching the lost. Church politics can divide a church faster than anything and is in my opinion the number one tool used by Satan to attack people trying so hard to conform to the ways of the Lord.

It is this division I am speaking of where I feel our church is being attacked using church politics to separate our members. Differences strike and hatred is the result. Even if we only allow ourselves a taste of hatred, the damage is done.

How many of us can say the relationships with our friends are the same or have grown stronger since engaging ourselves in "church politics"? Not many I am sure.

This past weekend it was mentioned that some people find themselves trying to work their way into heaven. We are taught in Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

But I poss the question, is one making the acquisition that another is found boasting? (If so please read Matthew 7:5)

Yes, we have been responsible for cleaning the church, cutting the grass, cleaning the yards, painting some Sunday school classes, and many other chores around the church. But have we boasted about it? Have we made comments that our place in heaven is secured because of the work we have done? No, we have not, and I do take offence to such insinuations.

God had given us all as Christians a servant's heart. Psalm 100:2 "Serve Jehovah with gladness: Come before his presence with singing."

My father has said many times that the church is ours to take care of and if someone is able, then we should not waste the money God has blessed us with by being lazy and not taking care of our blessings.

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Either we will meet at a place we call "church" for the spiritual side of church; or we will gather for business meetings.

John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.

I write this blog not to call anyone out, not to upset anyone, and not to push any issues or persons I find at fault in our church. I write this to express my hope, desire, and prayer that our church will turn away from our business mindset and run to the open arms of the Father who loves us and wishes nothing but the best for us.

Rather than pushing each other down, let us pick each other up. Those that can, let them develop a servant's heart and with all good works let the glory be God's. And those that are not able to serve physically, let them be the back bone, the moral support and loving guidance we need.

1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.

I write this with much concern for the future of our church and the expressed desire to stay out of "church politics". I write this in trust that God will lay His hand on our church and direct us in the way He would have us go.

Sincerely,
Brian Argabright