Road Trip

My Favorite Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:49:00 +0000

I love the Christmas season. For all the reasons that make it sweet, my favorite "moment" of the season is what we call Candlelight Service at Council Road. It is truly a time I look forward to every year.

When I came to Council Road in November of 1974 one of the "tasks" I was given was to help put on a Christmas Eve service for our church family. I can remember that very first Candlelight service that I was in charge of like it was yesterday. Some of the things I lined out were not the best but we still worshipped and that moment of gathering was a sweet reflection of God's blessings to us all---and I was hooked.

Now 39 years later we are coming up to Candlelight 2013. It will be a great time of reflection and some special moments are planned (especially for the children). The theme for this year is "comfort and joy" and it is based out of the need for our children to feel God's love in the midst of a crazy world. As the Arts Team at Council Road reflected over this year we realized the tornado that sent so much devastation in OKC affected our children in a huge way. So, with that in mind we targeted our time together to bring some comfort and some joy to our families.

Why not come and join us this December 24th at 6:00 or 11:00 for a great time of celebration. Maybe it will become your favorite worship experience too.

Norman

Can You?

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:05:00 +0000

To all my friends that read blogs and that find them fascinating:

I have found that we as believers love the Lord and love to talk about Him but if someone asked you a very direct, personal question about God (who He is, has He been here from the beginning of time, how does He change a person's heart, how can He love someone like me) can you answer that person in a way that would invite them to discover more about our Savior?
If you can't answer such questions, well, what do we all need to do (study) to be able to bring people closer to discovering the grace that we know can change them forever?

Think on that.

Blessings from the One that has all the answers---our Savior Jesus Christ.

Norm

Psalm 32

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:13:00 +0000

PSALM 32: CONFESSION AND FOR FORGIVENESS

Since I am a musician (by love and degree) I want to share one portion of Psalm 32 with you that really speaks to me. But before I do that just a little history on this fantastic Psalm.

Verses 1-5 are clearly one unit, which deals with confession and forgiveness. So the point of verses 1-5 is: the person who does not hide his sins but confesses them to God will find the tremendous happiness of a clean conscience and peace with God. It is beyond me why people don't want what these 5 verses offer anyone who will do what it says. Who doesn't want a clean conscience and peace.

So, what is forgiveness?

First, we have to acknowledge that forgiveness is not an emotion. It is a conscious choice that has nothing to do with how we feel.

There are other, similar choices we are called to make which are often confused with a feeling. These include:

· Our choice to love our enemies,

· Our choice to be humble and

· Our choice to be thankful.

Forgiveness certainly falls into this category. If we believe that we have to wait for our anger to subside before we can forgive, then we have the issue entirely reversed.

1. Forgiveness is not initially about the person who wronged us; it's about us. If we will not forgive someone who failed to meet our expectations, we start to change on the inside.

2. Forgiveness does not require that the wrongdoer apologize or is remorseful. It does not even require that they are aware of the fact that they hurt us. All that is required is that we simply say, "I'm letting this go. I will not let this incident change me in any way."

3. Forgiveness does not mean that we forget the offense. Forgiveness does not require that relationships never change. It does require that we move past the incident in our hearts and that we refrain from dwelling on it.

4. Finally, forgiveness does not mean that the wrongdoer "gets away with it" or is "off the hook."

Now in verse seven God promises that he will protect us from trouble and will "surround me with songs of deliverance." Wow. Really songs of deliverance. Then I thought about it and the songs that I learn in corporate worship stick with me throughout the week. And when I have issues that come against me, well, a lot of the times those songs come to my heart. In fact, throughout my life I have had to pull my car over to the side of the road and just listen to these songs that are playing in my car or that God has just placed on my heart and I have to stop and give him praise. THAT is one great reason to come to worship and celebrate each week because God will give you new songs that help you in your everyday life. He will protect us from trouble AND He will give us songs to help us make it through. What a great God we serve.

How about you....do you have a song of deliverance that God has given you lately. If not, corporate worship is just for you.

Norm

Yep It's Christmas Time Again

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Well, I started off this Christmas season like the last dozen or so with my "list" that I make for all the people that I want to get a gift. I get out my Ipad and make my annual list by names and potential gifts and then put an "ok" by the actual gift that I purchase. It is an easy way and a process that I can work into my normal routine. If I am out and about and I see one of the items on my list that is on sale, well, I purchase it (knowing that I saved a buck or two) and then right my "ok" by that item on my list.

But lately something has made me rethink this season and this gift buying process. I look at the people that I am buying gifts for and it really seems to me that they have about everything that they could ever want and need. I guess that extra pair of "cool whatevers" that I could buy would add to their arsenal of cool wear but do they really need that. Somewhere in my heart of hearts I say---not really.

So, I will show love to those that I want to by being gracious to them this season but I will try my best to do something not on my "list" for someone that really does have a need. Maybe my gift giving needs to be more about a missions project that could use some extra funds. I guess when I see what my Savior gave to the world so long ago my "list" needs to be a lot more about those in need and not just another thing.

What can we all do to make someones Christmas a bright light for Christ's sake?

Merry Christmas,

Norm

Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:12:00 +0000

How about you. Do you ever apologize for goof ups? Or is your life just one big apology after another?
Well, this is a confessional blog. I have spent the last month apologizing to people of all heights, genders, nationalities and yes, if there was a space person in my life I would have apologized to "it."
I guess I am just practicing up to be a good apologizer.
But, in all of this, I am glad that people give me grace. If there was no grace from the people that I have apologized to, well, I would be in worse shape than before the attempted apology. I am so thankful that Christians are (and should be) grace driven people. If I offend my wife, my children, my grandchildren, the people that I work with, my wonderful congregation that I get to serve, then I want to always make it right by them and not let a day go by without our "record being clear."
Isn't that the same way we should be with God? When we blow it we need to come to Him in total humbleness and ask His forgiveness. He is always there ready to receive my "apology" and then he says we are good to go. Isn't that what 1 John 1:9 is all about.
So, go ahead work up your best apology and just go for it.

Norm

Aren't New Friends Great

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:38:00 +0000

When your heart is overflowing with what God is doing, well, sometimes you just have to tell someone or everyone. This is one of those "everyone" moments of life.
Those of you that know me well, know that my heart has been given to the Lord and to His service through the local church. I love it. I have always loved it and until God calls me home, well, you know what I am going to say...
God is so good and his goodness has led me to a "partner" in the ministry here at CRBC. Cody Dunbar has stepped into the Production Arts Team as our Team Lead of Worship. He is such an incredible young man of God and his passion is seeing people passionately worship the Lord. And you can tell that this is his calling. I am so thrilled to be able to share my life with his life and together we will see God do great things here in our wonderful church.
If you would like to come and be a part of the worship that he will regularly lead, well, come Sunday's at 10:45 to Council Road. You will be uplifted.
BTW, who are you pouring your life into at this very moment? Is it your child, a friend, a co-worker or are you looking to share your life with someone. The best way to give yourself away is in a mentoring relationship. Ask Him to point you in the direction that He wants and see who He brings across your path to love and to lead.

Norm

Potential Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:38:00 +0000

The older I get things seem to get a little clearer. Yes, I did want the OKC Thunder to win it all this year but they came a little short in that goal. But hey, we will give it a shot again next year. Years ago I would have still been upset about coming in second. But in my ripe "old" age I just learned that to look ahead and see the future out before me is way better than being upset about yesterday. That brings me to the thought of "growth" as we look ahead at what CRBC is about. I can either say, "well, I have invited people to come to our church before and now that is someone else's job" or I can still see the potential that is all around me. Early each morning my prayer time ends with this statement "Lord, help me to think about you every minute and every second of this day". I am trying to see anew the world around that STILL needs to be reached for Christ's sake. There are still lost neighbors. There are still people in my life that I have some sort of influence with that need Christ's forgiveness. Even at my favorite gas station the people that take my money need Christ. Those moments are the "minute and seconds" of my day that need to count for Him. Are you stuck in an old way of thinking or do you see potential everywhere? Norm

Adoption

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:04:00 +0000

One of our staff members James preached yesterday and did a really good job. His family has really changed over the last three years. He and his wife went from no children in their home to four. Yes, I said four. What a joy to see their family each week at worship and the joy on each family members face. They brighten all of our days! Knowing that I am also adopted because of what God did for me at the time of salvation just flooded over me as I heard James preach. Isn't it cool that God loves us so much that He would bring us into His family. But at the same time I think of all those that don't know Jesus as Savior and wonder what I must do to show this adopted family to them. I must: Live for Jesus daily... Love all people... When life gets difficult for me to still show them Jesus... Point them to Jesus for life that is abundant. How about us all look at our world as lost and point them to the greatest family of all- God's family. Norm

My Memorial Day Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:17:00 +0000

Encouragement is one of the most significant ministries that we can cultivate both in our own families and in the body of Christ. What it brings is encouragement for the one that shares and it brings encouragement for the one that hears. It is a win-win situation if I ever saw one.
Proverbs 15:4a says "A soothing tongue is a tree of life."
Proverbs 15:23 says "A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word."

Years ago I was going through the worst period of my life. It was difficult on all levels: home, work, ministry, personally. It was awful. One Sunday morning I was coming out of my office and hurrying to go teach my class of senior high boys when my friend Jess came around the corner at the same time I was coming out my office door and we literally ran into each other. I guess that he had noticed that I wasn't really doing well. He put his arm around my shoulders and said, "Norm, I have noticed that your head has been hanging low lately. It is going to be okay. Lift your head up for it will be all right." Those words stuck to me like glue. Jess will never know how much I needed encouraging that day. I will be forever indebted to him for his kind (but needed) words.

We need to refine our skill in the ministry of encouragement. Is there someone who has impacted your life in this way? Perhaps a parent, a teacher, a mentor, or loyal friend? Have your ever stopped to thank them with a letter or a phone call? Maybe this is your opportunity to encourage them over this Memorial Day time.

Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant words area honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Be an encourager this week.

Blessings,

Norm

Easter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:51:00 +0000

The last verse of the book of Judges says something that is very interesting to me. "Everyone did what was right in their own eyes" is the last part of the last verse. When I watch the news on television I see exactly what this verse is trying to say: I see total mayhem all across our globe. When we all do what we want to do, well, the result is that we pretend to be our own king. What we think is right in our own eyes and what everyone else thinks is not. That is the problem when there is no authority in our life.

That is the Good News of the Bible. We do have a King. His name is King Jesus. And He gave His life for you so that you can have life "and have it to the full."

How about you today. Are you living like you have no boss? If you are, that kind of life usually ends up very badly. How about surrendering your life to King Jesus during this most important week of history---the week of Easter. He gave His all for you!

Blessings....

The Most Unusual Week of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:36:00 +0000

Some years ago I mentioned to a friend of mine that the hardest week of the year for me was the week from Palm Sunday to Easter. The discussion was along the lines of "if anything can go wrong it will this week". He is a lot younger than I am and I really believe that he thought I was crazy. Then he moved away and the first Easter that followed him leaving I get this phone call where he described to me "all" of the unusual things that had gone wrong "that" week. In fact, it was quite amusing if it hadn't been so serious.

I say all of this because the enemy of our soul is out to "kill, steal, and destroy" and I believe the most crucial week of our entire year is the week before Easter. So much so, that the enemy tries his hardest to discourage, wreak havoc, and just in general to get our eyes off of the cross of Christ and onto our problems. IF he can do that, then he has stolen the opportunity for us to be sensitive to all of those around us that need to hear the gospel of Christ. And you know, most people are most open to the Good News at the Easter Season.

So when all of the "issues of life" hit you around Palm Sunday just remember that our Savior, Jesus Christ, has already won the battle. And if He wins, so do we!

Have a blessed Easter!

Norm

Lent Season is Always a Wonder to Me

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Have you ever been surprised over and over again by the same circumstance. It is like the movie "Groundhog Day". In the movie we relive over and over again the same circumstances. Well, if I am not careful, the Lent Season will do the same thing to me.

What always seems to take me by surprise (and it really shouldn't) is that once we get into this season that the enemy really just goes for anything he can do to take our eyes off of what Christ has done for us. In either little or big ways he wants us to be distracted from the cross of our Savior. For instance, today is Ash Wednesday and tonight we are going to have a service that kicks off our time of remembrance and sacrifice. But as soon as I entered the church facilities this morning I found out that our phone lines have been cut by probably some tree trimming that has gone on in our area. So, we have no phone lines that people can call a central location for info. Yes, we can use our cell phones, and yes, we have our website but isn't it just weird that "today" our phone lines are cut and if someone just wanted to make a quick call to check on the service time for tonight, well, they won't get any response.

And then I remembered....every Lent Season we start to relive again and again the enemy doing the same thing that he has always done and that is to divert our attention during this special time. Why do I always forget this? I don't know but I should remember.

So, what should my reaction be? Normally I just get ticked off about dumb stuff like this. But really we should be alert to the enemies attacks but not shaken in our responses. God is really in control of all things and He certainly isn't surprised at all. We can trust Him in the big things and we can trust Him in the little things because He is totally trustworthy.

So, today as we start this wonderful season, remember when the things of life hit you that you have a Savior that took all the blows for you.

Don't Spend it All on Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:28:00 +0000

My daughter-in-law taught me a lesson that I had forgotten about in recent years. The lesson was to give away what you have so that others can be blessed as well. We tend to take for granted that everyone will be just fine through the holidays. But the truth is that there are many families with children that really struggle during this time.

We have five great grandkids. I love them all deeply and it is a joy to buy things for them. And when it comes to birthdays or Christmas we try to be a blessing to them. But, what I love about our church is that folks here really try to reach out to others, whether it is through our orphan ministry, or families that have had a hard year, our truck stop ministry, or for widows and widowers that have needs that we can do something about. You know it isn't about how much stuff that we have. At least I pray it isn't about that. And as my daughter-in-law reminded me, it is such a joy to go and be a blessing for someone that could use a blessing.

How about you now that Christmas is just down the road a bit....have you thought about someone outside of your family to bless this Christmas. Probably the most quoted scripture in the Bible says it this way....."for God so loved the "world" that He gave....."

The Gift of Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:50:00 +0000

For the last ten or so years I have searched our local Christian book stores for a Christmas story to read to our children at Candlelight on December 24th. While I found some good stories over the years, a lot of the times it either had an okay story with great illustrations or just okay illustrations with a pretty good story.

Earlier this summer I had a thought....why not write and illustrate our very own book and then publish it....and what if we could get every child that came their very own book as a gift. So, (drum roll please) this very week we will receive our first copies of this little treasure. I have seen the pre-press copy and I have to say it is going to be a hit. Two of our very own CRBC members wrote it and illustrated it and from the bottom of my heart I want to congratulate them in helping this dream become "The Gift of Christmas" to our children.

Why not put on your calendar to come to our Candlelight Service on December 24th at either the 6:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. times.

It just might be the gift you are looking for this season.

Who Do You Ask?

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:36:00 +0000

Isn't this the age old question? When in doubt, who do you go to when you really need an answer? Well, of course, the pat answer which in this case is also the right answer is we go to the Lord for ultimate guidance and wisdom. Yes, that is the right answer. I also sought my earthly Father's advice when he was alive. My dad would always answer my questions with "well, son, I can't tell you what to do but I can tell you what I would do". I have to say, that is a great answer.
You know there is a story in the Bible about a leader that asked two different groups of advisers what he should do. Rehoboam asked some old guys and some young guys what he should do. Evidently he listened to the wrong group because the people ran him out of town. That story didn't go to well for the leader.
My point in this question is to just remind all of us that there is much safety in Godly counsel and when you get that counsel make sure that you take it to the Lord for his divine wisdom on your question. He knows what is best. He knows which way to turn. He knows when it is good to go against conventional wisdom and to trust Him.
Right now, what question are you dealing with? Have you sought out good counsel? Have you taken that counsel to the "wonderful counselor" and gotten His take. Stop right now and ask Him for help. You will really be glad that He knows what is best for you.

Joy While in the Middle of it All

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Lately the whole thought of studying God's word through the characteristics of God has been so appealing to me. Have you ever wondered why God puts things in your heart (for no apparent reason) only to find out that you are about to go through a "season" in your life? Well, my family is in one of those "God seasons".
I find it very interesting that those very characteristics of God that I have been studying are now things that I hang on to every day-and a lot more dearly than I have ever done in my life.
For instance, I have looked at words like fear, anger, sin, trust, doubt, forgiveness, and hope all from a Biblical perspective. What comfort I have drawn from these words that I have known all of my life. But right now in my "season" they have taken on a new life within my heart. Sunday I am teaching on trust. One of my statements that I will be making to my group is that "trust is based on a person's character, ability and truthfulness. It is an act of committing oneself to another's good intentions and care." Stop right now and think about that. I can put my full trust into God's care. He cares for me. He cares like no other. And if He cares for me, well, you know that He cares for you too. We can trust God's character and we can trust God's care.
One other thing has been shown to me during this "season." I have looked out over our wonderful church family and have taken into account others that have gone through a "season" and there they are---right there in worship still praising the One that is so worth praising. Just to physically see that has lifted my heart.
Are you in a "season"?
Are you trusting God in who He is and what He can do?
Are you one that has gone through a "season" and have come out on the other side?
Wherever you are---Have God. Have hope.

ONENESS Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:43:00 +0000

I love new adventures, don't you? Some time back our pre-school minister asked for help on those months that had five Sundays. What started from this simple conversation has now grown into a fabulous worship experience for us at CRBC on those months with five Sundays.

This Sunday we will experience family style worship that also includes both of our ordinances. We all get to participate in the oneness that all of this brings to our lives....wow!

This just makes me more grateful for the body of Christ. When we see all ages worshipping Jesus and then see the results of people's lives being changed "together" well, this is one of the most unifying experiences of our year. I can't wait.
Speaking of family, this service also reminds me of family members that haven't yet trusted in Christ to save them. In observing the ordinances we can have the sweetes evangelistic moment coming up this Sunday. If you can join us at Council Road at 10:30 for our ONENESS service we would enjoy you being part of the family.

Norm

When life's struggles hit you hard

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Summer 2011 has not been the easiest summer for me. It seems wherever I have turned to try to make impact for the Kingdom that the enemy has thrown things up in my face. When life's struggles hit me like that, I become very focused and really try to hear what God is saying. Maybe God was having a hard time getting through my thick skull this summer. HA.

Well, I notice someone else in scripture that had some difficulties yet seemed to meet them head on without flinching on his commitment to God and His purposes in his life. Joseph, from the Old Testament, had a pretty difficult go of it. His brothers hated him and sold him as a slave, his new boss loved him but his new bosses wife loved him more and cried out rape against him (which he had done nothing wrong at all) and if that wasn't enough from his prison cell he helped the "cupbearer" and just simple asked him to remember him when he was back on the job with Pharaoh and for two years he didn't say a word. Well, my summer hasn't been that bad. But what I did notice about Joseph is that "every time" the attention was pointed on him about something that he had done well, he immediately stopped that talk and pointed everyone to his God who helped him. He never flinched once. He never took credit once. He only served God fully.

So, when summers struggles are hitting hard, I can look to scripture and to a Biblical character who did it right.
How about you today...do you need to be encouraged. Then take a few moments and reflect on how scripture helps us when we are at a low point. It helped me.

A Great Leader Can Say No

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:38:00 +0000

One of the lessons that Nehemiah of the Old Testament has been teaching me is HOW to respond to adversity whether it is among "friends" or with "enemies". I notice several characteristics that really do jump out about Nehemiah and that I hope I can immulate in my life as well.
First, he always gave an apt, direct, and consistant reply to any question when asked. He did not waver in his response from one time to the next time when he was asked. If you notice in Nehemiah chapter 6 his enemies asked him the same thing 4 times and he gave them the same reply 4 times.
Second, when there was a problem he went straight to the source. He did not gossip, start ugly rumors or blame the wrong people (especially God) when faced with an issue. He went straight to the source. He knew to solve the issue he must deal with it head on. And every time that you encounter this type of situation in the book of Nehmeiah, he responded in the same way. You can look at the account in chapter 5 when dealing with his own countrymen and then in chapter 6 when he dealt with his mortal enemies.
Third, no matter what the problem he ALWAYS took his petition to the Lord. He knew where his strength really came from. He talked passionately and lovingly to his God knowing that His God had taken care of him so far and would continue to take care of him in the future.
How about you. When faced with a crisis do you give a consistant answer not wavering from what you should do, do you face issues head on, and do you take your need to the Lord waiting for Him to answer? What a great lesson for all of us to learn from the cupbearer of the Old Testament.
Have a blessed Christmas in 2010. Remember whose birthday it is we really are celebrating.

Norm

It's Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:15:00 +0000

I can't believe it has almost been a whole year since we had that massive snow storm on Christmas Eve....but it has!
As I listen to the radio and watch all the ads on television it occurs to me that the whole world is in a frenzy to help someone. Even on sports radio in OKC it is a big deal to buy a gift for someone that might be doing without this Christmas. Actually, I love all of this. I love the thought that people are NOT thinking about themselves but rather they are thinking about blessing someone else. Why don't we think that way all year round. I don't know.
One prayer that I have been praying over and over recently is that the Lord Jesus would help me to think about Him "every minute of every day." That doesn't mean that I walk around with my eyes closed and praying out loud but it does mean that in every circumstance that I find myself in, I would like to think how and what my Savior would have me do. It is just being more God-conscious. If we all prayed to ask the Lord to help us see the world as He sees it then we would be more like him 24/7.
So, for the rest of this month, why don't we all just think more about Him and a whole lot less about us. What a difference that would make in our world today.
(And for us musicians---find you a great song to sing this month)

Have a blessed Christmas......

Norm

Living Life With New Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:50:00 +0000

I know that it has been a while since I have last blogged. No excuses, just didn't.
But today is a new day and I have watched our terrific Road Trip Connection Class come to life with the passion of helping our closest high school to a new day. In fact, our whole church has been blessed and has blessed this school.
A month or so back we had the head football coach come and speak to us about the needs that he has seen and deals with on a daily basis. I have to say, this man and his wife and family have given themselves in such a God inspiring way to help these students that I and the class just had to get involved. I have seen a rejuvination of our class members to find a new purpose in their life. Yes, we all have reached the age that it could be easy to sit back and let someone else jump in but that has not been the case with Road Trip. They have really gotten outside of themselves to reach a new generation. I want to say YEA GOD to our class.
A couple of our class members participated in "Challenge Days" at the school. I have to say that this freshman class was fantastic. Not only were they respectful but we actully bonded in one short day to each other. This is my fourth year to do this Challenge Day and yes, it is tiring, but it is so worth it.
What all this means to me is that no matter what station of life that you are in currently, there is a place for you to give yourself away to someone else. Every time that I get into some kind of "funk" the Lord reminds me to just look around and minister to someone that needs what you have to give through Jesus' name. And, it works every time. It makes me look "upward" and not "downward" and my peace and joy are rejuvinated.
How about you? Where are you currently in life? Do you need to find new purpose. It can happen in direct proportion to how much you give yourself away.

Norm

Summer is here and are you carving out time for the Lord?

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Everyone needs a break. When I think of one major section of our populace that really needs the "summer break" it would be the wonderful teachers that pour into students day after day.It is my prayer that every one of them get a good "break" so that they can refresh themselves and re-enegize themselves as they retool for next year.

Yes, every one needs a break now and then.

But, if your break is from the Lord,well,that is probably not a healthy break to take. I always watch attendance in worship during the summer months. Yes, there are a couple of Sunday's that are "normal" but for the most part they are always down somewhat. That is okay as long as you are still connecting with God's Word and spending time in prayer EVEN when you are away. Don't forget that spending time with our Heavenly Father is always refreshing.

So, my encouragement is two-fold. When you take a vacation...take a GOOD one. When you are in town....be in worship on Sunday. But, always spend time with the Lord each day.

If you are going on vacation soon, remember this quote from my dad "keep the rubber side down when you drive."

Lots of happy traveling and see you in worship,

Norm

Esther---A Great Story about God

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Yes, this title is a little misleading. The book of Esther is a fantastic story about God and His provision even though it NEVER mentions God's name in the book. Doesn't that sound weird? It is the story about God and his provision but it never once mentions Him.
Well, it is a great story and one that we need to dive into. This Sunday, June 13th will be our very first lesson from this book. We will "self" teach this first lesson and you will have to come to find out what that really means.
Remember we meet every Sunday on the Front Porch at 10:45 for our class. Our class is called Road Trip Connection because we are all at the age that a road trip is easier to do now that most of our children are grown. Come join us this Sunday for our first lesson from the book of Esther.
(In fact, read the book of Esther this week. It is only 10 chapters long)

Love ya, and see you Sunday,

Norm

Straying Saints

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:32:00 +0000

Sunday was an interesting day for me. We studied the final two verses from the book of James and as we studied it I realized that in some way or another we all have been a straying saint in our life. As I thought about what that really meant it dawned on me that when we "miss" someone in our Connection Class that we are doing a great thing for them. When we send an email, make a phone call, or text a person in our Class, well, we are showing them that we really do care for them.
Have you called someone lately that used to be active with the Lord and loving Jesus and now have fallen away from gathering with other believers? Why not call them today and tell them that you miss them. Why not just be honest and ask them how are they doing....both in their family AND in their walk with Jesus. They might appreciate your concern and who knows what a kind word might do with someone that knows the right thing to do. In Hebrews it tells us to "encourage one another daily"....that is great advice and one that we all should do for our friends.

Are you a straying saint? If so, please accept my blog as your personal invite to come and join us.....remember we have all strayed before.

Norm

It Has Been A While

noreply@blogger.com (Norman) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:34:00 +0000

Sorry gang for the long drought since my last post. A lot has gone on since then from family things (like moving my dad into assisted living) to work that has been overly busy. But, that is no excuse. So, here I am.
Today, I am doing the funeral of one of my "youth groups" mom. This is the very reason that the Lord laid on my heart about doing a Connection Class (Road Trip) because of the relationship that this group of students and I had so many years ago.
I have to say that I am so proud of a lot of my former youth group. Most of them love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. The fact that they are still in love with Jesus means so much to me. Yet, today, we need each other. We need each other to:
1) Support our friends in times of loss
2) To pray for our friends that God will comfort their hearts.
3) That the Lord will be near to them today and especially in the days to come.

Yes, today I am again reminded of why we started this class.
Don't miss our class. We need you. You need us.

I love you all,

Norm