A New Year coming!

Are you limiting God?

When God puts a dream in your heart, when He brings opportunities across your path, do you step out boldly in faith, expecting the best, moving forward with confidence, knowing that you are well able to do what God wants you to do? Or do you shrink back in fear, and say, "That's too big for me. I'm not qualified. I'm not able. I could never do that." God wants to do a new thing in your life. But you've got to do your part and get outside that little box. Start thinking Big!

In His Grip,

J

The Passion of Christmas

Many People forget what the real reason Christ came to this earth... We focus so much on Christmas trees, gifts, Santa, what to eat and how to show off our houses with Christmas lights. Even within the church, I do enjoy all the church plays and skits they do at this time of year and think they are really fun to watch some even do a really great job, but what so many lack is the true meaning of Christmas. Some people wait until Easter to show the whole story of Christ. But I think it is so important to share, so important not to miss.
I was once again reminded of the true reason for Christmas tonight when I heard one of my fav Christmas songs of all times. "Mary Did you know" by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green. It is a simple truth that should give us hope for this next coming year. It should shine light on our dark paths, and remind us that It started with a little baby in a feeding trough but didn't end there His life went on and did some great things and ended here on earth on a wooden cross for US! If you have never listened to the words of this song please do... Take it in... Take a minute to forget about the Christmas tree, Santa, the gifts, the shopping, even all the rude people driving on the roads in a rush to get to nowhere. all those things that we call Christmas today and think about what it really is about. Wouldn't be cool to see a church tell the whole story of Christmas?!?!

~Best Chart Ever~

I love this chart.. I see one like this every time I go into my chiropractor.
I am a big believer in this chart. It is funny I can always tell if my back is out of line and these things seem to always go inline with each other.

~A little bit of the past~

So I was asked the other day about what kind of jobs I have had in the past and it got me thinking... When I find a day when I don't know what to post why don't I post about it.... So here is something to make the time fly by LOL. Some of you may or may not know some of this.

Job 1: Book stocker

Job 2: Bus Boy.

Job3: Kitchen manager.

Job 4: Loss Prevention Officer.

Job 5: Broadcasting/A/V Director

Job 6: Youth Pastor

Job 7: SC State Chaplain

Job 8: Associate Pastor

Job 9: Loss Prevention/ Key Holder

Job 10: 1st Lieutenant

Job 11: Admissions Director

Job 12: Pastor of Students

Job 13: TeacherParent

Job 14: HouseDad

Job 15: SD Certified Instructor (Current)

Job 16: Sub-Teacher (Current when in GA)



Wow Seems to be a lot of stuff but I guess when God moves us he moves us. Some where for a short time and some went on for more then a few years, some I am still doing.

~The 411 on myself~

1. First grade teacher's name: Mrs. Crawford

2. Last person you kissed: Humm.... The love of my Life

3. Last word you said: "Funny"

4. Last song you sang: "Mary did you know"

5. Last person you hugged: The Love of my Life

6. Last thing you laughed at: Baby Emily

7. What's in your CD player: Trading my sorrows by Darrell Evens

8. What mood are you in? Bored but happy

9. What socks are you wearing: None

10. What's under your bed: Don't even want to know

11. Current status: Taken

12. Current taste: Water

13. Current hair style: Always Messy

14. Current clothes: Dress Pants, Polo and flip flops

15. Current Job: House Dad

16. Current longing: Healthier Life

17. Current desktop picture: Little Snowman

18. Current worry: Getting everything done in time

19. Current hate: our current weather changes

20. Story behind your username: I am a Jesus Christ Chaser (JCCHASER)

21. Current favorite article of clothing: do flip flops count?

22. Favorite physical feature(s) of the opposite(same)sex: Smile, Ears and Heart

23. Last CD that you bought: Wow it has been awhile...

24. Favorite place to be: The Lake

25. Least favorite place: anywhere hot

26. Time you wake up in the morning: 6:20 AM

27. If you could play a new instrument, what would it be?: Fiddle

28. What is your favorite teacher/class? Don't know

29. Current favorite word/saying: "Cool"

30. Favorite book: Any of the "Chronicles of Brothers" books by Wendy Alec

31. Favorite Movies: I have too many

32. Favorite Songs: Anything giving God praises

33. One person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to: Matt

34. Favorite day: Fridays

35. Where do you want to go: On a long trip

36. What is your career going to be: wherever God leads

37. Who are your best friends? Do stuff animals count?

38. Favorite boy/girl baby names? There are a few... I guess I need more kids LOL

39. A random lyric: Emmanuel

40. Eye Color: Blue

41. Hair Color: dark blond

42. Righty or Lefty: Lefty

43. Coke or Pepsi: Coke

44. Zodiac Sign: Gemini

45. Innie or Outtie: Is this really a question?

46. Your heritage: I don't care as long as I am a Knight

47. The shoes you wore today: flip flops

48. Your hair: short

49. Your room: small

50. Your fears: Ever seen "monk"?

51. Your most recent secret?: I know what Santa is bring you

52. Your favorite thing to do: enjoy time with family

53. Your thoughts first waking up: More Sleep!

54. The first feature you notice in the opposite sex: personality

55. Your bedtime: the sooner the better

56. Your most missed companion: the Love of my Life

57. Your perfect pizza: No Pizza is good pizza

58. Sweet and Chewy or Salty and Crunchy: Salty and Crunchy

59. Single or group dates: Single but group sounds fun.

60. Dogs or Cats: Dogs

61. Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Lipton Ice Tea

62. Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla

63. Cappuccino or coffee?: Cappuccino


DO YOU...

64. Smoke: No

65. Curse: Does in Greek count?!?

66. Sing: All the time

67. Take a shower everyday: LOL...your funny

68. Have a crush: hummm one guess!

69. Drive? I Love it!

70. Think you've been in love: I am in love

71. Want to go to college: been there done that

72. Want more than what you've got: sadly, at times

73. Want to get married: I am

74. Type w/ your fingers on the right keys: i think so, never looked

75. Think you're attractive: no way

76. Think you're a health freak: I have become one in the last year

77. Get along with your parents: okay sure

78. Play an instrument: Yes a few

IN THE PAST 3 months:

79. drink: Drink what? I drink a lot of things

80. Smoke: No

81. Done a drug: What happen to "Just Say No"

82. Made Out: LOL Funny

83. Go on a date: I should

84. Eaten an entire box of Oreos: that would make me sick and no i have not

85. Eaten sushi: YES and Love it

86. . Been dumped: No and not planning on it

87. Made homemade cookies: Can't remember

88. Been in love: still am

89. Gone skinny dipping: Is the question in the last few months or ever?!?!

90. Dyed your hair: Yes

91. Stolen anything: some gum from a bud

HAVE YOU EVER..

92. Had too much to drink: I love Tea?!?

93. Been caught cheating: Is that a trick question?!?

94. Been called a tease: Maybe

95. Gotten beaten up: No

96. Changed who you were to fit in: No

97. Cried at something beautiful: Yes

98. Spent too much money on something you didn’t need?: All the time :)

100. Cried when someone died: Yes

~Good Stuff Info~

How to Keep From Getting Hurt in a Church

(1) Avoid developing unreasonable expectations of the church — “My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him” (Psa. 62:5).

(2) Don’t place an absolute trust in people — “Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD” (Jer. 17:5).

3) Focus on common ground — “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).

(4) Don’t expect any church to be perfect — “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” (Rom. 7:18-19)

5) Don’t seek to promote yourself or your own agenda — “Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck. For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another” (Psa. 75:5-7).

(6) Avoid blaming the church for personal problems — “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

(7) Treat others as you wish to be treated — “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

(8) Have a teachable, cooperative attitude — “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).

9) Don’t oppose or hinder the church — “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19).

(10) Be committed to forthrightness and truth — “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. “But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector” (Matt. 18:15-17).

11) Be devoted to love and forgiveness — “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him” (1 John 2:10).

12) Don’t get caught up in the offenses of others — “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend” (Psa. 15:1-3).

13) Don’t personalize everything that’s preached — Obviously, every pastor preaches with the hope that everyone will take the message personally and apply it to his or her own life. “If the shoe fits, wear it.” However, there are always a few who think the minister is pointing his sermon specifically at them. This is a common misunderstanding which causes persons to get hurt.

~Truth~

~Brighter Days~

NO EXCUSE FOR PASTORS!

There are many reasons why God would not want you, but don't worry. You're in good company!

- Moses stuttered.
-- David's armor didn't fit.
--- John Mark was rejected by Paul.
---- Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
----- Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
------ Jacob was a liar.
------- David had an affair.
-------- Solomon was too rich.
--------- Abraham was too old.
---------- David was too young.
----------- Timothy had ulcers.
------------ Peter was afraid of death.
------------- Lazarus was dead.
-------------- John was self-righteous.
--------------- Jesus was too poor.
-------------- Naomi was a widow.
------------- Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
------------ Jonah ran from God.
----------- Miriam was a gossip.
---------- Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
--------- Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
-------- Elijah was burned out.
------- John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
------ Martha was a worrywart.
----- Mary was lazy.
---- Samson had long hair.
--- Noah got drunk.
-- Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
- So did Peter, Paul--well, lots of folks did.
But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our Dad than our boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's neither prejudiced nor partial, judging, grudging, sassy, nor brassy, not deaf to our cry, nor blind to our need.

Satan says, "You're not worthy."

Jesus says, "So what? I AM."

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the Cross.

Sure--there are lots of reasons why God shouldn't want us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like.

Let this Bless you this week,

In His Grip,

J

15 Fun facts about Christmas

1. The Christmas tree was first introduced by Queen Victoria in 1846.

2. The word Christmas is Old English and comes from the terms Christ's Mass.

3. Franklin Pierce is the first president to decorate the white house Christmas tree.

4. Electric lights Christmas trees were first used in 1895.

5. The movie "It's a Wonderful Life" appears on TV more often than any other holiday movie.

6. The most famous Christmas ballet is "The Nutcracker".

7. The song "Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving but become popular around Christmas time.

8. You would receive a total of 364 presents if you were to receive every gift listed on the "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song.

9. Do not eat a Holly berry, they are poisonous.

10. Alabama was the first state to recognize the Christmas holiday.

11. It wasn't until 1870 that Christmas became a national holiday in America.

12. Candy canes were originally white straight sticks of sugar used to decorate a tree.

13. Many of the needless, pine nuts and pine cones found on Christmas trees are actually edible.

14. In the United States alone, Visa cards are used an average of 5,500 a minute during the holiday season.

15. Each year over 3 billion Christmas cards are sent out in the United States.

This weeks "Weigh-In"

Not the best day but I did lose again. It was not as much as the first week but it works. My hope and prayer is next week will be better. But I do have to say not gaining weight during thanksgiving is a big plus.


One of Bob's sayings "No matter how many fat people I make skinny, they just keep bringing me more. If you people at home don't stop eating, they will never let me leave this d*** ranch."

"Oh Christmas tree...... Oh Christmas tree......"

You might be "metrosexual" if:

1. You just can't walk past a Banana Republic store without making a purchase.

2. You own 20 pairs of shoes, half a dozen pairs of sunglasses, just as many watches and you carry a man-purse.

3. You see a stylist instead of a barber, because barbers don't do highlights.

4. You can make her lamb shanks and risotto for dinner and Eggs Benedict for breakfast... all from scratch.

5. You only wear Calvin Klein boxer-briefs.

6. You shave more than just your face. You also exfoliate and moisturize.

7. You would never, ever own a pickup truck.

8. You can't imagine a day without hair styling products.

9. You'd rather drink wine than beer... but you'll find out what estate and vintage first.

10. Despite being flattered (even proud) that gay guys hit on you, you still find the thought of actually getting intimate with another man truly repulsive.

***
Not too sure about #7 but it is scary how many of these things are true.... LOL -J

Christmas Time is Here!!!

Is Thankful For:

Emily at 1 week old
Glasses are a little big.

At 17 1/2 Months
The glasses fit just right!

Less boring post

Okay I know the last post was long and to some of you maybe even think was pointless. (if you do then your are one of the people I was talking about in it... LoL) okay here is a brighter, shorter post

After being on Biggest Loser for a week now I have lost more then I would think. Wow in one week. That is really cool.

One of the best things I have heard during this time "if it didn't come from the ground or didn't have a mother- don't eat it!" - Jillian

A little reminder in life!

I was coming home last night from taking back two of our past kids and I had two of our new kids in the back of the van. After their movie went off "Happy Feet". Oh and if you ever have kids and are getting a van make sure it has a DVD player in it, they are great. Anyway the movie went off so it was time to listen to some music I turned it to the radio and guess what.... Yep, nothing but preaching. Now if you know me you know I would jump at the fact there was preaching on as I love to listen to preaching or can we say most preaching. But when you have kids in the back seat bored out of their minds, preaching is not the way to go. So I found a kids CD and put that on. The kids loved it. They where singing and having a fun time. Most of the the songs they knew every word to. Now the reason I bring this up is not to tell about what I did last night or even why people should have a DVD player vs CD player. But it was the simple fact of the kids where singing. That simple truth. See there were times they didn't know the words to a song, but they kept singing. There were times they they were off key or tone, but they kept singing. There was even a time I felt like one of the kids was going to hurt themselves singing so loud. but they kept singing. It was not the best singing I have heard and no it was not anything I would even want to hear again. At one point I was thinking I was hearing a cat dieing in pain. But also at that point I was reminded and even asked myself the question. "When did we stop singing for God?" I know we sing at church, in the car, some of us in the shower. But what I was reminded of was a time in life where it didn't matter how well I sang, or how loud I gave a shout. If I sang like a dieing cat or even a sick cow. But when was the last time I sang not caring what others thinks or heard. It is not so much the singing part that hit me but the part of it didn't matter how these kids sounded or how loud they got, they knew the words to the song or not. It was it didn't matter any of that what matter is they where going to sing as passionate as they can as hard as they can. So that is my question "when did people stop singing?" maybe for you it is not really singing but teaching, or writing, playing something, sharing, giving, reading, or maybe loving, or whatever it is in your life that shows God is first in your life and no mater what want to show it. It is not so much God is not first in peoples lives it is that at some point in their life we stopped showing it. Maybe it was for a reason or maybe we don't even know it. I think we all get to a point in our live were we stop singing maybe for some it is for a short time or even maybe for years. And some may still be singing but not as hard as when we first started. Remember, "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot..........I will spit you out of my mouth." about being lukewarm. Maybe we are singing but it is not as "hot" as it once was. I found it a good reminder...

-In His Grip,
Jonathan

The "Blacksmith"

I came across this story this morning and had to share it. I don't know if this really happened or not and more then likely it didn't but what a great way of digging into God's word!

Malachi 3:3 says:
"He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities... The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says:
"He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

That that is just plain good truth. Even in all my pain in my back it is good to know that He watches over us and that we are made in His image. a great reminder for the day!

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Back Pain!

Okey so here I am again with anther post that has taken me weeks to get out. I am not sure if I am just forgetting to post or if I am just so busy it is the last thing I really want to do..... I think in all truth I have just been too busy to blog. There has been a lot going on over the past few weeks so here is a short recap of everything:
Debbie's Birthday was about a week ago and I have been wanting to get her this gift for years now and just have not had the money or not been able to find it but this year I said was the year for me to get it for her. So I found it at discount price and Hope she enjoyed it. It was a "willow tree" the company not a real tree.
Emily has been growing and getting smarter as the days go by. I could write a book on all the things she is doing and how she keeps me smiling everyday.
In work news things are busying and over the past few weeks and even days have been trying to get more of our yearly training. We are working on TCI training this week and next. I am so not looking forward to the test we have to take on it all. I am about 95% sure I will not pass. But when it comes to most test I don't!
In other news. over the past two weeks I have been fighting with back pain. really bad back pain. I have been takeing meds and resting it during the day. Well the other day I was out feeling better working in the yard, getting things ready for the winters months here. I went to get the garden cart that goes on the back of the garden tractor that you put dirt, tools and stuff in while working out side. Well dumb me I put in on it on the back hook of the tractor not looking it in place at the time as I was only going a few 100 yards and it had ants on the look of the chart. I would lock it before I would put anything in it later. Well while coming down hill of the hilly driveway the girls where being kids (not thinking) and came from behind running up to the back of the chart to jump in it. well with it not being locked down it came off the hook and hit me in the back. Ya well skipping to today. I am still in bed with ice packs and alot of meds. Monday I go in to see my doctor. He said if I could not stand the pain before then he would make a house call and come check things out. Today I am able to get up and walk again I just still can't bend down or turn a full left or right. I am finding that I feel better today if I sleep it off. before it didn't matter if I took a nap or not it still hurt, so maybe things are looking up a little. I am still in a lot of pain and not sleeping all that well. But I guess it will take a little of time. I am glad however we are back in the upstate area where my back doctor is. As you may know I hate doctors and think the only doctors I should ever have is my Eye Doctor and my Back Doctor other then that NO WAY!!!!

In Pain,
Jonathan

My Daily Prayer!

Dear Lord,
So for today... I have been doing all right, I have not gasped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or judgmental, I have not whined, complained, cursed or eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card. But I will be getting out of bed in a minute and I think I will really need your help then.

Love, Your child

~The Child God Uses~

As I wrote this week about sometimes we miss God in all the Godly work we do or sometimes we have big buildings blocking our view we must somethings move or get away from things to see God again. I was once again reminded of that last night while watching our movie. Each Friday night is movie night with the girls. And we got Veggie Tales "Jonah", well while watching it, it kept messing up and would stop or skip big parts of the movie. After having to stop it, take it out and retry it like 4 times it did it once again. Everyone in the room was getting upset as we all wanted to watch to movie. But while trying to clean the disc and putting it back on again one of the girls out of nowhere stopped and asked if we could pray to God over the DVD. And yes we did just that we prayed over that little disc... I think it was to 1st time in my life I have ever prayed over a DVD before. But in truth it really woke me up to the heart of a child and how in that minute God used that girl to broke down the stress of everyone in the room to reminded us "God is Bigger" and when we find ourselves in a hard place or when life gets us down lets turn to Christ.
-In His Grip,
Jonathan

~Sometimes it takes a Rain~

I went to go pick up the girls from school the other day while it was pour down rain and it reminded of the song "Grace like rain" by Todd Agnew. The part that kept running in my head over and over again was the chorus:

Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

It was refreshing seeing the rain pouring down and thinking over and over again in my head "all my stains are washed away...." In many parts of the state the flooding has gotten so bad to were schools have even closed but in all this rain, me being sick and all the other crap going on in the world today. I was reminded of God's grace and forgiveness. Sometimes it take a rain to remind us of how great God is. Sometimes it takes the rain to wash away our stains. The best part of the rain in soon after when everything is so clean, the trees are so green and the smell of so fresh. It is just that everything has been washed away and made new. God is Good!

In His Grip,
Jonathan

Finding a New "Love"!

When I was sick growing up my mom always told me that all I needed was a little bit of "Love" and no she didn't mean a kiss or even a hug. She meant some good old Vick's vaporub. It was one thing I never forgot about growing up... Even when I get sick now I still cry out for my "Love". I am not really not that sure if it even does much for me other then smelling really, really good. I know anytime I am sick or about to be sick I can make it with my Vick's! ..........Until a year ago when I met my new "love".....SKINNER'S vaporizing salve. I have to say it is 101% better then Vic ks ever was. Yes stronger in many areas and much better smell it comes out top in all my years of using Vick's. Sadly they don't sell it in stores along with Vick's but you can find it online or sometimes in doctors offices. Why the tell of this new "love" well Emily has gotten better and left Daddy sick as a dog. Luckily Debbie and I are off this weekend so we don't have to watch the girls other then baby Emily. I have once again pulled out my Skinners and have painted myself all over. Within minutes of using it I can feel my nose open and my head come alive again. So lets look deeper into what is in this new "Love" of mine.
Skinners: 7.54% Menthol Crystals, 0.44% Camphor Oil, 1.77% Eucalyptus Oil, 0.87% Methyl Salicylate and 0.67% Fir Needle Oil.
Vick's: 4.8% Camphor, 1.2% Eucalyptus Oil, and 2.6% Menthol

Well From what we can see there not too different or are they?!?!

In His Grip,
Jonathan

May the Beauty of the LORD

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us--yes,
establish the work of our hands."
-Psalm 90:17

Finding God's beauty sometimes feels harder and harder in ours life as we all have so many things on our plate. Going to work, School, events, parties even sometimes church all can be buildings that block us from the favor of the Lord. When was the last time you stopped from your busy schedules to slow down and enjoy what God has given us. It seems in today's world everyone is wrapped up in the end times, "2012", the war of all wars, Christ's coming again. Now don't get me wrong I am not saying it is not something to think about or even study if one has not done so. But my question is has it taken our eyes off of Christ for today, That He is well alive and moving all around us. Has it taken us from our current mission, purpose, our story in life. Has it taken us from the beauty of God? Maybe it is time to stop and take some time to rethink and find God once again in your daily lives. I too have had to take some time away from the real world to rethink and find God's Beauty. For me It took a year to find Him.. Maybe it will take just a day or weekend or like me a year or more. A well known pastor and close friend once told me sometimes as Pastors or people in ministry we get so "In-To-God" Where He becomes our lives that we forget really who He is and who WE are in Him. I know even during my years at CIU I would have to read my bible almost 24/7 for class. It even got to a point where it started to become a textbook and nothing more. During my leadership meeting I would hold with all my church leaderships I would tell of a store of a Youth Pastor Intern name Nick that was new to a church... Nick loved working there so much, He know it was where God wanted him to be. Monday morning Nick walked into the church headed to his office. It was the start of a new week and Nick had a big event coming up in the next few weeks, he had so much to do. Nick walked past the break room where the other pastors and staff where drinking their coffee and talking. Nick went into his office and started to get to work on the many things he had to do. Later that day the Lead Pastor came in and ask what happen this morning when he came in office. Nick told him he was so happy to get there this morning and he was on fire for the Lord and ready to do ministry that God gave him to do. With a puzzled look the Lead Pastor said, "Nick you walked right past your ministry this morning. You where so into the work of God, you missed it."
See Nick's ministry was not all the paper work and the "stuff" in his office it was the fellowship of the people in the office. When I heard that I had to stop and think am I doing so much for God that I forget who He really is in my life. I am asked time and time again on how do we keep from missing God in the work of God. Well someones we have to pull ourselves away from all the stuff we are doing, to rethink and refresh our lives in Christ. Sometimes that even means you have to step out of a ministry or job and take a time out before stepping back in. "Finding God once again"... (Sounds like a great book title huh?*Wink*)
I know I have been there, done that a few things in life from taking a brake for one day, a week or even from this past year of stepping out of a good paying job to finding God in the woods of Ga. to now coming back to a Christ centered ministry refreshed. Okay I didn't mean to preach a sermon but I wanted to write a little and plus I have a few blogs I see I am missing so I guess I am making up for the times I missed blogging. Oh well my prayer is that you may find the Lord in your life each and every new day. In the picture I posted It's not just another picture i took or a old wood pile but to me it was how I found the creation and beauty of God today.
In His Grip,
Jonathan

~Today's Cup~

"For he satisfies the thirsty and
fills the hungry with good things."

-Psalm 107:9

~Annoying types of Facebookers ~

Annoying types of Facebookers according CNN. I am not a fan of posting other peoples post but this is way to true and funny all in one.

The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore. "I'm waking up." "I had Wheaties for breakfast." "I'm bored at work." "I'm stuck in traffic." You're kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn't mean we all want to know when you're waiting for the bus.

The Self-Promoter. OK, so we've probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.

The Friend-Padder. The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies -- you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway -- might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 "friends?" Unless you're George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That's just showing off.

The Town Crier. "Michael Jackson is dead!!!" You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.

The TMIer. "Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids." Boundaries of privacy and decorum don't seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.

The Bad Grammarian. "So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe". Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.

The Sympathy-Baiter. "Barbara is feeling sad today." "Man, am I glad that's over." "Jim could really use some good news about now." Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks -- baited with vague tales of woe -- in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention.

The Lurker. The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you'll be talking to them and they'll mention something you posted, so you know they're on your page, hiding in the shadows. It's just a little creepy.

The Crank. These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn't complain about. "Carl isn't really that impressed with idiots who don't realize how idiotic they are." [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.

The Paparazzo. Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone's posted a photo of you from last weekend's party -- a photo you didn't authorize and haven't even seen? You'd really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.

The Obscurist. "If not now then when?" "You'll see..." "Grist for the mill." "John is, small world." "Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not." [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you're not being mysterious -- just nonsensical.

The Chronic Inviter. "Support my cause. Sign my petition. Play Mafia Wars with me. Which 'Star Trek' character are you? Here are the 'Top 5 cars I have personally owned.' Here are '25 Things About Me.' Here's a drink. What drink are you? We're related! I took the 'What President Are You?' quiz and found out I'm Millard Fillmore! What president are you?"

Now here is the question for the day..... Which one are you?

~Today's Cup~

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
-Acts 20:24

Should I say more?

Well like I just got done saying just what was it last night or the other day.... Emily is growing!! So today we went out to eat with the family and once we where done we went over to papa's and mama's and Emily love her Papa's anyway she was walking to and from me to him and then all over the room. She has started to master walking around. Now she started to learn how to stand up on her own while not holding on to anything. When she falls she can get up and keep walking... I guess the saying when you fall get up and try, try again is so true. I can't wait to see what is next.

-Til next time,

Jonathan

I'm a big girl now!

I am a big girl now! Emily is growing each day this past week he has really be enjoying her kitchen. She enjoys cooking while momma is cooking dinner. She also has been enjoying her hair bows for once she seems to leave then alone. Oh what will our little girl do next... or should I say big girl now!
In other news Debbie and I hare in South Carolina this week. We have a lot going on right now and praying and awaiting to see what God got in store for our lives. I will be should to give updates God shows Himself. Also in top of the news right now we got rid of Dallas I am so happy. We took him to a place in Lexington SC and they took him. Now we just have to get rid of all the cats and then we are good to go. Well a new show is coming on and I kinda like it... Like always
In His Grip,
Jonathan

~In the woods of GA~

Emily and I took Debbie to the airport for her short and hopefully sweet trip to FL. Last week she was called to come to home office by the VP of her company at this time I am not saying why as we don't want to get our hopes up at this time. I will fill everyone in later in the week. With Debbie being in Fl that means she is not here "DING" Wake up! Emily and I are going to be alone and bored out of our minds. We will miss her dearly and we do. It was sad when Debbie left the car and said her go byes before going into the airport Emily gave a short sad cry. To get Emily and Is minds off Debbie being gone we went shopping.... :) Got to love shopping!! There is not a lot of times Debbie is gone during dinner. So Emily and I set out on a mission to find something to eat. We came up with a seafood dinner.. Debbie does not like seafood so we don't eat it a lot okay.... Never...:) Emily seemed to really enjoy it and you know I did :) Here are a few pictures of what we made. Emily has fried shrimp while I had a little more hearty meal. Mussels and Greek style salmon. Pray for Debbie as she will be in some meetings in the morning that they will go well and good things will happen. Thanks - Jonathan