"today....our Daddy was pleased"

"That service was great!" "This is what a church service should be." "I've never seen so much emotion in a Christmas service." "I could feel the music through the seats." (I really liked this comment) "The church was singing so loud!" "Was this service recorded? I want a copy!"

These comments were a few of the ones that I heard this past Sunday after our Christmas service at East Rowan High School. It was so exciting having everyone from the Salisbury Campus together at one service. There is always so much work that goes on behind the scenes before an event such as this, but when you see the excitement in the eyes of people as they come into the school, and you hear them sing praises to the Savior as we celebrate His birth......its like a major recharge. No matter how tired you thought you were, the joy of the church lifts you up. And as the Worship Pastor here at HRCC, there is nothing that pleases me more than to hear the church come together in worship. Whatever you may have been thinking about when you walk into HRCC; it really doesn't matter which service you attend, if you focus your heart on the worship, and you become a worshiper.....then you are replacing everything in your mind with worshipping God. And that is our purpose......that is what we are called to do....worship God. So many times we think that we have to do things in a certain way to please others, or to be noticed by others. If you are like me, you probably have learned that it is very hard to please others. It is almost next to impossible to please everyone. But, when we decide to worship God; we realize that He is pleased with our worship. It doesn't have to be in tune; it doesn't have to be in time; it doesn't have to be flawless; it doesn't have to be perfect. All that your worship has to be is you and God. And when He has your full attention.......all of your focus.......all of you.......He is pleased.

One of the most amazing comments I heard about this past weekend was from a lady that said to me; while trying to hold back tears, but losing..... "I know that today.....our Daddy was pleased." My prayer for her, and for everyone that worships at HRCC, is that we all remember to take the time during this Christmas season to do our best to please our Daddy.

the whole peanut?

The last time I went on a trip to WV, I traveled with Jon and Mike from the church. It was actually a quick trip.....one of those "drive up there, meet with Ray, then head back" trips. It was still a good trip. There were a lot of memories about that trip; and the strange thing about memories is that they resurface at odd times. One such memory about this trip came back to me while I was eating lunch with Karen today.

We were sitting at the table at Lone Star, waiting to place our order; and you know how it goes... you have this bucket full of peanuts and an empty bucket for the shells. When I go to restaurants with peanuts on the table.....I eat peanuts. I just sit there and crack the shell open and eat the peanuts. I don't really think too much about it. Until today. I remembered stopping in Morgantown with Jon and Mike and eating at a restaurant and there was a bucket of peanuts on the table. I'm doing my usual ..crack the shell open...eat the peanuts, and Jon is sitting there popping the whole peanut....shell and all...in his mouth and just munching away. I'm thinking; "Man, that's disgusting." But Jon assures me that that is the best way to eat the peanut. He tried to convince me to give it a shot. I can't get past the memories of digging up peanuts in my Papaw's garden, so I pass. That is....until today.

I shared Jon's strange eating habit with Karen, and to my surprise.....she tried it. I couldn't believe it. I kept waiting for her to spit it out and drink all of her water and my tea, but she didn't. Hey Jon!! She did it!! I'm not saying that she liked it, but that she did it. Now I'm stuck. I have to try it. So, I look for the smallest peanut in the bucket....a single, not a double; and I pop it in my mouth and chew the whole thing. To be honest with you.....that was really good....and salty?!? And I wasn't making a big mess on the table by cracking open the shells. This was a nice, different, tasty surprise.

I learned today, that it didn't matter so much how I ate the peanut....it was still a good peanut. The fact that I even tried it was a surprise, but I guess that I can still learn something new. And you know, I keep learning something new from these "younger" pastors at HRCC.....they challenge me in my thinking, and they encourage me in my walk. They give me confidence; they pray for me, each other, and for you....the church. They have taught me so much, and I am forever grateful. Thanks guys.

butterflies

I recently read a book entitled, "Butterfly in Brazil". The author is Glenn Packiam; a worship pastor and director of New Life School of Worship for New Life Church in Colorado. I had the privilege of participating in two of his classes at a recent conference in Charlotte. In one of these classes, he gave a little insight into the idea for his book. So, I bought the book.

I'm sure that a lot of you have heard the phrase, "the butterfly effect". This statement has been used over the years to try and explain the changes in weather around the world, due to some atmospheric occurrence in a remote location. The original phrase went like this....."If a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, does it cause a tornado in Texas?" Sounds a little silly to think that something so small, in a country so far away, could have such a major effect on the homes of people that live in a small country like Texas. But, when we live the life of a Christ follower; isn't that what happens? We are challenged by scripture to be like Christ in our everyday life, but most of us (myself included) look at the life of Christ and how He touched the lives of all the people he met, and we adopt the defeated attitude of......"Who am I?" We look at the enormous impact of Jesus and then we see how small we are...............Why try? I've been there, and to be honest.......there are times that I am still there. On some days, I feel even smaller than the day before. And yet, I want to be a Christ follower in the biggest way. I want to have an impact on the lives of people I know, and on the lives of people I have yet to meet.

Have you ever read in the Bible that if you have only the faith of a mustard seed, you could move a mountain? Or maybe, if you would just do a simple thing like flap your butterfly wings, you could help in creating a tornado. If you are reading this, and you took advantage of flapping your wings with "Whatever It Takes", then you know of the "tornado" that you helped to create. So many families were touched by you and your willingness to help. And not only in this community, but in other communities as well. Did you know that there are other churches that are now trying out their wings because of you? What started out as a small idea (flap), is continuing to grow and spread.

Thanks to all the beautiful butterflies out there.

on a Monday?

Today I decided to go in to the office and try and get a head start on this week. With Thanksgiving coming up, I need to get a lot ready in three days. It was a pretty quiet morning around here, but as I sat in the office, I could still sense the weekend services in the building. God had showed up and shook this place good this weekend. I can still hear the singing; I can still see the excitement in the faces of everyone at HRCC; I can still see Jon gaining strength with each service that he spoke at; I still hear the celebration with each baptism on Sunday night; I still feel the quiet reverence of the Lord's Supper; I still can listen to all the things that so many people are thankful for..........and then I realize........God's still here.
He didn't just happen to show up this weekend because we were finishing off a series, or because we were going to be bringing a special offering into His house. He didn't show up because we were having a Baptism service and observing His Supper, or to hear us say "Thank you". We were the ones that showed up to join Him here, and to enjoy His presence. Every time I walk into this building, I know that I am going to feel Him here. It really doesn't matter what day it is, I can even come in on a Monday (staff day-off) and feel like He is going to do something. And today, He did.
A lady called today and she had a need. Her home is heated by gas, but she didn't have enough for the deposit ($175) to get the gas switched on. She told me that she has three children. We talked a little longer and I told her that with the office closed on Mondays, I wasn't sure what I could do, but that I would try and find out something and call her back. I made one phone call to a member of HRCC to ask if she knew if anyone still had a "reverse offering" to use from last week. So happens....she did.........Now God takes over. This member calls me back in a little over an hour. Get this........the lady's deposit is taken care of, she will be getting clothes for her three children, along with some toys, and some groceries. God shook HRCC again today.

I guess "Whatever It Takes" didn't end this weekend. Thank you.

Whatever It Takes

This “Whatever It Takes” series has been amazing; to say the least. Most of the sermon series that we have done at HRCC usually have some memorable props, skits, or video inserts that stay with us long after the series ends. But this series has been very different. This series has had arms and legs attached to it as it has moved from the building to the community. What had started out on paper as a vision, has become a reality in the sense that people are making it real with their actions.

It has been amazing to hear people tell of how they are individually taking the idea of "doing" Whatever It Takes when they feel God leading them. Whether it is to help a neighbor in need, or volunteer for an event sponsored by the church, or just to help a total stranger that God has placed in their path. I hope each of you have taken the time to go to the www.whateverittakes.us website, and have read the stories that are posted there. (Click on Your Stories) These are stories from the church family that should encourage us all. When we listen to what God wants us to do; when we obey Him, and act as true believers in Jesus Christ….we are blessed. And right now, High Rock Community Church is tapping into those blessings. Just read the stories. People are starting to understand what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. Needs are being met, lives are being changed; and not just the lives of people who received a heating voucher, cheaper gas, clothing, or even the $50. I am seeing, and hearing in people’s voices, the change that is happening in their lives; the lives of the members of HRCC. This has been an amazing four weeks for this series, and as we come to the final week, we prepare ourselves for another chance to do Whatever It Takes. My prayer for this weekend, is that we will see God do such an amazing thing through the hearts of His people at HRCC, that we will know only He could have done this……..not us.

Are we ready? I pray that we are.

surprises

Don't you just love surprises? I am a big fan of surprises; and this past week was filled with surprises for me. On Wednesday, November 5th, I celebrated a birthday. I guess I could have stayed at home and taken the day off, but Karen was planning on helping at the church that day; and I would rather spend my birthday around her. Anyway, I am busy in my office, when Karen steps in and tells me that there is someone in the lobby to see me. This is not something unusual, since people do stop by from time to time. I walk to the lobby and there is my daughter, Kristen, from Asheville. SURPRISE!!! After a hug (yes, a hug), and a "What are you doing here?" from me, I find out that this had all been planned as part of a birthday surprise for me. Did I say that I love surprises? Kristen stayed at the church with her mom and me, then we were planning to go out and eat.........also part of the birthday plans. This happens at our birthdays all the time; the going out to eat part. Then, another surprise. We end up at my parent's house for hamburgers. There is just something about the way my mom makes hamburgers, and steams the rolls, and the mayonaise slaw.....SURPRISE!!!
Kristen's plan is to head back to Asheville, Thursday evening. She is going to a Bible Study, and Karen and I are getting ready for Small Group at home. I have had a great time with my daughter being home for my birthday, and as the day is coming to an end......the kitchen door opens, and Joshua, my son, comes in from Lynchburg. SURPRISE!!! Are you kidding me?!? All this is part of the plans that Karen has put together for my birthday. Amazing.
I am so blessed to have a wife that likes to surprise me; children that would drive 2-2 1/2 hours just to say "Happy Birthday"; parents who love me; brothers and sisters who send cards, and call on my birthday. And, one thing that I have learned over the years, is that surprises are what makes life so exciting. Without them.......we just live a day-to-day life. We were given life to enjoy it, and to enjoy it to the fullest.....fill it with surprises.

songwriting 101

I have always had a desire to write some kind of song. I can remember growing up and pretending to be some famous songwriter, and I just knew that one day my songs would be on every radio station, or on an eight-track tape (classic). I would convince myself that writing a song couldn't be too hard. Well, I have learned that writing a song is not easy for me. There have been times that I could sit down and play the guitar, and it seemed as though all the words would just jump out of my mind and onto the paper. Then again, I can sit and strum for hours, and not have a thought. The next "great song" wasn't there.

When I attended the Seminars4Worship conference in October, I had the opportunity to take part in a songwriting class. We didn't compose any songs in this class, but I learned a lot about how hard songwriting really is; and steps that I can take to help some of these thoughts in my mind make it to paper, and eventually sound like a song. I listened intently as Paul Baloche, Joel Auge', and Mia Fields explained the processes that each of them go though to create a song. And not just any song.......but a song that would be good enough to replace a song that has become part of the church's "songs". Those songs that are loved by the church; those songs that have stood the test of time; songs that bring joy, smiles, tears, and a sense of community. (This songwriting idea is beginning to take on a responsibility I hadn't thought of.) I do remember one of the things that Paul Baloche said, "Always have pen and paper handy." He mentioned that there are times that he hears something in the message his pastor is sharing, and it catches his attention as something that he needs to write down; and he does. He also talked about other times when he writes things, ideas, as they come to him......(always have pen and paper handy). But, the reason I mention his illustration about listening to his pastor speak; is that I heard something in Jon's message this weekend, and I had to write it down.

I listened to Jon deliver the message, "Oil Sale", five times this weekend. Friday was critique day....when he have a practice run to help us prepare for the services on the weekend. Anyway, Jon spoke this message five times, and only once did he make a particular statement that caught my attention; and when I heard it, I turned the page in my notebook to a blank page, and immediately wrote it down. I don't know if it will ever become a song, but I do know that it spoke to me. It has been 12 hours since Jon made this statement, and it is still in my mind; and it is on paper; and it has grown from the three lines that he said, to ten lines to try and capture what the words sparked in my crazy, artsy mind. Jon simply said.....

There is hope in His cross...
There is peace at the cross...
There is joy in the cross...

Thanks Jon..........I needed this.

what God hears

Last week I attended a conference at the North Campus of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. This was the Seminars4Worship that is presented by Integrity Music. They offer 3-4 of theses conferences around the country, and I was excited when I learned that this was going to be so close. I would get the opportunity to listen to some excellent speakers on the subject of worship, and get to hear some really good christian artists perform their songs that we do here each week. I always approach these events with anticipation; what will I hear?; what can I learn from these people?; what can I take back with me?; what will I be challenged with?

One thing that I heard was from a statement by Glenn Packiam. Glenn is the Leader of the New Life Worship Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. He is also a songwriter for the Desperation Band, and we have sang a few of their songs. Anyway, I was in a small class setting where he was the speaker. In his talk he said that "Worship needs to be us hearing what God hears", and then he went on to tell us some things that God may very well be hearing. While he was giving examples filled with statistics, I kept hearing that statement over and over in my head, and kept asking myself......."what is God hearing?" (I'm not one to listen to a lot of statistics) So, what is God hearing? Do we hear the same thing? Are we getting His attention with our worship? Is He getting our attention? Sometimes I think that we may not truly understand what worship is. If we try to hear what God hears, we might not hear music.........we may hear suffering, we may hear the hurting, we may hear the needy. And if we hear the needs of people, what would our worship sound like? What would our worship look like? Our worship is a response. It is an outward expression of our inward desire to understand what God wants us to do. "Worship is designed to wake us up to the world, not insulate us from it." (Glenn Packiam) If we only worship when we are at church, what does that tell us about our worship. However, if the church responds in a crisis and meets the needs of the needy, then that speaks volumes about the worship of the church.

This new series, "Whatever It Takes", is giving us all the opportunity to respond to the needs of our community with our worship. All we need to do now..........is to be willing to listen and hear what God hears.........and respond in worship.

heaven's song

This "Fireproof" series that we have just finished up, has been amazing. God has had His hand on these four weeks from the beginning. The opening night of the movie; the church purhasing tickets for Firefighters and their wives to attend; the excitement of getting the stage put together; the props from local Fire Departments and friends; the messages that have challenged us all with a "love dare"; the stories from couples about how God has, or is moving in their lives. It has been like this constant increase in energy and anticipation each week to see what will happen next. And, to be honest with you, my anticipation was a limited one. Don't take that in the wrong way; I truly believed that God would do some amazing things here at HRCC with this series, but I was not prepared for how He would end this series.

Jon and I had talked about doing the song, "Love Is Not A Fight" by Warren Barfield, at the end of his message for this past weekend. It was planned as the "love dare" for couples to take this time to come forward and pray for each other.........out loud. I was very nervous. I knew Jon could sing the song; he has a great voice, but for me to play the song........on guitar........alone. That's called.....nervous. So, several times during the week I practiced. And I practiced. And I practiced. And every time I finished the song, I would want to play just a little longer........not the song, but just two chords over and over. I don't know why.......they just sounded good together; A and D2. Back and forth between the two chords; but only after the last time that I practiced the song. I don't know why. I would sit and play these two chords and drift away in my mind......close my eyes and just listen to the sound that these chords would make together. It was very comforting and restful.

Then, at the end of the last service on Sunday; Jon and I, along with Mike Reavis, play the song and couples come to the front of the stage, and they pray for each other........out loud. And as we finish the song......there is still praying going on; and I find myself playing A and D2.......and this amazing song happens; a song of music and prayers. If you were there, you heard it. You couldn't help but hear it........and feel it. It was heaven's song......prayers and tears and music.......joy and hurt and music.........love and peace and music.........love and peace ........ love......... God's love......... heaven's song. The most beautiful song I have ever heard.

a bowl of Trix

I wasn't even sure what time it was. I didn't really care. All I was focused on was what I was looking at out the window as we drove along Hwy 79. On both sides of the road was this blanket of color that covered the mountains of West Virginia. It is the second week of October, and the leaves are turning. I'm sure that I'm not the only person that likes this time of year. The air is a little crisper in the mornings; the sun seems to be brighter, without the glare; and the leaves begin this transformation from green to yellow, orange, red, and gold. Maybe its the "artsy" side of me (as Ray would say) that notices this so much. But, when I see the colors, I can't help but think about God as an artist, and He brushes over His landscape with such majesty and power, that even the trees respond. What were once quiet and green begin to shout with "Hey!!! Look at me!!! I'm changing!!!" Its like we see them for the first time. They've been there along the highways and roads all year, but now they've got my attention.
I remember being in college and going out on the Blue Ridge Parkway just to do some sketching, and sitting there lost in the wonder of all the color. The mountains with all this color looked like a giant bowl of Trix. (sometimes in college, you think about food.......a lot) I tried to sketch what I was experiencing, but it was useless. No painting could touch it. This was all done by the Master, and there was no need to even try and improve on it.
Sometimes, I sit back and look at the church, and I see the same artist applying His brush strokes to His canvas that we call HRCC. People attend here every week, but when God has brushed His hand across their lives.......we can't help but see a change. Someone who was once a quiet person, that would kindly smile as they passed by; now is excited about what God is doing in their life and it is as if they are shouting "Hey!!! Look at what God has done for me!!! He has changed me!!! I need to tell you about it!!!" When I am leading worship; I hear them. When I get the opportunity to speak; I see them. We are all different; just like the paint on an artist's palette. But, when used by an artist.........we become more than a bowl of Trix........we become His masterpiece. And every artist loves his work.

chasing rabbits

Small groups are fun, aren't they? I know the one that Karen and I attend is. I enjoy it because I get to sit and listen to what others think when it comes to talking about a passage in the Bible. I enjoy the laughter (and there is a lot in this group), the food (most excellent), the prayers, and the discussions. Most of the time David will read a passage, help us to understand what the writer was trying to get across, and then the group starts to ask questions and we begin to see how this passage relates to all of us; sitting around in someones house. This small group is not any different than other small groups. I'm sure that if I were to ask each person that attends one of these groups, I would hear some familiar tales. Everyone would probably talk about the "food", "fun", and "fellowship"; and all that is great. But, I was reminded by my small group the other week about something very important that happens within a small group......this is a place to be encouraged.
Our group is going through a study of Proverbs, and during one of our "rabbit chases" through the scripture, they stumbled across a moment that lifted this time of study to a time of reflection, remembrance, and encouragement. I really don't know what started the "rabbit chase", but I enjoyed every minute of it. We were going from one thought to another, and before you could catch your breath........the "rabbit" headed in another direction. Everyone was in on the "chase".....incredible fun, and total encouragement for me. Somewhere during the "chase", the topic shifted to remembering the first time each person stepped foot into HRCC. They would all share about how they can still remember what Ray was speaking about; how he would sit down beside them and talk to them before the service; how welcomed that they had felt that first time.... and how they still feel that way. The "rabbit" led them to tell about how much they each love the church, and how real the presence of God is in the services and with the people, and how excited they all are in seeing the church moving forward, and it went on, and on........and my heart........ my spirit........

The best part of blogging is that you can't see me while I am reliving that night in my head, and trying to put it on a screen. You can't hear my heart pounding, nor do you have any idea how blurred this page is to me right now. I would just like to thank my small group for a time of encouragement that could not have come at a better time. This was one time of "chasing rabbits" that I will not soon forget.
And I am sure, that if you are reading this as a member of HRCC, you probably can remember when you first came here to a service; the greeters; the welcome; the music; the message; the volunteers; the Kids Club; the skits; the videos; the props on stage.............and if you are like me............there goes a "rabbit".

questions

This past Tuesday I had the privilege of speaking in a Chapel Service at North Hills Christian School. Mrs. Richards had contacted me through the church, and had asked if I would be interested in coming to their school. They have pastors from area churches to come and speak to their students during the year. I wrote back and told her that I guess I could do that, and asked her to send me some dates to choose from. The next thing I know, I'm marking on my calendar, September 9th at 1:30. No big deal......til Monday, September 8th. What am I going to talk about? What do they expect from me? Who am I to be speaking to students attending a "Christian" school? Will they ask me questions? Will I have the right answers? I am not ready for this.
Monday morning I call the school to see if I could just drop by and get a chance to see the Chapel; maybe even talk to some of the staff there. It is a pretty neat school. Not very big. Kind of quiet, as schools go. This might not be too bad. I think I can handle this. I leave the school feeling a little more at ease about speaking the next day.
I decide to show up a little early the next day to get myself ready for Chapel. I had decided to bring my guitar, and lead them in a little worship time before I speak. At 1:20, the students start coming in, and I begin to get a little nervous. At 1:30, the room is packed. I don't know about you, but a room full of middle school and high school students should not be as quiet as that room was. I am beyond a little nervous. Now, add to this the fact that a 6th grader sitting on the front row, sees the first slide of a song we are about to sing; opens his Bible and asks me, "What passage of the Bible is that statement from?" We haven't even started, and he's asking a question that I can't answer. Can you feel my palms starting to sweat? The next 40 minutes...........was cool. Not because of what I said, or sang, or how the students responded; but it was cool because God had used a question from a young man to help me see that He wants us to ask questions. He wants us to have a heart and mind that hungers for more of Him. So..............my challenge to the students was for them to continue to ask questions, especially when it came to reading and studying the Bible. I mentioned to them about how that students in Jesus' time could only continue their education with a Rabbi "if" they could answer a question from the Rabbi, and then ask him a question. If the Rabbi said to them, "Come, follow me", they would be able to continue their education and one day become a Rabbi themselves; which was a highly revered career path. A student longed to hear those words from a Rabbi. If the Rabbi did not feel that the student was "hungry" enough for knowledge, them he would just turn and walk away. Their education.....quest...... journey.......was over.
Isn't it amazing that those are the words that Jesus said to his disciples when he selected them. And, they called him "Rabbi". They also asked a lot of questions. If we continue to ask questions; have a hunger for God; we will hear, "Come, follow me" every day. I guess that is why we are known as "Christ followers."

sparks

I received a phone call today from a dear friend that I haven't seen in a few years; Fred Weber. I was on a search committee once, looking for a Minister of Music and Fred's resume caught our attention. I can't remember why his stood out over the rest, but it just did. What concerned us the most about calling him for an interview, was that he and his family lived in Texas. And, after a few conversations on the phone, I got the chance to meet him and his family face to face......and there was just something about him. Obviously, his love of music; but I think it was more his desire to bring out the gift of music from within everyone who had a part in the music ministry; from the children's choirs, all the way to the Adult Choir. He didn't just want singers and musicians in the choirs; Fred was always looking for ways to let individuals discover a gift that God had given them, and then would allow them to use that gift in the church. I was one of those individuals. I sang in the choir. I rehearsed each week. Fred would challenge me with a small solo part, once in a while. He gave me a chance to play my guitar and lead the music for the early service. Fred was excited when he discovered that I had been playing with a few musicians in the church, and that we had played at some area church events. He gave us an opportunity to play in a service........more than once.
I have always enjoyed playing music in a band of some sort. I enjoy playing Christian music live. When Fred let that combination come together in a church setting; a spark started to become a flame. It was like......for the first time.....I was being used by God to be a part of something bigger than me. Bigger than a choir robe. Bigger than special music for the offering time. Bigger than a solo. Almost too big to grasp, but worth the trying. Excitement grew inside me, and the flame became a call; a call to search out God and to reach out to grasp His hand, and lead me to where I am suppose to be...........leading worship. And what I have come to realize, is that, what I thought was a burning flame; is just another spark......a bigger spark than before, but still a spark. A new spark. And every week, the singers and musicians, that join me to lead High Rock in worship, fan that spark and it is getting bigger. I remember the first spark 4 years ago here at HRCC, and I have seen the flames of worship get bigger and bigger. But, I haven't forgotten the spark that Fred helped me to discover years before that. And I have been blessed ever since. Thanks Fred.

UnChristian

I apologize for not posting sooner. I mentioned in my last blog that I did some reading while on vacation, and I wrote that I would tell more about what I read in my next blog. Now that I have kept you checking for two weeks; only to be dissappointed again and again, here ya' go. I had been reading a book entitled, UnChristian. A lot of it is filled with statistics from the Barna Group about how different groups of people view Christians. I guess by the title, you probably know how we are viewed.........we are not very Christian in their definition of what a Christian should be like; how we act toward others; how we treat others; how we accept, or don't accept certain people. I know......I know. It doesn't sound like the kind of book that is going to be very encouraging for us, as believers in Jesus Christ, but I have to say......it spoke very loud to me, and I found encouragement from it. Let me explain:
I had been reading one day about how a pretty large percentage of people were questioned about what they thought was missing, or lacking in the personality of a "Christian". Their response was that we (Christians) don't really care so much about the person, as much as we care about "chalking up another one for the Kingdom"(my paraphrase). That hurt at the time. But, the more I thought about it; the more I started looking inside and asking myself.....is this true? How can I know if I am like this statement? Now the surprise.....God must have been reading along with me, because he gave me a chance to experience if I was UnChristian.
A thunder storm came through Hilton Head and knocked out our cable. So I, like any other vacationer would do, called the maintenance office to report it. I let them know that I didn't need them to come and fix this right away. Its late Friday; around 5:30, and I just wanted them to know that it wasn't working, and they may need to get it fixed before the next family comes in and finds it not working. I mean, I have my family with me.......we have books to read, places to go, PS2, and board games. We can survive. 10 minutes later, Hugh shows up at our door.......to fix our cable. I help him move some furniture to get to all the wiring. we both struggle for quite a while, and he determines that the cable box is fried. He doesn't have that piece, and only the cable company can fix it, but he says that he will stay there and wait til they can come.......it may be a few hours. I explain that we are fine; we don't need the cable; he doesn't need to wait. This surprised him. I wasn't the typical visitor he comes in contact with. I asked him why he was working so late on a Friday. He told me that he was wanting to call it a day at 6:00 so he could drive to Columbia, almost 3 hours away, to see his brother in the hospital with cancer. Hugh is the only one in their family with the same blood-type as his brother. He helps to give his brother a little more time here on earth with his family..........Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too. "What are you doing here working on my cable?" I told him to go.....leave.....this is his brother......family comes first. We continued talking as we went outside to his service van. He kept saying, "I have never met anyone like you". I asked if I could pray for him, and his brother, and he gave me the strangest look. I told him that I was a pastor and that I would like to pray with him. So, there at his van.........in the parking lot......in public......we prayed.......and Hugh cried. Then he gave me one of those big, long hugs........saying, "I've never met anyone like you".
May we live and act in such a way that others say, "I've never met anyone like you". May we become more Christ-like. If you read the Bible close enough........you will see that a lot of people "had never met anyone like Him".

Back home

I haven't blogged recently for the simple fact that I was on vacation with my family; Karen, Joshua, Kristen, and her husband, Marshall. We always have a good time when we go away as a family, and this year was no exception. We enjoyed a restful week in Hilton Head, SC. This was the third time that we have vacationed in Hilton Head, and we have enjoyed each trip. This year was no different. We had a nice place to stay; the pool was never overcrowded; the beach is wide and calm; the food is excellent; and everything is so clean. Every time I take a vacation, or even just some time off, I carry along a book, or two. My plan is usually to relax and read at some point during this week. When Kristen and Joshua were younger, reading did not happen. Vacations were constant go...go...go. And I soaked that time up like a sponge. I am a go...go...go type person. So, to even think about a vacation as a time to relax......are you kidding? But times, they do change. And I did sit, relax, and read. (I'll tell what I read in another blog.)
I'm sure a lot of you reading this will agree that the hardest part about a vacation is going home. You know that you need to get back home, but when you do, you are just so tired. Have you ever heard the statement, "I need a vacation to rest up from my vacation"? Yeah; you know the saying. I know I've said it before. It's kind of like jet-lag. "It's good to be back home, but I could sure use some time off now." Right? This vacation was not like that. I had a great time. I got the chance to do some things with the people that I love;my family........oh yeah, and relax.
And now, I'm back home. I'm not tired. I don't need time off to recover from a vacation. Why? I'm not sure. Could it be that in the past, like a lot of people, I looked at life as work and when we look at life that way, we don't want to come back home from vacation. We don't really want to recover, we just don't want to go back to a life that is work. Maybe we should look at life the way we look at a vacation......fun and relaxing. There is always a chance to do something with people that you love to be around. And, we should enjoy the opportunities that we get to relax, and take advantage of them.
So, what did I do when I got back home?.........I headed to church for rehearsal; a chance to do something with people I love to be around.......Praise!!

I saw the wall

What an amazing weekend!! What a good series of messages we have just finished up!! 'ESH....on fire for God. Jon did such a good job with helping us all see the effects of 'ESH in our lives, and if your were at the baptism service by the lake Sunday afternoon, you got to see those effects. The results of a series ending with a message on baptism, followed up by a message describing what can be accomplished if we do our "section of the wall" that we have been entrusted with, hit so close to home this weekend. I sat in the services this weekend, and was constantly reminded that there is a section of the wall of HRCC that I am responsible for. I have been stationed by God at this part of the wall for His purpose. Sometimes I forget where I am suppose to stand; what I am suppose to do; what the wall looks like. This weekend......I saw the wall. I know what it looks like......it looks like you; the people of HRCC. I know now what I am suppose to do....I am suppose to build you up with encouragement, thanksgiving, and love. I need to stand on both sides of the wall. On one side to support you, and on the other side to defend and protect you.
All this became so clear Sunday afternoon as I was out in the water waiting for the baptisms to start. From my vantage point, I got to see each person that was preparing to come into the lake to be baptised; each family member, and close friend trying to get in position for that special photo taking opportunity; each church member moving around to see the newest additions to God's family; people scrambling for a closer look;......and then.....I realized the size of this wall, and it is big.....and getting bigger; and I start to feel smaller in comparison......"Who am I?" "God, are You sure?" "Is this really happening?" "I don't think I am capable.." "This wall is big!" Then, God sends out a young boy.....Hunter. He has decided that he wants to be baptised.... today. So, I talk to him; ask him why he wants to be baptised, which he answered with much assurance; we say the sinner's prayer, and he is baptised.
Hunter was God's reminder to me that I am not working on my section of the wall alone. There are other laborers doing God's work. Some are parents; some are grandparents; co-workers; close friends; neighbors; laborers that give their whole heart to building this wall we call High Rock Community Church. And because of the hard work, prayers, and sacrifices of everyone at HRCC, we had an afternoon where we experienced God's victory. It was great.
So, now on to the next section of the wall. See ya' there.

Pastors luncheon

Almost every Monday, I receive a reminder, by e-mail, of a weekly pastors luncheon. I am informed of the time and the location for the luncheon, and am encouraged to come and be a part of this time with fellow pastors. As you can probably guess, sometimes I look forward to this luncheon, sometimes I don't (sorry, but I'm just being honest). I have been in church for a long time, and I have made friends with a lot of pastors through the years, and when I hear them talk about going to a pastors luncheon, it's all the same......all they do is complain. "The people aren't responding"; "I feel so drained from working so hard"; "I don't believe they care about me at all"; and the list goes on. I guess you can see my reason for not always looking forward to a luncheon with pastors. Don't get me wrong; these guys are friends, and partners in the ministry of sharing the love of Christ, but can't we have some fun at luncheons; like this past Tuesday.
I thought that there was a good turn out this week for the luncheon, and everyone seemed to be in a very good mood. Not the usual, "Man, I had a tough weekend". There was so much conversation going on, and laughing, that I just took a moment to listen and try to decipher what all was being said. Here's a sample......"I couldn't believe what I saw on a billboard about your church. I had to turn around and read it again." "..and at the end of the service, five people gave their lives to the Lord." "I saw 700 people come to the Lord while on my trip to Africa." "He was a 94 year old preacher that remembered when he would place a pistol on the pulpit beside his Bible before he preached." "If someone came into our church and tried to steal the offering, 15 people would be injured in the cross-fire." "When I shared the story of Ray and Que to the inmates on Thursday night, they stood and applauded." And it continued for the whole meal. I enjoyed every minute of it. These pastors.....these men were having a wonderful time sharing stories all across the length of the table, and laughing so loud that I am sure everyone else in the restaurant knew we were there. And when we left.....each one of us left.......encouraged, and ready to face whatever may lay ahead for us, because we know that we are not alone. There are others.....just like us.
Hey Ronnie, shouldn't your blogs be more, how should say this....biblically based? I thought it was.....Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Noise is life

This has been a very busy week at HRCC. Not only are we preparing the services for the coming weekend at 3 campuses, but here at the Salisbury Campus, we are preparing for the 4 year anniversary of High Rock Community Church. There have been phone calls to companies to line up the inflatable games for children (and some adults), tents and staging for the music, tables and chairs; phone calls to individuals in the church family to set up volunteer times for serving during the event; e-mails and faxes to confirm even the smallest details. And with everything that was going on, and everything that was discussed in staff meetings; something was missing. I couldn't get it out of my mind. Something was missing. I thought about it for a few days, and still couldn't figure it out.

This is the fourth year since this church was launched, and we have had a celebration each year. The church family comes together and we just have fun. We invite friends to come and have fun with us. We eat, play, laugh, sing, sweat, and serve at about 100 mph, and we don't even think about how worn out we get until a few days later......when we can just sit and relax in the quiet.

Quiet?........THAT'S IT! You can't appreciate quiet until you have experienced the noise. The whole time that we celebrate, there is a noise. It gradually gets louder as more and more of us show up for the celebration. And this is not an irritating noise. This noise is life. This noise is love. The love that we as believers share with an Almighty God; the love that we share with each other; the love that explodes when we come together to celebrate what God has been doing so far at High Rock Community Church.

Noise was the "something" that was missing this week. That's what I was missing....the noise.....life. And it showed up Thursday. There was noise happening Thursday at the church. Phones were ringing; volunteers were working and laughing; children were playing and having a great time; people were dropping by the church with supplies and questions about where they could help out this weekend; errands were being run at the last minute; excitement was building; "What have we forgotten?" questions were being asked. Noise......Life.....Love. Now it was beginning to feel like an HRCC anniversary event. Now we have noise. Now we have life. Now we have love.
There will be people that will be very tired after this weekend, and they will long for that recliner under the ceiling fan, and some quiet. Me?.........I'll take the noise......any day.

25:11

I am sure a lot of us who have attended church for a fairly significant amount of time, have at one time, or another, heard a teacher or Pastor speak about "running a race" in our Christian journey. There are several places in the Bible where a race is used as an example for the readers and listeners to better understand this journey that we are all on. I have heard comments about how "the race is not for the swift"(Ecc. 9:11), how "that in a race all the runners run"(I Cor. 9:24), how we should "persevere in this race"(Heb. 12:1), and how we should "finish the race"(II Tim. 4:7). Recently, I have lived these scriptures. I ran in a race. Not a marathon, but a 5K race. I'm from the old school, so let's say it was 3.1 miles.
I had started running when I left UPS, to stay in shape, and to make my doctor happy. My son, Joshua, is a "runner". He ran Cross Country in High School and College, and he still runs. He is the one that has convinced me that a 5K (3.1 miles) is not that hard of a run......and I believed him. Anyway, I had stopped running so much this year, till he said that I needed to run in this upcoming 5K race in China Grove. So.........I began to train. I ran for 6 days over 2 weeks, and he assures me that I am ready to run. "It is an easy course.....just straight down the street and back.....it's at night......no big turns, or hills." So I race. I don't remember a lot about the last half mile. It was so hot. Sweat was in my eyes, and my legs were killing me. After I had poured a bottle of water over me, and laid on the ground to try and recover from the intense leg cramps I was having.......here comes Joshua..............."See, that was easy." I am just trying to walk, and he is smiling. Joshua doesn't say a whole lot, but when he smiles......that means he is proud of Pops.
Like I said........I lived those passages of scripture. I'm not swift.......and everybody did run......oh, there was some perseverance......and I did finish the race......in 25:11, but I realized something very important that we sometimes overlook when we read these scriptures.....We are not running this race alone. I didn't run that race the other night alone; Joshua was right beside me cheering me on. He could have run that race in a time around 17 minutes, if not quicker when he is in shape; but he chose to run with me.......a beginner. He coached me through the mile markers; he encouraged me to run through the cramps; he told me when and where to pass people; how to make the turn-around and not lose time; he poured water on me at the 2 mile marker; he challenged me.........and he stood with me as I received my 3rd place medallion. I was never alone in this race.
We are never alone in this race that we call life, either. We may not be the swiftest of all the runners in the race; it may take us longer than some, but we will persevere, and we will finish this race that Christ has marked out for us. And the best part is........He is running with us. He knows our hurts and pains; He knows the adrenaline rush we feel when we move ahead; He celebrates with us. We are never alone. See you at the finish line.

Psalm 35

Wednesday morning I stopped by the hospital to check on John Miller. I had received an e-mail that he had been admitted there, and that things weren't looking too good. On the way, I began to think about "hospital visits", and how I am not quite sure how to do the "correct" visit. "What should I say?", "Will he be able to talk to me?", "Will he be up for company?", "How long a visit is too long?", "Will a short visit offend him?"
As I get off the elevator and head toward his room, all the questions race through my mind again and again; and then I am at John's room. He's not in his bed like I had expected. He's sitting in a chair having breakfast. So, I start to head for a chair to pull up beside of him, but he stops me and wants a hug;..........and he got one. Now I can pull up a chair to talk to him, and when I do he hands me a Bible and asks, "Could you read Psalm 35 to me?"........I didn't see that one coming, but I opened the Bible to Psalm 35; then I noticed how small the print was.......real small, and I didn't have my glasses. No problem, John offered me his. I began reading, and he began praising the Lord. I know the nurses at their station had to have heard him because he didn't whisper his praise; and he continued praising God as I read. And the more he praised......the louder I read; and I don't apologize for that. You see, John's praise was encouragement for me, because God's Word was encouragement for John. There was nothing special about the way that I read to him, or where I was reading. There was nothing special about which translation I read. What was special though, was that as God's Word was being read.......praise was happening; and I, like a lot of Christ followers, enjoy praise. John enjoys God's Word. He records each chapter that he reads in a little notepad, and this day.....he wrote "Psalm 35" in that notepad......and I enjoyed a morning of praise; not a hospital visit.

John, it was good to see you praising at church Sunday.

License check?

This morning I was on my way to the church and I was planning everything that I needed to try and get done today; line up the music; answer e-mails; write a letter of recommendation; visit a member in assisted living; call musicians; check my calendar; did I say answer e-mails. And with all this and more on my mind, I am met with the ever-popular "License Check". It was no big deal. I knew what to do, and what to have ready. So, as I waited my turn to pull forward to the officer, I got out my wallet and pulled out my driver's license. I had already rolled down my window and was preparing myself for a quick, short visit. I even rehearsed how polite I would be during the short verbal exchange. However, I was not asked the customary, "License please." The officer asked, "Are you going to get your truck inspected today?".......What?......Inspected?.... I just got it in September. When is it due?.......April? I couldn't believe it. But, there it was; on the windshield right in front of me.........April punched out.......08 punched out........man.
If you are like me; you start thinking about that "grace period" myth.....you know the one. "There's a 30 day grace period if your inspection runs out.".......there's not one. I really don't care what so-and-so says.....there's not one. I know......But, this officer showed me grace. And, I immediately started thinking of all the places that I could get an inspection; here at the end of the month. They are all going to be crowded; I'll have to wait. I don't have time to wait. I have a lot to do. Think....think.....think. I can't.......drawing a blank........need a Mtn. Dew.
Laugh if you must, but when I stopped for a Dew, I found an inspection station just two miles away. And when I pulled up, I drove straight in and they inspected my truck....done. Now, I know you might think this is a good lead-in to an example of answered prayer, but it's not. What happened to me this morning is a reminder to us all to not take for granted our responsibilities. There are things that we need to do; things that require our attention; personal things. Just because, at a church service, or concert we chose to believe in Jesus Christ' life, death, and Resurrection as our means for salvation, doesn't mean that we should forget about it; and then have to be reminded about it through a stranger (tragic event, sickness, struggles). When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we were given a new life. And just like the inspection sticker reminds you to keep your vehicle meeting the state's guidelines for safe operation each year, we need to see that we are staying on course in our quest to be more like Christ in our lives. Is anything in our life "past due"?.........Bible reading/study; prayer; visits; phone calls; acts of service; forgiveness.......You're fine.......there IS a "grace period".

I really enjoy this "truck"

They are everywhere. They are in major cities, small towns, and in rural areas. They have a distinct color and shape. Even if you only get a glimpse of it, you know that it's a UPS truck. Like I said, they are everywhere. I should know, I drove one for 28 years; and I still wave to the driver, and I still turn my head to see one going by. I can even pick out the UPS truck in a TV show, and in a movie; even if it is way in the background; even for just a brief second....I see it.

And having been a driver for UPS for 28 years, I am constantly asked, "Do you miss it?" And to be honest, in a way I do. Most of the time I can tell people that I don't miss UPS, and what I don't miss is the part of the job that stressed me mentally. That's as far as I will go with that comment. But, what I thought I would miss would be all the customers, people, and friends that I met and grew to know well enough for them to call me by name. And all of that was possible because I drove a "big brown truck". People were always excited to see this truck stop in front of their home, or coming down their driveway. I was bringing something to them. Maybe they ordered it as a gift for a child, or a spouse. Maybe it was a piece to fix an appliance in the house. It could be new clothes, a computer, marketing supplies, blueprints, college books.....I never knew, but I knew that I had something for them, and they were excited to get it. You know the feeling that I am talking about. This big brown truck, that is so recognizable, is in front of your house and there is something in it for you. Oh, the excitement; the anticipation. You can't wait to open it and make it "officially" yours. It is not trapped inside a box anymore; it is in your hands and it is yours....yours to use....yours to read......play with.....wear.....install. And then to show to your friends, or to tell them about what you now have because a big brown truck delivered it to you.

Do I miss it? It has been one year since I parked my big brown truck. And, I don't miss the customers and friends that I met as much as I thought I would. My life style has changed a little in the past year, but one thing has stayed strangely the same. I still feel sometimes like I am coming up someones driveway with a package, but this time I know what is inside. Because, I have opened it up; I have looked at it; I have the same thing, and I am excited when I get the chance to give this away.......and it is received.

I don't have a big brown truck anymore, but I do enjoy this tan and blue "truck" where more and more friends and loved ones come to meet, share, fellowship, and worship together. And inside this "truck", you will find all the excitement and wonder of lives that, when they were given this package; this gift.....and received it.....changed......everything changed.........everything. I really enjoy this "truck".

Wonder of the Cross

Every so often, I hear a song that catches my heart. I listen intently to the words and then I listen for the emotion. Will this be a song that the church will enjoy singing? Is this a song that will encourage us as a church body? Do the words cause us to feel; to think; to love; to worship? A few weeks ago I was reading some responses to an article about a worship leader of a church that was asking for some help in selecting songs for their upcoming Easter Service. One of the responses was from a young female worship leader from England, Vicky Beeching. She mentioned a song that she had written about the cross of Jesus, and how she would offer it as a suggestion for an Easter song. So, I decided to find the song and give it a listen. And, oh what a song!

"The Wonder of the Cross" stirs my imagination. I listen to the words and they paint a living picture of the cross. The words cause my mind to look back in time; not to the crucifixion, but to the day I heard about the love of Christ; the day I heard that He gave His life on that cross for me. I listen to the words that encourage me to hold on to that memory; to not let time and years steal the power of the cross, and how it has impacted my life. Listening to the song, my mind sees the cross; not as a vertical, horizontal wooden structure that stands as a symbol of our belief, but as I saw it for the first time; at a revival. What had always been just a symbol was now real in my mind, and in my heart. This structure of wood was shameful, painful, and necessary for my salvation. My life would never be the same; neither would anyone else that looked at the cross the way that I did that evening. When I see the cross in my mind, I feel it in my heart. When I see people respond to the cross, I feel it in my heart. When I see lives changed because of the cross, I feel it in my heart. Please, don't ask me what it feels like; I can't tell you. It's what I would say is the wonder of the cross, and as is written in the song, "May I never lose the wonder, the wonder of the cross". May we never lose the wonder.

Water Jars

I just read in John, chapter 2, about Jesus attending a wedding in Cana. I have heard this story told as the first miracle that Jesus did; how he turned the water into wine, and how the master of the banquet was shocked that the groom had saved the best wine for the end of the feast. That was not the norm of that time; for after the good wine had been served to the guest, and they had become "happily filled", the cheaper stuff would be served; no one would actually know the difference. However, this time was different. What many people had become accustomed to, changed. What was suppose to be just another cup of cheap wine, caught guests by surprise. What had Jesus done? Did he fill the jars with water? Did he pray over the jars of water? Was he the one who served the wine? Did the master of the banquet address him as to where this wine came from?.......no. Jesus remained in the background during all of this. All he did was to tell the servants to fill 6 jars with water, and they did. Jesus then told them to draw some of the water out and to serve it to the master of the banquet. That's all that is recorded......"that's all He did? Where's the miracle?" I would be the one that would tell you that Jesus turned the water into wine, but recently I was in a conversation that mentioned this event, and that the "miracle" was in the servants listening to Jesus. When the servants did as Jesus instructed, the water was turned to wine. They had no idea what was going to happen. They probably were afraid as to what might happen to them if people tasted water instead of wine. We read that the master of the banquet was surprised at the excellence of the wine, but how surprised do you think the servants must have been, for they knew that they had just filled those jars with water. Who was this that had instructed them? Who had they listened to? Last Sunday I was at the new HRCC campus in Kannapolis, and what I saw were servants that had been instructed by Jesus to take a middle school gymnasium (jars), and fill it with HRCC (water); the same HRCC that we see each week when we attend at the Bringle Ferry campus, and the Denton campus. As these servants unloaded a trailer, and poured into the gym, a miracle began. What appeared to be sound equipment, musical instruments, coffee maker, hospitality supplies, nursery supplies, tables, chairs, and a tarp, was actually a church; High Rock Community Church. And, when all the preparation was done, at 10:00, the Master of this banquet was presented with a "wine" that I know pleased Him. His servants had listened to Him. There was music, there was singing, there was HRCC in Kannapolis.

Blank Canvas

"Ronnie, you have to blog!?!" That's what she said. I was just standing there, minding my own business after a large meal with some Small Group leaders, and out of the blue comes this statement; "you have to blog". I know that for some people it is like second nature to blog. They seem to write about any, and everything under the sun; sometimes it has substance, and sometimes it's a lot of letters and spaces. But, when I sit down in front of the computer, and look at this blank area of white next to a picture of me looking back at me, I freeze. It is the same as when I look at a blank canvas before I paint, a sheet of sketch paper before I draw, and the silence just before I pray; I really don't know what will happen. I could tell about all the ways that God moved in the hearts of the people at HRCC this past week-end as they heard of, and met "real" needs within the church family, and how they met the "real" needs of people outside of the church family. I could tell of how gutters will be repaired for a man who had no idea that he was about to be ministered to; or about the amazing support for the lady who needed help with her gas bill; or the car maintenance; or the home repairs; or the new well estimate. How do I explain this to someone who wasn't there to see it? It was like watching God's hand as He moved across a blank heart canvas to reveal a masterpiece that I needed to see. I didn't know what would happen when the needs were presented. But, I now realize that that was not my canvas to paint. I have been praying and planning for the new Kannapolis Campus, and the Praise Team that will be leading worship there. Wednesday night was set aside as a rehearsal time for the musicians. They were going to have just enough participants to have, what I thought would be, a good Team. However, it would be better if there was one more guitar player. Maybe by the first couple of services, someone would step up and want to be a part of the Team. I mean, that's how it worked here at HRCC......Just as we are getting ready to rehearse, a guy walks in with his family in tow, and asked if we were having a Wednesday night service. I politely said that we were actually starting a rehearsal for the Praise Team that will be in Kannapolis........Watch this........He plays guitar.....But, he didn't have it with him..........Mine is on the guitar stand because I am helping out by playing the bass tonight.....He asks to play mine......and for the next 90 minutes God continued painting on a canvas that I thought He had finished on Sunday. Ask any artist, and they will tell you that their work is not done until it is signed. I'm the same way. If I'm painting, or drawing, or writing; it's not done until I sign it. I feel that God is just starting His masterpiece, and it is a long way from being signed. I am enjoying the work in progress.