Today is Thanksgiving Day and I am sitting here going through everything that I am thankful for. Well, actually, I am trying not to fall asleep. That always happens after an amazing meal and a quiet house. A lot of people have been sharing with me what they are thankful for all week long; from the Thanksgiving Service at HRCC Sunday night to posts on Facebook. This is the time of year for thinking and thanking. And now, on this quiet afternoon, its time to think and thank.
First off, I am thankful for a God who gave His Son for me so that I could become one of His children. He has blessed me with Karen, a loving wife that is my biggest supporter and encourager. Her love is truly a blessing from God. I am also thankful for my family; Joshua, Kristen, and Marshall; my Mom and Dad; my brothers and sisters, and their spouses and children.
I am also thankful for the people of High Rock Community Church. They have made my journey of following God's call on my life exciting through all of their love and support. I am thankful for the staff of HRCC, the team that I work with that I now consider an addition to my family. And, to my brothers and sisters that lead worship each weekend with me, I am so thankful for the chance to worship with you all. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support, love, and friendship.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
pray in the moment
In a message a few weeks back, I heard Pastor Ray talk about how easy it is for people to tell someone, "I'll pray for you." And if we are honest with ourselves, we can probably recall times that we have told someone that when they tell us of a struggle that they are going through. One thing that I have learned from Ray, in my 5 years of being at High Rock, is that he usually doesn't say that he will pray for you. He takes you by the hand and prays for you right then...and it doesn't matter where you are.
I have seen so many people moved by this simple act of compassion; praying in the moment. I have tried to follow this example that as been set before me. It was a difficult at first, but before too long I found myself praying for people in their seat before, or after a service; praying for someone in the lobby of the church; in the parking lot by their car; on the curb; in my office; on the phone; in the ER; out-patient area, and the list gets longer. I have discovered that most people want to ask you to pray for them, and then expect you to say that you will and that is the end of the conversation. The real blessing for us, as believers, is when we stop what we are doing and pray. For that moment, their request has taken center-stage and they have become the most important thought on our mind.
Two nights ago I prayed for a married couple. The husband has been sick for a while and has gotten to the point that he was wanting his wife to wait on him hand and foot; 24-7. The wife was doing all that she could, but it was beginning to strain the relationship. A wedge was being driven between them, and it was starting to affect the entire family. I was called to come and try to "talk some sense into him." I sat on the side of his bed.....and we talked for about 30 minutes about all that was going on with him and his wife; the stress and tension. Then I felt God tell me to pray for them. I fought that one. I really didn't want to do this, but He wouldn't let up. So, I gave in. This was not going to be one of those, "I'll pray for you" and let it go moments.
I took hold of their hands......
.......and I prayed for my parents. It was the first time that I had prayed with my parents like that. I had always felt that it would be awkward to me, but I had such a peace......even as I listened to my mama fighting back tears, and felt my daddy squeezing my hand.
If I had put that moment off......I would have missed an incredible blessing.
I have seen so many people moved by this simple act of compassion; praying in the moment. I have tried to follow this example that as been set before me. It was a difficult at first, but before too long I found myself praying for people in their seat before, or after a service; praying for someone in the lobby of the church; in the parking lot by their car; on the curb; in my office; on the phone; in the ER; out-patient area, and the list gets longer. I have discovered that most people want to ask you to pray for them, and then expect you to say that you will and that is the end of the conversation. The real blessing for us, as believers, is when we stop what we are doing and pray. For that moment, their request has taken center-stage and they have become the most important thought on our mind.
Two nights ago I prayed for a married couple. The husband has been sick for a while and has gotten to the point that he was wanting his wife to wait on him hand and foot; 24-7. The wife was doing all that she could, but it was beginning to strain the relationship. A wedge was being driven between them, and it was starting to affect the entire family. I was called to come and try to "talk some sense into him." I sat on the side of his bed.....and we talked for about 30 minutes about all that was going on with him and his wife; the stress and tension. Then I felt God tell me to pray for them. I fought that one. I really didn't want to do this, but He wouldn't let up. So, I gave in. This was not going to be one of those, "I'll pray for you" and let it go moments.
I took hold of their hands......
.......and I prayed for my parents. It was the first time that I had prayed with my parents like that. I had always felt that it would be awkward to me, but I had such a peace......even as I listened to my mama fighting back tears, and felt my daddy squeezing my hand.
If I had put that moment off......I would have missed an incredible blessing.
Friday, November 13, 2009
who hasn't heard?
The other night, Karen was working on adding information from the Connection Cards, that we request to be filled out each week. She came across one and had to share it with me. On one side of the card, at the bottom, there is a question that asks "How did you hear about High Rock?" There are all kinds of responses to that question. They range from a friend's invitation, tent cards, t-shirts, some outdoor event, a flyer in the mail, yard signs in the neighborhood, billboards around town, and even an ad/commercial on TV. It is always fun to read about the ways that someone has heard about HRCC and it has encouraged them to come and see what God is doing in His church.
This card that Karen was sharing with me had a response that will have to be labeled from here on out as a classic. "How did you hear about High Rock?"
Response: "Who hasn't heard about High Rock?"
Two things I see in this response. (1) The folks that attend HRCC are not shy about telling people that they meet, where they worship. (2) People in Rowan, Cabarrus, and Davidson County have seen what God has been doing through HRCC.
When God truly has placed His hand on His people, His church, it is no longer a secret....it is contagious.
This card that Karen was sharing with me had a response that will have to be labeled from here on out as a classic. "How did you hear about High Rock?"
Response: "Who hasn't heard about High Rock?"
Two things I see in this response. (1) The folks that attend HRCC are not shy about telling people that they meet, where they worship. (2) People in Rowan, Cabarrus, and Davidson County have seen what God has been doing through HRCC.
When God truly has placed His hand on His people, His church, it is no longer a secret....it is contagious.
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