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.
Monday, October 26, 2009
colorful sounds
I traveled to Asheville this morning with Karen and Joshua to see Kristen and Marshall. It has been a while since we have made this trip, and it had been a while since we had seen Kristen and Marshall. Monday, being a day-off, seemed like the best time to go. So, mountains....here we come.
The leaves are still beautiful heading up I-40, and Joshua and Karen are having a contest to see who can get the best photo of the colors. I'm sure some of them will end up on Facebook pretty soon. After picking up Kristen, we drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few hours and stopped at the over-looks for more pictures and to just look out across this massive landscape of colors. Wow, God, this is impressive!! There were quite a few people up on the Parkway doing the same "leaf-gazing" as we were, but at one point, we were the only people at an over-look. It was so quiet. No car engines running. No people talking. No dogs barking. Just silence.....and a huge, colorful masterpiece that stretched out forever.
I once studied about an artist named Kandinsky, and how he used colors to represent sounds in his paintings. Reds were like harsh, shrill sounds.....yellow was like a loud blast of sound....blues were a soothing sound. When you would look at his paintings, you would get a sense of music playing to help you appreciate his work. When I sat on the railing and looked out at this amazing piece of artistic wonder....in the silence....I was listening to the most incredible orchestra playing the most amazing symphony ever composed.
How can you not know that there is a God? Even the trees sing out with all the colorful sounds that are reserved for the ears of God. If we would just take the time to enjoy this song we call "Autumn"....
Shouldn't we be making music and singing to Him as well?
The leaves are still beautiful heading up I-40, and Joshua and Karen are having a contest to see who can get the best photo of the colors. I'm sure some of them will end up on Facebook pretty soon. After picking up Kristen, we drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few hours and stopped at the over-looks for more pictures and to just look out across this massive landscape of colors. Wow, God, this is impressive!! There were quite a few people up on the Parkway doing the same "leaf-gazing" as we were, but at one point, we were the only people at an over-look. It was so quiet. No car engines running. No people talking. No dogs barking. Just silence.....and a huge, colorful masterpiece that stretched out forever.
I once studied about an artist named Kandinsky, and how he used colors to represent sounds in his paintings. Reds were like harsh, shrill sounds.....yellow was like a loud blast of sound....blues were a soothing sound. When you would look at his paintings, you would get a sense of music playing to help you appreciate his work. When I sat on the railing and looked out at this amazing piece of artistic wonder....in the silence....I was listening to the most incredible orchestra playing the most amazing symphony ever composed.
How can you not know that there is a God? Even the trees sing out with all the colorful sounds that are reserved for the ears of God. If we would just take the time to enjoy this song we call "Autumn"....
Shouldn't we be making music and singing to Him as well?
Friday, October 23, 2009
beach in October
I like to go to the beach. I'm partial to visiting the beach in the summer though; when it's good and hot with lots of chances to play in the ocean and body surf. But, this week.....I am at the beach, and it has been great. It's not crowded. I got sunburned a little on the first day. I did some fishing for the first time. Actually, I was supposed to be watching the lines, but there was a bite and I was the only one at the rod. Go figure. I got to play a round of golf with some fun people. Golf is so much better when you can laugh while you play. (Oh, I won. Best round I have shot in a long, long time) I have gotten a chance to run a few miles with Karen. I've walked the beach, looking for shark teeth and have been surprised by some sneaky waves that just jump up and get you wet....with no warning. I've been swimming in the pool and laid out in the sun. Is this really October? I have sat in a rocking chair and watched the stars at night, looking for meteors, and listening to the waves crashing.
Tonight, I get the honor of rehearsing a wedding ceremony for the daughter of some dear friends, and tomorrow I test my sea-legs as I perform the wedding ceremony on a boat. They say that it will be just a "three hour tour.....a three hour tour." Of all the great things that have been a part of this trip to the beach.....I'd have to say that I am enjoying spending time with Karen, along with some amazing friends, listening to the ocean at night, and flat out enjoying life.
Isn't that why God created all of this for us anyway?
Our loved ones, our family, our friends....all given to us by God to enjoy here, surrounded by His creation, and His presence....to remind us all of how much He loves us.
Tonight, I get the honor of rehearsing a wedding ceremony for the daughter of some dear friends, and tomorrow I test my sea-legs as I perform the wedding ceremony on a boat. They say that it will be just a "three hour tour.....a three hour tour." Of all the great things that have been a part of this trip to the beach.....I'd have to say that I am enjoying spending time with Karen, along with some amazing friends, listening to the ocean at night, and flat out enjoying life.
Isn't that why God created all of this for us anyway?
Our loved ones, our family, our friends....all given to us by God to enjoy here, surrounded by His creation, and His presence....to remind us all of how much He loves us.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
24 hours
I remember hearing once, that when the Temple was built by Solomon, that there was continuous worship. That before Solomon began the construction, his father David, had selected a group of Levites that were skilled in playing instruments and singing to be the "worship leaders" for the Temple when it was finished. I had heard that the worship was going on for 24 hours each day, every day.
Twenty-four hours!?! I mean, I like to play and sing, but twenty-four hours of playing and singing. I had always thought that maybe this was an exaggeration on the part of the people that were sharing this information with me. Maybe they were wanting to add to making the description of the Temple even more magnificent than it was; just to give us a mental picture of what was taking place then. Then, the other day I was reading in I Chronicles 25, and I came across where David had assigned singers and musicians for ministry in the Temple. There were 288 "young and old alike, teacher as well as student." They cast lots to determine, basically, when they were scheduled to play. There were 24 lots cast. 24 time slots. 24 hours in a day.
How important were the people that helped to lead worship in the Temple? How important are the people that help to lead worship here at HRCC? To me, they are very important. Not because they can sing and play, and are willing to rehearse for hours to get ready for a weekend of services. Not because they show up at least one hour before the services start, or for their willingness to learn new songs for the church to worship with, or even their understanding of changes that come about between services. What makes them so important to me, and to the church body, is the fact that God has given them all a talent and a willingness to allow God to use that talent in leading His people, the church, in worship.
I know that the people that entered the Temple in the Old Testament were surrounded by music and singing. There had to be an excitement and anticipation in the eyes of everyone that would be participating in worshipping God. I also know that when we come together on the weekend, I can sense the excitement and anticipation of worship just by looking at the faces in the room. I truly believe that it is a reflection of the same excitement and anticipation that the members of the Praise Team have as we all join as one body to worship the God that has brought us all together.
Twenty-four hours!?! I mean, I like to play and sing, but twenty-four hours of playing and singing. I had always thought that maybe this was an exaggeration on the part of the people that were sharing this information with me. Maybe they were wanting to add to making the description of the Temple even more magnificent than it was; just to give us a mental picture of what was taking place then. Then, the other day I was reading in I Chronicles 25, and I came across where David had assigned singers and musicians for ministry in the Temple. There were 288 "young and old alike, teacher as well as student." They cast lots to determine, basically, when they were scheduled to play. There were 24 lots cast. 24 time slots. 24 hours in a day.
How important were the people that helped to lead worship in the Temple? How important are the people that help to lead worship here at HRCC? To me, they are very important. Not because they can sing and play, and are willing to rehearse for hours to get ready for a weekend of services. Not because they show up at least one hour before the services start, or for their willingness to learn new songs for the church to worship with, or even their understanding of changes that come about between services. What makes them so important to me, and to the church body, is the fact that God has given them all a talent and a willingness to allow God to use that talent in leading His people, the church, in worship.
I know that the people that entered the Temple in the Old Testament were surrounded by music and singing. There had to be an excitement and anticipation in the eyes of everyone that would be participating in worshipping God. I also know that when we come together on the weekend, I can sense the excitement and anticipation of worship just by looking at the faces in the room. I truly believe that it is a reflection of the same excitement and anticipation that the members of the Praise Team have as we all join as one body to worship the God that has brought us all together.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
september what?
This is the last day of September?!? Are you kidding me?!? I haven't blogged in 50 days?!?
That's right. I was sitting here at my desk reading, answering a few phone calls, and doodling on my desk calendar when I realized that September had just shot past me and now I am looking at October being here in less that 13 hours. What has happened?
It seems like the last thing I remember was being at the beach with my family, and now....leaves are beginning to turn and fall. The scriptures are so right. Our life is but a vapor. We really aren't here long at all. I guess when we think about our life as a brief moment in time, we start to understand the urgency in which we do things. Everything seems to revolve around a drive-thru mentality.....and we have become accustomed to it. The quicker...the better. Even if it isn't any quicker, we tend to think that it is. I mean, does the addition of a second window at any fast-food place get you your meal any quicker?
And now, we look at a desk calendar and think that September just shifted into a hyper-month, and we feel like we missed thirty days of our life. Thirty days.....that if we would stop for a minute....and write down everything that happened in those thirty days (in the blocks on the calendar), is it not possible that in these thirty days, we would be reminded of all that God has done in our lives. I don't mean the big, noticeable things that have made an impact on us. Those are amazing in their own right. But, I am talking about remembering those little things; those quiet times when God was close and you could sense it. Maybe it was in the rain; or a sunrise; a sunset; a full moon; a song; a passage of scripture that came to mind when you needed it most; a card in the mail; a phone call from a friend. It may not always be something good that we remember, but the reality is that we need to focus on each day that we have been given and not let it slip away without being a part of it.
So, if you'll excuse me......I need to fill in some blocks on my desk calendar.
That's right. I was sitting here at my desk reading, answering a few phone calls, and doodling on my desk calendar when I realized that September had just shot past me and now I am looking at October being here in less that 13 hours. What has happened?
It seems like the last thing I remember was being at the beach with my family, and now....leaves are beginning to turn and fall. The scriptures are so right. Our life is but a vapor. We really aren't here long at all. I guess when we think about our life as a brief moment in time, we start to understand the urgency in which we do things. Everything seems to revolve around a drive-thru mentality.....and we have become accustomed to it. The quicker...the better. Even if it isn't any quicker, we tend to think that it is. I mean, does the addition of a second window at any fast-food place get you your meal any quicker?
And now, we look at a desk calendar and think that September just shifted into a hyper-month, and we feel like we missed thirty days of our life. Thirty days.....that if we would stop for a minute....and write down everything that happened in those thirty days (in the blocks on the calendar), is it not possible that in these thirty days, we would be reminded of all that God has done in our lives. I don't mean the big, noticeable things that have made an impact on us. Those are amazing in their own right. But, I am talking about remembering those little things; those quiet times when God was close and you could sense it. Maybe it was in the rain; or a sunrise; a sunset; a full moon; a song; a passage of scripture that came to mind when you needed it most; a card in the mail; a phone call from a friend. It may not always be something good that we remember, but the reality is that we need to focus on each day that we have been given and not let it slip away without being a part of it.
So, if you'll excuse me......I need to fill in some blocks on my desk calendar.
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