july 08
| Thursday, July 31, 2008 Today has been a bit more on the busy side than normal. I began early this morning with a walk. I was then off to the hospital to make two visits which consumed all my morning. After running several errands I was frantically preparing for worship team practice and a marriage counseling session along with a barrage of phone calls. After counseling and worship team practice I somehow found my way home to a very pleasant dinner…grilled chicken Caesar salad (one of my favorites). There are simply not enough hours in the day, fortunate for me though; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!! Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building. Romans 14:19 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Besides doing pastor-ly kind of things earlier in the day, we (the fam, mom- in-law & I) embarked on an adventuresome journey. We headed North towards Bolton Landing for the evening. We first landed at the Sagamore. For those who are not familiar, it is a very upscale resort on Lake George. At any rate, as I walked through the doors I felt like I didn’t particularly belong; but when did that ever stop me – as a matter of fact I suppose I embrace those situations. After a few seconds of acclimating, we made our way down to Mr. Brown’s Pub. It was very quaint! We enjoyed a nicely overpriced meal and toured the island a bit. We then hit the streets of Bolton Landing. I was a little distraught that many of the shops were closed. It was only a little after seven and the streets were full. I would think the touristy/gift shops would remain open until nine or so! Oh well, I guess Wal-Mart will get all my money today! All said, it was a very pleasant evening. I would recommend that everyone experience the Sagamore and Bolton Landing at least once in life. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:11 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, July 28, 2008 It seemed as though I spent a lot of time on the phone today. I can’t imagine doing what I do years ago without cell phones, computers and the technology God has blessed us with today! My office is always with me, I am in many respects a ‘mobile minister’. This has been my greatest revelation today! Remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Romans 11:18 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, July 27, 2008 The theme for this morning’s service was simply ‘seeking Jesus’. It was not planned or anticipated to unravel as it did, however God charted a course and we followed. It was a very subtle move of God, without any kind of formal sermon. All I could tell people was to seek Christ! HE told me we don’t seek HIM enough. So today, we sought Jesus! You will not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf. 2 Chronicles 20:17 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, July 26, 2008 Today was a bit slower than normal, after all it is Saturday! I walked, cut the grass and did normal Saturday morning kind of things. As the afternoon set in, we set out for the mall and a late lunch/dinner at Panera. I topped the evening off by praying at the church and going over all the events planned for Sunday! Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, July 25, 2008 Besides office work, paper work and the time consuming details of my day, I was able to go and visit with Kate Squires as she continues to recover in the hospital. After my visit with Kate, I was hurriedly off to a dinner date my family had with Jimmy V (the church’s sound guy & a good friend of mine). Jimmy took us to Chiantis, an extremely fine Italian restorante! It was certainly one of the best meals I have had since living in New York. Afterwards, we walked the streets of Saratoga Springs perusing the bands and singing groups, taking in all the touristy benefits that racing season (horse racing for those who are not familiar) offers. It was a very pleasant night, again thanks to Jimmy! For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, July 24, 2008 After a barrage of phone calls and paperwork my afternoon was upon me, and thank God the rain began to end!!! As the skies cleared a little I was able to help temporarily fix Miss Virginia’s lawnmower, do some marriage counseling and squeeze in a much needed worship team practice. Before I knew it the night was setting in and I found myself where I had begun – home! It is nice to have a home, not so much the physical one, rather the intangible one. Like wise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. Romans 8:26 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 I slept a little later than normal today…perhaps it was due to my longer than normal night! Has anyone noticed it keeps raining??? Anyways, today has been filled with preparation for tonight. And I believe service tonight went rather well. We did iworship, due to my key Wednesday musicians being on vacation, and it went quite well; much better than expected! Tracy preached and he did a fine job as well. I topped the night off with dinner at 99 (a local steakhouse for those who are not familiar with the upstate ways)…and I was good – I ate a salad! You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. Psalm 18:36 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 The most exciting event today was picking up Pat (Heather’s momma) at the airport. It seemed that everything was leading up to this supersized affair. Her flight was delayed outside of Charlotte, NC because of thunderstorms and we (her & I) finally arrived home at 4am (that is July 23am). Whoever said that life is dull and boring obviously lied! There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, July 21, 2008 After catching up, as you have already noticed, on the blog & church websites I went for my usual power walk. I then proceeded with the Chey- guy for an eventful trip to Bolton Landing. I have never been there before; it is very nice and deserving of a day trip! As evening set in, Heather and Kim went to see Mama Mia and the kids and I went off on an adventure- filled journey to the mall. That about sums up my Monday! The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. Proverbs 19:23 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, July 20, 2008 God is doing some things that are new to us today! It seems that many arrived this morning with an expectation of something fresh. And fresh is exactly what God did. As service unraveled, Dr. Dan (the church’s senior elder) followed God and God used him to speak (in one form or another) over just about everyone who came to church. It was a powerful service and I believe God did what He came to do! Beyond the am, our praise team was invited to lead worship at a local tent revival in the pm. And they did an outstanding job ushering in the presence of God! Of course they always do a great job!!! In God’s presence there is fullness of joy! Psalm 16:11 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, July 19, 2008 I’m pretty sure I didn’t get enough sleep last night, but when has that ever stopped me. The majority of the day was spent with Teen Talent winners; we (Heather, Amy, Tony & I) were trying to sharpen all the drama teams for international competition. After working with all the teams we got a bite to eat and made our way back home, or as Luke calls it – the Northeast! My evening, or what little I had left of it, was a mixture of preparation and fighting sleep. But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, July 18, 2008 Most of today was getting ready, driving, arriving and getting settled in at ‘Summerfest’ in Suffern, NY. I am helping this weekend with the video, and I brought a team to do a Teen Talent workshop on Saturday. It is going to be quite the weekend! Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, July 17, 2008 I rose a bit earlier today than normal. I was off to the hospital to pray with a young lady before her surgery, only to get there and find out the surgery was postponed. None the less, we visited and prayed and took advantage of the time God gave us. Besides my adventure at the hospital, I prepared for two very important engagements. They both went quite well! It was a good day…as a matter of fact-everyday is a good day! Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Romans 4:3 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Today was certainly a bit more congested than yesterday. Preparing for tonight and the weekend has become an all day event. And I must say, tonight went well, Dr. Dan brought forth a good Word! One down, one to go! For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Perhaps a less eventful day than normal, I did spend some quality time in the office and in prayer! In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle…David remained in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 20:1 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, July 14, 2008 After making some calls in order to catch up on the few days we were in Rochester for camp meeting I was able to help my wife prepare for her Women’s Ministries meeting…aren’t I a good husband! I then spent some time at the church aiding Cheyenne in his efforts to make our landscape beautiful. To top my night off, Kennedy, Luke and I escaped, as the ladies met, to Panera, Barnes & Noble, the mall and Blockbuster. Such an exciting life I lead; I wouldn’t trade it for anything! God shows no partiality. Romans 2:11 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, July 13, 2008 Obedience is always the best route to take! This morning my role was one of obedience, and when I followed God we arrived at His destination. Those in need of peace and rest found what they were longing for. It was indeed a wonderful time in the presence of God! After the morning service I was off in preparation for our monthly leadership meeting, and might I add it went quite well also. Well, I am tired now…so good night! Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:8 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, July 12, 2008 Have you missed me? I have been at Upstate Camp Meeting this week, and have been quite consumed! Besides being very busy, it has been a great week. Kevin Wallace, the week’s beginning speaker, did an outstanding job. Dr. Culpepper, the Church of God’s First Assistant General Overseer, spoke last night and preached one of the best sermons I have ever heard. Our worship team led worship last night as well; and besides me being bias, they did a beautiful job of ushering in the presence of God! Again, a great week! Today, I have been making my way home and readying myself for tomorrow’s victory. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, July 7, 2008 The majority of my morning was consumed with phone calls and important conversations. My early afternoon was filled with some manual labor. My late afternoon was filled with visiting at the hospital. My evening was filled with some good old fashioned family time…a fantastic dinner, a stroll around the neighborhood, Italian ice at the Dairy Haus & a movie in the comfort of our family room! Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, July 6, 2008 God still speaks and moves on holiday weekends! The Holy Spirit showed up and shed some light on the freedom He offers. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Indeed, we enjoyed freedom today! Beyond a great service, the family and I walked the streets of Saratoga Springs and visited Congress Park. Of course there was a Starbucks along the way and we all enjoyed a little something to drink! A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. Proverbs 18:16 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, July 5, 2008 After sleeping in a little due to a long night, I finally drug myself out of the bed and did much of nothing as my Saturday began to unfold. After I was through with nothing, I began preparing for Sunday. And I suppose that comprised most of my day! But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, July 4, 2008 Happy 4’th of July! I trust everyone is celebrating independence today! The family and I ventured to Lake George today. We went to Pirates Cove, a putt putt joint. Obviously I conquered everyone. We then found a not so good place to park and ate at the Look Out Café…fine fast food cuisine. After lunch we rode the Mini HaHa, a steamboat ride around the lake. Then after more to eat and walking the touristy, jam packed streets of Lake George we found a spot to settle as the firework extravaganza awaited us. Once settled I spent a good thirty minutes on ice cream for everyone. After a shorter than expected and less than spectacular firework show we headed back to the van. After about two and a half hours of traffic we finally made it home. I know I paint a fairly undesirable picture, but we truly had a great day. We possessed what many do not, that which is most important…each other! If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, July 3, 2008 As you might imagine I completed most of my video editing into the wee hours of the morning. I then concentrated on getting multiple services arranged as Upstate Camp Meeting rapidly approaches. Beyond my hands and eyes glued to the laptop, we had a splendid worship team practice! Heather and I capped the night off with 'Amistad', an incredible movie depicting some horrific events our great country was a part of. Blessed is the person who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law they meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Today was consumed with a quest! After my camcorder was stolen a few weeks back, I have been at a loss when it comes to creating video clips (It was a special camcorder that did special things). In my need to fulfill many needs I was off to Wal-Mart and then Best Buy only to find that the kind of camcorder I had is no longer being made, of course. After shedding many tears of frustration I realized there was an alternative route. I was finally able to pick up some hardware & software that accomplishes some of the details that made my previous camera unique. And so the rest of my day has been intermixed with video editing and preparation for service tonight. I know, it’s an exciting life I lead!!! Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. Proverbs 18:9 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, July 1, 2008 It’s a new month, a new day and filled with a lot of new opportunities! God told me that the best is yet to come! That’s all I have to say about today. I know your sitting down and your going out and your coming in…God! 2 Kings 19:27 _______________________________________________________________ |
Another tough day
at the Sagamore!
at the Sagamore!
A picture says a
thousand
words...case in point!
thousand
words...case in point!
