june 08
Monday, June 30, 2008 My morning began with a barrage of calls. After returning calls and getting back from the church, I aided Tracy as he painted the front of our house. The house is starting to look really good. After painting I cut a little grass and tried to shape up the yard a little. We topped the day off at the “Dairy Haus”, a little ice cream can be a really good thing. I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of grace of God. Acts 20:24 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, June 29, 2008 Wow! We had a great service today! No sooner than we could sing a few songs, three people came up to the altar to make a decision to follow Christ. When you kick service off that way, it is bound to be eventful. So God, keeping in step, kept moving and manifesting and we all found ourselves in the altar at the end. Together, we took a spiritual step over what seems impassible…our decision was to take the road less traveled. It was a powerful moment! God is good, He is faithful and He is always on time! Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, June 28, 2008 I began my day at the Golden Corral with my “Manpower” friends (Manpower is our men’s ministries). Although everyone ate what I considered unhealthily, I pretty much ate fruit and sipped black coffee. I then ventured to the mall with my family and we spent more money than we had on things we did not need! We topped our adventure off at Moe’ s. I then concentrated all my efforts on tomorrow’s service, my usual Saturday evening. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:2 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, June 27, 2008 My good friend Johnny “Guido” Ezzo arrived late last night, or should I say early this morning, and he’s in for the weekend. It seems celebrities are attracted to me! Anyways, after a good run and attending to some much needed errands, I was honored to be a part of Ryan Francis Warner’s graduation ceremony. It was a lovely event held at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Afterwards, Johnny and I made our way to the cinema and watched the Incredible Hulk…in many ways I was reminded of myself (minus the green and the attitude)! The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, June 26, 2008 Perhaps a little less eventful than usual, today was still a good day. As a matter of fact, everyday is good day…this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. God doesn’t make mistakes, we should always rejoice for anything He gives us and we should continuously be thankful in the midst of every opportunity He affords us. Besides the miniature sermon, worship team practice went well and we are prepared for what God desires to do on Sunday. Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Kennedy’s last day of school has finally arrived…summer break has begun! Well, for Kennedy anyways. As far as I am concerned, break has been dropped from list of commonly used words. After dropping the kids off I went for my usual run and I was off for a hospital visit. Then it was to the office and my preparations began for tonight’s service. Service went well and we topped the night off with dinner at 99 (a local steakhouse). Fortunate for us a good friend took care of the bill. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Today has turned out to be a very productive day. I was able to haul yet another load of garbage out of our backyard, and I was able to reconstruct our front porch (I am not much of a carpenter, but it does not look to bad). Besides home cosmetics, I had a great conversation with a new family that visited on Sunday…they are extremely excited about the church and can’t wait to come back! I topped the evening off with my good friend Tony as I poured into him all my vast knowledge of creating videos. With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell my trouble before Him. Psalm 142:1-2 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, June 23, 2008 Not much to report today. I’ve kept things in low gear and I’ve tried to be with my family a bit more than usual! Set guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, June 22, 2008 Today I had a first! As I walked through the doors of the church this morning, I was greeted with the efforts of a burglar. Yes, the church was broken into overnight! $300 and my personal video camera were among the bigger items taken. I was quite shocked as you might imagine. Not even a thief, though, could stop the move of God. We still had church and God did an outstanding job! God is awesome! A joyful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, June 21, 2008 Happy Birthday Luke…today Luke turns a gigantic four. He’ll be driving and married with two kids before you know it!!! We picked up the Hot Wheels birthday cake and headed south to Chuck E Cheeses. With a bucket of tokens and ten thousand screaming kids surrounding us we won 386 tickets and bought some of the most delightfully overpriced prizes. I think I had a little too much pizza and cake, but it was for a good cause. Luke enjoyed himself and that is all that matters! Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! Psalm 139:23 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, June 20, 2008 After the kids blew off a little steam at the McDonalds play land bright and early this morning, I dropped them off to their respective schools. As quickly as I arrived home, Heather, Preston and I were off on a mission for Luke’s birthday gifts. After a brief stay at ToysRus and Target we felt confident we had purchased the right gifts. I then spent what was left of my afternoon in preparation for Sunday…it was rather productive. I topped the evening off with a wedding rehearsal and was finally able to retire as Kennedy and Heather watched the much anticipated Camp Rock! A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, June 19, 2008 My morning, my afternoon and into the latter part of my evening was consumed with the lights, as you might imagine. Up and down a ladder 1,000 times, sawing 500 3 inch bolts, turning a ratchet 1,000,000 times and sweating profusely describes my day (perhaps I am exaggerating a bit)! At any rate, with a worship team practice to break up my day, I was finally able to get the lights squared away. Beyond the lighting excitement, our worship team was invited to lead worship at the Upstate Camp Meeting in Rochester, NY on Friday night July 11, we are excited about this opportunity. Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? Proverbs 17:16 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, June 18, 2008 I started a much needed project today…readjusting our stage lights! Mikey Juliano and I made the necessary preparations by beginning over a cup of coffee and tea at Barnes & Noble. Perhaps one of the best ways to start any project! Of course the day progresses rapidly and lighting work turned quickly into preparations for service. Service went exceptionally well with a jam up worship service followed by a great Word from Dr. Dan. And yes, the Celtics are the National champs after a late night victory on Tuesday!!! And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper….and behold there came a voice! 1 Kings 19:11-13 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 As Kennedy’s school year winds up, many activities are on the schedule…like the picnic at Gavin Park today! It’s amazing how only 6 or 7 first grade classes can create the noise of 1,000,000,000,000 people! After all the fun of pizza, the playground and the park I was off to a meeting, and finally landed at the office by mid afternoon. I was able to find some quality prayer time with little interruptions…something I need every day for sure! I am now multi-tasking with smell of the Celtics clinching the National title in the air. If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. Proverbs 17:13 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, June 16, 2008 After an eventful weekend and a very productive Sunday, Monday has arrived offering a fresh look for a fresh week. I started today by a visit from a local radio station…an opportunity to get acquainted and see what it would take to get some air time. After a somewhat lengthy phone call, I was finally off for a run. My afternoon was a bit more settled, but the evening brought on an unexpected meeting in which a small fire needed extinguishing! God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. Acts 10:34-35 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, June 15, 2008 Happy Father’s Day! Service was incredible (as always), lunch was beautiful (I picked and someone else paid) & my afternoon was very relaxing (nothing pressing and a little ice cream for dessert). It’s been a good day! How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity…for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Psalm 133:1,3 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, June 14, 2008 I finally made a trip to the doctor today. My suspicions were realized and the diagnosis was a sinus infection. Ten days of antibiotics and I’ll be good as new! Beyond the doctor, I was able to cut the grass and make an appearance at the delayed reception for the Jones (it was a lovely affair). It’s now time to prepare myself for tomorrow. So much for rest and lots of fluids! The glory of children is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, June 13, 2008 We all had the opportunity to celebrate Flag Day at Kennedy’s school this morning. Everyone was out on the front lawn with the band and the color guard. It was quite a production…perhaps the grandest Flag Day ceremony I have ever attended. Besides the Flag Day celebration, Heather and I were finally able to celebrate 15 years of marriage. We dropped Kennedy and Luke off at the sitters and went out for dinner and a movie (I told you I we would celebrate, it was just a little delayed). Sounds like a pretty good day to me! If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever. 1 Kings 12:7 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, June 12, 2008 Today was ‘field day’ for the most wonderful first grader I know, my daughter. Our morning was filled with hours of games and a grand finale of super large ice pops. After all the games I drug my sinus infected self to church for a meeting and preparations to see me through Sunday. My night was topped off with a very productive worship team practice. I have now settled in and am watching the Celtics play (hopefully beat) the Lakers. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord. Psalm 130:5-6 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 I’m paying the price only allergies demand today. Apparently the tree I am allergic was one of the ones I cut into yesterday. My sinuses have gone haywire and I am near misery. Beyond my unending battle with allergies I was able to get to the office and accomplish many small jobs awaiting my personal touch. As usual, the ending of my day was the best part; service tonight went well. God showed up and did His thing, what more could I ask for! Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. Proverbs 17:1 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 I decided today to start a job I know is going to take more time, energy and resources than I have. Clearing out the backside of our house has topped the agenda for the day. I believe we took out five loads, and all we have left is about fifteen more. Yes indeed, it is a mess…about twenty years of fallen trees, scattered branches, leaves, pine needles and a lot of junk. Perhaps one day the job will get done! Beyond the backyard, many rushed to the church before the storms arrived to take down the tents; a truly exciting experience. As I look around me Luke and Preston are passed out on Heather, Heather is passed out on the couch and Kennedy is passed out on me. Life is good, God is better. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, June 9, 2008 This morning was filled with a lot running…here, there & everywhere. The afternoon settled a little and I was able to prepare for a very important meeting tonight. And might I add, the meeting went as God had planned it. I think I’ll call it a day! Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1-5 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, June 8, 2008 Another great service! God turned things around for His people today! As the rest of the day unfolded we visited the Great Escape and finally landed at the Drive-in movies. Kung Fu Panda was definitely a must see, and Indiana Jones was pretty cool as well. He (Indy) reminds me a lot of myself; you can pick out which parts! Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil…Solomon. 1 Kings 3:9 _______________________________________________________________ Saturday, June 7, 2008 Besides resting the majority of the day and preparing throughout the evening (for tomorrow) we went to a Hawaiian luau birthday party. That about sums it up! There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 16:25 _______________________________________________________________ Friday, June 6, 2008 Wow, what an awesome night! Jamfest was incredible. The crowd was overwhelming, the music was powerful and what God accomplished was mind blowing – 10 people made a decision to follow Christ (and that is only the ones we know about)!!! The young lady who won the truck heard about Jamfest on the radio, traveled with her family for over an hour to get here and she had been praying about God providing her a vehicle. The church body stepped up and became a group of highly effective servants. What else can I say…I believe God was glorified!!! And when they had prayed, the place in which they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 _______________________________________________________________ Thursday, June 5, 2008 15 years…today marks 15 years of marriage to my lovely wife. It has been quite a run and I believe the best years are yet to come! And yes, we are going to do something special for our anniversary at a later date. Beyond our anniversary, it was Jamfest prep all day long with a little praise team practice sprinkled in. I am convinced that Jamfest is going to be incredible! It’s tomorrow night, so be there or be square. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing. 2 Samuel 24:24 _______________________________________________________________ Wednesday, June 4, 2008 Today has simply been an intermingling of Jamfest preparation (of course) and Wednesday night preparation. And might I add, service went quite well tonight! Among the important items of the day, our three day fast for Jamfest ended at sundown and I was excited to eat a little (or a lot). The Lord lives, and blessed be my Rock, and exalted be my God, the Rock of my salvation. 2 Samuel 22:47 _______________________________________________________________ Tuesday, June 3, 2008 Did I mention Jamfest is this Friday? Jamfest pretty much covered my day without divulging all the gory details. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord. Psalm 121:1-2 _______________________________________________________________ Monday, June 2, 2008 Jamfest, Jamfest, Jamfest! Today marks the beginning of the final preparations for Jamfest. The Chey-guy laid fresh mulch, Al finished painting the picnic tables, the soft drink machine is on its way to being productive (I hope) and ads were being finalized for the Post-Star and the Saratogian. And on a side note, two individuals pulled a blessing together and we bought and installed a new video projector (yes, I am excited). The picture on the wall is like 1,000,000,000 times better. In my distress I called to the Lord, and HE answered me. Psalm 120:1 _______________________________________________________________ Sunday, June 1, 2008 Did May just come and go!!! What an awesome day; my wife finally returned from HeartSpa, Preston and I were reunited and this morning’s service was exquisite. Just a great move of God! After church and a bite at Panera, the kids and I were off to enjoy our season passes at the Great Escape. That’s about it. In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. Proverbs 16:15 _______________________________________________________________ |
Mostly the arms, chest and
especially the abs!
especially the abs!
