Looking in the Mirror
August 3rd, 2010
How many times a day do you look in the mirror? For some us, a quick glance is all that is needed. For others, it can go for hours, or at least it seems like it. What is the purpose of the mirror? Well, the mirror accurately reflects what you look like to discern imperfection that might be there.
In the book of James, we are introduced to the imagery of God's Word being like a mirror. So, God's Word reveals who you really are in light of who God really is. As you look in the mirror, you have the ability to see where there may be imperfections in your life. The question now becomes will you just continue to look at the imperfections or will you do something about them. James says be doers of the Word and not just hearers. Most of us know our weaknesses but yet fail to do anything about them. But if we are honest and look at this mirror (God's Word) we know that in order to become more like Christ, we must resort to a call of action.
The time is now for you to see yourselves as the beautiful creation that God intended. That can only happen when you surrender your desires and let God shape and mold you into becoming more like His Son. Have no doubt the process will be painful, but the end result so worthwhile.
Posted by David Apps | 0 Comment(s)
HOT! HOT! HOT!
July 6th, 2010
It has been really hot here lately, especially last week. We passed two bank signs on the way to lunch that both said 99 degrees and I thought, Man it is HOT! And then we came out after eating at Chili’s on Gunbarrell and we saw another sign that said it was even hotter.
267 DEGREES?!?!?!?!?!????? Are you kidding me?!?!?!? 267 degrees… is that Kelvin?
Nope… 267 degrees Fahrenheit.
And as an added bonus I love how it says “+” as if we weren’t sure. We walk out and see the sign… 267 degrees Fahrenheit… wait… 267 degrees ABOVE zero or BELOW???
Oh… above.
What makes this even better is that Varsity Team Sports is owned by our very own Greg Gray! Good job, Greg, I think it is a great way to advertise:
Mom #1: Hey did you see that sign that said it was +267 degrees Fahrenheit?
Mom #2: Oh, you mean that one at Varsity Team Sports?
Mom #1: Yeah, that’s the one… which reminds me, I need to go by and get Billy another pair of baseball pants.
Genius! I asked Greg about it at church last Sunday and he said, "Oh, yeah... that's on purpose for sure. You're talking about it aren't you!"
"Yeah... " I said, "Which reminds me, can you maybe donate some softball jerseys for us next year?"
The Moral of the Story:
Good advertising always costs money. And sometimes softball jerseys!
Posted by Kevin Lewis | 0 Comment(s)
Earth Day Birthday
April 22nd, 2010
Earth Day is upon us again and again we are urged to do our part to preserve and look after the earth. I saw an Earth Day commercial on tv yesterday and I'm pretty sure it is the same one they used last year, which is appropriate I guess.It was urging me to try, for one day at least, to see what I could do in my life to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
I am not really one for recycling if I am being honest. I kind of like to go against the crowd, it gets on my friends nerves sometimes, but I'm weird and stubborn and sometimes it expresses itself in ridiculous ways. For example, I will shop at Earth Fare but to get back at them for charging 11 dollars for a pound of organic strawberries, I get them to double bag them in plastic bags and then put them in a paper bag.
I felt good about this too until I found out that their plastic bags are biodegradable.
Today, on Earth Day 2010, I am putting aside all my weird stubbornness and I am going to do something earth-friendly and green on purpose. I am going to do my part to preserve and look after the earth. I am for one day going to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
<pause for applause>
I like to send a birthday card to every one of my senior adults on their birthday, it's one of my favorite things to do. Like THESE I sent to Clyde and Jean Edwards last month. They are husband and wife and share the SAME birthday. I think that is so cool so I wanted their cards to be special and unique. Thinking about Earth Day being today, I thought that I would do my Good Earth Deed in combination with my birthday card sending, but I wasn't sure how I would do it at first.
Then I thought, Well , my birthday just happened... I got lots of cards...
I could Reuse and Recycle one of those thus Reducing my card waste!
And so I did. I hope Mrs. Martha Sauceman appreciates what we have done for the earth together (with the help of Diane Reed upon the urging of the recycled Earth Day commercial), and that this can inspire YOU to do your part to preserve and look after the earth.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
For those of you on the other side of the issue I have something to entertain you as well:
In honor of Earth day I painted this:
To make fun of recycling...
Happy Happy Earth Day 2010!!!
Kevin K Lewis
Posted by Kevin Lewis | 0 Comment(s)
Weeds Gone Wild
March 1st, 2010
Do not pass go, do not collect $200.....go directly to jail! Like many families, we are counting every penny and rethinking every purchase in the current economy. And sometimes it feels like we’ve drawn that famous Monopoly card!
With two kids in college, a mortgage and business commitments that can't wait, we, too, are feeling the stress. And I watch my husband carry a heavy load. And yes, I work too, and I am his partner, but he is the head of our family and bears a unique responsibility.
This morning I suggested we go out to a very inexpensive Mexican restaurant tonight for a "date" and come home to watch our favorite show - American Idol. I was looking forward to combining two satisfying events!
And as we continued to eat our breakfast, I looked out of my kitchen window and saw the pesky green weeds growing wildly through last year's mulch. I immediately thought of the effort it would take this weekend to pull them. And then I lingered through the window and noticed the most beautiful tiny purple blooms on the weeds, realizing it was my favorite color combination - purple and green.
This simple blessing changed my focus. Instead of talking about the things we both needed to do today and what we didn’t have, I resolved to be encouraging. And I thanked the Lord for allowing me to size up my pantry and refrigerator this morning - for reminding me that I shouldn't take for granted the things many don't have on most days and that the weeds I normally overlook yield beauty in their special time. Lord, help me to know that the things I have and want ebb & flow but Your provision is always there - and many times most unexpected, even in uncertain times.
Posted by Judi Coyle | 0 Comment(s)
Good Night John Boy!
February 24th, 2010
“Good Night, John Boy!” Staff meetings at Ridgedale are every pastor’s dream (or nightmare!). It’s a time when all the ministers get together, have lunch, have a devotional, pray together, coordinate our ministries, and share a lot of opinions! The event takes place every week and usually takes half a day. It’s the only time that we all get together in a typical week and sounds much like the Walton’s “Good Night” routine.
Even though there are no rules for our meetings, there’s a general expectation of what our purpose and personal involvement are. Each week, a different minister leads the weekly devotion. The assigned minister also gets to choose where we eat. We go to some interesting places!
Recently, it was Judi’s week. I pulled rank on Judi and chose Genghis Grill (downtown on Market). Great place to eat. You choose your own meat, vegetables, sauces, etc and they cook it for you. I give it 4 stars!
Afterwards, back in the staff meeting, Judi talked to us about the earthquake in
Posted by Bill Owens | 0 Comment(s)
