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We are starting a new series this weekend on Work. Our jobs are intended to be more than the 9 to 5 grind. Don't you wish you KNEW you were working how God intended?
Everyone has to work, in some form or another. The title for this week’s message is, “I Hate My Job.” This series should change the way you think about what you spend most of your time doing - working!
Alpharetta will be having their annual marathon that will be moving south from Windward to Alpharetta this Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm. You will need to allow for extra travel time. The affected roads that will have the greatest impact are Windward Parkway and Hwy 9. The race should by through our area by 10:30, but anyone traveling north on Hwy 9 or 400 from Roswell/Alpharetta should plan on allowing additional time.
Also here is a link to the marathon for more information:
http://www.alpharettamarathon.com/index.php
For the map, click here.
If you are stopped by marathon personnel, just tell them that you are following God's map...
John is out of surgery, and it went incredible. He was only in surgery for around 20 minutes. Dr. Rutter did not have to perform the major procedure that we had feared would happen, the arytenoidectomy. The issue with his arytenoids was cleared up, go figure...
The scar tissue has not returned (even though that is still a high possibility). They did nothing but look around. Dr. Rutter's comments were that he could have done some small things, but the pain involved was not worth the improvement that it would make.
Thanks for praying, as it went awesome. The doctor's were shocked again. We go back in April. At that time we'll get another swallow study, and then he'll take a look at his vocal chords. It seems that these visits may be winding down.
John, Debby, and my Mom will be driving home tomorrow. Also, we're still waiting on the appeal with the insurance company. Please keep those on your prayer list.
At the beginning of February, I mentioned that I would be reading the New Testament through in 30 days. I have had several people join me in this 30 day challenge.
I’m way too boring. If you're over 18, check out this pastor’s 30 day challenge…
You don't want to miss Sunday. I'll be loosening up a bit...
John, Debby, and my Mom made it to Cincinnati yesterday. He has surgery this morning, hopefully around 11:15. That’s the scheduled time. We’re not sure exactly what will happen today. Hopefully, he’s made so much progress, and there aren’t any new developments, that it will be a quick trip. If you could, pray for the surgery today, and I’ll update as soon as I hear something. Thanks.
I know I’ve been checked out of the blogosphere for a while. We went to one of my favorite places – the beach – for the week. Putting my toes in the sand and looking at the ocean always does something for me.
I heard Hal White did a great job today. Ken leading worship is always amazing.
John heads back to Cincinnati this week for more surgery on Wednesday. Please pray for him, Debby, and my Mom as they travel. Also, we're still waiting to hear back on the appeal from the insurance company.
I’ll fill you in as we know more details.
We are excited to welcome Camp Highland Summer Day Camp as an integrated extension of our summer program to children ages 5-10, and their parents.
Highland Day Camp is one of Camp Highland’s many adventure camps and experiences for children, teenagers and families. Its overnight camps and other adventure programs are offered at its new 220-acre retreat in Ellijay. Camp Highland exists to lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through high adventure.
As Ken Murphy has noted, "Our family ministry was considering ways to extend our children’s programming beyond Sunday mornings, particularly during the summer months. An essential part of the core experiences we design for children, students and adults at Stonecreek involves camp and retreat environments. Highland Day Camp’s values and programming were so consistent with our ministry objectives that we knew it was a perfect fit. We are eager to welcome the families of North Atlanta to day camp at Stonecreek through Camp Highland this summer.
For more information on Stonecreek and links to Camp Highland Day Camp registration, visit www.stonecreekchurch.org.
You may have seen Roger Clemens appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The chairman of the committee, Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), regrets holding the hearing, The New York Times reported.
"I'm sorry we had the hearing. I regret that we had the hearing. And the only reason we had the hearing was because Roger Clemens and his lawyers insisted on it," Waxman said.
How is it that a baseball player has the control to get a hearing before Congress? Last time I checked, baseball was America’s pastime, not lifeline. Now, I respect baseball, but it is a GAME.
In reality, a baseball player does not have that control unless it is given to him. You know what, we can give away control as well. We can feel forced into a decision by someone who makes us feel guilty, inadequate, defensive, or wrong. So we cave in to what they want. They make us feel like we have to. Their issue is usually not what is right, or the truth, but about control.
Jesus never did that. When someone wanted him to go to a certain city, he didn’t. When someone wanted him to establish his kingdom, he didn’t bow to the pressure. He stayed focused on his mission.
We don’t have to give up control to another person, either. Just because someone wants something from you doesn’t mean you should respond. It doesn’t mean that you should cower to those control freaks that want their way. Just like Henry Waxman, we’ll find that it isn’t just a waste of time, but actually damaging. Stay focused on what is important. Let those freaks work their control magic on someone else.
Sometimes it doesn’t pay to defend yourself. Roger Clemens has been very proactive, and sometimes vehement, in defending himself against steroid use. After today’s circus, it seems that he may have gone too far. Roger said it himself, “"No matter what we discuss here today, I am never going to have my name restored."
I’m not sure whether Roger Clemens is innocent or guilty. But what I am sure about is that there are times when people are going to lie about you. The lies may be small, and may not get you in front of Congress, but they will lie. Some will know they’re lying, and some won’t.
The hard part is knowing when to fight, and when to leave it alone. Fighting may bring more problems and actually not be beneficial. As the bible says, the battle is the Lord’s. One of the amazing aspects of Jesus life was the times when he didn’t defend himself against false accusation. He stayed focused on his message, and didn’t let anything distract him. Oh, that we could all live that type of singularly focused life.
It’s crazy how much kids get into movies. This Friday night we’ll have a Kidzu movie night. The place will be packed out with hundreds of kids and their pillows, all looking for some sugar and caffeine! They’ll be seeing Meet the Robinson’s. My kids absolutely LOVE movie night. Maybe they just need a break from Mom and Dad…
I’m not sure I understand the draw to movies – I know that I like them. Movies communicate something about our culture. Who doesn’t love spending $50 on 64 ounces of coke and 3 bushels of popcorn?
Also, between services this Sunday in Kidzu the Off Broadway Kids are going to perform. They are a very talented group of kids, and you’ll want your kids to hang around and see them.
