Pastor Rich's Blog

Enough

2009-06-10T15:56:00.002-04:00

Interesting how some words have so many uses - positively, negatively.

As in - enough already - or I've had enough. But there is also - He is more than enough.

We often live within these two tensions, especially in this area in this phase of life.

We feel overburdened(mostly our own doing). We experience the stress of multiple experiences that have deep emotional affects upon us. Joy and pain, sorrow and elation, etc.

During our 24 hours of prayer, one of my prayers was for more understanding of He is more than enough. This Sunday, we will experience something new in our church - we have a guest preacher(but he will be videocast and not live in person) I am looking forward to his message(I've already seen it) and his theme is God is waiting. I think sometimes God is just waiting on us to slow down enough to live our lives the way He intended and not us living our lives the way we intend. There is a quote - God did not create hurry - not necessarily in the bible - but there is a truth there - maybe our too much has nothing to do with His plan - God is waiting on us to receive His grace, to share our gifts with each other, but also to live a balanced life that experiences the abundant life Jesus talked about.

Kinda garbled - but I hope it was enough for you to understand my thoughts -

Talk at you soon.

Rich

PS - I know there is probably no spiritual reason for a Reds win on the 11th, but I "pray" they win tomorrow - going to the game and would love to see my team win.

Recipe

2009-06-03T13:17:00.002-04:00

Some of you have asked - and now I deliver - here is the recipe for Rich's Bruschetta

Bread(focaccia or ciabatta) cut into slices
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic Cloves(8) for Garlic Confit
Parmesan Reggiano Cheese - Grated
Shallots(2 Large) - for Shallot Mixture
Red Cherry/Grape Tomatoes (some prefer roma instead)- diced or chopped and seeded
Yellow Tomatoes - diced or chopped and seeded
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Basil
Salt
Pepper

To make Garlic Confit - placed peeled garlic into small saucepan and put enough olive oil to just cover the cloves. Simmer on low heat over a stove for 15 minutes - make sure the cloves do not overly brown - if so - start over. Remove garlic and press with a fork to make into a paste and allow to cool in a ramekin - reserve the oil for brushing the bread.

To make the Shallot Mixture - place diced shallot in a saute pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil - as shallot begins to brown - add fine quality PORT - i prefer taylor fladgate - 1o year/20 year - make sure not to burn the shallot - remove to ramekin

For Bruschetta - brush reserved olive oil on bread and add garlic confit, shallot mixture, grated Parmesan reggiano and place in toaster oven or under broiler for a few minutes - making sure not to burn the bread or the topping

Remove from oven and add fresh chopped basil leaves and tomatoes seasoned with salt and pepper to taste and add some fresh grated Parmesan and balsamic to taste

Enjoy

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Relaxed

2009-05-27T11:08:00.002-04:00

There are moments recently when I truly feel relaxed. I am enjoying this new reality.

Confession - it's tough when you set a schedule where you go 10-15 hour days and you work 7 days a week and then you try and slow down. Your ego gets in the way, because, and this is messed up, there are alot of workaholics to compete with in this area. Another thing, is that your mind gets used to that pace, and it becomes a challenge to turn that part of your psyche off when you start to slow down.

I see this as another extension of grace in my life. First, that God sustained me during a ridiculous period of my life. Second, that I didn't experience any catastrophic physical issues. Finally, that He is teaching me that it is OK to be more laid back. Work hard, Play Hard, but also rest.

If you are not finding the relaxed place in your life, I encourage you to examine your life and lean into Him and find a way to create some margin in your life.

Updates -

My business is stabilizing and improving and I am grateful
Football is only a 2.5 months away
My Reds are playing decent baseball
My Kids are growing up way to fast- but I love our family times
Paula and I need a date night
I love the volunteers at our church - they are amazing people with huge hearts

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Garlic

2009-05-21T14:33:00.002-04:00

I love garlic - I cook with it frequently - as a matter of fact alot. I'm using garlic as an illustration in my sermon this Sunday. I'm going to make garlic confit which changes the flavor and texture of garlic - makes it less bitter and more pasty.

The thing about garlic is when you get it on your hands, you keep it with you for a few days - I know some folks who were gloves when processing garlic but I like the smell because it reminds me that I got to cook which I love to do but also reminds me of another sermon I preached some years ago and talked about how garlic kind of sticks with you - much like our experiences in life. It also reminds us that we have to get our hands into the garlic to get the aroma on our person(my that sounds snobby), and that we should remember as people who are trying to live for God that we need to get our hands(metaphor here) into God stuff if we are going to carry His aroma into our living.

So this week - we will point out some other stuff about garlic in a sermon. You can always listen to our podcasts at horizonschurch.com

Talk at you soon.

Rich

PS - sorry about last week - said I was going to post again and didn't - more a sin of omission than commission.

Just add...

2009-05-13T11:21:00.002-04:00

We start a new sermon series this week called Just add Jesus. For the next 3 weeks we will look how we are called to have Jesus' mind and heart for life and to be Jesus' hands and feet. I get week 2 - Jay has the other 2 weeks - should be enlightening and fun - Jay and I are both gonna cook - which doesn't sound too good right now because I have a stomach virus - yuch!

Will blog more later this week - back to work for me.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Things I'm Trying to Do

2009-04-29T10:19:00.002-04:00

Here's a brain download of things I'm trying to do right now

read my bible every day
eat healthier
drink more water
read 3 books a month - currently on pace for 2 a month
get under 200 lbs
run a 5K at a 8 min pace
run a half without stopping
finish my last 2 big church projects
start a new business
re-engage with China missions
get home at a decent hour more often
meditate more
be less critical
celebrate the wins more often
get my lawn in better shape
fast more often
get away to pray for a couple of days

I'm sure there is more - but that's the random stuff going through my head.

Unimportant things that I want
for the Reds to make the postseason
for some decent new music to come out
for 24 not to end up jumping the shark
for the office to be funny again

and the spiritual thought of the day - Deut 4:29 - But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Big Sigh of Relief

2009-04-22T10:58:00.003-04:00

Ahhhh! - Spring all around - no more overwhelming stress - 8 weeks till vacation - big sigh of relief.

For the first time in a long time - I don't feel overwhelmed. There's still pressure in ministry and in my business - but it's not all encompassing - there were days I didn't know where my next breath was going to come from (btw -loved listening to Red's Breathe Into Me on those days). So what's next - what does the next season of life bring for me, my family, my business and our church - ? I know this - during this season God has sustained me and encouraged me directly and through others - thanks to everyone who ever prayed for me or encouraged me personally or through email.

What God is doing through Horizons continues to blow me away - and this Sunday we will have our first baptisms in our new facility - very cool. Can't wait to see whats next.

Big Sigh of Relief

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Incredible

2009-04-15T09:12:00.003-04:00

The last two weeks have been incredible - our first service in our new worship facility - an awesome Easter weekend - over 20 people made a commitment to be a Christ follower in the past two weeks.

Our volunteer teams are outstanding. They have helped us open our new facility pretty seamlessly - a special thanks to our Parking Lot team for a great job.

And on a personal level - for the first time in a long time I don't feel overburdened - I actual feel as if a heavy weight has been lifted from me - thanks to everyone for your prayers over the last 18 months as my business went through a horrific season and at the same time I had to oversee the building of our new facility.

Random Thoughts

Brooke is driving now - congrats Brooke
David Crowder is hilarious
My Reds have started the season 4-3
24 was fantastic this last week - now the question: Is the Tony thing going to be the old double switch - first he's good - then he's bad - then he is good again - now he is bad - hmmm? do you see a pattern here

Looking forward to our new series - Dangerous Church and our goal to donate a ton of food to SERVE by this weekend

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Amazing Sunday

2009-04-08T09:50:00.002-04:00

Wow - First, Thank you Lord - there were so many miracles and so many incredible individuals who helped to make our first Sunday in our new worship facility an amazing day.

I know alot of folks worked untold hours and sacrificed their own days off and worked after their normal work day - thank you.

It was so intense - the cardboard testimonies - the My Story wall - make sure you go and read those stories -

The worship team sounded awesome and every team did an outstanding job.

High Five :)

OK - so how do we follow that up - how about Easter Sunday - just a hint - bring your cell phone for the first part of the message.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Thank You Lord

2009-04-01T10:21:00.002-04:00

I say that alot recently - I'll take a deep breath - blow out and say Thank You Lord - as I was running this morning - Thank You Lord - walking through our new facility - Thank You Lord. Thinking about how God has provided for my family, business and our church, even during these trying economic times - Thank You Lord. Talking to a friend who is making a deeper commitment - Thank You Lord. Getting to work with contractors on the site who are Christ followers - Thank You Lord. Seeing my kids grow up and find their own faith - Thank You Lord.

There are so many other things to be thankful for - so many moments that get missed when things are going well, even when other stuff may not be (and even for that stuff) Thank You Lord.

Can't wait till this Sunday.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Gotta Be Quick

2009-03-25T12:10:00.002-04:00

So much time and so little to do - no strike that, reverse it. (wonka reference)

The truth is there is so much to do and so little time - but how much of the so much to do is important stuff - I know I am challenged by that right now.

I was just out at the construction site and was amazed at the amount of activity - dozens of guys/gals all running around like ants to accomplish a mission. So much to do - so little time.

Life is moving at a frenetic pace for me right now - family, church , business, and maybe even some personal time. So much to do, so little time.

Pause, breath, think. Let's not forget why we are here and what this life is all about. Haven't figured that out yet - then come to Horizons this weekend or visit our podcast after Sunday.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-18T08:53:00.002-04:00

It's in the air - I heard birds chirping yesterday morning - It starts on Friday - It's Spring. After what seemed like a long, cold and in the end snowy end to winter, spring with all of its colors and warmth is on the way. I love this time of year when it appears that darkness fades and light invades(a jay'ism - not that i've heard him say that - just that i could see him saying that).

Longer days are on the way - longer periods of daylight...and that is what we are going to look at on Sunday - the story of light - Jesus came as the light of the world and now he calls us to be that light as well. Pretty tough assignment, but to do it effectively we have to allow the light of His truth to investigate our lives - and spring is a great time for that concept(actually it should be an ongoing thing, but stick with me here).

You see the idea of spring cleaning has as its origins ancient practices - in ancient Israel as an example - the Jews would purge their homes of leaven and clean their homes during the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the days leading up to the Passover. It was symbolic but was also meant to help them investigate their lives for any leaven(any unholy practices). As Christians, we are also in the season of Lent, a time of sacrifice leading up to Easter to remember His sacrifice.

And so in lawns, garages, basements and bedrooms all across America the next few weeks will lead to a cleaning - a cleansing of sorts -

Maybe it's time we did the same thing spiritually. Don't miss this Sunday's message as we continue My Story at Horizons Church.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

A Story

2009-03-10T11:54:00.002-04:00

Jesus often used parables (stories) when He taught when He was on the earth. These stories sometimes were based upon common experiences of the day, things He had seen or illustrations to help people grasp a concept. Jesus was phenomenal at sharing these stories. It was actually a groundbreaking approach to teaching as contrasted with the Jewish spiritual leaders of that day.

The amazing thing about this - is that 2000 years later - the story of who Jesus was, who Jesus is for each of us that receive His grace is still relevant; and that each of us who have experienced that grace now have a new story to tell.

For some of us - our story is a defining moment - a drastic, cathartic moment. For most of us - it is a series of events and experiences that tell that same story of life change and the grace of God in our lives.

Join us over the next few weeks for our new series - My Story - you can check out our podcasts, streaming audio at horizonschurch.com or attend one of our Sunday services.

We each have a story to tell - I can't wait to hear yours.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Cast all your care

2009-02-27T10:07:00.003-05:00

That's what I need to do - but I am having a hard time doing it.(i know you shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition)(did some of you english fanatics, myself included, catch the double ending with a preposition - of course not now but earlier)

I am worried, concerned - like alot of Americans these days -about the economy - about my business, about finances, about issues with the church building, etc.

Well, maybe most aren't worried or concerned about issues with the church building, but you get the idea :)

So cast all your care - I mean I have a boat load of it today - a tanker full - cast all your care, because He cares for you. OK - stop, pause, pray, and remember to breathe. It's working - you should give it a try and repeat as often as necessary, especially the praying part - I bet you thought I would say the breathing part - that's important too, but not as important as the praying part if we are going to emotionally navigate through these trying times.

Also - would you keep me in your prayers - preparing for a new series beginning March 15th called My Story - it's designed to help us develop our personal testimony and hear other people share their amazing stories.

Talk at you soon,

Rich
Talk at you soon,

Not Perfect

2009-02-16T10:24:00.002-05:00

I'm not perfect
My Kids aren't perfect
Horizons Church isn't perfect

There, I said it - buy why?

Because I'm intimidated about this weeks message - we are in the midst of a series called authority issues and this week we are looking at Biblical marriages and Biblical parent/kid relationships.

I love my kids - I think they are amazing and I am getting to the age where I can stand back and look with pride/thankfulness at the role Paula and I have played in helping to raise moral kids. But I am concerned people will think that I think my kids are perfect and I don't want them to be put under any more scrutiny than they already are as pastors kids. We are going to be sharing some principles from the Bible and some practical stuff that will help you in your journey as a spouse, parent, kid or just in general - but know that I am also striving to get this stuff right - to be consistent - but I blow it and so does my wife and so do my kids - but with God's grace and the application of these concepts we have been able to be a part of a pretty amazing family and I pray that you can have the same.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Under Authority

2009-02-02T11:52:00.003-05:00

This weekend we start a new series - Authority Issues - and I'll be kicking off week one. This is going to be an awesome series - so don't miss a week of this 4 week series.

We all have to deal with our rebellion. We all have to confront our willingness to be submissive - to surrender - that's a tough thing for an American. We are so independent - so proud - but it's that very pride - that very independence can get us into trouble. I hear George Bailey in my head...
George Bailey: Now, you listen to me! I don't want any plastics, and I don't want any ground floors, and I don't want to get married - ever - to anyone! You understand that? I want to do what I want to do. And you're... and you're... [runs out of words, sees her crying] George Bailey: Oh, Mary, Mary... Mary: George... George... George... George Bailey: [kisses her intensely] Mary... Would you?... Would you?...

"I want to do what I want to do" - we think life is better when we get it our way. Come and discover how powerful living under authority can be.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

p.s. - what a super bowl game! congrats to all your steeler fans

Overcomer

2009-01-21T09:46:00.003-05:00

Yes, that's who I am - "I can do all things..." - "from victory to victory..." etc. - and you are too. But, what I have realized is that I blog more frequently when I am melancholy - cue up the team of psychiatrists. I really do wonder about this - why do I feel like blogging when I am melancholy...

Even today - I am blogging even though I feel vexed - difficult financial times - building delays and issues - pumpkin pie from the holidays still affecting me(on the scale) -already done with winter and yet about 45 days to go - too many long days - too many unfinished tasks

AND YET,

there is another side of me - happy, contented, picky, jovial Rich - excited about the future Rich - hopeful - expectant - appreciative Rich - so that is where we will focus our attention today.

As Jim Black says - it's tough to blog because you want to be completely open and yet I don't think people are ready for that - you know that stuff that just comes into your mind constantly - the internal struggle and that is where yielding to God comes into play - as I surrender to God and to His will - seeking His guidance and grace; then I am transformed - reminded if you will, of the potential God sees in me - not the absence of melancholy Rich or the advancement of optimistic Rich but the ever decrease of me and the increase of Him in my life.

Food for thought.

Talk at you soon,

Rich

btw - great start to 24 but last week was a tweener episode.

A Fortnight

2009-01-14T13:20:00.002-05:00

So i'm reading the Count of Monte Cristo(as well as the IT Church & Growing True Disciples) and it's a fabulous book - highly recommend it - btw - reading the unabridged version(bragging moment) and the term fortnight was used. I could not remember the meaning of this word - so off to google i go and discover that it means 14 days; it's an old english term, but is being used as a moniker within this edition of the book(the Count is a translated work) - so what's the point Rich you may ask - that sometimes life gets lost in translation. We don't see God working around us when we are blinded by our own fears, failures, insecurities and even successes. We misunderstand or don't even perceive the needs of others. So as I was taking some time trying to gain understanding about the term fortnight and it's particular use in the book I am reading and it struck me that we all need to make sure that we take some time each day to step back and see life for what it is - try not to allow it all to get lost in translation and see Gods hand in our midst.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Even Harder to Live

2008-12-15T11:49:00.003-05:00

Alot of what the Bible has to say is tough stuff - love your enemies, always rejoice, do good to those who hurt you, take up your cross and follow... - these are tough statements and even harder to live - I feel like Paul today - the things I want to do I don't do and the very things I don't want to do - those are the things I end up doing - I despise ugly Rich - thank God for grace.

I have a great family and wonderful friends and a Savior who gets me even when I don't get myself. I am grateful - I will focus on that today.

BTW - my family and I had a great day yesterday - went to Tysons Corner to see Santa - 1 hour wait and the kids are too old for that - I'm too old for that - but did get to go by Godiva - I eat more chocolate this time of year - need to get past this cold and start working out again - anyway we then took Morgan who was celebrating her 14th birthday - as Paula said all our girls are now even again - 14 -16 - 18 - and we went to Pizzeria Paridiso in Georgtown - very good pizza - and then went to see the National Christmas tree - I love that they still have a nativity and the big yule log - and capped it off with hot chocolate at the Willard - very nice night - then got home and tanked due to the cold I am fighting

Other random thoughts - Redskins are awful - losses to the Rams and the Bengals - ughhh
I won the championship in the Horizons Fantasy Football league and made the playoffs in the other league i am in - still a kid at heart

Finally - may you experience the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ as we approach Christmas these last 10 days before the holiday.

Talk at you soon.

Traditions

2008-11-28T21:09:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year - I love all the traditions of this season - family time - pie -decorating - Christmas songs - shopping for presents - the big TG meal - our Christmas Sunday service with candles and singing Silent Night - lights on the house - lights in the house - etc. etc.

Spiritual Moment - so we are starting a new series this weekend - we're calling it - (wait for it) (that was for Lauren) TRADITIONS. You know - because of all the traditions of the season and the fact that as Christ followers there should be some things that are constants in our lives as well - that we are called to be people of hope, peace, joy and especially love and that we can find the signs on this earth - reflections of these qualities - that make us think about the essence - the true source of these qualities. don't miss it

Stuffed - yep - ate too much - pie, stuffing, potatoes(btw- made an amazing root gratin casserole this year) - my wife made the most amazing gravy ever. Actually, had pie for breakfast this morning.

Did yard work today with Grant - that's just special time - I mean it - I taught him how to properly bag leaves - then we got all covered in mud doing work in the back yard(i hope it was all mud - that's where the dogs go) then we through the football around - pretty manly stuff

Giants vs Redskins this weekend - big game - NO, HUGE GAME

talk at u soon

Ready

2008-11-20T09:59:00.003-05:00

here comes random thoughts

I was a Royal Ranger - basically a christian scouting group - and one of the tenants of being a Ranger was being Ready - ready for anything, ready to work, play, serve, obey, worship, live, etc.

as a kid - you have no idea how big the etc. part of life is - sometimes I don't feel ready

lately, i have been up a lot at night - alot of the etc. happening in life - I am ready though, ready for this "season" to be over - some of my fav paintings are the voyage of life by cole - actually have them up on a wall in my office - i am smack dab in the middle of manhood - u should look them up - anyway - don't want to sound despondent - just real - but I trust in this scripture -

Psalm 27:13 - I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD

I'm also ready for our building - under 100 days till our first service

I'm ready for the redskins to start winning again - maybe this weekend

I'm ready for the holidays - it is my most fav time of the year -

talk at you soon.

Random Rich

Big News

2008-11-06T13:10:00.002-05:00

I love the buzz about our big news - so here it is if you haven't already heard - our first service in the new worship facility will be February 22, 2009 - go to horizonschurch.com and visit the building update for more info.

Here's a thought - Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks away - and then Christmas - at the Pennington home we are already deep into watching Christmas movies and I have started dabbling in my holiday music.

Other Big News
Redskins lost - no love to any of you Steelers fans - and here come the cowboys - can we beat em twice in one year

Brooke - my Brookie is now 16!

Morgan - her soccer team is undefeated

Grant - he and i bought the iron gym and are working on our pull ups, etc.

Paula - she is praying about a career move

Make sure and check out the Transitions sermons at our website - this will be a powerful series.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Blown Away

2008-10-24T09:20:00.003-04:00

Wow -
so i'm walking through our new church building last week - I'm blown away -
we had our largest attendance ever last Sunday - 515 people - I'm blown away
God and my family still love me - i'm blown away

Unbelievable
just started fiscal and calendar planning for 2009 - i'm blown away
i'm 42 - i'm blown away
the Redskins are 5-2 - i'm blown away

Ugghh
people still don't always get me - i'm blown away
the financial crises - i'm blown away
all this beautiful weather recently and the night I want to go camping with my family - it's gonna pour the rain - i'm blown away

some good - some bad - that's life - it's how you respond - but we keep our eyes on Jesus and put our faith/trust/hope in God and in the leading of His Spirit -

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to do fare more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.... - God, please blow us away :) - btw - that's my prayer and my prayer for you today

Talk at you soon

PS - BIG NEWS THIS SUNDAY

Rich

Waiting

2008-10-17T13:42:00.002-04:00

I am waiting on some people to call me back - very important call backs. I guess i'm learning to be patient through this - but like most people i'm having a hard time being patient. So to the people who need to call me - call! please :)

other waiting
for christmas - can't wait - till we get into our new building - for the market to turn around - to go hunting - for some good new music -

Setbacks
lost in both my fantasy leagues and the redskins lost last week - so need a turn around win this week -

Excitement
building because of our new building - because we have a chili dinner this Sunday, because the temps are finally starting to feel like fall

Thanks
jim black - nice blog - jay hawpe for being such a great encourager - paula - for understanding my moods - kids - for loving me the way you do - Jesus/God - for forgiving my sins - Horizons - for being such an awesome church - karen/mike/mike/my brother - for being such good friends

TV Shows
survivor - same ol same ol
heroes - hmmm

btw- second service last week was so amazing -to see God ministering to so many people -

Talk at you soon.

Rich

Gratitude

2008-10-07T10:40:00.002-04:00

I continue to be amazed at what an amazing church body Horizons is; thanks to everyone who has shown some form of appreciation to me or my family this past year - cookies, emails, gift cards, notes, cards, gift baskets - just completely overwhelming - I feel so appreciated and encouraged.

God has given us a great church - now we have to wisely steward what He has given us as we move forward and I for one feel honored to be a part and to partner together with each one of you who volunteers at Horizons.

Personal Stuff

God is so amazing - even in the midst of this ugly financial crises - God provides - it is tough at times - actually - alot of the time - but my hope is in Him.

Fantasy football - 3-2 in both my leagues and right now 5 weeks in I would be in the playoffs in both leagues - that is the goal - to make it to the playoffs and then dominate and win the championship.

Almost done reading Dante's The Divine Comedy -what a chore - but also an amazing piece of literature - also currently reading about 4 other books right now - The Forgotten Ways by Hirsch - Chain of Blame, Surrender to the Spirit and The Count of Monte Cristo

Redskins - 4-1 Baby! :) we beat Dallas and Eagles in their house - here comes the bandwagon

Kids - all doing well - good/great grades - they all love Jesus - Morgan's team is dominating in Soccer and she is plugging in well at public middle school - as noted by the frantic girl shrills coming from my basement last night - how do they squeal so high pitched - Lauren is doing fantastic at JMU - great group of christian friends; we got to visit her this past weekend. Grant is doing well in school and soccer - playing more defense this year but he is on a good team. Brooke is gearing up for basketball and is anxious to get her license and we are trying to figure out what to do for her upcoming 16th birthday

Paula - applying for jobs in the public school system -so keep her in your prayers

Talk at you soon.

Rich