Reflections from the spare room

Wow -half gone already

2009-07-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well it has been about a month. I guess it was kinda busy for me. Month flew by, and so has the entire first half of the year. I had one of those moments this morning. One of those reflective, take a few breaths, and think about it moments. Man those are hard to come by right now.

Anyhow - I reflect on the year and just have to thank God. I mean really we are so incredibly blessed with life. There are lots of things negative out there. Economy, finances, health. In fact just this week we had several of the known celebrities pass away. There was an impact here as one of my daughter's friend caught 'swine' flu. Another friend has lost her brother.

Another wave of marriages and relationship issues. It always seems as that stuff like this happens in waves. It is very easy to feel overwhelmed by our plight. Yet - the enemy is out to distract and discourage. I am not going to buckle under that. I choose life...sometimes easier said than done, and much easier typed than lived.

After my pity party - I dust myself off and look at scripture which reminds me about my job, and every believer's job. It reminds me that stuff happens. How we respond is the test of our character.

Be encouraged as God is real, moving, and changing lives. If I press on and really live this stuff - He will change mine to. Look around folks - count your blessings. Remember no matter who you are - it could be worse. No matter who you are - when you are at bottom the only direction is up.

J

Indescribable

2009-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

This week we start a new series "One Prayer". We are joining with thousands of other churches across the globe - representing almost a million believers. These numbers may grow from here, so I am being conservative.

The focus for these churches is to share that God is.... When I heard the topic I immediately started to think about who God is and what God is. I know that God is ... is a great topic. We get to speak of the truth of God.

So this Sunday I thought to kick off the series I would speak on God is...Indescribable. I heard a statement that moved me a while ago, "People have a god that they want, but need the God who is". How true. People try to fit into their finite minds an infinite God. God is big, huge, His power, His love, His understanding is beyond awesome.

I can't wait to share these passages that speak of God - the truly indescribable God that has made his plan for us describable. I sincerely hope to see you this Sunday at Horizons, as we begin this journey into knowing God better.

J

Action needed

2009-05-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I love a few of these new commercials that are out there. They are talking about action. They are talking about being a doing company. They talk about being a company or a product that causes change ; because it takes action.

I see this time as a true season for the church universal, and the local church to be one of action. One that says it is one thing to make a statement and another to be actively doing the work. Over the last few weeks we have been sharing on Sundays the idea of "Just Add Jesus". Just add to your mind, and see what you can do. Just add to your heart and see what that would do. So with all the things that can happen to us when we add Jesus, let us also add Jesus to our hands and feet. That the things happening inside of us should translate into who we are on the outside.

You are know by what you do... Like oh that guy he is such a nice guy, that guy is such a complainer, that person is such a football fan. We get known by what we do.. So what do say about you? What are you known for? May we all learn to act like Jesus so we can be known as real followers of Christ.

J

Finally Feeling Spring

2009-05-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

wow - the pace has been breakneck. The weather has been rainy. The time marches on. Last week was a celebration of some of the life happening at Hawpe House. Let's continue - Landon was leading worship in main service and really did well. Like with any 16 yr old artist we encourage him but cautiosly to keep ego in check.

Kate texts me yesterday to say she took 1st place in high jump, took 1st in her heat for the400 and got added to the 4x400 at the end of day. Awesome. She is loving it.

We are seeing the sun and feels great. I love the feeling of a sunny day. It ups my morale to handle the toil of life. Don't let the toil of life spoil life. For me - I have to keep praying, keep seeking, keep reading God's word. More of God will mean less of me.

We start a new series that speaks to the simplicity of Christ being fully in our lives. If we are to be fully devoted followers of Christ then we need to put Jesus into our mind, our heart, and our hands. Join us on Sunday as we serve up a few treats (we love to eat), and learn a few secrets. Just Add Jesus - it could change your life.

Keep on keeping on.

J

Celebrate

2009-05-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I celebrate: My wife is doing great with her birthday. A year older, still sweet and as beautiful as our first date. My chloe lost her two bottom teeth on Sunday after service. My Kaitlyn has made the JV dance team for high school next year. My Landon man is going to lead worship for youth Sunday this Sunday.

As for me - I got a virus through some Facebook video a "Friend" sent. He did so unbeknownst as someone hacked his account, and then maybe mine. I reset password and it appears to be okay. Wow - our world has changed and I am learning on the fly.

Wins are not easy to come by - but we need to learn to accentuate the positive and not be so negative.

J

Feels like Spring

2009-04-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Well the Hawpe Fam got back from some spring breaking last Saturday. We had a marvelous time - that went way to fast - down in Williamsburg. We got into Busch Gardens, and hit Great Wolf Lodge for one day. Very nice to see the kids having a blast. Landon loves the wave rider - I do too, and we both are getting down some good moves. Kinda fun to hear the onlookers cheering you on.

Today really is nice. It is one of those days in which I didn't mind the birds waking me up. Normally I silently curse them. Three cups of coffee, two learn to read books for Chloe and I am out the door to sunshine and trees getting their leaves.

Something inside me is saying that good things are on the way. Good things happen all the time, but sometimes as the "toil of life" begins to "spoil the life" we aren't counting our blessings. Why is it so easy to complain, and so hard to stop and really count the good in life. Right now no matter who reads this - there is probably an issue, a concern, a fear, a disappointment that you are facing. Yet - there is good. We are free, as Christians forgiven, as Americans blessed, and as human beings - granted the good of this day. Let us all make the most of it.

I read the other day in preparation for the message Sunday about Paul's hardships. Really, really, I have never had a day like many of Paul's. Shipwrecked, bitten by snake, beaten with rods sometimes with whips. Stoned, run out of town. Yet he just keeps on serving God.

SO keep on keeping on - there is much to do. Let us live a life of serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Shalom (Peace) to all

Jay

Easter thoughts

2009-04-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well I have not blogged much over the last few weeks. So much has happened as we (Horizons Church) have moved into our permanent facility. If you think moving a home is stressful, magnify that ten times over. From construction, to inspections, moving, cleaning, preparing, petitioning, all of it is quite a ride. Thank God I can now write this today from the comfort of my office. Easter is coming Sunday so we are getting ramped up for this blessed Holiday.

To note - our past two Sundays have had large attendances as we said good bye to Colonial Forge and opened this new facility. Nearly 600 in one week and over it the following. Wow! That is a lot of people. More importantly we have seen many make a decision for Christ. That is what it is about.

Listen - it is tough sometimes in the pomp and circumstance of church life to be focused on souls, but it is exactly why we do church. Not for facilities, not for numbers, but for people and empower them to be followers of Christ.

So for this Sunday we will be talking about His Story. The story of Christ and how that story from the beginning of time to now is a life changing one. Invite your friends, neighbors, family and co workers to celebrate His Story - it could change their life to.

Pastor J

Here are some pictures

Things I love right now

2009-03-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Just thinking through the stuff I am really enjoying.
1. My wife. She rocks.
2. My kids - the ups and downs of parenting are as real as they could be, but even in those rocky moments I realize how good it really is.
3. Spring. I used to think Fall is the best. Still do, but you know the older I get the more I appreciate the color and the warmth that Spring brings.
4. My TV shows - 24, Lost, Survivor, Office, 30 Rock are all pretty good this year. I am not a huge fan of American Idol but yes I do watch with some interest.

Some miscellaneous items - spring baseball very cool to have opening day around the corner. I know less and less about who is playing where, but love the look of the ballpark. I love planning for some time away - my thinking is Busch Gardens is going to see a lot of me this year. It is a total blast to start thinking about walking through the park. I really come alive when I see the rides, the architecture, the flowers and trees all around me. Very cool.

I love March Madness and picking out a bracket.I really love grilling out and yes - already done it twice. Once on a gorgeous day two weekends ago, and once last week in the rain. I don't care bring me the bbq.Lastly - I am really getting a kick out of technology -google calendar is nice. texting is nice. Newest version of Itunes is nice.

What I don't like are the dark mornings. I don't like the awareness toward spring cleaning. I don't like being so busy. I don't like being tired at 9pm. I don't like getting winded in my first few steps on a 2 mile run.

God bless you in whatever you need

J

Snow Day

2009-03-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

Wow - the weather is very bizarre this year. We had a snow day just a few weeks ago, and that was followed by one the most warm March weekends ever. Then today, we wake up to a gorgeous sight of snow falling to the ground.

Life is unpredicatable as well. It is sunny one day and rainy the next. I think it is so important, and especially as I get older, to not let situations or circumstances dictate our emotions. We should realize that difficult times do pass, and that our time on earth as brief as it is should be lived with a greater purpose.

Consider the snow - I remember as a young elementary student cutting out flakes made out of paper. The talk would talk about how unique each one is. Amazing. The earth sits just where it needs to from the sun, so that we get to experience a little sun and a little snow. It spins and orbits just right - seasons. What season are you in? Good news the next one is just a few days away.

I love spring - time to have some fun. Be blessed.

J

Living in HD

2009-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have heard the buzz concerning High Definition. Truthfully it is hard not to have heard. It is even being said that once you have experienced HD, viewing anything less is futile. So I jumped into the full HD 1080p world last December. It has been a lot of fun watching movies, and particularly sporting events in such color and clarity.

So I am inspired to speak this Sunday on living in HD. That as Christians we should be the ones that are living with color and clarity. The bible speaks of it as "salt and light". That is what the church should be, Christ's followers can be counted on to live at a more abundant level.

Living in the Northern Virginia area has major challenges. This is a very structured area and many live in a routine. Many are working long hours, and living for the weekend. It is hard to just enjoy life. We must beware the stagnation, beware of routine and becoming rote. Avoid the ruts.

HD people understand a divine purpose, pursue a passion, and live with the end in mind. They don't live for the weekend, they live to live. I believe this with all my heart. Many of us get caught up in doing the job, and making a living. We can have a life changing experience when we go for all the God has for us. Living with passion does not just happen, it takes perspective and purpose. Let's get out of the Rat race and join God's race. HD people can change the world.

Authority - Why Not?

2009-02-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

There is very little in me that wants to obey authority. I think that as a fleshly being we all have some pride issues when it comes to submission. The truth is that submission and humility are very closely related. If God is the author of authority - we need to learn to come under authority so we can be under God. There is a benefit to submission, a benefit to obedience. It is just a road that is not naturally traveled. We have to choose obedience and self control, as they don't come naturally. When we do humble ourselves and submit to authority we can find ourselves getting in the right place, right under the provision that can protect us. Join us this Sunday as we wrap up the series. Who knows there may be a surprise or two.

We've blown it

2009-02-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

Look everyone we have all blown it in relationships. We have all failed, right? I know I have. This Sunday we will continue to talk about Authority - Godly, Biblical authority, and applying it to family life. We hope to dis spell some myths and reveal some truths. We hope to show that in our humanness we all blow it in our relationships to spouse and kids. The great news is that we can do it right. Things can change.

The truth is that most people wallow in their guilt, apathy, and despair. We become aware (revelation), we make a choice (aspiration), we do the work (perspiration), to make a real change. Things can change but you have to make a first step. Its the hardest, but can make a world of difference in your life.

Wow, I don't know where that came from; but it was kinda like a sermon outline. Sorry. Seriously I know in my life I have blown it. I have to move on -I have to Advance or Move Forward. Its time for all of us to admit the mistakes and make restitution. Maybe we need to forgive, maybe we need to start obeying, maybe we need to start living our life to benefit someone else. It never works when we thinks its about us, do it all for us, need the "feed me" its about me - selfish attitude.

Families can work despite the many trials they face. They can work despite our pace and schedule. But we have to go back to God's word to find the divine design. Join us on Sunday as we explore "Family Matters".

Unlearning Rebellion

2009-02-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

Can I tell you that some of my favorite movies are when the little guy rebels against the injustice of some big entity to revolutionize the world. Kinda like William Wallace. I stood up and cheered at that movie. I think that rebellion can come to all of us pretty easy. It is our human nature if you will. Their is something in many of us that wants us to stick it to the man. Yet life is not like the movies - "Rebels with a Cause" sure can come off like rebels. I wonder if there is another way to get things done.

I love this phrase "Your ultimate position is found in a life of submission". I have to tell you, that is often times tough to submit. Yet all of us that fight against submission find themselves fighting an uphill battle. We often think our way is the best way.

We have to unlearn rebellion and learn that God has a genuine better way. We have to get under His authority. We have to learn that hearing about or reading about how to do life, and really doing it are different things. To unlearn "dig out" the natural rebellion that is within us. So were do we begin - God's word.

God's word is a light, a lamp, a letter, and a lunch. Ultimately it is life. SO I guess I should read it, study it, and live it out. Maybe you should to.

J

One down

2009-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Okay - so time flies - we have all heard it, and probably have all said it. Yet, I can't believe that January is already over. One month down and 11 to go. It is crazy to get older and see how fast time speeds up.

My kids are to funny with the desire for Snow days. When we lived in Colorado a foot of snow would come and at best a 2 hour delay. Here with just the threat of snow we get a delay, and if there is any real accumulation or ice in the forecast it is a snow day for sure. Its just funny to have a snow day with very little snow. All of those of you that use to live outside of the Northern Virginia area know what I mean.

I really enjoyed watching the Super Bowl this year. I thought it was a great game. I had no real allegiance to either team, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Have a great week and make the most of your time because it really is ticking away.

One more thought - March 8th is the Spring Forward time change. Yuck - way to early.

Jay

The end of Reality

2009-01-28T15:24:00.000-08:00

Well folks it is time to end the Reality series. I can say that these messages that God put on my heart have been good for me, and I hope you as well. The wrap up is this Sunday with the idea that we all fail. It is how we handle failure and where we go from that will determine much of who we are. I can say that this Sunday is incredibly important to anyone that wants to either understand true discipleship or move forward from failure.

Very important to note that we will reveal who the bully Susie is. You may also get some additional bonus footage that someone captured at the Skate night. Well got to get dinner rolling and catch up on last weeks episode of Lost, I fell asleep while watching it. Good to go.

Jay

Check out the new stuff

2009-01-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

One of my resolutions was to be more attentive to the Blog, to the Facebook, with update on pictures, so check out the new ones on the right. My kiddos growing. Lots of fun.

Also as a fan of Lost I am quite happy to get back in to the questions and frustration, how bout you? 24 is off to a satisfying start, and happy to have some good laughs from the Office and I can't believe it 30 rock.

J

Sunday and Stuff

2009-01-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

I am often accused of being an optimist. I embrace that wholeheartedly, I love living life with joy and happiness. I have found that is a choice, circumstances change, season change, financial status will change, health, vitality all will change. The constant is Christ. Which brings me to my latest "Going to be awesome" rant.

This Sunday is going to be awesome. 1. We will conclude our church wide week of Prayer on Sat evening. 2. We will show a fresh update on the church building 3. I will be sharing some awesome stuff from scripture. It concerns God's immense and immeasurable grace that is available to anyone and everyone that recognizes they need it. Some think they are very good, but they need God's grace. Others think they are not good enough, and they need God's grace. This Sunday will be thought provoking and hard hitting. It may challenge even you. So bring someone that has said "I'm not good enough" because this Sunday is for them.

J

Planning For Vacation

2009-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Winter is here. At least the cold air. That makes me and evidently most of the world start planning for vacation. I am amazed at how many "beaches, Disney, Bahamas, cruise line" advertisements that I have seen.

Okay - so Christa and I are looking at Sandals resort no kids, Beaches resort with kids, Carnival Cruise line no kids, Royal Caribbean with kids, condo in Orlando for the family, Cabin in Pigeon Forge, and lastly the Great Wolf Lodge. We have no decisions yet as the number one factor is yet to be determined, money. So maybe even a "Staycation" to visit the sites of D.C. (Personally I am pulling for the cruise).

I would love any feedback on what your best vacation was, or what you may recommend for a family such as the Hawpes. Get those brochures out, do website research and let's all plan for some fun this year, I'm sure we could all use it.

J

Ouch Delay

2009-01-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Well folks, if you have not heard at this point the news coming out of the end of last week is that we are facing a delay for occupancy. The new date for our first service in facility is April 5th. We are all a bit dissappointed in this news but most in construction know that this does happen.

Going forward from here we need to see some good weather that will allow the Asphalt company to finish parking lot. We also have several inspections that must be done and careful coordination with the county, construction company, and service provider will be important. Pray for good weather and for all the upcoming meetings and inspections to go smoothly.

The building is looking more and more finished on the inside. Here are a few pictures that will help you to see the stage area is being finished and some color has come to the kids rooms.

We know that a delay is difficult but our patience will be rewarded very soon. Stay steady my friends we are not wandering in the desert, we are not imprisoned. We are simply delaying our gratification. Until then we continue to see God doing wonderful things through our church family. This past Sunday was no differnt as we saw people making a decision for Christ. We are the Church, us, the people, not a building. We are the Church and the Church is the hope for the world.

What to leave behind in 09

2008-12-31T08:53:00.001-08:00

I just got back from a few days over Christmas with my family in Colorado Springs. I was blessed to have a few days to relax after a very stressful trip out there.

We had our original flight canceled and placed on Standby. Standby on Christmas eve with just a few other people all wanting there names to be called. We waited through 4 flights and after 6 hours and gate jumping we all made it to Denver. We made it our bags did not. Had to make the trip back to Denver airport on Christmas Day. That trip is about an hour and half from my parents home in Colorado Springs.

I attended their church on the 28th and got to see their new building. I can honestly say that it was a great Sunday. I was blessed by their worship team and the ministers message. He spoke on "Forward Moving Faith". I got a little jazzed because our theme for 2009 is Advance - which means to move forward.

We were challenged to be believers that will leave behind immaturity, hypocrisy, and the past. I like that. Leave behind the past. I can't change it, only learn from it. Time to move on, move forward. I pledge in 09 to leave the past behind.

Have a great New Years eve and day. Let's all watch some football and eat well. My resolutions always start a few days after Jan 1.

Its a New Year, lets make it the best ever.

J

Christmas magic

2008-12-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

How many of us are trying to find that Christmas magic every year? Maybe it is getting harder, it sure is for me. I am constantly trying to slow down, but look up and see that its Dec 23rd. I got my lists done, shopping done, etc. So at this point I have had some, but I am still looking for more.

Here are my top 5 so far. 1. Yankee Candle store - Williamsburg. Very nice to visit their Dept 56 store and a very winter village setting. 2. Snowing outside of Kohl's - Christa and I went in with an overcast sky, and came out with snow.. very nice 3. Watching Christmas movies by candlelight. - a couple of times this year 4. Hitting the mall and watching people visit Santa - had a flashback to all three of mine getting their picture with Mr Claus. Still get to do that with Chloe. 5. Candle light service singing Silent Night. It always gets me to see all the candles lit.

Now tomorrow I am the family are headed to Colorado Springs to visit my parents. My two brothers and their families will be joining. Quotes from Christmas vacation will be flying and I am looking for that sweater that Randy wore with the dickie underneath. I still die laughing when you see him.

The mountains are always nice at Christmas time and I hope to get the special feeling in my being once again. Merry Christmas to all - Happy Holidays, travel safe, and see you in the New year.

J

the night before Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:10:00.001-08:00

It's the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house the smell of prepping food makes me hungry as a mouse. All my children are busy with their new things from grandma, as I and my wife are looking at grandpa. Everyone is in their snuggly pajamas, when from the kitchen came quite a clatter. Yes there in the light of the refrigerator stood my youngest Chloe hiding like a prestidigitator.

Okay enough of that. Its great to have the holidays upon us. We have Christa's parents here and its time for some seriously good food. This is the season that we live for. There is some concern if our Turkey will thaw before tomorrow, but I am confident all will be well. I am very happy to have a day in which we eat and watch football.

speaking of football; how bout those Sooners. A win against the hated Cowboys from Stillwater, and its a jump over the Longhorns into the title game. A quick prediction, it will happen and the UT fans will be crying. Love you guys my friends, especially when your crying.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving. Remember to truly be thankful for more than food and football.

J

Five things

2008-11-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here are five things to share with you.

1. I am fighting the changes in my life; despite speaking to our church a series called transitions. I see that with age it is very easy to get comfortable. Comfort can be contagious. I keep telling myself "No pain No gain", or "no pain no change", or "Know Change, Know Pain" Transitions are inevitable - how will we handle it? The good news as that my mental battles are becoming victories and I am choosing to move forward.

2. I am appreciating my family at a very high level. Why? Because I should true. But because of the amount of counseling and coaching, and praying for others that I do. There are some tough situations out there. The world is tough. Family life, marriage can be work. I am very blessed with my three children and gorgeous wife. Sometimes I gritch about the little things I want them to improve on. I forget to say how happy, proud and in love with them I am. There have been a few moments lately that bring me to reality that life can be good - but it does take work.

3. I can't wait to see the new bond movie. It came out to bad reviews. Not enought plot and plenty of actoin. Perfect for me. I am a bond fanatic, have always enjoyed the movies and I thought the last one Casino Royale was awesome and the new bond was awesome. So I believe this next movie will be... Awesome. Going on Friday.

4. My beloved OU sooners are playing Texas Tech this Saturday evening. My family is going to be there and I will be there to, in spirit. OU is favored by 7 points... because they are playing at home. Should they win it is the first real step toward a national championship. If I am happy on Sunday - they won. If I am unhappy, they lost. Just smile and remind me that Jesus is Lord not football.

5. I have resumed working out with regularity. Why? Because the "Turkey Bowl" flag football game is next week. It pits the older dads vs. youth. This year I am 40 and need to be in better shape to keep up. If you are joining me for this game, come prepared, stretch. We had way to many guys on the sidelines after 15 minutes. I refuse to be on of those guys that grows old gracefully. I am still feeling pretty young, but my body needs some reminding.

God is good all the time.

J

Catching up

2008-11-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

Life is moving quite fast. Can you believe we are approaching the Holidays? Wow, Thanksgiving and Christmas are right here. I was blown away to see the Christmas decorations in the stores so early this year. Music is playing, movies are coming out for Christmas. Favorites are already being watched.

What a fantastic weekend we just had. My son Landon, and daughter Kaitlyn, attended the Dare 2 Share conference with our youth ministry. They both were really touched by the Lord, and compelled to change who they were. Both feel a calling to share the Lord with others with renewed vigor. I am very proud of both of them.

Landon is really developing a passion for leading worship. He is learning that singing or performing is one thing, but ministering in worship is another.

Chloe wrapped up the fall soccer season. She scored on average of 3.5 goals per game. She asked me the other day why there are rules in soccer. She said that if there were not any rules she could be more aggressive. How is it that cute little thing with blond hair and blue eyes could be so tough? Oh yeah Christa is her mom.

Christa has a new job that is a wonderful fit for the family life. She is up and out early in the morning and able to come home at 1. The only problem is that she passes out about 9pm.

My Sooners are #5 and have a chance to make the championship game. They have to beat Texas Tech on the 22nd. They will!

Today is Veterans Day. I am so blessed to pastor in this area. We honored our military this past Sunday and I was moved by how many men and women we had stand. It is truly an honor to speak into the lives of so many that serve our country. Thank you to all those that serve in this countries armed services. Thank you to everyone that continues to make this nation great. Let's remember to pray for our country - continually. May God truly bless America.

Lastly - don't forget "God doesn't, but we should, change is good."

Jay

catching up

2008-10-27T14:41:00.001-07:00

Hello all

I have not been on the blog lately. Life has been busy lately. Of course you are all busy as well. I will continue to update this blog a bit more regularly. Why? I put it on my calendar now. That way I remind myself. I need these personal reminders to remember these days.

I use to remember names very well but finding myself at capacity lately. A good thing: Church is growing. A bad thing: Can't remember everyone I meet. In the future I will use some of those word association tactics. Like remembering a name with something funny. Like when I met Christa. I immediately said wow gorgeous girl. Christa - angel. Like Christ. Get it. Well seriously I never could forget meeting her. This was just an example. And angelic......? How about the old 90 -10 rule.

Chloe continues to score goals in her soccer games and expects a dollar a goal. We stopped that after the second game and 11 dollars. Landon is writing song lyrics and developing his skating skills. I have a goal to get him a skateboard for Christmas this year since he has now announced that he is a skater. I have found it funny that he has never pursued a skateboard - and yet is a "skater". Kaitlyn is busy, busy, busy. Choir, County Choir, Two dance classes, and a passion to be socially involved at every non-busy moment. So yes the pace is quick moving.

Christa has started a new job at Qinetiq. A great company, and a great schedule. Pray for her as she has just recently experienced a sprained ankle. This occurred as she was eating kettle corn and walking: problem if you know what I mean. To add some detail, she was walking through a corn maze with uneven ground in boots with heels - a bigger problem.

It's Monday - good night of T.V. Heroes, and MNF. The weather has turned cool today, very cool, maybe a fire. Big Smile just came across my face.

At the church we just announced the first service for our new building, Feb 22. 17 weeks and counting down.. At last.

Pastor Rich and I will start a new series for November - Transitions. Lots of changes happening all around us - let's talk about.

Blessings

J