Woman's Bible Study

Last week we started a woman's bible study on the North campus. Everyone woman on staff was invited to participate. We meet on Thursday's from 11:30 to 1:00. The first week was really good....we all got a chance to share a little bit about ourselves and our story. Typically a room full of ladies is way too much estrogen in one place for me, but I can already tell God has some great things in store! We're looking at the life of David. I LOVE learning new things about the Bible, the details of it, the personal life stories. The study is called Anointed. Transformed. Redeemed. Good things are to come my friend, good things are to come.

Celebrating Sarah

Sarah and I have been friends for almost 11 years now. In October she'll be married to her boyfriend of 10 years....I know, insane. They started dating when we were in the 8th grade. She has asked me to be her Maid of Honor in her wedding. This past weekend we got to celebrate the ending of her singleness :) I love you Sarah!

Paul's Words

Standing up, Paul motioned with his hands and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers, he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, he endured their conduct for about 40 years in the desert, he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance."
"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, and he have them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin who ruled forty years. After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David Son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel."
"Brother's, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that the message of Salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now witnesses to our people."
"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:

"Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish,

for I am going to so something in your days that you would never believe,

even if someone told you."

What I hear when I read this:

The God we serve is still the SAME God. We are still the SAME people. I'm convinced that we too would stand shouting "Hosanna!" and almost in that same breath shout "Crucify him!" We do it everyday in our own subtle ways. He is still constant. Still does not NEED us for a second, but continues to prove himself faithful. We are still unworthy in every way. Paul's words scream a promise and a warning. He couldn't be more clear.

I love it.

Underground Begins

Last night was our first Underground at the North Campus. Marshall Dallas did a great job! We're looking forward to the things that God will do. It's every Thursday night at 8pm. Come join us!

Student Leadership Team

For the past several weeks Patrick Thurman, our high school associate, has been hard at work organizing and preparing a group of students to be apart of our leadership team. There are 11 kids on the team. Last night, at Wednesday Night Lights, the team got their first opportunity to put their skills to work. They were able to plan and organize the night. It was a total success! The students totally stepped up to the challenge. There was a different vibe in the room. They totally owned it. It was awesome to see God work through their leadership, and this is just week one! I truly believe God as orchestrated each of these students for this role. They are a group of stellar students who are prepared to serve and honor God. I'm blessed to be a part of what they're going to do! It's only the beginning!

Fantasy Football

So yesterday all of our guys on staff met in Mark Terry's office to get their "picks". I carried on with my day....finishing up emails, getting ready for Wednesday Night Lights, went to lunch and returned. Still no sign of the guys. Really? I get it. Football is awesome. I really do love it. I love watching it, but over the years I've developed a rather strong hate for Fantasy Football! I dated a guy one time who had a team and it was ridiculous! Anytime we were near a computer it was a "quick sign on" that was seldom ever quick! And he was for real about this stuff too. I remember sitting in a restaurant one time and he found out that a player (obviously a very valuable player)was hurt and the yell he let out almost made me crawl under the table. C'mon man. I'm all about being passionate and giving it all ya got, but the key word here is FANTASY. Maybe I just can't appreciate it, maybe I'm just a girl when it comes to this area, but either way I'm putting some strong thought into banning Fantasy Football from my marriage! I think I'll write a vow, yes I just might!

Jgray, don't fire me.

Love is a DECISION

You may not have heirs in the traditional sense. I don't. You may not have a fortune to leave behind or a legacy of great works that will outlive your fleeting days on this planet. But if you're brave enough, you can leave a "love trail" that will linger long after you've gone.

Love takes courage. It takes patience. It's easy to be bitter and hate. Start something today. We've only got one chance at this.