new life ramblings (5/29/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• Today is May 29—Did you read Prov. 29 today?  I like verse 20: “do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him”.  Interpretation—think before you speak. (or think before you press send on that email)
• Last weekend 29 people from New Life built 2 homes in Mexico.  I love to see their excitement.  Did you know we have built  8 homes in Mexico in the last three years?   
• A shout out to all of our graduates at New Life.  We have a ton of students graduating from High School and College.
• We just had 36 people in the “Fireproof your Marriage” series on Wednesday night.
• Man Up rally with Roosevelt Hunter is next Friday, June 5. Seven days from now.  You don’t want  to miss this Friday night rally.  You will love it.  Rally begins at 7:00 PM. 
• After the Man Up Rally, Roosevelt Hunter will be speaking for our youth at 9:00 PM.  I am very excited to see what God will do next Friday night at New Life.
• The original game of “Monopoly” was circular.
• Simply Worship is Wednesday.  This is the last Simply Worship before summer.  I love these evenings where we pursue Jesus together.
• We have over 17,000 books in the RCS library. 
• We are making great head way with our building.  Very exciting.  Begin to pray about November 1, 2009.  This is the day we finish “Now is the Time”.  We need $800,000 to come in by this day.  We will do a one-day miracle offering on this Sunday.  I need everyone to pray about giving.
• I visited Mike Taber in the hospital this week.  The Taber family is a significant part of New Life. Mike is struggling for his life.  He needs a touch of God. It was amazing to see the church in action.  To hear the stories of how people are gathering around Amy (his wife) and the family is amazing.  Everyone needs to have friends in life that will stand with you during tragedy.
• Fridays Rock for kids is tonight.
• We are baptizing some kids on Sunday.  I love seeing people go public with their faith.
• Your thumb is the same length as your nose.
• Read Exodus 18 to prepare for Sunday.  This is a defining text for me as a leader.
• Last week I met with the elders.  We were reflecting on the generous giving of New Life.  Thank you your giving.  I pray God’s favor on your life.  I often think—what would happen if everyone gave in a systematic, generous and cheerful way?   Can you imagine the potential and strength of this kind of church?  Ok, something is stirring in my heart. 
• Jana and I love New Life.