Good Video.. Real Message

Being in Children's and Family Ministry, you come across a lot of family members going through this..

I think this is a AWESOME video!! and brings home the message

Upward

Well, it is that time of year again. We will be starting our Upward Basketball and Cheer leading Ministry this Friday with our first evaluation night, and then two more in the weeks to come.

I am looking forward to an exacting new year.
If you would like to know more about this amazing ministry, just click over to www.antiochmills.org.

Just Around The Corner

Thought I would post this video.. Landon loves this movie and I think the song is quite good my self..and besides.. Might as well get in the spirit of Christmas now!!

Finally!!...Ladies and Gentlemen.. SUPERMAN

Nick Vujicic

About Nick Vujicic
A Remarkable Story of God's Grace

It says in James 1:2, "Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

It seemed like a tall order to “count” hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but “pure joy” when my birth date arrived. My parents were Christians; my Dad was even a Pastor of our church, so that verse was quite familiar to them. However, on the morning of December 4th , 1982, in Melbourne, Australia, the last two words on the minds of my parents was "Praise God!". Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it. Having no answers at all, the doctors were completely shocked and taken off guard!

The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated. "If God is a God of love, “ they questioned, “Then why would He let something like this happen, and especially to committed Christians?" My Dad did not think I would survive for very long. But, tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy with just one hitch, I’d been born without any limbs.

Understandably, my parents had strong concern and evident fears of what kind of life I would be able to lead. The first big hurdle was for my parents to be at peace, trusting that God was still fully in control. It took a number of months and a lot of tears, questions and grief before coming to terms within their own hearts. God provided them with the strength, wisdom and courage they would need through those early years. Soon after that, I was old enough to go to school.

School was really enjoyable for me and I really tried to live life like everyone else. But, it was in my early years of school where I encountered uncomfortable times of feeling rejected, weird and bullied because of my physical difference. It was very hard for me to get used to. In spite of this, with the support of my parents, I started to develop attitudes and values which helped me overcome these challenging times. Though I knew I was different, on the inside, I was just like everyone else. There were many times when I felt so low that I wouldn't go to school in order to avoid all the negative attention. With encouragement from my parents, I began to ignore the bullies and tried to start making friends by just talking with some of the kids. Soon the students realized that I was just like them. Starting there, God began to bless me with new friends!


Many times I felt depressed and angry because I couldn't change the way I was, or blame anyone for that matter. In Sunday school, I learned that God loves us all and that He cares for us deeply. At that stage in my childhood, I could understand His love to a point. But, as you can imagine, I still got hung up on that fact that if he really loved me, why did He make me like this? I wondered if I’d done something wrong and began to feel certain that this must be true. Otherwise, I thought, God wouldn’t have made me the only weird one out of all the kids at school. Feeling I was a burden to those around me, I sensed the sooner I’d just go away altogether, the better it would be for everyone. So, at a young age, I wanted to end my pain and my life. But I am thankful, once again, for my parents and my family who were always there to comfort me and lend me their strength. Thankfully, a real turning point arrived!

Due to the emotional struggles I had experienced with bullying, self-esteem and loneliness, God began to instill a passion of sharing my story and experiences to help others cope with whatever challenge they might have in their lives. Turning my struggles into something that would glorify God and bless others, I realized my purpose! The Lord was going to use me to encourage and inspire others to live to their fullest potential and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing their hopes and dreams.

As I grew older, God continued to prepare my heart and teach me to seek Him. One of the first lessons that I have learned was not to take things for granted. With a wake-up call around the age of twelve, I realized just how much God had blessed me. My foot, what I’ve termed “my little chicken bone” I had been taking for granted. But it serves me well. God had freely given to me and so much with my loving family, and so many other blessings, I realized “Why should I still complain?” God directed me to Romans 8:28 and there I found this, "And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him." Wow! That verse really spoke to my heart. It convicted me to the point where I’m confident that there’s no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence and that these "bad" things happen in our life to make us more like Christ.

In James 1:3 & 4, it reads, "...know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Enlightened through God’s Word, I felt complete peace rush in, knowing that God will not let anything happen to us unless He has a good purpose for it. At the age of 15, I completely gave my life to Christ after reading John 9. In this chapter, Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him." I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His awesome power. As I grew in Christ and in spiritual maturity, the Lord gave me the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something within His will, it will happen, but in His timing…not ours. And likewise, if our prayers are not within God's will, then I know that He has something better. His purpose became clearer to me and now I’m fully convinced and understand that His glory is revealed as He uses me just the way I am. And even more wonderful, He can use me in ways others can't be used.

Now twenty-five years old, I’ve completed a Bachelor’s Degree in both Financial Planning and Accounting. Also, I’m active as a motivational speaker. Again, my number one passion is for souls. I just love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. Over time, I’ve developed messages that relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. The Lord has used me to speak in the corporate sector as well. For more information on Nick's presentations, go to "Nick's Ministry".

In recent years, I’ve learned to become independent and can now take care of all my personal needs. I’m able to do everything from brushing my teeth and combing my hair to dressing up and taking care of my personal hygiene, including shaving. I get around the house by jumping around and, outside the house; an electric wheelchair assists me. For recreation, I enjoy swimming, fishing and playing soccer.

Passionate for reaching out to the youth, I’m constantly ministering in schools from elementary to high school. Ultimately, I make myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow, for I’ve learned to trust Him fully.

Achieving goals and pursuing dreams is something I’m actively pursuing on a regular basis. Some of these include becoming the best witness I can be of God's love and hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and to be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues. These goals are, even now, being realized. Other aspirations of mine yet to be realized is my desire to modify a car that I can drive, to be interviewed on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and share my story, and to write several books. With anticipation, I look forward to starting on the first of these this year. Not surprisingly, the title will be, "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!"

Many would think these goals were too far-fetched. However, I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and it's within God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God, who is well able to do all things! We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the power of God is that if we want to do something for God, we must refocus. Instead of concentrating on our capability, our attention needs to shift to our availability. For, the Word of God is clear; it is God working through us. Without Him, we aren’t capable of doing anything on our own. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's! Philippians 4:13 highlights this point well, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God has a truly great purpose for your life!

As far as your unanswered prayers, remember that God is Faithful. What are we to do when we are seeking but not finding? Jeremiah 29:12 states, "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.

Take courage my friend for the Battle is the Lord's. Let me urge you to keep striving for the truth. The truth, found in Jesus Christ, is what will set you free. It’s His peace, reigning in your heart, that will give you true freedom from the fear and doubt that has previously resided there. May the Lord bless you as you diligently seek Him and grant you Godly wisdom and strength through your journey.

Brady and Band

Thought I would add this pic of Brady in his Harrison County Marching Band uniform..
he plays the baratone sax..
He has a compt. this Sat. in Boon County

Camping...What Was I Thinking!?!?

I took the family camping this past week.. and I guess I am letting the "title" make it sound worse then it was....
Acutally it wasnt that bad.. I mean.. besides Alexander being tied to a tree with a rope or Landon throwing rocks in the lake evertime Brady casted his line or the endless chatter of kids in a camper sleeping and having "to go pee daddy!!"

Thank goodness my parents didnt live that far away.. Cathy got to spend the nights with Alex in a nice soft bed..

Over all it was pretty good.. I think the highlights were when Brady was meeting new kids at ridding his bike or playing football with them and Alex at the playground or Landon sitting next to me at the campfire saying.."This is cool"

*side note*
Landon doesnt like to "roast" his marshmellows.. he rather just hold the bag and eat them!

Biker Boyz!!!

Alexander on his big ole hog!!!

@ Brady's Band Contest

As you can see Landon and Alex were having the time of their lives!!!
Brady did good, will post pics of the compt. When I scan them

Update

Just a snap shot of Cathy and I at my high school reunion in Sept.

I Can't Reach His.....

Ok, this is a classic.. There were some cookies on the counter, and Landon asked if he could have one? I said, sure, but make sure you give your brother (Alexander)one too..

So he came back into the living room with 2 cookies in his hand, and Alex was crying. I said Landon, where is Alex's cookie? Here is what the middle child said.

Daddy, I wanted 2 cookies, and I couldn't reach anymore..!!!!

Are YOU Fireproof

Cathy and I along with Tara and Curtis Marsh went to see the movie Fireproof, and it was an AWESOME movie I do declare.. but don't let me be the only voice, hear what the offical Fireproof web sight is saying!!

Thank You ... Thank You ... Thank GOD!
Throughout 2008, you have followed the behind-the-scenes story of FIREPROOF, an action-packed love story about a fireman, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing.

Friday, on opening day, you experienced the movie firsthand. With friends and family, with small groups and entire churches, you went. And laughter, tears, and cheers filled 839 theaters across the country.

Today, as movie-industry insiders look at all of the statistical data from yesterday, they are trying to figure out how in the world a movie they didn't even know about was one of the most popular movies in the country on Friday.

That's right: FIREPROOF was the No. 3 movie in America yesterday! You have thoroughly confounded Hollywood.

Will FIREPROOF stay No. 3 the rest of Opening Weekend? By industry standards, it seems extremely unlikely. The next five movies that finished behind FIREPROOF are playing on approximately 2,500 screens each.

So the key is that people like us keep showing up at movie theaters, both today and tomorrow. Let's show Hollywood that FIREPROOF is the kind of movie you will support. Let them know that this is more than a movie ... it's a movement.

As we found out with Facing the Giants two years ago and FIREPROOF last night, with God, all things are possible ... even in the movie industry. Make that especially in the movie industry.

Thank you! And thanks for continuing to support FIREPROOF on this all-important weekend.

Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble

Well, we had an interesting night at out house on Tuesday. Seems like Landon has a wee-bit problem not doing as he is told and back-talking.
Normally I would understand being he is still small, but he will be four years old in a few months so we have to start breaking him of this habit.

You see Tuesday night, Cathy told Landon it was time for bed and he told her, "Hush! you don't tell me, in fact, YOU go to bed Mommy"!

Well it seems he has been "mouthy" all day so Cathy took him into the kitchen sat him down on the floor and put a drop of "Joy" dish liquid on his tongue, and explain that we don't talk like that to Mommy.

Well, after it was done, I started to laugh to myself, because, Landon is always singing that song "I got the joy, joy, joy, down in my heart"!

So I started singing..
"I got the "JOY" joy, joy down in my heart.

I think he is learning his lesson.

The World Does Need A Hero

You know after allot of thinking and much time in prayer and just looking around at the need of compassion and love for the kids in this community and beyond,.. I realized that even with the negative statements I got from a few people.. The world does need a hero..

Good Quote

"One journey has ended. A new journey is about to begin." - Jor-El

Doomsday

I wonder sometimes..
Why be a hero..
You just might end up alone....

Top Shows of Smallville

Season 1
The Pilot - (how it all began)
Hourglass - (looks at the future of Clark and Lex)
Stray - (first meet Ryan)

Season 2
Red - (first introduced to red metor rock)
Lineage - (find out the Luthors helped the Kents with Clark's adoption)
Ryan - (first really sad show on Smallville
Rosetta - (Clark learns where he is from + has Christopher Reeve)

Season 3
Slumber - (just down right creepy)
Relic - (Jor-El visited Smallville in the 1960's)
Asylum - (first look at how crazy Lex is)
Memoria - (Lex cracking up as a kid)

Season 4
Crusade - (Clark/Kal-El flies)
Run - (introduced to Bart/The Flash)
Onyx - (see the real Lex Luthor)

Season 5
Aqua - (for Timmy)
Lexmas - (what could of been)
Reckoning - (death of John Kent)
Vessel - (welcome to earth Gen. Zod)

Season 6
Arrow - (Hello Oliver Queen)
Justice - (coolest one of them all)
Nemesis - (best line ever "were you ever really my friend Lex?")

Season 7
Action - (Clarks saves Lana from falling off a building)
Descent - (Lionel Luthor dies by the hands of Lex)
Apocalypse - (shows what if Clark never came to earth)
Arctic - (Lex destroys the Fortress)

Who will you follow in combat?

Who would you want as your Commander in Chief?
Someone who refuses to place his hand over his heart during the pledge to our nation's flag (remember he is a US Senator.........

Or someone who fought and bled for her country?

CONNECT

While the prophet Samuel was young, he lived in the Temple under the spiritual guidance of Eli. One night God called Samuel’s name, but he thought it was Eli. After this happened several times, Eli realized the truth and told Samuel to go back to bed and if he heard the voice again to respond by saying . . .

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!” 1 Samuel 3:9b

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See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.

See You at the Pole™ is scheduled annually on the fourth Wednesday in September, which is September 24 in 2008. The suggested starting time is 7 a.m. If that doesn't work for your school, choose a time that will work for your school, but let everyone at your school know!

Mark 6:4

I learned a profound but true life lesson today. I never new this to be so true untill now.

"If you are destined to saved the world. you are destined to be alone"