Beyond Lame Faith @ Out Of The Box Tonight

As we begin our worship tonight @ Out of the Box I am going to invite people to come to the altar area and leave their shoes around the altar and we are going to pray that God will put shoes on our faith!

Acts 3: 1-10

¹One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ²Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

⁶Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Points in tonight’s message

The man in this story was unable to physically walk, but we can also find ourselves lame in our faith.

Our faith will become stale when we try to function on our own. Jesus has called us to grow in our faith and not get stuck.

Sometimes our faith is lame because we sponge off our parents, church, or others to feel like we have a strong faith. However, our faith comes from God.

Many times rather than seeking deeper faith we waste time seeking things.

The lame man in the story wanted money and was offered Christ. Which do you choose?

Ronnie

Worship Songs for Tonight

Mikes Graduation from Officer Academy November 10, 2009

Now here is a great idea….Youth Campus

I just found this information on Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Charlotte NC. Look what they are doing for the youth of their area. It looks somewhat like Out Of The Box. You can also see the Out Of The Box Story Below.

Ronnie

This Day In The Life of Your Pastor – November 10th, 2009

• Lists

1. Happy Anniversary Misty http://bit.ly/1pMLdpabout 11 hours ago from web

2. Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me … http://read.ly/John6.35.NLTabout 12 hours ago from API

3. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for yo… http://read.ly/Rom12.1.NLTabout 12 hours ago from API

4. Sacrament – an outward sign of inward graceabout 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

5. The church is Christs body – the visible, material instrument through which Christ continues 2 B made known & His divine plan is fulfilled.about 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

6. Ok I have Kyle, Christo, Samuel, & Judah. Misty, Mike, & Caitlin have Victoria. What is wrong w this pic? Oh yeah I should have Victoria toabout 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. Samuel, Christopher, & Victoria are writing on the windows with crayons @ Chili’s. Greatabout 17 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. Getting ready to break my Fast. We are celebrating Mikes graduation @ Chili’sabout 17 hours ago from TwitterBerry

9. My Fast ends today @ sundown. I am praying for a lot of miracles and one is funds to pay off my Seminary Degree.about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

10. Did U no that stats show that 76% of the jobs being created over the next several years will not require a 4 yr degree? Look @ Comm collegeabout 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

11. Check out Virginia Education Wizard. It will help U planning your education. It is designed 2 show where the job demands will B N the futureabout 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

12. The average age of a Virginia community college student is 28about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

13. Virginian’s holding college degrees. 20% Bachelor’s, 13% Graduateabout 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

14. So, why did Solomon refer to Wisdon as “her”?about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

15. @ the Virginia Commission on Youth “Galax Roundtable”about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

16. headed to Galax for Youth Related Meeting @ Crossroadsabout 20 hours ago from web

17. Mike knows what it feels like to be sprayed with “pepper spray” because if was part of his training. Wowabout 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

18. Mike has completed 12 weeks of training, the class president said the 1st day was known as ” hell day”about 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

19. They just introduced “Officer Michael Collins”about 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

20. In Dublin @ Mikes Graduation. I’m a proud daddy!about 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

21. If your ch closed would the community notice http://bit.ly/2ikhu9about 21 hours ago from web

22. Fox News: Gunman reportedly holding high school principal in Dutchess County, N.Y.about 22 hours ago from web

23. Fox News Breaking story, lets Pray: New York high school in lockdown as police negotiate with gunmanabout 22 hours ago from web

24. gifts & talents http://bit.ly/pgi0yabout 22 hours ago from web

25. $26.00 more has come in for The Children of Sudan. God is Awesome and you are changing lives with your giftsabout 22 hours ago from we

26. In the office til 10 or so and then on to Mike’s Graduation, Celebration time in the Collins Householdabout 22 hours ago from web

27. The Will of God is that we forgive as He has forgiven us!

Happy Anniversary Misty

Three years ago today, November 11th, 2006 Misty and I were married!

Some have heard the story but some have not. Misty and I talked a lot about what we wanted our marriage to be like and number one was that we wanted our relationship, our marriage to be honoring to God. Let me be the first to say that we don’t always agree on everything and sometimes we can’t seem to agree on anything, but we always work together to come to a God honoring conclusion. Our prayer still is that we will be an example to others in the way that we have chosen to live our lives. As for Misty and I and our household, we will serve the Lord!

Joshua 24:15

¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (NIV)

We prayed also that we would be able to have a house full of children. It has been my dream for many years to have 10 of them. We actually prayed that we would conceive on our wedding day and we picked out a name for a boy, Samuel Gray Collins. Gray is after my dad and myself and our second birth child would be named after Misty’s dad, Wayne. (Judah Wayne Collins)

We were married on Saturday November 11th and on Sunday November 12th we went to church at The Church of The Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Charlotte North Carolina. That morning as we entered the sanctuary the worship was moving and the people were very welcoming. As the pastor came to the front that morning, Talbot Davis (pastor) announced that he was going to observe the sacrament of baptism and as he started to explain what was taking place, here is what he said. “As Hannah brought her son Samuel to the temple of the Lord to be dedicated to Him, this couple brings their child to be baptized.”

I looked at Misty and said, “It’s prophetic, you are pregnant, he is a little boy and his name will be Samuel Gray Collins. After a few weeks pregnancy tests showed that we were indeed pregnant. When Misty went to the first doctors appointment, we came away with a due date exactly 9 months from the date of our wedding. Some say its coincidence but we say it is God.

Samuel was born actually on August 5th a few days early. He is healthy and today he is 2 years and 3 months old. We now have 4 children. Michael who is 24 and has 2 children of his own, Christopher and Victoria, so we are grandparents. Kyle who is 11 years old, Samuel who is 2, and Judah who is 6 months old.

We are blessed beyond measure. We have received what we have asked form the Lord and we are grateful.

Misty, I love you with all of my heart. I love the way that you work with all of our children and the fact that none is more special than the other. Each is different but all are loved the same. I love who you are in Christ and the fact that God comes before even I do. I wouldn’t be married to anyone else and no one could compare to the woman of God that you are.

I look forward to the many more years that we pray to have together and the family that we have is so awesome. I am a blessed man to have the family that I have been blessed with.

I love you!

Ronnie

Mikes Graduation Day

It is official. Mike has completed the Academy and he is now an Officer!

Officer Michael Christopher Collins, my son!

I love you Mike

Pupa

Let your church’s shadow fall across the community

Source

By Bishop James Swanson

Bishop Swanson: If your church closed
tomorrow, would your community miss it?

History tells us about the people whose actions either improved life for humanity or caused more misery. In hindsight, it’s amazing to see the difference that one person can make.

Contrast the shadows of Cain or Abel, Saul or David, Rahab or Delilah, Timothy or Demas, Peter or Nero, King George or John Wesley, Hitler or Victor Frankl, Idi Amin or Nelson Mandela, Son of Sam or Ben Carson. My friends, make no mistake about it! The way we live our lives – individually and corporately – can and does make a difference in the course of human history. So let us turn our attention to the text for today:

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women; insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. (Acts 5:14-15)

The writer does not tell whether anyone was healed as a direct result of this, but Luke does indicate that people in Jerusalem had deep respect and trust for Peter. There was no evidence that Peter’s shadow could heal — not at all. The healing was not in Peter’s shadow but in the Lord he represented and the faith he engendered. Apparently, many people believed that just by showing up, Peter could make a significant difference in the lives of the suffering.

Our world is filled with suffering people, people in desperate need of healing from despair, rejection, poverty, hate, and fear. They need healing from the need to be in control and from a world view identifying everyone as enemies rather than potential friends. Some people wake up hungry, go to sleep hungry, and then wake up hungry again. These suffering people need shadows that will bring food to their starving lands. Some people live in lands that have not had rest from war. They need the shadow of peace, flavored with justice.

The list is long of people needing shadows that bring deliverance, relief, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and wholeness. What kind of shadow does your church cast in your own community? If your church closed tomorrow, would the community miss your church? I’m not asking if you and your fellow members would miss your church. I’m asking if people outside the doors would miss your congregation’s influence.

If I asked people living within five miles of your church to point out its location, could they? If I asked people what they know about your church, how would they describe your shadow?

Will the world – your community – be a better place because your church exists? What if we, as church people, started living out our calling to be the salt of the earth? What if you decided this day that rather than arguing about who is right, you would join your enemies to discover God’s promises?

I encourage you to ask these questions at your board meetings, Sunday school classes, choir rehearsals, United Methodist Women and Men meetings, and youth events. Most of all, I want you to find out what the people outside your churches think about the shadows you cast.

James Edward Swanson Sr. is resident bishop of the Holston Annual Conference.

Festival of Gifts and Talents @ Out of the Box This Sunday November 15th

Festival of Gifts and Talents

AND

District Youth Rally

When:  Sunday November 15

Festival of Gifts and Talents – 5 to 6:30 pm

District Youth Rally – 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Where:  Out of the Box (Main Street in Hillsville, VA) and 1^st UMC Hillsville

The Festival of Gifts and Talents will be held at Out of the Box and the District Youth Rally has been moved to 1^st Hillsville UMC.

Pizza will be served around 6 pm between the two events.

Rev. Josh Kilbourne will be speaking at the rally and Souled Out will be providing worship music.

Please bring a donation for the Youth Service Fund (YSF) offering.

Remember that talent acts are limited to 5 minutes.  If you plan to perform please email Chris Luper a brief description of your act and any special accommodations you might need.

If you plan to attend either event please contact Chris Luper as soon as possible:

chris_umcyouth@yahoo.com

(276) 236-9937

This day in the life of your pastor – November 9th, 2009

1. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. http://read.ly/John16.22.NLTabout 11 hours ago from API

2. Christmas is the promise that the God who came in history and comes daily in mystery will one day come in glory. Brennan Manningabout 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry

3. Praying 4 a very special young lady who loves God. May tonight be your breakthrough. God wants to impact the world through you!about 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry

4. The mightiest act of love ever to rise from a human soul is Jesus death by crucifixionabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

5. Samuel just pointed a water gun at me and screamed “peace out yall”about 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

6. The New York City Marathon, 40,000 runners each year, 2 million spectators, 26.2 miles. Pray that I get in!about 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. Praying & Fasting for Kim Farmer. Asking God 4 a miracleabout 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. Oops Wing Night is Wednesday Night. I have put in too many hours already this week. Wing Night is Wednesday Nightabout 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

9. Out of the Box: Rocks with Wing Night Tomorrow night. Be there!about 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

10. Headed to Mt Airy to pick up meds for Samuel’s ear infectionabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

11. Council meeting was great, lots of ministry going onabout 14 hours ago from web

12. praying for Maddie Woodyard, God give her peace in this health crisis and your ultimate healingabout 15 hours ago from web

13. praying for Carrie. Praying for a safe and great pregnancy. God protect this little one that you have created.about 15 hours ago from web

14. headed to Church Council Meetingabout 15 hours ago from web

15. the preachers kids http://bit.ly/3CP8wjabout 16 hours ago from web

16. praying for all our CCHS students right now. Lots of decisions to make, some will determine the course of life for themabout 16 hours ago from web

17. in the news today http://bit.ly/44IA0Eabout 16 hours ago from web

18. Fast started @ 5:45 & will last til 5:45 Tue eve. txt your prayer request. Nearly 200 people are Fasting & praying 4 Revival N Carroll Coabout 16 hours ago from web

19. Just had dinner with. Paul Jones. It was an honorabout 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

20. I meet with my Mentor and group for Provisional Elder on Thursday. We are studying “A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion”about 17 hours ago from TwitterBerry

21. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (inc… http://read.ly/Acts2.42.NLTabout 17 hours ago from API

22. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his… http://read.ly/Eph4.15.NLTabout 17 hours ago from API

23. post office run and a quick dinnerabout 18 hours ago from web

24. Man, what a slam packed week! Energy is abundant in Christ!about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

25. headed into staff meeting to work on the busy work scheduleabout 19 hours ago from web

26. I absolutely love Mondays. Monday is 1 of my favorite days of the week. My other favorites are Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, and Sundayabout 19 hours ago from web

27. Visiting with Paul Jones, remember the family in your prayers. Oleta passed away this morningabout 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

28. If you are a member of Council 1st Hillsville then you have been chosen to help lead the church. Your meeting is @ 7pm tonight.about 21 hours ago from TwitterBerry

29. my morning off has turned into a very busy work day, no rest for the weary but it is what I am called to and love to do!about 21 hours ago from web

30. Walked 2 miles with mom, dad, Misty, Dustin, & the kidsabout 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

31. working from home, phone ringing off the hook or out of my pocketabout 21 hours ago from web

32. What would a church for youth, by youth look like?about 22 hours ago from web

33. reading “Souvenirs of Solitude” by Brennan Manning – great book so far – deep thinking – challenging – convicting – convincingabout 22 hours ago from web

34. Lord you’re the most unpredictable person I kno http://bit.ly/2rtUqVabout 23 hours ago from web

35. The Christian with depth is the one who has failed and learned to live with and minister with that failure.about 23 hours ago from web

36. Each of us pays a high price for our fear of falling flat on our faces.about 23 hours ago from web

37. spending the morning @ home, then work N the office. Church council meeting @ 7pm. If you R a Ministry Area Leader it is important U B thereabout 23 hours ago from web

38. do you ever feel like you get shot down, even when you do your best? Be encouraged, that means you are probably doing something BIG for Godabout 23 hours ago from web

39. a day with Sharon Bowers http://bit.ly/DlQvqabout 24 hours ago from web

40. really wanted to sleep longer this morning but duty calls. It is going to an awesome week and a busy one as well. Appreciate your prayers5:05 AM Nov 9th from web

41. If we are going to keep growing then we must continue to risk failure in our lives.9:40 PM Nov 8th from TwitterBerry

42. Let the one without sin cast the 1st stone. You are free but don’t commit the sin anymore. John 89:35 PM Nov 8th from TwitterBerry

43. The story of the prodigal teaches us that God wants us back more than we even want Him!

The preachers kids

The preachers kids and grandkids.You can always count on one of the kids running through the church or making some loud noise.

A couple of weeks ago I was preaching and my granddaughter came running to the front of the auditorium and I just stopped and introduced her. Last night Kyle helped with the offering and on his way back he skipped very fast and I just told Misty, “I wish more people would get excited”.

It really doesn’t bother me when kids behave like kids. I wish we all had more fun like they do and took things more in stride.

Ronnie

 

In the National News Today

What is wrong when we have stuff like this happening in the sports world? This should never be tolerated and I believe it is a reflection of how our world is stressed out and the rules mean nothing.

Ronnie

Lord, you’re the most unpredictable person I know.

Lord, you’re the most unpredictable person I know.

Just when I think I’ve finally begun to figure you out,

you do something so fantastic, so completely,

wildly unexpected that im knocked for a loop.

I think I know where to find you and then suddenly

I find you in the most unlikely places;

at the oddest moments; in the strangest people.

I think I know your voice;

and then I hear you in a childs crooning lullaby;

in an old man’s chuckle;

in a lovers sigh.

I think I know your face

and then I see you in a psychiatric ward;

in a jam-packed tenement;

in the streets,

wandering aimlessly.

I think I know you well;

and then I discover

I know you not at all.

I think I know your love;

and then I discover

I haven’t begun to know it.

Thank you, Lord,

for being unpredictable.

Thank you for startling me

out of my comfort rut.

Continue teaching me

that you’re a God

of infinite surprises.

Brennan Manning in “Souvenirs of Solitude”

A Day With Sharon Bowers

Sunday November 8th is one that many of us will not soon forget. Reverend Sharon Bowers came and preached for our 8:30, 11am, and 6:30pm services. The title of the am sermon was “The Ultimate Connection”. The message was so on target. So many people have been in church all their lives and still have not made that ultimate connection. So well delivered and so well received. I will listen to this sermon over and over and I know that others will as well. We have CD copies of all of the services and will be glad to share them, just ask.

We had a great time in the Lord, dined at His table on Spiritual food, we worshiped, we sang and we are better for having Sharon with us for the day.

Ronnie

Stormie sang an awesome song for Sharon that she had been working on just a short time. Great job!

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?

You will have to listen to the sermon to understand this one.

This day in the life of your pastor – November 8th, 2009

1. Samuel and I are the only ones up, even the dog is asleepabout 3 hours ago from web

2. My 24 hour Fast starts at Sundown Monday night and I am excited to sit at our Lords Table once again.about 4 hours ago from TwitterBerry

3. It has been a 14 hour work day for me and it has been goodabout 4 hours ago from TwitterBerry

4. Praying for the Coomes Familyabout 4 hours ago from TwitterBerry

5. Dinner @ Rio with Rev Sharon Bowersabout 5 hours ago from TwitterBerry

6. The world wants to take each one of us and make us into something that God can’t use. Don’t let the world win.about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. We are being fed spiritual meat, where are all my peeps? My heart breaks for those who are missing out.about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. When is the last time we got excited about Jesus? Jumped and shouted? If we were blind and were healed we would have a Fit!about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

9. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy o… http://read.ly/Mark10.47.NLTabout 7 hours ago from API

10. Imagine being blind. In sharing your story those spiritually blind will be made to see! Can you imagine that? You have the power to heal.about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

11. Every Christian is called to tell your story! Others should want to be a Christian because of your life.about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

12. Christianity is so serious it is serious from here to eternityabout 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

13. Emergency 911 is the sermon title tonight, the Rev Sharon Bowers. There is electricty in the air, its the Holy Spiritabout 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

14. Had great visits with Betty, Pete & John. It has been a full dayabout 9 hours ago from TwitterBerry

15. Had great visits with Virginia P. Lucille B, & Elizabeth Sabout 10 hours ago from TwitterBerry

16. Making a visit @ Wheatlandabout 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry

17. Praying for Paul & Oleta Jones, desire your prayers for the familyabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

18. Hospital visit w Pearl Smithabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

19. I dare you to come and hear Sharon Bowers preach a message tonight entitled ” emergency 911″ 630pm with Souledout @ 1st Hillsville UMCabout 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

20. Folks Sharon Bowers will B speaking once more N Hilsville @ 630 this eve. You need 2 B a part of what God is doing. don’t miss this eveningabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

21. “We really haven’t come to the point that we know that the earth is the Lords. We still think it is ours.” Rev Sharon Bowersabout 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry

22. You still have time to hear the sermon this morning. If you are missing from church today, come on!about 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

23. I have dined @ the Lords Table already & I am back 4 a second helping. God is blessing @ 1st Hillsville today w His Servant, Sharon Bowersabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

24. There should be a generation that seeks after the face of the Lord! I believe that generation is now!about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

25. “If U don’t have a story then U haven’t experienced the Glory” There R a lot of use 2 be’s here! We all came f somewhere. What’s your story?about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

26. “Most of us have a hard time worshiping God because there are other things in life we have set up as Gods” Rev Sharon Bowersabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

27. Our physical needs, health needs, social needs, self esteem needs, are not our greatest needs. Our greatest need is God, to know Himabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

28. So often we forget from where we came and whose we are. We belong to God!about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

29. Lord I just want to thank you, you gave me breath this morning. You gave me every blessing this day!about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

30. If indeed the earth is the Lords then everything belongs to Godabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

31. It is time for us to bring back the Glory of the Lord to the earth! Amen and Amenabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

32. Sharon Bowers message this morning, “The Ultimate Connection” Psalm 24about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

33. Need a place to worship this morning? Rev Sharon Bowers is preaching @ 1st Hillsville this morning. Join us, you’ll be glad you did. 11amabout 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

34. Headed to 830 worship, going to put my feet under the Lords table & receive spiritual food this morning.about 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

35. Having a million things to do is an excuse for running, Not an argument against it. Taking even a 20 minute run will help with stress!about 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

36. “Rest is training too” it may not feel like it but kicking back relaxing is part of training.about 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

37. If you truly believe that you have an eternal home in heaven, “Please notify your face”about 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

38. “I could more easily contain the Gulf of Mexico in a shot glass than I can comprehend the wild uncontainable love of God” Brennan Manning’about 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

39. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. — Romans 14:8about 17 hours ago from TwitterBerry

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – November 7th, 2009

1. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. http://read.ly/1Cor12.7.NLTabout 7 hours ago from API

2. Just ordered a sleep time brace to take care of my plantar faciitis, gonna get rid of it.about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

3. just received $70 gift for the children of Sudan. God is so good!about 8 hours ago from web

4. 22 Mile Training run today http://bit.ly/2eqdrSabout 8 hours ago from web

5. I am feeling great after my 22 mile run, still have the flare up of Plantar Faciistis, but it only hurts when I walk on it. lolabout 8 hours ago from web

6. The kings are @ Liberty watching the Flames play. I am jealous!about 10 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. Just received a huge blessing. Someone who hasn’t spoken to me in years just did and it was genuine. God is at work!about 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. Waiting on Misty, she saw a Huge Sale sign at Pennysabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

9. @ McDonald’s play place with the kidsabout 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

10. 22 mile training run, finished and I gotta say it hurtsabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

11. Watching Ratatoulie with the boys & studying for Sunday Schoolabout 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

12. Sharon Bowers will be preaching @ 1st Hillsville tomorrow, join us. 830, 11am & 630pmabout 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

13. Judah is an early riser like his daddy this morning. Having coffee, playing with Judah & watching the news

22 Mile Training Run Today

I completed 22 miles today and the end was not so strong. I started the day about 11:15 and finished 22 miles in 3 hours and 59 minutes, not bad at all for the run over all but I was disappointed because I did so well the first 12 miles.

Here is a breakdown of the days miles.

Mile 1       8:50

Mile 2      8:27

Mile 3      8:33

Mile 4      8:44

Mile 5      8:41

Mile 6      8:57

Mile 7      10:12

Mile 8      9:36

Mile 9      9:10

Mile 10    9:24

Mile 11    9:39

Mile 12    9:11

Mile 13    11:39

Mile 14    10:08

Mile 15    11:15

Mile 16    12:25

Mile 17    12:20

Mile 18    14:19

Mile 19    14:20

Mile 20    14:19

Mile 21    14:18

Mile 22    15:11

Total Time 3:59

Average Pace Per Mile 10:53

Calories Burned 3102

It was a great run. I am learning a lot about eating and taking fluids when I run long distance and just wish I had more time to experiment. I took Vanilla Energy Gel that is al natural but I don’t plan to take it again as it is so nasty it almost made me gag. I also tried to get my electrolytes from ShotBlok Bars and that wasn’t a winner either. I ran out of water at mile 15 and that was another disadvantage to me today. I believe my biggest issue today was that I waited until 11am to start and I do much better early in the morning. Another factor is that my training partner had to work and couldn’t do the run with me and we honestly keep each other at the task. So far when one of us is struggling the other is strong and that keeps us running even when we would like to quit.

It was a great day. That is the last long run that I will do before the Marathon in only 19 days. I will continue to do some running. 4 to 7 miles 4 or 5 times a week until the week of the race and then I will cut way back. I will continue to eat well and try to drop several more pounds before the big day. I will also continue to experiment with what to eat on the run.

Ronnie

Fall 2009 Family Pictures

 

This day in the life of your pastor – November 6th, 2009

• Lists

---

1. Debating on an ipod touch. I have birthday money but I just wonder if there is something else I should do? I have the blackberry alreadyabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

2. going to try and get Samuel to bed. I am going to attempt a 22 mile training run tomorrow, sleep will help!about 13 hours ago from web

3. “the artist knows he must B alone 2 create; the writer, 2 work out his thoughts; the musician, 2 compose; the saint, 2 pray,” Anne Lindberghabout 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

4. Silence & Solitude are precious commodities in my life.about 13 hours ago from TwitterBerry

5. “The man who prays will accomplish more in a year than another in a lifetime.” Louis Lallemantabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

6. Reading “Souvenirs of Solitude by Brennan Manning’about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. “We need to find God and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness” Mother Teresaabout 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. home hanging out with the family, kids and grandkidsabout 15 hours ago from web

9. Thank God the bomb threat N Carroll County was just a hoax. Its not a laughing matter 2 the 1000s who have had their lives torn apart latelyabout 17 hours ago from TwitterBerry

10. Headed to Gondolas with Mike & Familyabout 18 hours ago from TwitterBerry

11. @ mom & dads, Samuel loves to run with dad so they are out jogging. Got another runner on our hands, awesomeabout 18 hours ago from TwitterBerry

12. Reviewing books for NAVPRESS www.imagebearer.wordpress.comabout 18 hours ago from TwitterBerry

13. Ok I never intended to buy a new pair of Brooks Addiction 8 but with a blue cross blue shield insurance card you get 20% off today. Omegaabout 21 hours ago from TwitterBerry

14. Lunch @ Chick Fil Aabout 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

15. Spending gift cards I won at mistletoe half marathon last December. Gels and Clif Shot Bloks for the Marathon in less than 3 weeks. Coolabout 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

16. Tips to faster marathon times- lose weight, wear less, sleep more, drink caffeine, limit the junk foodabout 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

17. I have plantar fascitis, foot issue that can B painful @ times. Just read that it is often caused by wearing flip-flops. Wore them all sumerabout 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

18. Christmas wish list item – The Runners Body by Runners Worldabout 24 hours ago from TwitterBerry

19. Finally getting around to reading the August Runners Worldabout 24 hours ago from TwitterBerry

20. Just finished 7 mile training runabout 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

21. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HITS 10.2 PERCENT, WORST SINCE 1983; EMPLOYERS CUT 190,000 JOBSabout 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

22. 1 glazed donut = 2 milesabout 24 hours ago from TwitterBerry

23. headed out for a runabout 24 hours ago from web

24. I am not the only one 302,413 members have joined a gp saying they feel their phone vibrate when it really isn’t. I didn’t join by the way!5:18 AM Nov 6th from web

25. So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” — Hebrews 13:6

Just started reviewing books for NAVPRESS

I became a reviewer of books for Thomas Nelson after finishing Seminary and now I am taking on another Publisher, NAVPRESS. I am excited about getting hold of more new cutting edge books. Here are the first two titles that I will be reviewing for NAVPRESS.

Ronnie

2012 the movie is out in one week from today!

Can’t wait to see this one!

Ronnie

You can read several posts here where I share my thoughts on the 2012 theory of the end of the world.

Marathon is just 20 days away

Footnotes The Official E-newsletter of the Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon November 5, 2009 A Message From the Director As the big event draws near, just a reminder to make your plans to stop by the Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon Health and Fitness Expo on November 24 or 25 to pick up your race numbers and shirts.  With lots of exhibtors ranging from running apparel, shoes and gear to heath and nutrition, there will be plenty to see.  The expo is free to the public, so bring along your friends and family.  Enjoy these last few weeks of training, and we’ll see you on Thanksgiving! Tracey Russell Race Director Atlanta Half Marathon Pace Run Meet the Atlanta Half Marathon pacers and tune-up for the big event at the last Atlanta Half Marathon pace run on Saturday, November 7 at Oglethorpe University.  Nine and eleven mile routes will be available. Runners in the 2:15 and 2:30 pace groups will take off at 7:30 a.m. followed by the 1:50 and 2:00 group at 7:35 a.m. and the 1:30, 1:40 and 1:45 group at 7:40 a.m.  Plan on arriving early to meet up with your pace group.  Click here for more pace team information. Join TNT’s Men of a Certain Age 40 Over 40 Team! To celebrate its upcoming new television series, Men of a Certain Age, race sponsor, TNT, is seeking 40 men and/or women age 40+ to join the Men of a Certain Age team. Participants receive a running shirt to wear during the marathon or half marathon, five “team” t-shirts for friends/family and a $75 gift card!  FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED!  HURRY TO GET YOUR SPOT! Email pperez@normmarshall.com by 11/11/09 for details and to sign-up! Please have the subject read “40 over 40″ Atlanta! Marathon and Half Marathon Bag Check Bag check will be be available on race morning for all marathon and half marathon participants.  If you plan on checking gear, all items should be placed in the bag that you receive at the expo.  Items placed in bags other than the one received at the expo will not be accepted. To identify your bag, you will need to detach the bag check number from the bottom of your race number and attach it to the bag. Marathon bag check will be located in the Lexus lot of Turner Field near the start / finish, and the half marathon bag check will be located off of Chamblee Tucker Rd. just east of Peachtree Industrial Blvd.  Half marathon bags should be dropped off at bag check no later than 6:45 a.m. Did you know… Over 1,000 Atlanta area youth are participating in the fall edition of the Atlanta Track Club’s Kilometer Kids youth running program.  For many of the kids in the Kilometer Kids program the one mile fun run on Thanksgiving Day will be the culimation of their fall running program, so be sure to cheer on the youngsters as they cross the finish.  The Kilometer Kids One Mile Fun Run starts at 11:30 a.m. in the Green Lot at Turner Field, and is open to all youth ages 7-12.  Click here to register for the Kilometer Kids One Mile Fun Run.

This day in the life of your pastor – November 5th, 2009

1. So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” — Hebrews 13:6about 3 hours ago from TwitterBerry

2. Winding down, been a gr8 day. Spent it with family. Lots of reading & a movie 2 top it off. Planning a 7 mile run N the am. Good night all.about 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry

3. Just finished reading December Runners World cover to coverabout 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry

4. Heavier runners (women over 160lbs, men over 185) usually need a stability or motion control shoe. RW I wear Brooks Addiction, no kne probabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

5. Craig Davidson hasn’t missed a day running since November 5th 1978 & has found 8,400 in change through the yearsabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

6. Ideal runners food by Runners World – Bananasabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. Best postrun food by Runners World is chocolate milk. An ideal blend of carbs & proteinabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. #1 race by Runners World is New York City Marathon. I am in the lottery for 2010 November 7th, pray that I win the lotteryabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

9. Chariots of Fire rated #1 by Runners World Magazine in Best Running Related Movies. I Am going 2 have 2 watch it a 2nd time 2 get itabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

10. BREAKING NEWS: Army Says Fort Hood Shooting Suspect Aliveabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

11. Bk Rev 2012 The Bible & the End of t/ World http://bit.ly/3sOItVabout 13 hours ago from web

12. “the power to run the race comes from within because scripture says that the kingdom of God is within you” Chariots of Fireabout 14 hours ago from web

13. “run in Gods name and let the world stand back and watch” Chariots of Fireabout 14 hours ago from web

14. thinking about watching “Chariots of Fire” since Misty bought it for me Christmas 2 years ago at my request, lolabout 14 hours ago from web

15. Another senseless shooting, 12 dead, 31 injured. Praying for the wounded and familiesabout 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

16. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress a… http://read.ly/Jas1.27.NLTabout 16 hours ago from API

17. Just rec a call about another gift 4 the children of Sudan. We have a mission team there N Sudan now working out the details 4 an orphanageabout 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

18. Reconnected with an old friend & ministry co-worker today, Rev Darrell Tateabout 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

19. I honestly just read where a runner ran into a tree…while sending a tweetabout 18 hours ago from TwitterBerry

20. Signing up for a race = instant motivationabout 18 hours ago from TwitterBerry

21. Fun is waking up @ 430am to run 26.2 milesabout 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

22. Fun is running in the rain!about 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry

23. John & Kate +8 does anybody else realize the whole thing is about fame & money. I don’t ever care to hear the mess again.about 16 hours ago from TwitterBerry

24. @ 13 Bones for lunchabout 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

25. Ok Samuel has an ear infection in both earsabout 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

26. @ the doctor with Samuel. Runny nose, just want to rule out an ear infectionabout 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

27. “It’s not the Church’s job to make people happy. The Church’s job is to help make them holy.” Chris Elrodabout 22 hours ago from web

28. sermon prep 1 Peter 4: 1-11 http://bit.ly/9VwEMabout 22 hours ago from web

29. “live like you’ll die tomorrow. learn like you’ll live forever. after all, you will.” Mark Battersonabout 22 hours ago from web

30. Finishing up “2012 The Bible & the End of the World” I will blog a review laterabout 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

31. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living pe… http://read.ly/2Pet3.14.NLTabout 23 hours ago from API

32. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, http://read.ly/2Pet3.11.NLTabout 23 hours ago from API

33. Praying 4 Isaiah, Zechariah, & Jeremiah this morning. Praying a hedge of protection around these 3 little boys. Please help me pray.about 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

34. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. http://read.ly/Matt24.21.NLTabout 23 hours ago from API

35. Sitting holding Samuel as he sleeps. I realize God loves me more than I love Samuel. That means He tels me no @ times & His law is 4 my goodabout 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

36. praying for our grandaughter Victoria, she has ear infections and is not feeling wellabout 23 hours ago from web

37. I have the day off. Spending time with Misty and the kids, Winston, running later, reading

This is me running in Heaven someday

Book Review – 2012 The Bible and the End of the World

To relieve some fears, Hitchcock does not believe that 12-21-12 is the day the world as we know it will come to an end. He has written the book in response to the huge interest in the belief that when the Mayan Calendar runs out on December 21st, 2012 the world will come to an end. In the book, Hitchcock says this date has the makings to be larger than the massive amount of people who believed Y2K and the calendar rolling over to the year 2000 was the end. There are thousands of youtube videos posted relating to the end of the world being in 2012, there are thousands of web sites including those that will help you prepare to survive the coming destruction. This thing is really big!

It is not a bad book and I believe it is an honest representation of what is taught regarding the Mayan Calendar and what people are teaching. Again Hitchcock believes it is just another end times prediction that will fail just like every prediction with a set date to this time.

In the book Hitchcock gives an overview of what many believe to be the course of events. With God Rapturing the church and then a course of events including a 7 year peace treaty etc….It is what I have found as a typical belief and teaching in the evangelical circles. Let me state that I believe people who teach this have good reason to do so but I am not fully convinced of this teaching. I would dare say that a large number of people who believe this view only believe it because it has been taught by their religious body to be the right teaching. I am not saying they are wrong, just that they have not studied it for themselves. If people are honest, even many reading this post will have to admit they believe whatever it is they believe about the end times because of someone else’s belief.

After studying the Bible for many years now and completing my Masters Degree in Seminary I still have not studied the end times scriptures enough to come to my own conclusion. After my years of study and witnessing how God often used stories that happened in life to describe what would happen in Gods economy, such as flood stories etc… I believe it is possible that God could use the Mayan Calendar and come back on 12-21-12. However the scripture says that no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return, He does say that we can discern the “signs of the times”. in my discernment of the times, I would say that we are ready for a catastrophic event in this world.

There is a bit of great information in this book that will help you to be knowledgeable of the many things that are being done in this electronic age and how that relates to the end of time as we know it. It was a profitable read for me.

No I do not believe that 12-21-12 is the day that Jesus will return, I believe it could be tomorrow!

Ronnie

Meditating and developing a sermon for November 22nd

1 Peter 4 NIV

Living for God

¹Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. ²As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. ⁵But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

⁷The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4 The Message

Learn to Think Like Him

^1-2Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

^3-5You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.

⁶Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

^7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

This day in the life of your pastor – November 4th, 2009

• Lists

---

1. Praying for Kim who has cancer. God is a healer and I am praying for healingabout 8 hours ago from TwitterBerry

2. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.  It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the r… http://read.ly/Ps19.5.NLTabout 8 hours ago from API

3. Long day, blessed man!30 minutes ago from TwitterBerry

4. Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaksabout 1 hour ago from TwitterBerry

5. What did God say 2 U @ the real deal tonight? What R U gonna do about it?about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry

6. I love the miracles but I’m in love with the miracle maker.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry

7. The miracles don’t stop when obstacles come our way.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry

8. @ “The Real Deal” 1100 min till Worship beginsabout 3 hours ago from TwitterBerry

9. “is your car locked?” Gavin Scott ” answer”, “right now?” Jeff Scottabout 4 hours ago from TwitterBerry

10. Tony’s takeout for me and the family and headed to Out Of The Boxabout 5 hours ago from web

11. praying 4 all those N resthomes and hospitals. Praying 4 Drew who is having outpatient surgery 2day & Joe H. who is having surgery tomorrowabout 5 hours ago from web

12. Headed out to make a resthome visitabout 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

13. Sorry Mocha Joe, I had a Clif Bar instead. It tastes good and actually has nutritionabout 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

14. praying for a teen who attempted suicide last nightabout 7 hours ago from web

15. bank and post office run & maybe a Mocha Joe, too many calories and I am doing so well at the momentabout 7 hours ago from web

16. sold 6 more books today. Only 473 to go, cleaning out the clutter in my house and officeabout 7 hours ago from web

17. working on summer OOTB Mission Trip to Macon GAabout 8 hours ago from web

18. Just ordered Run for your life http://bit.ly/1mlFcdabout 8 hours ago from web

19. working on the worship service for this Sunday Nov 8th, Sharon Bowers will be preaching, Join usabout 8 hours ago from web

20. just ordered to review http://bit.ly/1jP8tPabout 8 hours ago from web

21. just joined the Navpress Blogging Review Programabout 17 hours ago from web

22. just created an Out Of The Box Fan Page go sign on http://bit.ly/RnsjYabout 19 hours ago from web

23. Fox News Report: ISRAEL REPORTEDLY ON HIGHEST LEVEL OF ALERT DUE TO FEARS OF TERRORIST INFILTRATIONabout 19 hours ago from web

24. e-mail is passe, therefore I am deleting 99% of those things that automatically come to e-mailabout 20 hours ago from web

25. Send it on down http://bit.ly/4FNFFSabout 20 hours ago from web

26. praying for a great friend (Don) who has lost his job due to cutbacks, lets pray that God will give him something betterabout 20 hours ago from web

27. 3 fb conversations going on, no one can say that fb is not a tool that can be used for God. There is a lot of ministry going on hereabout 20 hours ago from web

28. Holston Conference Sudan Team #8 still in flight. 3 hours until landing in Entebbe, Uganda.about 21 hours ago from web

29. Out Of The Box Youth: We will open as usual at 5pm today and @ 6:45 we will go to “The Real Deal” w/ Ken Freeman @ the High school.about 21 hours ago from web

30. I just realized.When the world becomes 1 wrld government & 1 wrld currency we should be able then 2 check FB 4 Nationality on all those appsabout 21 hours ago from web

31. heading off to work, in the office much of the dayabout 23 hours ago from web

32. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. http://read.ly/1Pet4.7.NLT

Run for your life

On November 2nd I signed up for the 2010 November 7th New York City Marathon.

40,000 Runners in 2008

It is a Lottery Drawing so I am not guaranteed an entry. Pray that I make it in. It will be a great experience and a great time away for Misty and I.

Here is a description of the movie I just ordered that explains the NYC Marathon

Product Description

The story of how one immigrants determination & sweat created the most significant running event in the world. This documents the life of fred lebow & the history of the new york city marathon. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 10/28/2008 Run time: 95 minutes Rating: Nr

Amazon.com

Boston may have done it first, but the way Run For Your Life tells it, it was the New York City Marathon that put the idea of the big city road race on the map, in the process adding immeasurably to the popularity of running in general. When it began in 1970, the New York event consisted of four circuits around Central Park, where a few hundred participants shared the roadway with baby carriages and hansom cabs. In 1976, when the race expanded to include all five of the city’s boroughs, it attracted some 2,000 athletes, including Olympians Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers (who went on to win it four years in a row); in 2008, the number of runners had grown to 40,000. All of this was due to the vision and persistence of the marathon’s founder: Fred Lebow, “a slight, bearded, transplanted Transylvanian” who “ran like a duck, only slower.” Born Fischel Lebowitz, Lebow emigrated from Romania to Brooklyn in the 1950s and, following a stint in the garment industry (where he was skilled at copying expensive designs and selling them on the cheap), became a long distance running nut. The many folks–friends, foes, family, politicians, athletes–who talk about him in the course of producer-director Judd Ehrlich’s film describe Lebow as everything from a brilliant promoter and entrepreneur to a “chaos creator” and a master manipulator, but they all agree that without him, the New York City Marathon would never have hit its stride. It was Lebow who wooed the sponsors, attracted the best runners (also including Grete Waitz, who won the women’s division an astonishing nine times, and Alberto Salazar, another multiple winner), browbeat the city into closing bridges, streets, and such along the route, and dealt with the notorious Rosie Ruiz, who allegedly cheated in the New York race before achieving lasting infamy by “winning” the Boston Marathon in 1980. In fact, Lebow did pretty much everything except compete in his own race, at least until 1992, when he took part a couple of years after being diagnosed with brain cancer (he died in 1994). The documentary includes director’s commentary, deleted scenes, and more. –Sam Graham

The Sacred Meal

I just ordered this book to review for the publisher. I have a great interest in Holy Communion and the understanding of this sacred meal. I will blog a review in a few days.

Ronnie

The sacred meal that is part of our faith does more than connect us to the holy. It connects us to each other.

“I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he wanted them to do could not be done alone. How the things he did could not have been done without them.”

In her inimitable style of memoir and personal reflection, Nora Gallagher explores the beauty and mystery of this most fascinating of topics. Whether exploring the history of Christian Communion, taking us inside the workings of a soup kitchen or sharing times of joy and sadness with friends, the author reminds us what it means to partake of and be part of the body of Christ.

Includes foreword by Phyllis Tickle, general editor of The Ancient Practices Series.

Divine Rhythm: Lets Go!

Divine Rhythm: January 29-31, 2010

Misty and I plan to attend with anyone who wishes to go from First UMC Hillsville. Let me know ASAP if you are interested so we can make travel and lodging plans. It looks like this will be a great weekend and an awesome time for Misty and I to get to know you better.

Ronnie

Registration- Registration is $35.00.

I need your registration by December 1st, 2009

Register Now Divine Rhythm 2010 January 29-31 Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. -Ephesians 2:8-10

visit www.divinerhythm.com, or contact the Holston Conference office at 866.690.4080 or connectionalministries@holston.org

Our Speaker

The Rev. Grace Imathiu was born in Kenya and raised in the city of Nairobi. She is ordained in the Methodist Church of Kenya and has served congregations there and in Washington, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Grace is currently pastor of Brown Deer United Methodist Church near Milwaukee. She has preached and taught around the world, from Germany to Malaysia and from England to Brazil. Grace was educated in Kenya, the U.S., Israel, and at Cambridge University, England. Grace is currently completing studies for a Ph.D. in New Testament at Vanderbilt University. An anthology of her sermons, Words of Fire, Spirit of Grace, has been published and she was a featured preacher at the 2004 Festival of Homiletics.

Worship Leader

Casey Darnell is a passionate worship leader of Northpoint Community Church and their 3 campuses in the Metro Atlanta area. He considers it a privilege to be able to lead others in worship both at the local church and in other parts of the world. Singing, writing songs and leading people in real worship to a very real God has been a large part of his life over the last decade now, and he desires to create an atmosphere of freedom where people can experience God in a real way!

“It is my hope to see our generation continuing to be the hands and feet that God has called us to be…taking our songs and living them out in our everyday lives, this is what the world needs to see and is what will show them He is alive & living in us!”

Divine Rhythm will be held at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge

Send It On Down: Holy Ghost, Come On Down

This is what I sense in my spirit today!

Come Holy Spirit!