Words of Glee

Ways to Improve Your Life

2010-01-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

Perhaps no American tried harder to change for the better than Benjamin Franklin. Printer, author, scientist, politician, diplomat, inventor, he taught himself to speak five languages. At 79, he began the process of mastering 13 virtues including moderation, sincerity, and humility.

Today, improving yourself has become a national obsession. As you decide to lose a little weight or learn a foreign language, consider the following building blocks for developing your spiritual life….

1. LIVE WITH OPTIMISM. In 1984, Norman Cousins, in a speech at Pepperdine University, said, “No one knows enough to be a pessimist.” You know, he’s right. You would have to know that your problem couldn’t be solved, that life has little or no meaning, and that you personally have no impact on life. But in fact, the opposite is true. God wants you to believe the best is coming your way. So trust Him. Anticipate that He will make something exciting happen to your soul in 2010.

2. WORSHIP WITH PASSION. “Shout with joy to God, all the earth.” (Psalm 66:1). “My lips shall praise you.” (Psalm 63:3). Worship is not a moment in which we are entertained. God is the audience, so praise is always active, assertive, demonstrative, and never passive. In 2010, make the choice to rejoice.

3. LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE. For whatever reason, we are too impressed with daily events, fads, headlines, and sound bytes. These give us a short view of life. We lose sight of the grand movements of God. Yet, it is the big picture, not the passing excitement that shapes the future. “For this world in its present form is passing away,” writes Paul. There are no accidents. God is working out His will and I encourage you not to miss it in 2010.

Think about this quote: “Before you go to bed, give your troubles to God. He’ll be up all night anyway.” I hope you’ll make 2010 a year for God.

-Gregg Lee

The Perfect Gift

2009-12-08T13:25:00.001-08:00

Most of you are familiar with the great Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Can you name all twelve gifts? I cannot, I have to admit. I get confused every time I sing that song.

Each year PNC Bank calculates the costs involved in the gifts that are mentioned in the lyrics of that great song. For instance: this year a partridge in a pear tree would cost you about $160, while three French hens would cost in the ballpark of $50. Five gold rings would run you about $500 and you can get ten lords-a-leaping at about $4,500 (although I don’t have a clue where you would get those). PNC Bank estimates that the cumulative cost of all 364 gifts mentioned in the song would exceed $87,000.

Well I don’t know about you, but I will not be shopping by that list this year. Most of us will spend considerable time and money trying to find the perfect gift for those we care about. I guess the real value of a gift is measured by the recipient and the personal sacrifice of the giver. Value is rarely measured in terms of the price tag and is usually more of an emotional response than a logical one.

So what is the perfect gift? Beyond question, the gift of eternal life is the greatest gift that we will ever be offered. It addresses our need for forgiveness and has eternal durability. And, it costs Jesus His life on the cross….a price that He paid with joy (Hebrews 12:2). He left heaven, suffered among men, and died in order to purchase our pardon.

I think Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:15 are fitting, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

-Gregg Lee

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I’m a quote fanatic. So, here are some great quotes on Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.
-Henry Van Dyke

True thanksgiving means that we need to thank God for what He has done for us, and not to tell Him what we have done for Him.
-George R. Hendrick

An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.
-Irv Kupcinet

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
-Marcus T. Cicero

Gratitude is the heart's memory.
-French Proverbs

Gratitude is not only the memory but the homage of the heart rendered to God for his goodness.
-Nathaniel P. Willis

If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get.
-Frank A. Clark

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.
-Johannes A. Gaertner

When we pause to think, we have cause to thank.
-Anonymous

For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.
-Clarence E. Hodges

I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!

-Gregg

What Am I Thankful For?

2009-11-18T12:31:00.001-08:00

Well, it’s that time of year again where we sit and ponder just how thankful we really are. Now, I feel like I’m a thankful person every day of my life, but there is something about this time of year that really makes us sit back and appreciate all of the great blessings that God has given us.

So, what are you thankful for? Well, I’m sure my list would be different than your list simply because there are certain things in our lives that we each would consider important. But in case you were wondering (and I’m sure you weren’t) here is my top 10:

1. I’m thankful for a loving, gracious and merciful God that I can serve daily.
2. I’m thankful for an awesome wife who loves me unconditional and who still teaches me great things daily.
3. I’m thankful for my three beautiful children and their various dispositions and characteristics that God blessed them with. My heart bounces with pride daily as I watch them grow.
4. I’m thankful for family and the priceless times we have together.
5. I’m thankful for my church family and the unbelievable love and support they continuously show me and my family. It is truly a joy to worship with friends weekly.
6. I’m thankful for shelter, food, clothing and the countless other things that may not necessarily be needs….just flat out blessings!
7. I’m thankful for my education and the priceless friendships formed while pursuing that education.
8. I’m thankful for my job and the opportunity it gives me daily to be a positive example to those around me.
9. I’m thankful for this country in which we live and the countless men and women who have served our country to make it what it is today.
10. I’m thankful for the talents and abilities God blessed me with and the opportunities I have to use them for His glory daily.

Well, there you go, that’s my top 10. I’m sure they are different from yours, but again, that’s why they are mine. I’m very blessed and so are you. So I encourage you, if you haven’t already, sit down and ponder that question, “What am I thankful for?” It may surprise you.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving season.

-Gregg

So I Was Watching Oprah Yesterday....

2009-08-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

So, I was watching Oprah yesterday as she had guests on her show who had all come face to face with life and death situations and survived to tell fascinating stories.

The first story was about two teenage boys who hiked a mountain while on vacation with their parents. Once they reached the top a storm came up quickly. As the boys tried to move back down the mountain, they were struck by lightning. But both boys survived.

The second story was about a couple who were vacationing in Colorado and as they drove down this mountain road their car was knocked over a guardrail by an avalanche. After tumbling down a mountain their car came to rest beside a tree buried in snow. They survived and live to tell the amazing story.

And the final story, Oprah interviewed a man who was one of only 58 survivors aboard an Asian airline that crashed at takeoff. The plane burst into flames and approximately 80 perished in the wreck.

Oprah asked each guest if coming that close to death caused them to look at life on earth a little different. Each guest said, "Absolutely."

You know the bible is full of metaphors that teach about the brief, temporary, transient nature of life on earth. Life is described as a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and a wisp of smoke. The bible says that our days on earth are as but a shadow (Job 8:9).

I personally believe that if we want to make the best use of our lives we must never forget two simple truths. First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. And second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached. The bible uses terms like alien, pilgrim, stranger, visitor, and traveler to describle our brief stay on earth.

So, with those things in mind, may I ask you a few questions? If you know life here on earth is quick what might you be doing differently? Would you love a little more? Would you extend grace and forgiveness a little more often, knowing you want the same from God? Would you try to be a better father, mother, husband, wife or example? Would you not put so much stock in those things that fade and more in those things which are eternal? Would you stop and enjoy each day that God has blessed you with instead of complaining about every little thing?

Well, this life is only temporary; we won't be here forever. So maybe it's time to be making arrangements for eternity. If you haven't, it's not too late. Just remember, "this world is not our home, we are just a passing through. Our treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue."

Have a good weekend and I can't wait to see you Sunday!

Love ya,
-Gregg

Your Life Could Make The Difference

2009-08-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

One of the Christian's greatest deterrents from sin is the life of another Christian. You ever thought about that? There are some Christians who maintain that it is none of their business if another chooses to sin. They convince themselves that they are being judgemental if they respond to someone in sin. The world persuades them not to get involved, but this inaction prevents them from being an effective intercessor.

As Christians, most of us are aware that sin brings death (Romans 6:23). Sin kills relationships, tears apart marriages, steals joy, and destroys peace. When we see someone wander from the truth, how should we respond?

Well think about Jesus. When Jesus saw sin it broke His heart. He wept over entire cities as He saw them rejecting the truth. He prayed fervently for His disciples to be strong when they were tempted. He warned those who were heading towards spiritual failure. Jesus was even willing to die to save people from their sins because He knew the devastation that sin causes. Jesus never stood idle as those around Him were led astray by their sin. He always took an active role in turning them back to God.

"Minding your own business" will sure save you some discomfort, but it will not help a brother or sister who needs to return to the Lord. If you are truly aware of the grave consequences for those who continue in sin, you will be moved to weep even as Jesus wept. Pray fervently for your friend and be alert, in the event that God asks you to confront your friend. If you do, be loving and gentle lest you, too, be tempted (Galatians 6:1).

James says in James 5, "...if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sin."

Remember, your life could make the difference!

Have a great day!

-Gregg

Praying together for Rubye!

2009-07-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

As you know a lot of prayers have been prayed recently on the behalf of Rubye Mae Loy, especially in Amy's family. We've prayed for good reports and for her to grow, grow, grow. And each time she receives a good report we pause and pray together thanking God for His blessings upon Rubye.

If you look at the Lord’s Prayer, you’ll see that it reflects praying together: “Our Father . . . give us . . . our daily bread . . . forgive us our debts . . . as we also have forgiven our debtors . . . lead us not into temptation . . . deliver us . . . (Matthew 6:9-13, emphasis mine).

I personally believe many of us miss out on so much because we only pray by ourselves. Yet, when Jesus gave us an outline for prayer, He spoke about praying together. There is power in group prayer.

If you’re not praying with other believers, then you’re not getting the support you need. You’re missing out on one of the major benefits of being a Christian. Jesus says “whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them" (Matthew 18:19-20). That’s the power of praying with other people.

If you’ve never prayed with other people, start by praying aloud when you’re alone. I do most of my praying, more than any other place, when I'm driving. I'll be driving down the road and talking aloud to the Lord, “Lord, here are some things I want to talk with you about today.”

Another suggestion is to pray at meals. Our family holds hands; and we just talk to God. You see, praying together is another form of worshipping God and I believe it's something God wants us to do.

Now obviously God wants us to pray, whether that is individually or in a group. But I hope we will never think that prayer is something we only do when we're alone. To me, there is a great joy to hold the hand of someone I care about and say a prayer that I feel like bonds together with a faith so strong that it makes the devil tremble.

Now go, find someone you care about and make the devil tremble!

-Gregg

EVERYDAY BLESSINGS!

2009-06-10T08:37:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those weeks where it seems like everything hits you at once? Maybe a certain bill comes in, the car needs a tune-up, the mower is not working and then to top it all off, it's the time of month where you just have to hold on until payday. I think we've all had those times where everything happens at once and sometimes when our lives are filled with stuff that has problems, it blinds us to those wonderful, everyday blessings that we do have.

The book of Proverbs says that, "a faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Prov. 28:20).

Missionary Benjamin Weir was held hostage in Lebanon where he was imprisoned under miserable conditions for sixteen months. After his release, during his first interview, he was asked how he spent his time and how he dealt with the boredom and despair. His answer stunned a lot of people. He simply said, "Counting my blessings." "Blessings?" they responded. "Yes," he explained. "Some days I got to take a shower. Sometimes there were some vegetables in my food. And I could always be thankful for the love of my family."

I think even we can understand why the reporters were amazed. It's hard for most of us to be consistently thankful for the commonplace blessings that make life pleasant and comfortable. You know, the supply of our daily needs, the provision of food and shelter, the companionship of friends and families. There are times when we may even forget the wonderful mercies of God's redeeming grace.

In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas were thrown into prision and placed in stocks. Although they were beaten, they were still "singing hymns unto God." I hope we can learn from them, and from Benjamin Weir, to count our blessings no matter what our circumstances and no matter how things may seem at a particular time. We have many reasons to rejoice, Amen?

Don't ever forget the great song, Count Your Blessings:
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

Enjoy your daily blessings today!
-Gregg

BIRTHDAYS ARE SPECIAL TIMES!

2009-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are special times. And on Tuesday, it was special to celebrate 38 years that this world has been blessed with Amy. What a blessing she is to so many but especially to me. I've only been able to be around her daily for about 10 years, and I thank God every day for her existence.

Birthdays are special times, because when we are young, we look forward to each birthday with so much excitement because we just can't wait to get bigger and older. It's exciting for us to be another year older and have birthday parties to celebrate with our friends. As we get older, we of course don't look forward to our physical birthdays as much. I guess because we are getting older and our bodies are not quite like they used to be. We reach the point where we wish we could start going backwards.

Birthdays are special times, because when I recall my spiritual birthday in Christ it is a wonderful day. Our spiritual birthdays should be just as special to us as our physical birthdays. I was baptized by my dad on August 12, 1984 at the age of 12. It was a great day and I can remember driving to Columbia after church to eat with Grandmom and Grandad and I could not wait to arrive and share my good news. Some of us don't know the exact date of our spiritual birthday but we know approximately. The date isn't the issue, but to have Christ as our Savior for another year should be exciting. You see, we don't have to dread our age in Christ because with Him life only gets sweeter. That's not to say that we will sail through life without problems, but Christ gives us grace and love that helps us handle the years. What a thrill that as we age we know that the joy of being with Him in heaven gets closer and closer.

Birthdays are special times, because we get to look back on the years and see how we've grown. Abraham Lincoln once said, "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Isn't that so true? As Christians, we've been given a whole new life in Christ and what are we doing with it? We've got to live our lives pleasing to the Lord because we've been born into His family. Ephesians 4:24 reminds us, "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Birthdays are special times and our birthdays in the Lord are something special as well. He loves us so much and it is a joy to be part of His family. Our lives should reflect that we are His children. We've got to make our lives count for Him. So, are you celebrating your birth in Christ?

Have a great day!
-Gregg

The Heart of God....Forgiveness!

2009-05-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

Have you ever just sat back and thought about the heart of God? It is really hard to comprehend if you think about it.

In a book I've been reading I came across this statment that really hit home to me. It said, "On the cross, the entire weight of the unpayable debt owed by sinful humanity would fall on Jesus. He would pay it all. This is why the cross is at the heart of Christianity. It shows us the heart of God."

You see I believe the one person whose heart we can truly see is God's because He showed it to us through the cross. Did you know that our God is a compassionate God? He is. His eyes fill with tears, his lips tremble a little out of love for His children. You see, He chooses to pay the debt we never could. And most importantly......He longs to FORGIVE! Yes, forgive. He longs to forgive you. Does that bother you sometimes? It does me, because forgiveness is something that just doesn't come very easy for most of us, but for God....it's His heart.

So what is forgiveness in your heart?

I think we all have to remember that forgiveness is not the same thing as excusing. Forgiveness is what is required precisely when there is no good rationale to explain away why someone did what they did. When an action is excusable, it doesn't require forgiveness.

But forgiveness is not forgetting either. Forgiving is what's required precisely when we can't forget. You see God made us with the capacity to remember things. For that I'm thankful. But it can also be a burden. Forgivness helps us get past that.

Forgiveness is not the same thing as reconciling either. Forgiveness and reconciliation are two seperate things. Forgiveness takes place within the heart of one human being. Reconciliation requires that rebuilding of trust, and that means good faith on the part of BOTH parties.

But most importantly I think forgiveness begins when we give up the quest to get even. Wow, this is so difficult, because getting even is the natural obsession of our wounded soul. You want to gossip about that person and you even have those moments where you like to hear something bad has hapened to them. But when those feelings are in your heart, you're headed down the wrong road. Only when you feel good things for someone who hurt you badly will you know that God has been at work in your heart.

You see, forgiveness requires a new way of seeing and feeling. One thing that happens when we get deeply hurt is that as we look at the one who hurt us, we don't see a person - we only see the hurt. We want to forget his or her humanity. But when we forgive each other, we begin to see more clearly. We do not ignore the hurts, but we see beyond them. We rediscover the humanity of the one who hurt us.

So let's all remember.....we are always to pursue forgiving people who have hurt us, even when the offenders don't ask for or deserve it. God commands us to forgive because it is the best way to live. Don't ever forget the story of the cross....forgiveness. Therefore, He commands us to forgive others because He has forgiven us. Of course He has....that's His heart!

-Gregg

WORDS OF GLEE

2009-04-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY....we leave out for Wayne County Christian Camp (WCCC). I cannot tell you how excited I am about this event. I believe it can be a wonderful thing for our young people throughout Wayne County. As of today, we have almost 50 campers going for this innagural camp. Please be prayerful for this event over the next week. Pray for the safety of eveyone going. Pray that our young people will grow spiritually but also closer together. And, most importantly, pray that God will receive all glory and honor.

I'M SO GLAD WHEN I READ LUKE 11....because that "midnight story" reminds me that God has what I need and His default is on "yes." Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. You see, those are the words of our Heavenly Father who loves to give, reveal, and open. What you really need, only God has.

WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS....with some great numbers in our attendance and with our giving. I hope you will continue to seek out others whom you can ask to visit with us for worship services. 95% of all people who eventually decide to follow Christ are first asked to attend church by a friend. People really want to know God. Our contribution has been great as well and I commend you on giving joyfully and giving to God first and foremost. Keep doing that and you will reap many blessings!

SUNDAY WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ENTITLED TEN....as we continue to look at God's top ten list, the Ten Commandments. Sunday we move on to commandment number 8: thou shalt not steal. Many of us probably don't think this lesson applies to us because we've never stolen from someone, but I believe we all might be shocked as we dig deeper into this commandment. Please make plans to come and hear what God's word says and my prayer is that His word will convict your heart.

AMERICANS PREFER FAMILY OVER GOD....A 2007 study by the Barna Group found that seven out of ten adults chose their earthly family over their heavenly Father when asked to choose the most important relationship to them. Of the 1004 adults over the age of 18 that were surveyed:

One third said their entire family is more important than God.

22% named their spouse as the most important relationship in their lives.

17% said their children were of chief importance.

3% identified their parents as the most important relationship in their lives.

Interestingly, when asked to identify the most important group or network in their life, 29% named their church.

Wow, interesting facts huh? Who's most important in your life? Reminds me of Matthew 10:37, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."

It really should be a no brainer....God First.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK....."If the heart can conceive it, and the mind can believe it, God can achieve it." -Charles Pollard

See you Sunday,

-Gregg

2009-04-08T20:38:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite videos. Click on this link: http://www.ignitermedia.com./products/iv/singles/20/Sundays-Comin
And remember . . . Sunday's Comin!

Happy Easter,
-Gregg

Why Don't She Listen?

2009-04-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

As I type this my eighth month old, Maggie, is crawling around the desk and playing with "things." Things that cause me to be a little nervous, agitated, and even worried.

You see, these "things" are little twigs that are sticking out of a vase that my wife has put together (and decided to put on the floor where Maggie can reach it). You see, Maggie is at that age where she pulls on things and then as soon as she gets it in her hand it goes straight to her mouth. And that could lead to choking.

But as she goes after these "things" that aren't good for her, I say to her "No." She stops and looks at me and grins her sweet little grin. Then she reaches out to grab again but I stop her reach with a little louder, "No." This time she looks with a small grin and returns to her reaching. I then let out a real loud, "No, Maggie." She looks at me with a puzzled look as if to say, "Why are you yelling at me?" And the fourth time she reaches I have to get up and grab her and all the while I'm thinking, "Why don't she listen?"

And that's when it hits me. Does an eight month old really know what "No" means yet? Oh, but if I will say it three or four times and get louder each time she'll get it. But no, she doesn't. Her look is one of wonder and awe that someone is yelling at her something she just doesn't understand.

I don't know how many times in my life I wish I would have listened to stern rebuke. The difference between Maggie and me is that I know what my particular rebuke meant. I know what "No" means; I know what "Stop" means; I even know what "Don't do that" means and yet I acted like an eighth month old - puzzled.

If you take time to read God's word He gives us warning after warning of things that will not be good for our lives. He gives us stern rebuke over and over on things that will bring us heartache, despair, or even...choking.

Isaiah 55 tells me that, "the ways of the Lord are right and the righteous walk in them." And yet time and time again, I go ahead and walk in my ways thinking they are the best. Only to regret that decision later.

And in James 3 it reminds me that "no man can tame the tongue...it is a fire." And yet I think that doesn't apply to me, I know how to talk about people so it doesn't come back to haunt me...and yet it does.

And if I didn't pay attention to those warnings, I even read Colossians 3 when it says that I should, "bear one another and forgive one another as Christ forgave you" and yet I think, "God doesn't know what this person did to me. Surely He doesn't expect this of me in this situation." And I was wrong again.

How many times does God have to tell me before I get it? How loud will He have to rebuke before I finally take notice? He's got to be thinking, why don't he listen?

-Gregg

4 BOYFRIENDS

2009-03-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be alone?'

Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company? 'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furtherest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, your soul is the only thing that will follow you wherever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity. In essence, it's the REAL you!

How are you treating your soul?
-Gregg

P.S. Remember this: when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

2009-03-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

WORDS OF GLEE....

HOW WAS YOUR SPRING BREAK?....Ours was good as we visited my sister in Marietta, GA. We had both ends of the spectrum with weather. Shorts one day and an overcoat the next. What crazy weather we've been having. If you don't like it, just stick around a day, it will change. But we sure missed you all Wednesday night.

LAST SUNDAY WAS A GREAT DAY.....because we worshipped the Lord. But also because of the responses of Kevin and Stacey. My heart was overjoyed for them as Amy and I have been praying earnestly for them. Stacey made this comment to me, "Gregg, I'm ready to do this but I cannot do it alone. I need everyone's help." What a great statement to make. You know that's why God gives us His Spirit. To help us and to guide us. But another great gift He give us is our spiritual family. That's why we're here to encourage and help. So, let's be there for them....that's our duty and we are family. Kevin and Stacey, I love you both!

I'M EXCITED ABOUT OUR GOSPEL MEETING....and I hope you are as well. I know most of you do not know Scott Ballard but I know you will enjoy him, his family and his message. Scott has been preaching ever since he and I were in college. He is a talented man and I'm thankful he is going to be with us this week. Please take this opportunity to invite others.

WE REJOICE WITH GRETCHEN PIGG....in her decision to become a Christian Wednesday night. She made the decision after church to obey the gospel and Ricky had the honor of baptizing her. How awesome to be gone and get that kind of great news. Let's remember Gretchen in our daily prayers as this decision doesn't automatically make life easier, but it sure makes life rewarding and eternal. We love and appreciate you Gretchen!

DO YOU HAVE THE "SWEET" LIFE?....As I type this, Sadie is watching the Suite Life of Zach and Cody. She and Annie love this little show. It's about two boys who live with their mother in a hotel suite and have the "suite" life of always enjoying a great time with friends in this big luxurious hotel. You know, I think we have the "sweet" life. As Christians we have the assurance that as long as we live each day to the best of our ability, heaven will be ours. Do we have to be perfect? No. But we have to be willing to obey His Word the best we can. And if we will live to the best of our ability, Christ will answer for us one day and say, "this one is mine." I don't know about you, but that sounds "sweet!"

WELL ONE OF MY FAVORITE TIMES IS COMING UP SUNDAY....because I get to worship with my family and then eat with them and then worship again. I love eating, yes, just look at me, no mystery there. But I also love to fellowship and especially with you all. If you're not one who usually stays to eat and enjoy fellowship, I want you to know that we miss you. Please stay and have your day brightened by great fellowship with your family. I'll even let you go through the line ahead of me...I promise.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK...."Words may show a man's wit but actions his meaning." -Winston Churchill

I love you,
-Gregg

Taking Aim

2009-03-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a bible class,given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into bible class and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased at the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts, with much laughter and hilarity. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus...A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith said these words, "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of each student focused only on the picture of Christ. "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40

-- Author Unknown

I don't really know if that is a true story or not, but even if it's fabricated for emphasis, it really makes a point to me. I think about how many times I've even thought bad things about people, and even in my thoughts, I'm still doing it to Jesus as well.

Our "darts" that we throw each and every day are very dangerous. Dangerous for those they are inteded for, dangerous for the scars they leave on others along the way, and dangerous for us as Christians to realize that we are hurting Christ all over again by our actions.

The title of that story is Taking Aim, today I would encourage you to take aim at peace, forgiveness, mercy, and grace as we deal with others. Because we should never forget, the forgiveness, grace, and mercy we show others is exactly what Christ will show towards us one day. So, watch those darts!

Have a good weekend and I can't wait to see you Sunday,
-Gregg

Excellence is a Habit

2009-02-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

Aritstotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." We are creatures of habit, aren't we? Habits abound in all of us. I have several: overeating, popping my fingers, biting my nails and even losing my patience sometimes becomes a habit in my life. These things can be anywhere from unpleasant to unhealthy. But there are other habits like reading, exercising, money management, and getting rest that can greatly improve our quality of life.

You see, our lives are all composed of habits from the time we wake up all the way to bedtime. If a habit is negative, something that triggers feelings and impulses, can be broken along the way. But if the habit is positive and needed, we can nurture that cycle by continuing it.

Now, think about certain spiritual matters that may be matters of habit: faithful attendance to Church, daily Bible study and prayer, pure speech, visiting, welcoming visitors at church, involvement in church activities, and any number of personal growth matters. Aristotle was right. Excellence does not consist in doing something once. It is not even found in the sporadic, occasional engagement. We cultivate excellence by focusing on certain areas with repeated, persistent effort.

So, I like Paul, urge you like I Thessalonians 4:1 says, "abound more and more." Abound more and more in the good habits that bring Christ glory and "good health" to your soul.

You see, excellence is not something we are born with or just wake up possessing. It is, as Aristotle says, a matter of our habits!

Thanks for your good habits,
-Gregg

ONE MORE THING: I heard about a survey in American Sociological Review that revealed one out of every four Americans had no close friends, and there was a 33 percent decline in the number of friendships over the past two decades. On average, Americans had only two people they would call close friends. Is that sad or what? I'm so thankful I can call all of YOU close friends. And in case I haven't told you lately....I love you!

Welcome!

2009-02-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our new blog spot for the Collinwood Church of Christ. I hope we can use this as E-notes for members and friends of the Collinwood Church of Christ.

What you can expect from this website is really just words. But hopefully not just words that have no specific meaning but words of hope, words of love, words of encouragment, and (probably every now and then) words that make up announcements for our church.

So I will send you a link to this blog each time a new one is posted. It should be about once every other week. So, invite a friend to the site, and hopefully you'll both be encouraged.

Remember, "I thank God for every rememberance of you." (Phil. 1:3)

Have a blessed day,
Gregg

P.S. The attached video is entitled Stethescope. Some of you have seen it, but if you haven't I think you'll enjoy it.