Why Do Vacations Have to End?

Just wanted to let every one know that we are back from our vacation in West Virginia. What a great family getaway! My kids have not been home in a few years so my family was really stoked about all of coming home together.

We stayed at my mothers house which is located at the highest point in Hancock County. She still has not put her AC in the window. We slept with the windows open...for the first couple days it never went over 70 degreess. One night we had to turn the heat on in the rental car.

Of course, we were able to spend time with my dad as well. Its always late night eating when we go to his house. But, dad has cable and internet that works so we spend alot of time with him watching TV.

I met my new nephew...lil Bradley...that's scary. He is adorable. My niece Devon was there and spent just about every woken hour with us...and every sleeping hour as well.

We at like pigs! I had lost about 10 to 12 pounds and I gained it all back. Jake (moms husband) and Theresa (dads wife) are really good about making sure we have plenty to eat.

The first couple days we chilled and spent the afternoons deer spotting. I hung out with my brother at the track for a couple nights....I could not do that all the time. Fun to visit but it could be addicting! Of course, I did some yard saling and stored it at my brothers house. I picked Brooke up at the airport on Saturday. Sunday we went to Geneva on the Lake on Lake Erie. Its awesome...I grew up taking my childhood vacations there. We located a missing family member...no really over a year missing.

While there an old friend lost his son in a car accident, and my step-brothers father died...that was sad! Please continue to pray for them during their time of loss...

Of course, we ate! We went out to Laurie'e dads twice and met him at a restraunt on another night. He and his wife, Sharon, fed us a huge hot dog meal...with pasta salad...steamed veggies...my favorite was the zuchinni! Laurie really enjoyed her time with her dad. Grandma really seemed to enjoy herself as well. They don't get to see him as often!

The best thing for me was just seeing my kids with their cousins, grandparents and old friends. Mikey rode dirtbikes and Brooke had Minnie-mouse stay all night with her....no for real...the Minnie from Walt Disney World!

We see my family alot as they travel south quite often, but to me there is no place like home. The people back in Newell, WV are just down to earth, real folks. I really love the people I grew up with...tons of memories! Laurie got to shop, shop and shop. We love going home!

Enjoy the pictures!

Old Church Becomes An Auction House

The sale of the old church building has finally happened. Unfortunately, things didn't work out like we anticipated. God is still in control, and He will restore that which was lost in all this.

This week we received alot of attention when we protested at the closing of the old property. To be honest some was good and some not so good. One thing I admit that I did not think through vey well was how this would weigh on the new owners.

The new owners are Tom and Jesse Neese. They are very good people and I count them as friends. A few months ago Tom called to take Laurie and I to dinner. He told me he was moving his business to Enterprise, and I assumed he was looking for a business partner as he knows I love auctions. To the contrary he wanted to inform me of a business move he was making. He and his wife told me they had entered a contractual agreement to purchase the church property, and was shocked to find out after the fact that it was the church we had been forced to evict.

They have been so gracious...they asked me not to be upset with them. I assured them I was not at the least bit put off by their business decision. It was a great move at an unbelievable price...I told them if I could get it at that price I would do it too. Furthermore, when they found out it was the church I pastored they offered the building to the church at no charge...unreal. I expressed concern for the people...and they said its open anytime...Anytime!

The news did not make it clear about the time span that we were locked out and evicted...this has been a two year process. So, its vitally important that everyone in the community understand that the Neese's have done nothing wrong to our church. They have extended a loving arm, and I ask that noone criticize them for what they did. They have nothing to do with what has gone on in our battle with Word of Life.

That is just a building...don't turn it into a sacred cow. We are the church and we will continue. The Neese family has been very generous to me and our fellowship. I encourage the local folks to go enjoy a night at the auction...trust me the roof won't cave in...nothing sac-religious about it.

When Laurie and I first went we stepped out and shed a little tear, but it was something that needed to be done. So, my apologies to the Neese family for any unfair criticism you have received due to your recent purchase. I want them to know I love them and I will support their business when I can.

FYI: The auctions are Tuesday & Saturday @ 7pm! Go have some fun and try their BBQ it makes us fat boys happy!

Peaceful Protest Planned for 3 pm

We will be protesting in a peaceful manner the closing on our former church property. As you know our church people paid for that property with their tithes and offerings. Word of Life agreed to sign that back to the congregation and instead is selling it out from under us. We will line the street of 203 S Edwards in peaceful protest as they sign the property and Hank Davis pockets the $165,000 that he did nothing to earn or deserve. I pray that Word of Life and Church of the Harvest in Cleveland, TN are shut down by the hand of God for the deceptive practices that occur on a regular basis. Come out and show your support for the church and see if Hank Davis will face us, apologize, or continue to be the spiritual coward that we know him to be.

The Outpouring Has Not Even Begun

This morning in prayer I got to thinking about The Outpouring series and why it seemed so short lived. I beleive that the Lord has spoken to my heart...that it is not over....as a matter of fact it hasn't even begun.

I believe its about to get crazy and God is going to do something huge!!!

July Schedule Set For Christ Life

Thanks to our Christ Life family that has really been holding it together. A big thank you to all of you that have been attending small groups and continue supporting the church financially. Not sure what to expect over the coming months, but I am expecting God to be in control. And that's fine with me.

The building we had hoped to move into is still up in the air....but I think we are no longer first on the list as some deeper pockets are showing interest. Regardless, God's will be done!

Tonight we had our small group leaders meeting. We will continue in small group through the first Sunday of August...(at least). Below is the Christ Life schedule for the next month...

July 1st ... Small Group Host's Meeting
July 5th ... Small Groups
July 12th ... Small Groups (Lindley's on vacation)
July 15th ... Leadership Meeting
July 19th ... Church Cook/Covered Dish ( Johnny Henderson Park)
July 26th ... Small Groups (Shroades' on vacation)

Everyone please attend the small groups ... we are doing video messages from some of the greatest communicators in God's kingdom ... the fellowship allows you to get to know people on a new level ... there's usually food!