A Fresh Start

We began a new sermon series for the beginning of 2009. It's called a "fresh start". Our request is the same as the disciples... "Lord, teach us to pray."

There are hundreds of hurdles in the way of forward progress in our prayer lives. We've picked seven. It's good to know there is a way over them.

We're excited about the adventure that lay ahead for 2009.

Dare you to move!

VAN

The Advent Conspiracy

This is a video that I received a couple of days ago. I think its worth your time to view it.
Merry Christmas!
More later.
VAN

Facebook

About six months ago the local worship leaders group that I connect with decided to make our meeting notifications work through FACEBOOK. Meaning, I had to make an account. Which I did.
Then I started getting notifications of people "adding me as a friend".
The upswing of it is, I have reconnected with dozens of friends from college days at Bethany. I always kind of shrugged off the whole myspace and facebook phenomena. My girls really enjoy connecting with their friends, but I didn't think it was that great.

Well I'm no convert mind you. But it has been really nice seeing some pictures of some great friends from the past, catching up a bit on where they are and what they are doing.

So, I guess I'm a late facebook arrival. But better late than never.
more later.
VAN

Five Love Languages

I told you on Sunday, I'd get some information out on the five love languages.
Gary Chapman's book is an excellent resource for gaining some basic understanding of your spouses love language. He says there are five basic languages.

• Quality Time
• Words of Affirmation
• Giving and Receiving Gifts
• Physical Touch
• Acts of Service

I encourage you to read this book and take the simple test. It may be VERY helpful in conveying love to your spouse. They are your CLOSEST neighbor. And the greatest commandment says to love God and your neighbor as yourself. Anything you can do to learn to do that better... well GO FOR IT!

Here's the website for more information and resources.
www.fivelovelanguages.com

More later.
VAN

Going to a movie

We are heading to the movies. A few folks have already seen this new film, and said it was good. I'm no movie critic, but any chance to see a movie with Erica is a good thing. So we're going.

A few other couples have said they're coming too. And you're invited too. We're hitting the 6:45 PM showing at Regal (Valley River Center) on Tuesday, October 7th. Then we'll head out to Starbucks afterward for an after movie coffee. If you want to join us let us know and we'll watch for you, so we can sit together.
More later.
VAN

Fridays in the Fall

I love Fridays in the fall. why? One word. football. And Friday is the day of anticipation for Saturday football.

College football to be exact. I love the anticipation of getting to watch the games on Saturday. Sam (my only begotten son) and I look forward to "man TV" day at our "2 to 1" female to male ratio'ed house.

Why do I like college football? I think simply because you witness communities of people all over the United States coming together to celebrate and cheer on young athletes. Now, I realize there is a lot of financial and emotional excess in this arena, but I've observed at the core a positive reason for people to be together. I so enjoy watching the range of talent and emotion displayed on and off the field.

So, that's one of the small and simple joys of the fall for me. I love the games, but the shared experience with family and friends really is the better part.

(If you are participating in the Marriage Refresher this weekend, we will enjoy a very enriching shared experience and still have time for the watch the Ducks beat USC. Yep, it's going to be a great weekend.)

Go ducks.

VAN

Something you should read

I read my sister-in-law's blog today. It was a good one. I think you should read it too. It will help you, it helped me!
Check it out the entry for September 9th.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008
a full cup
It seems to me that I have been doing some ecclesiastical living lately.A time for laughter. A time for sorrow. A time for sowing. A time for reaping.A time for standing up. A time for backing down. There is a time for everything.But I seem to feel like I am see-sawing back and forth... (to read more)

More later.
VAN