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do you ever feel

2008-08-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

do you ever feel like your week has been one serious of absent-minded mistakes after the other? I'm pretty sure that if my head were not attached, I would have left it behind this week. One day this week I got that wretched ticket. Another day this week, I locked my keys in the car while out shopping. grrrr (I must at least say that this is the first time I have done such a thing since having kids, but dang it, it sucked!) The battery went dead in my car remote, so until I replace it, I've gotten in the habit of manually locking it. So, there we were with fish in hand outside of Petsmart, 25 minutes from home, with a storm rolling in. Jeremy wasn't due to come home for another couple of hours from Tarboro, and wasn't answering his phone. We returned the fish so they wouldn't die. I kicked into my desperate Mom turned McGuiver mode and scoured the shopping center for a drycleaners. Walked us down there, and obtained a classic wire hanger from a really nice guy. There I am battling my minivan with my kids in the stroller, hoping that the heavens won't unleash their fury before I can get in. I couldn't believe how many guys just kind of shrugged and passed by. After a few minutes of struggling, two different kind strangers came by to give me a hand. Not just strangers, but everyday heroes really. Just as they showed up, it started raining and I got the kids under the awning. They worked for about 10 minutes to unlock the van, getting soaked in the process. I can personally say that chivalry is not dead. So here's to you guys-who help stranded moms with kids out of the rain! You rock! I thanked them over and over, and we were on our way. Let's hope that Monday will be a better start to a better week! :}

I've Moved

2008-04-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've moved my blog to http://navigationuncharted.wordpress.com/. See you there.

Goofy Picture of Me @ Work

2008-03-26T19:50:00.001-07:00

So this week my staff has pretty much avoided me. I've been a bit on the 'i'm not going to hold your hand and be your bathroom buddy, get your job done' mood. Normally, I'm pretty fun loving, laid-back, cool, hands on manager. I think it will return by end week. But here's a taste of what they get...

Kudos to my Wife's New Profession!

2008-03-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

First, I think any stay-at-home mom ROCKS! Well not any. Those of you who are truly lazy and really to sit on the couch and just watch TV and let your kids watch themselves, then take your kids to the local Chick-fil-lia and let your kids play in the playland while you suck down a big cookies n' cream shake, but don't really watch them and let them beat up on the little kids...well, you don't rock. Either become the mom you are suppose to be, or go get a job and at least be productive for the rest of society.

However if you are my wife, who not only runs are amazing household, raising to beautiful kids, somehow keep up with all our friends, volunteer at church, and still be nice to your husband, well you ROCK! And now Christie is in a new profession which is just over and beyond. I swear she is superwoman in disguise. She has been doing it for sometime now but is getting ready to expand her services as a personal assistant to buisness executives that don't have time to get their personal things done. I can't believe people actually pay for this, but they do.

Her services have been so good that others are now getting in line for them. I'm really proud of her! Way to go Christie!

HRC Open House

2008-03-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we had our Business Open House for Headway's National Recruitment Center. We had around 75 people attend with wine tasting and great food. Headway's CEO, JP Sakey and Suzanne Kinkel, EVP spoke about the company and the HRC. Also David Snyder, author of How to Hire a Champion spoke and had a book signing. My favorite feature was the banners that I got made. The HRC team did an outstanding job! The event made the front page of the local newspaper.

Owner's Work Day

2008-03-21T18:12:00.001-07:00

Authentic Community

2008-03-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

We had some really great conversation tonight at thegathering. It's exciting to listen to how people are experience a place where they are being accepted and authentic. We have prayed hard that rH will be a place where people can come as they are, where truly no perfect people are allowed. It amazing to be a part and to watch a group of people come together and be the church. We are growing and our space is starting to become tight and we are not sure where God will lead us next but know that great things are beginning to take place.

On Saturday we had an Owner's work day (pictures to follow). Honestly it was the most fun I'd ever had at a church work day. Normally, I would have been like bored and wish it wasn't happening. I guess it was just nice to be around people who didn't put up any pretenses and we all just pitch in and worked together. Maybe its because together we know we are making an enviroment where life change can really take place.

Ok, so this week is a busy one for me! Tuesday we go hear Jessica sing with her choir. Then she's staying with us for the rest of the week. Wednesday is the HRC big Business Open House (expecting around 100 people) town council members, mayor of Tarboro, representatives for the senators, lots of community people, lots of food, lots of wine, geez I just hope it goes off without a hitch, and then Friday, Good Friday service - 7 PM. Saturday, church pinic with Easter egg hunt at the park behind the church, and then Easter. Hope to see some of you there!

Time Management

2008-03-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

I listen to a really good talk by Tyler at Vintage 21 on reverse engineering. It was a challenging talk about time managment and how you decide to spend your time and resources for the Kingdom. I realized, really this just confirm what I was feeling, but I needed to really take control of my time. There are a lot of things and people who could monolopize my time without me even realizing it or them even meaning to do so. So I sat down the other day and begin mapping out my days:

6:30-8 Commute to work which is time for message prep and time with God.
8-8:30 Prioritize my day, respond to high priorty emails and items, walk the recruitment floor, complete morning reporting, check my calendar for the day's meetings.
8:30-9 Mondays- Operations meetings, Tuesday - Check in with the boss, Wed - Team lead individual meetings, Thurs - Team Wrap Up Meeting, Friday - Plan Monday's Op meeting
9:30 - 10:30 Marketing & Business Development
10:30-1:30 HRC process & procedures
1:30-2 Follow up, check email and respond to high priority items, and walk the floor
2-4:30 Reporting and billing
4:30 - 5 Planning time, hold additonal meetings, plan next day, target next steps for recruitment center, outline meetings for next day, check the dang email again, and send updates out
5-6:30 Commute home, calls for headway, and call prospects for realHope
6:30-8 Family time!!!!!
8-8:30 Tues, Wed, Thurs - Message Prep, Friday - date night with Christie!
8:30-9:30 Blow off time
9:30-10 Reading and research, Saturdays, realHope Sunday prep

Saturdays are family day, and Sundays obviously are filled with realHope. I felt like the past few weeks I've been meeting myself coming and going and had to take control of my time and resources. I look at all I do above and think, geez know wonder I feel so tired! So, I'm off to bed, to begin a new day!

realHope event's

2008-03-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so some great things happening around realHope. We keep growing and that is really exciting. Honestly we are going to have to consider knocking down a wall or something, I'm not sure what we are going to do. This is a good problem to have!

We had a guys night out on Monday, which I highly enjoyed. We went and shot pool for the evening at which I completely suck, except for one game where I looked like a professional. But really good fun and one to become a traditoin. Nothing like kicking back and enjoying a relaxing evening.

Coming up we have an Owner's work day this Saturday, Good Friday service on the 21st, Spring Cook Out on the 22nd, and of course Easter on the 23rd. The month finishes out with a Ladies Craft Night and a Management Team meeting. It is a busy month but lots of good stuff!

Focus

2008-03-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

So by Sunday night I felt like I got some focus back. I was starting to feel really down about nothing particular but about everything particular. It was like I couldn't shake it. I work constantly, off to Tarboro each day, and then prepration for Sunday on Saturday's and church on Sunday. So by this Saturday I was just exhausted! Christie finally made me take a nap and all I got to say is that I believe naps are key to true focus.

Sunday we had a great service and great owner's meeting. And today I had a great meeting at Raleigh with the EVP's and CEO. Then the CEO, JP Sakey (a master genius in staffing, used to be chairman for monster) took Suzanne, Paulette, and myself to lunch to the Capital Club, downtown Raleigh. When I went through church planting assessment one of the things they said I need to work on was assertiveness. It's crazy how God decides he wants you to learn things. Working in Corporate America is teaching me assertiveness and my boss is a great teacher (although I could pass on being kicked under the table during meetings!)

I'm really excited this month at realHope. We are beginning to plan out small groups and hope to have 2-3 groups going this Spring. Next Monday we have a 'guys' night out at a local joint, kick back play some pool, and just hang out together. Christie's got a 'ladies' craft night at the end of the month. We are also planning a Good Friday service and of course Easter (Jessica will be back to led worship).

Also, we have an owner's work day plan before Easter to get some things spruced up. Most exciting the kid that held up my mom a couple weeks ago in the church parking lot will be there to help us out. We got put in charge of his community service hours and it really is just an amazing story that comes out of realHope.

So all this stuff has been going on but honestly I just felt so tired I don't think I could focus and even enjoy the good stuff. We are planning to go to Georgia the first weekend in April for some R&R. In the meantime, I going to try some more of those naps because they really help!

14 Reasons I Love You

2008-02-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

1. Your passion to believe in everyone

2. Your patience to raise two kids

3. Your support in my crazy ventures

4. Your great dinners after a long day

5. Your smile

6. Your sparkling eyes

7. Your company in the mall parking lot

8. Your talent for knitting and sewing

9. Your laugh

10. Your gift for language

11. Your adventure to travel

12. Your taste in music

13. Your "cute" moments

14. Your intellect (thanks for helping me spell that too!)

Sweet dreams...

Worship @ realHope

2008-02-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today Jessica Newton (not related to the Sir Isaac Newton, but related to an Isaac Newton) and Chelsea McCartney (not related to Paul MacCartney but talented nontheless) arrived from Knoxville, TN. Jessica will be coming in May to begin leading worship for rH on regular basis. Until then she is coming once a month and will be back with us on Easter Sunday. I'm really excited to have such a talented sister-in-law who truly has a heart for worship and wants others to experience that same heart for the way of Christ.

Tomorrow morning we have two talented chic's leading us in worship. So if your near and searching we hope you stop by to little place we call realHope, a place where you can come as you are, a place we like to call home...until we all get home. Worship - 10:30 am.

What's Tougher Than the Super Bowl?

2008-02-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

My MOM! So yesterday my mom was great and took Luke for the day and to spend the night with them. That in itself makes her pretty tough. But after three boys of her own who would expect anything less, right?

So, they went to work over at church with Papa, and as mom and Luke were getting ready to leave my mom got held up! A young kid came right up in her face and told her to give him money or he was going to kill her! So my mom, looked him in the eyes and put her arms on his arms and said, "Luke, go get your Papa inside."

The young kid told her to get her arms off him and not to touch him. Then he took off running!

The police came, found the kid, and my mom felt so bad for him getting arrested. All I got to say is my mom is tough, and this is exactly why I never gave her too many problems growing up! Way to go mom!

A Weekend Too Short

2008-01-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

Seriously, why are weekend only two days. I have so much more I need to get done around the house. Christie has created a 'honey-do' list and I only got one thing crossed off! (And this is not because I just wasted away my weekend) Between church and two active kids, everything else sometimes feels like mission impossible to complete. I'm just thinking we've got it backwards. Maybe it should be more like Monday - Friday off, work Saturday and Sunday. Awe, well Monday is here before you know it...hope your week turn's out good!

rH's REVEAL 2008

2008-01-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

realHope Christian Church (rH) continues to take bold steps forward and anticipates 2008 to be a year of significant growth both spiritually and numerically. rH’s mission to reach people with real concerns and provide real answers to live a real purpose as Christ followers focuses us on our missional purpose as a church.

rH’s growth strategy will be supported with strategic outreach events, beginning of home groups, addition of leadership, and leveraged with new marketing techniques through mass emails, traditional mail, and web-site enhancements. Growth will rely on owners committing to spiritual growth with renewed focus on personal and corporate prayer life. Our vision to respond and release people into God’s freedom will continued to be reached with people becoming new devoted Christ-followers.

Strength in our current ownership (our word for members) will help increase our community awareness and outreach opportunities. Together rH will become a leading church in the community that provides a culture where people can come as they are and find life change in the body of Christ.

Our milestones will include:

Grow ownership to 50 people; average attendance 100.
Discover and develop community partnerships.
Complete building changes to facilities by end of Q1.
Recruit worship leader to start by Q2.
Participate in Fuquay-Varina spring festival (Q1) and fall festival (Q3).
Develop leadership infrastructure with new management team members and additional staff members.
Establish annual growth budget with support plan.
Revise vision plan to reflect current position and support future plan.
Develop guest connection process to ownership connection process.
Simplify administration data and communication processes.
Develop outreach events for Q2 & Q4.
Redesign prayer and supporter communication lines.
Design online giving web portal.
Simplify website to support current needs.
Develop and initiate home groups (Q1).

Join us this Sunday night at 6 PM for dinner. Come dream, plan, and pray with us as we seek out God's direction. All of the above will be discussed as we being a new year.

The Good News

2008-01-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, sorry it took me a little longer to get the good news out. Many of you already know and if you are a reader of my wife's blog she already blogged about in our Christmas letter to family and friends. Yesterday I formally signed on to be the new Operations Manager for the recruitment center at Headway Corporate Resources. I'm really excited about this opportunity to lead such an outstanding team that is at the HRC. I also get to continue to work with Paulette who was the former Operations Manager - she's now moving to Directer of Recruitment, but her office will still be at the center. The HRC has had its bumps in the road, but I'm confidant we can take it to new levels in 2008. My boss, Suzanne will continue to give great leadership as we move forward. I truly work with some great people!

And...we broke another attendance record at church. This Sunday night is our first Owner's dinner & meeting of the year where we are kicking off our 2008 theme and plans for the year - Reveal. I truly believe this is a year where God is going to reveal some amazing truths to our church and reveal His way to our community through rH.

And...my dad comes home Friday. I cannot tell you how much I've missed his encouragement and support and love. He never stops giving it even through dealing with his own things and far away, but his presence on a Sunday morning when I feel like quiting or the moment I'm going crazy trying to balance the bivocational life of work, family, and the church - well, he keeps me going and it will be good to seem him home.

And...our church sign should be done and up on the building in about two weeks. We have to get a building inspection but it should be no real big deal (please pray that it does not become a real big deal. Friday - Inspection - Prayer)

And...I'll have some other great news by the end of the month. It's even better than all the above! Really, I mean it!

So, reader, if close by come be my guest on Sunday at 10:30 am at rH. Come as you are...and don't worry, we don't allow perfect people.

Good News On the Horizon

2007-12-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Well, life as been busy adjusting with a new addition to the family. Christie, Luke, Julianne, Soleil, Xander are all doing well. I have some good news on the horizon that I will be sharing with you over the next two weeks. So check back...just a little teaser for the good news coming!

Julianne Sage is Here!

2007-11-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

Well, at 8:15 am this morning Julianne Sage made her grand entry weighing in at 8 pounds 10 ounches. Yeah, she was a big one but truly the most beautiful girl in the world! Ok, at least in her daddy's eyes. Mommy is doing well and we can't wait for Luke to see his little sister tomorrow.

Fall Change

2007-11-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

This was a rough week. I work for the recruitment center where we staffed 35 employees and on Monday we had to let go 15 of them. Wednesday I encounter one of my famous headaches and found myself out for the next 15 hours sleeping it off. I woke up Thursday morning at 5 am feeling like I had just woke from hibernation, hungry and strangely refreshed after so much pain. I had to manage the recruitment center Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by myself. I have great support from my boss and colleague and hope I managed it as well as they would have.
The good news I went to the Doctor on Thursday and got medicine to help me through January. We are working at scheduling surgery for me in the new year so the headaches can go away. It's all an insurance issue right now but hopefully this time it will all go through.
Today the recruitment center seem to be starting to return to normal. I went and got a cake to celebrate November birthday's. If you know me, I'm the guy who hides in my cube during these office rituals. But nonetheless, I felt we all could use the pick me up. I cleaned out everyone's desk who had left. It was cleansing and now I feel we all can start moving forward. The team work hard this week to meet one of our client's deadlines.
We keep moving forward at church. It has turned out nothing like I thought, but I'm grateful for that. I could never return to ministry as I once knew it. This has change my life and perspective of how God intended the church to be. I look forward to working it without the other jobs some day and not feel so divided between work, family, and what God has called me to do. On the other hand everything is so intertwined that I can only expect great things to take place as I walk this journey. I pray that God will just continue to send us people who need a place where they can come as they are and find the way of Christ.
We had a couple of fires in the fireplace already has the weather changes. Tomorrow Luke is going to help me plant the fall/winter plants. And if we are lucky Julianne will decide to show up.

Day In Downtown

2007-10-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day has realHope set up a booth at the downtown festival in Fuquay-Varina. We handed out flyers with our information on it while doing face painting, hot chocolate, and had a drawing for a way cool treasure chest full of goodies. It was a really good day to be out in the community serving. And yes yours truly, painted face after face and became quite good at it. Thanks to John and Blynn who stayed the entire day with me setting up and tearing down. Couldn't have done with all you guys! Thanks also to Christie and Jen who help face paint in the morning and for Megan and Christine helping get the hot water from the church to our booth. If you visited our booth we hope you will be our guest this Sunday at 10:30 am! See everyone in the morning!

The Redwoods

2007-10-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today, on way back up to Santa Rosa I made one last stop to Muir Woods. Incredible to see the giant redwoods. It had rained last night so the creek was full and it was just amazing to see. Really I think this was one of the best things I've seen so far. Well tomorrow I'll be back home...and I can't wait! Thanks Jedd and Brad for the recommendation!

I stood in this one!

Pier 39

2007-10-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

So this evening I decided since I've been working so hard (yesterday was a very long day!) that I needed some fresh air and something fun to do. It was moderately fun but would have been so much more fun if my wife and son were along. I went to Pier 39 where I enjoyed some ice-cream, a magic show, sea-lions (boy were the loud!), overlooked Alcatraz Island (I really wanted to go see this but they didn't have an evening tour tonight...ahh well), watched the cable cars, looked at the sail boats, and then enjoy a quiet dinner at the crab house. I sat in front of a fire which is the first time I have felt warm in California! So it was all ok but when you are far away from the ones you love most...well...it sucks. However, please enjoy the pictures!

Picture of the Day

2007-10-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so I drove over the Golden Gate today to go to Santa Rosa where I was recruiting. Did you know that there are 80,000 miles of cable which can stretch 3 x around the earth. The bridge can swing 27' in either direction and can drop 10' under extreme conditions! Way to go John Strauss!

Picture of the Day

2007-10-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

So while I'm working hard I try to find time to see one fun things while I'm out here. This is Pacifica Pier, well the Peir is behind and I thought this view was better. Enjoy!

On Southwest

2007-10-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

So I’m on my way to San Francisco, California, and it’s a long flight. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to update you all on things that have been going on lately.

I’m going to San Francisco to recruit people for jobs. This was a last minute trip decided on Wednesday because we had somewhat of a crisis on a current project. And so I was asked to make this trip to provide the leadership needed. My boss has call me her ‘star performer’ which I have to admit is always nice for the ego…however big responsibility and sacrifice seems to follow it.

I’d prefer not to travel and be gone for another week from Christie and Luke. They both are very strong and supportive when I’m gone. But today before I left I got to play with Luke and his balloon and well it’s those moments that make it really hard to go do your job.

And this is the first time I’ve flown Southwest and wow I’ve never seen people herd to the gate to get their preferred seat like that before. Lucky me got a window seat with no one beside me!

rH's First Baby Dedication

2007-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had our first baby dedication service at rH. It was really great…it was super! Scott and Jen DeVarne dedicated their child Steven. We had 30 people come and well, yep our building was really crowded. A lot of great connections were made and it was so good for our community to experience the body of Christ together like that.

We have so big outreach events coming up this month and next. We are going to have a booth at Fuquay’s downtown festival where over 10,000 people come. Then in November we are doing another International Quiz night. We are looking for a local bar or pub to sponsor it at. Right now we are searching for a worship leader or least some people who can play instruments to help out our worship. Once we have that in place we are going to look at doing a bigger marketing campaign in the community.

Luke's 3 Yr. Old Pictures

2007-09-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

International Quiz Night

2007-08-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back from my travels in New York. It was good to see some old friends and enjoy the change of scenery. We have known Tim & Suzy since college and they we're really great with having us stay with them. Luke loves hanging out with them. I just hope we didn't drive them too crazy with a 3-year old in their house for the week!

We got back really late Saturday night so I was pretty tired on Sunday but we still had a great service and a great International Quiz night. They are really challenging questions but everyone did really good and had a lot of fun. It's turn out to be a really good event just to get people talking to one another and getting to know each other better. It's nothing more than getting the family around the table and enjoying a good family game night.

This also promotes one of our important values at rH - We are a family working together.

Working In New York City

2007-08-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

So today I woke up and walked to the train to go into New York City. I'm happy to say I only got turned around twice, once in and once on the way out. Although on the way back if you get lost in NY there is at least a Starbucks on every corner to allow to you to gather your senses again. Thankfully Suzy came and picked me up. Also, it's cold up here! Which I have to say is kinda of nice since its been so hot in NC.

Headway's offices are located on Madison Avenue right outside Grand Central Station. It's pretty cool. I'll be here until Friday and then head back to the South.

Last Sunday we had our first Sunday services at rH. We had five families represented. I'm really excited as we continue to move forward and grow rH. I hope to see you sometime there on Sunday's at 10:30 AM. Our core group is also meeting on Sunday's at 6 PM which is another great time for fellowship and planning for rH.

Team Efforts

2007-08-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Honestly there are nights I lay awake thinking this will never happen. There's not enough time in the day to get it all done. And somewhere in all of these rushing thoughts of things that I need to do for work, church, and family it all hits me - I can not do it all. And this truth is really quite a relief once you accept it. It's just getting to that point.

There is a lot going on this week. This Sunday we begin Sunday morning worship services at 10:30 AM, we have a cook out this Saturday, and there are so many things that need to be accomplish for both of those things. The good thing, is there is a good team of people at realHope that are ready to work hard to make sure things are ready. It is nice to know that when I realize I can't get it all done, they have already realized that weeks before I do. So everyone is busy getting things done this week and working hard.

If you are in the area I hope you will join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. It will be a great time of worship and fellowship. And I promise you'll find more than just a church, you'll find a family.

Owner's Breakfast

2007-07-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Once a month at rH we have what we call Owner's Breakfast. This is an opportunity for us to come together and fellowship, pray, discuss, and dream about our plans for the church. We are calling our members 'owners' because we want our members of rH to understand that we are heirs of the kingdom of God and each have a role to play in His kingdom. Membership in our culture has come to imply a consumer attitude - get your membership card, enjoy the services, and leave. At rH we want people to really to participate in the body of Christ. Christie and I came to this term after visiting Vintage 21 a church in Raleigh, NC. I'm excited that we are creating in our DNA a place where people we not just join but really become a part of the body and use their unique gifts to serve God's Kingdom.

This week at rH we continue our study in Colossians, You've Got Style. Hope to see you there and stop by Saturday at our Owner's Breakfast (9 AM).

The Gospel for Today

2007-07-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

At thegathering I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes from author Leonard Sweet.

"The mystery of the gospel is this: It is always the same (content), and it is always changing (containers). In fact, for the gospel to remain the same, it has to change. The old, old story needs to be told in new, new ways. In fact, one of the ways you know the old, old truths are true is their ability to assume amazing and unfamiliar shapes while remaining themselves and without compromising their integrity."

My son Luke loves milk. I can pour his milk into different cups for him. Some cups are easier for him to drink out of while others are more difficult for him to handle yet. I personally enjoy the harder cups to drink out of and would not enjoy drinking out of his sippy cup. But Luke is able to understand, enjoy, fully take in all of his milk, and not spill any out of his sippy cup. If I choose the easier cup over the harder one have I altered Luke's milk any? Absolutely not! I have only allowed him the opportunity to really enjoy all of his milk.

It is important to understand if changing methods change the message of the Gospel. Experiences change but the Gospel does not. And this is important for leadership to make sure that methods (containers) don't alter the message (content). We can begin to really understand what Paul meant when he wrote, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22). What an incredible challenge for us today!

If we are to preach the Gospel for today we must contextualize the culture around us, discover the containers that the people use, and begin filling them up with the message of Christ. Our challenge is to understand our preferences and not to let them become prejudices that blind us from reaching those Christ has put in our paths to reach. I am convinced that the church today must explore the containers people are using and begin filling them with the Living Water. These are the containers they drink out of everyday. A great challenge and yet it may be one of the greatest opportunities for the church to preach the Gospel for today!

This Week @ rH

2007-07-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow night Sunday at 6 PM will have thegathering, a place for anyone and everyone who is seeking out the way of Christ. We are starting a new message series entitled, "You've Got Style." It is a study through the book of Colossians, a New Testament book in the Bible. I'm really excited about it and hope you'll join us if you are in the area.

As I posted earlier we ran out of chairs last week, but got some more, so come and don't hesitate to bring along a friend. Make sure you check out the rH website for all the great events coming up (Scrapbooking night, International quiz night).

Hey, if you come by thegathering I'll make this promise, I won't tell you the ending of the new Harry Potter book! See ya then!

Record Attendance, New Job, Great Stuff

2007-07-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's one of those just 'great stuff' happening weeks. Those are good to have ever now and then. This week I started at Headway Corporate Resources as project manager of the Resource Center. I have a learning curve to get pass but confident that I swing through it. I'm excited about the company - they really seem to know their stuff and how to do it. They treat people with care - it's not just your normal staffing company, they are a mark above the rest. So if you need a job, let me know or your company needs lots of jobs, let me know. I can help.

realHope had record attendance Sunday night. We had a great call this week and well the short of it all....we're growing! We ran out of chairs and are not sure what we will do this coming Sunday! We gave the rH website a fresh update so check it out. I really please with the results so far. We are also working on a new feature to allow people to donate online, so yeah, you no what that means friends and family....

Christie's mom, sister, two nieces, and cousin are here for a couple of days so we have a full house! Also, last Friday we found out we are going to have a girl (I'm still not sure what to think about that one!) But, in the end of it all it's all really great stuff!

Time Off

2007-07-10T19:07:00.002-07:00

Well this week I'm enjoying some rest and catch up on somethings around the homestead and for rH before I begin my new job at Headway. I started the week off doing some premarriage counseling and visiting the zoo with Christie and Luke. Luke just wanted to see Giraffes and luckily at the very end we saw them. It was a lot of fun but really hot!

I finally got a calendar put together for rH for the next couple of months and started putting together a preaching series calendar together as well. Our big project that we are starting to get underway is to get morning Sunday services going. We feel like more people will choose this time to visit us and well frankly we like to grow.
The biggest challenge is what do with worship. We really need a gifted worship leader so please pray that God will lead us to the right person to do this.

It seems this is the week for people from the past to check in. At least its been people I still like to hear from! Well that's all the update for now, maybe something of more interest later.

Some Last Things

2007-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ahh yes, some last things that I will ever have to do have come. Today was my last day at the hotel, my last day standing on my feet for eight hours checking in people who don't understand rates and are to cheap to pay for parking, my last day eating the nasty food in the employee cafeteria, my last day doing airlines, my last day doing a room move, or taking luggage to a room. Ahh yes, some last feel good.

Today was also the last day in the week where I completed working out. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's I committed to working out. Always feels good to complete the first week.

So on now to some first and even more familiar things, like having evenings back and weekends, and having more time for rH.

This Week at rH

2007-07-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

So today I ran the mile again...well sort of. I thought it would be good to take Soleil, my dog with me. She likes to run...really she loves to run especially when you don't want her too. So off we went this afternoon, but surprise, surprise, she was slowing me down. She actually wanted to stop half way through. Guess I'm not the only one who needs to get in shape.

This week at thegathering we continue in our Revolution series searching for answers on how to face obstacles in our journey. The fact is everyone of us will face obstacles in our journey. Our aim is to finish the journey well. How do we do that? Find out this weekend at thegathering, Sunday @ 6 PM.

Want to know what other great events are happening at realHope? Check it out on the web (www.realhopechristian.org).

See you Sunday and if I don't lift up a prayer for us!

Health & More

2007-07-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we welcomed our first new baby to rH. Steven DeVarne was born, Sunday around 4 PM, seven weeks early! Jen went into the hospital with complications earlier in the morning. We saw both Scott and Jen today and they both were doing well. Their son is doing well to and will have to stay in the hospital for a few weeks while he gets stronger. Overall both mommy and son are doing very well. We are excited that rH just grew by one! Congrats Scott and Jen!

And today I started exercising, ran over a mile today. Why oh why does working out have to be so much work...guess that's why they called it working out!

International quiz night went well. We plan to do another by the end of the summer. It was a great time of fellowship and fun. I was really glad I was the host because I didn't know any of the answers. They were really hard questions! Like what is the most popular candy to hand out at Halloween?

Well, only four days left at the hotel!

8 Working Days Left...

2007-06-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Today I got my last starhot rate for Christie and I to celebrate our 8th anniversary in August. I can't believe we will have been married for eight years! We will be staying at the Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, NC. And how appropriate is the number 8 today because I now only have 8 working days left of the hotel.

Tonight Christie held our first Scrapbooking night at realHope. They had two guest show up! So this week we have had a total of three guest already and International Quiz night is this Sunday! If you know me at all, I completely suck at trivia. I am the guy you do not want on your team, the one you pick last unless your playing dodge ball, then I can play a pretty mean game. I am totally amazed at those of you gifted to hold useless trivia information until it becomes useful in the only event I know of - winning trivia games. It all happens this Sunday at 7 PM at realHope. Hope to see some of you there - and for the rest of you pray for a good turn out!

9 Working Days Left. . .

2007-06-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

Really, the last few days always seem to drag out. This weekend at the hotel was crazy and I even had to stay over. You may think well that's nice that you got to sleep at the hotel, but when you've been there all day, smell like hotel, the last thing you want to do is go to bed at the hotel, praying they won't call you from downstairs.

We had a guest at realHope last night and a great Owner's meeting this weekend. That was really exciting! And this coming Tuesday night the ladies are having their first scrapbooking night and this coming Sunday is International Quiz night! It was nice to eat with Christie and Luke tonight and realize only 9 more working days and I'll get to do this a lot more often. Then my parents came over and we played hearts. That's a great summer evening. Only 9 more working days to I get to experience more of it! Do you understand, I'm on the count down. And if you must drudge on in a place you hate, I hope you can experience only 9 more working days soon too!

Moving Forward

2007-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

First, I'm in the process of changing the look on my blog. I like visual change of scenery. Secondly, yesterday I signed my letter of offer with Headway Staffing Company to be their new project manager for their Call Center Division. So good-bye Sheraton on July 6th! (And yes, I'm sorry, no more great hotel discounts).
This position is offering exciting opportunities for us. I will help with Real Hope's financial flow, allowing us to use more money for ministry, equipment, and marketing. It will also give me back my evenings and weekends! I don't think Christie or I will know what to think about that!
So we are moving forward to good things!

Good Stuff

2007-06-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been awhile since I've blogged. But I have to say a lot of good stuff has been taking place in the weeks that followed our 'near death experience.' Talk about really waking you up to life!

First, we are mostly behind the wreck. Still working through some insurance issues... blahh! But for the most part I have to give it to Erie, they've really done a great job taking care of things. And I'm now that average American father with the mini van, two pets, and soon two kids! The little one is doing great with a strong heart beat! We should find out the sex next time we go! Luke and Christie are doing well too. We enjoyed a week with Luke's cousins, Emily and Logan. It was nice to have the minivan with everyone here. So I might be somewhat dorky looking in the mini van but you can't beat the room. The other day I was cleaning it out and discover a whole drawer! Who puts a drawer in a car? Genuis idea!

Tonight my parents, Christie, Luke and I handed out close to 300 flyers announcing realHope and our events coming up. In July we are having our first Internation Quiz night which I'm really excited about. We hope this will become a real attraction to people in the community. At our first outreach event we got over 80 emails and address from people, so we were really excitied about those results.

I have other great news but I can't announce it yet...so check back and I'll tell you soon! And remember drop by realHope anytime, we love to see ya!

What It Really Feels Like to Be Hit By A Truck

2007-05-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend and Family,

There are moments when you're life flashes before you and at the end of it all you can not help but to be thankful for the people God has placed in your life.

Last night at approximately 12:30 AM, Saturday night, we (Luke, Christie, and I) were heading back home from Atlanta, GA to North Carolina on I-95. Just an hour and an half from home we hydroplaned in front of a Semi-truck. The truck pushed us 200 feet down I-95 as we spinned out of control and landed in the median. All the windows we're gone and the bumper of the truck came very close to Christie. The State Trooper that later came to the hospital told us that none of us should have walked away alive.

By God's amazing hand we had only minor scratches and bruises. Luke didn't even cry! He thought it was cool that he got to ride in an ambulance. People kept telling us how lucky we were but we kept telling them God was in it all.

This Saturday we have our first outreach event handing out balloons, face-painting, and info. about Real Hope at the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina festival. Approximately 8,000 people will pass our booth. I am convinced that Satan would do anything for us to be shaken from this event. However, why shaken emotionally from the event, our resolved and faith to plant this new church can not be shaken.

Your prayers have been more important then you'll ever know. They protected us when we could not. And once again they have started something in heaven that we could not and it begins this Saturday as we reach people for Christ!

So thank you from the depths of hearts for praying and supporting us. You have no idea how much each of you mean to us. And please pray for our emotions to heal quickly and as we go out and reach people for Christ this weekend.

Peace and a prayer,
Jeremy, Christie, & Luke

PS The little ne owe are expecting in November is ok too!
PPS If your local in the area drop by our booth at Action Park in Fuquay-Varina this Saturday! We'd love to see you!

119 South Fuquay Avenue

2007-04-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Real Hope's new home:

A New Day

2007-04-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

This morning Luke crawled into bed to wake me up. I asked him what today was, and he said, "a new day." He can really make you feel positive about life, alive, and ready to conquer the day. There are a lot of exciting things taking place. Just a quick update about what's going on.

Monday evening we will be signing a lease for Real Hope's first home. It's located downtown Fuquay-Varina next to the DMV and Library. This brings a lot of traffic right by the building so I'm really excited about that. One of the best features is that the back door opens up to a community park with a children's playground, pavilion, and large grass area. The town also holds several events downtown each year and we plan to be involved in those. One festival brings in over 20,000 people.

We don't have anything for the building yet, but I love the spirit of our group. We plan to start meeting there next Sunday and they said they can bring there folding chairs. So who knows what kind of chairs we'll have for our first time there, but we are excited about the potential ministry opportunities that will happen and the impact we can have.

So keep all this in your prayers. I'll post pictures later this week.

Wind Changes

2007-02-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

At night the wind has been blowing around our gray blue house as if it is giving up the old season and preparing for the new. Luke graduated to his 'big boy' bed tonight. How fast they grow. I grab onto his unmastered pronouns to keep him from growing up to fast. He says, 'hold you' instead of using 'me', although the other day 'me' slipped out. I couldn't bear to let him know he was right. I'm just not ready to let go of 'hold you.' He gets me everytime he says it.

My parents move to this beautiful state in eleven days. The reality of them being so close by hasn't set in yet. I may have to just stand in their living room for the first few days and just stare at them to know it's real. I don't know who will get tired of who first. But I remind them if they start acting old their off to my brothers.

Soliel keeps going outside and barking tonight. She's ready for the new season as well. Tired of the cold nights and the cold ground outside. Xander wants nothing more than to leave the cozy house and begin venturing outside. I think we are all a bit stir crazy for something new - something we've been waiting for awhile to happen. We just weren't sure how it would be ushered into our lives.

Revolution

2007-02-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

"The skeptiscism of those who lead conventional spiritual lives is a palpable reminder that growth always comes with a price tag...The mere presence of Revolutionaries makes the typical American citizen - yes, even the typical churchgoer - uncomfortable. It is not uncommon for Revolutionaries to meet with rejection - verbal, intellectual, relational, or experiential - simply because of their determination to honor the God they love."

This is a quote from George Barna's book "Revolution." By no means did this book alter my thinking in any great way. It was an easy read but affirming what I feel inside many days. It help identify what I am a part of - of who I am becoming - of where I am going. I can be lots of titles. A bivocational minister, church planter, front desk manager, daddy, husband, brother - but I am a part of a much larger movement. I am one of the revolutionaries which simplified means, I have deserted Christianity and become a follower of Christ.

I know it seems somewhat of a paradox, but this is much of the revolutionary life.

Relevance

2007-01-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

My friend is an awesome librarian. Before she became a librarian I thought all librarians were pretty much geeks who had little regard for being relevant. She is doing amazing things that are culturally relevant and engaging new children and parents into the world of books and reading. What I find interesting is that she comes up against the very thing churches are willing to die for even in the secular field - being irrelevant to the culture around them.

Somewhere we have to understand that culture relevance is not the death of what's moral, right, and truth. Language changes, style changes, and so must our methodologies if we expect what we love so much to be around for the next generation.
Take the word pimp. At first there is a generation that would associate this word's use in a negative connotation. But the very word itself has changed meanings for much of the culture around us. Pimp can also be used as a verb such as "You're pimped up!" or "Pimp my ride." The latter example refers to customizing an automobile, made popular by the show Pimp My Ride on MTV. It can also be used as an adjective connoting the same, i.e. "Man, that car's pimp!" Either use was originally a derogatory term, implying that the subject was overly decorated and tacky (referring to the stereotype of pimps with excessive jewelry, flashy clothes, or brightly colored cars with animal-print upholstery and crystal chandeliers). It was eventually reclaimed as an American slang term for being unique, "cool" or socially desirable, in much the same way as the term "ghetto fabulous."
All I'm trying to say is that if I could get people to wake up from their mundane hard working days and come to church to hear a sermon title, "Pimp my Church" - they're the very ones I want to reach. Leonard Sweet says it well, "The mystery of the gospel is this: It is always the same, and it is always changing. In fact, for the gospel to remain the same, it has to change. The old, old story needs to be told in new, new ways. In fact, one of the ways you know the old, old truths are true is their ability to assume amazing and unfamiliar shapes while remaining themselves and without compromising their integrity."
Maybe the real reason people find it hard to stay culturally relevant is because our world is changing so fast, then again, maybe we have some prejudices that we just don't want to face and death seems to be the better option. My wife also wrote a great blog about Christ and Culture.

Rock'in at Christmas Time

2006-12-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

Rock'in at Christmas time! Oh yeah....

Is Jesus Amazed?

2006-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

During thegathering we've been in a series called 24| A day in the life of Jesus. It's been a great study to discover the way of Christ. Tonight's twenty-four hours with Jesus was when Jesus was amazed at the soldier's faith (Luke 7). Jesus was amazed two times in Scripture - this time with the soldier's faith and the other time when his own family and friends demonstrated a lack of faith.
It's interesting how close to home that still comes today. I wonder if Jesus is still amazed at our faith or lack of? I hope He still gets amazed at those who choose to go! And I pray more will rise to the call even when we can't see everything ahead. I hope Jesus will be amazed by the Christ-followers that are coming to Real Hope and for the faith they will demonstrate in the years to come.

If you haven't joined us yet at thegathering we hope to see you soon! It's turning out to be a great night each Wednesday. Also this Sunday at our house we are hosting our first Discover Real Hope Dinner where we talk about the mission and vision of Real Hope. We want Real Hope to be all God intended it to be and this is a place to understand how we can make that happen together. If you're interested in finding out more check the web site for more details under the events.

thegathering

2006-09-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well, starting September 27 on Wednesday evenings we are beginning what we call thegathering. This will be the first place for people to gather who want to make Real Hope their church community. I'm excitied and nervous about it - my worst fear - what if no one shows up!

I realize though that there are a lot of broken vessels just like myself that are looking for an authentic community to belong too. And I know God has been preparing our hearts to offer a place full of grace and mercy for unperfect people to come and seek God. It is sometimes just so ovewhelming to think about who God will gather and watch lives begin changing. If you are in the area, stop by sometime and gather with us...you can come just as you are.

Walking in the Other Shoe

2006-08-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started working at the Sheraton it's really helped me 'walk in the other shoe' with those who call themselves 'spiritual' or even 'Christian' but not following the way of Christ yet. For many the hotel is their friends and family - the ones they count on in life. Strangely, I find them the most accepting group of people to be around. It begs the question why the church can not be more like this, accepting people as they are?

Maybe it's the fact that to many times we think we have everything figured out and we assume that our perception is the reality. I've always hated the phrase 'perception is reality.' Yet so often we label our perceptions on people. And based on our perceptions we assign right or wrong to how they are living. Don't get me wrong, there is truth in Christ's way and when we discover a truth we need to live it out, but we aren't going to do it perfectly. The thing that bugs me is when we assign our reality to someone else and decide it's our mission to change everything we think is wrong with the person or we just stop pursuing the relationship altogether because 'it just wouldn't be worth our time.'

Luke loves to walk in my shoes. He thinks I'm pretty cool, tall, adventurous, fun...Really one of the most amazing people walking the earth. I don't argue to often with them on this point. That's his perception, thus his assumed reality. But the real truth is if he really was able to understand everything about my shoes he would feel the lately stress, frustration, loneliness, and fear of failure. I'm glad he's only two and hope his perception of reality continues for awhile. All I'm really saying is it's time for us to wear the other shoe for awhile and discover that someone's real reality needs someone who will take them as they are and encourage them to seek the way God intended us to be, not as we think they should be.

Roker Radar

2006-08-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I didn't really believe it at first, maybe because he's lost so much weight and our security guard said to him, "Hey your Roker." Al was not very impressed by this comment and gave the security guard a "duh" look. I figured what an amazing close looks and this poor guy must get that comment all the time. It was only after his daughter came down to check out and ask me, "Have you seen my dad?" and I pulled up the profile and notice Al's name did I realize, it really was Al Roker!

I had wish at this moment I had told Al's daughter, "Your dad went out to check the weather." But my wits are not as quick at 7 am in the morning. Apparently Al passes through regular so watch for the Roker Radar to go off anytime!

And Mr. Smith Enjoy Your Stay...

2006-07-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I now work at the four star Sheraton Raleigh Hotel located downtown. It features 300 rooms with seventeen floors, presidential and governor's suite, club level floors, indoor pool, restaurant and bar. I work at the front desk checking in guest, checking them out, and making guest feel right at home.

I get to sport my stylish suits and ties, stand on my feet for eight hours, and enjoy guest coming to me with their complaints. It's almost like church used to be...Takes me back.

Really, I am enjoying it and having some great opportunities to be around people who don't know Christ. It is also giving me perspective on what people deal with outside the ministry. Usually I'm up at 5:30 am and in to work by 7 am and work until 3 pm. This week I work some extra hours and an evening shift. I'm starting to become quite the morning person!

It has it perks. I get lunch provided by the cooks, free parking downtown, eventually great health benefits, and hotel discounts. And yes if your family you can get the discounts too (just have to wait to after my first 90 days.)

Log Day 52 - Adversity

2006-06-13T18:34:00.001-07:00

Log Day 13 - The Others

2006-05-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Last week Christie and I attended the National Church Planting Conference in Orlando, FL. The theme of the conference was "Risk" and that resonated very well with us. It was an amazing week filled with clarity. We came away hearing from great speakers like Ed Stezter, a church planting guru, and one of my personal favorites, Gene Appel. We also had some moments to spend with Donnie and Cinda Williams (lead pastor at LifePointe) and get some wise counsel and perspective from our friend, Brent Foulkes.

I think most exciting was to see the 800 others that are doing the same thing. It was encouraging to know there are others following this call, experiencing the same up's and down's, questioning it all, running forward with passion, taking the risk - and realizing that we are not alone. There are others!

Our destination is on the horizon and while the methodologies will change dramatically we are excited about what will be charted next in our journey. This is the biggest risk I have ever taken. The winds are blowing very strong change in our direction as we set out to plant a new church.

Log Day 1 - Stormy Days

2006-04-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Storms are blowing through tonight which seem to reflect my own dilemmas of late. The destination is very clear. The most confusing part is the journey to get there. The storm itself is not so half as bad, almost beautiful to watch at times, as long as you have a safe place to watch it and can remember where you are going. My wife and child are my safe place in these current storms that are passing by, reminding me of the beautiful moments that really do exist.

My intention on blogging is to navigate through such storms that come along in this journey with better clarity. This place will be a place for my thoughts to collect and be sorted like Professor Dumbledore's pensive, but for the unmagical. Perhaps look back and see the good moments that seem to find themselves among the bad ones. So dive in and enjoy the uncharted waters of my life.