May 7, 2008
Appreciation, an expression that lies dormant much of the time… especially toward others who deserve acknowledgement for their influence in our lives. That’s why the powers that be establish holidays designed to ‘appreciate’ those special people in our lives such as teachers, bosses, secretaries, pastors, etc. Our mothers deserve to hear our sincere laudations as we sing their praises. Bearing gifts are nice, but let your words carry the needed message. Our mothers deserve it! Happy Mother’s Day!
“You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.” 1 Corinthians 16:18b NLT
Fine Arts Service
May 7, 2008
I sure was proud of our youth this past Sunday! Everyone did a fabulous job displaying their talents for the Lord. It blesses me deeply to see this kind of involvement. I know God will use each one of them greatly in the future as they continue to serve Him with their giftings. Please be in prayer for our team as they compete against other churches this weekend. I know they will strive to do their very best!
Jeff’s Favs
May 2, 2008
Another one of my favorite restaurants, as well as my family’s, is Jinbeh, a Japanese Hibachi grill located in Lewisville next to Mardel’s Bible Book store. Now we have tried Shoguns and Oishi’s and they are good too. But what sets Jinbeh apart is their ginger sause. We pour it all over our food. And if my kids will eat it because of that sause, it will keep me going back for more!
Weekly Note From the Pastor
May 2, 2008
Affirmation is not always considered unless you are the one needing it. Everyone likes to be confirmed, and really, we need those positive reinforcements to have healthy growth. Why is it such a chore to express it but a joy to receive it? Some would say they don’t need it, but I guarantee you that they still ingest it into their spirits when it comes their way. They may blow it off outwardly, but inwardly, it is attaching itself to the ego for self-confidence and pride. God has affirmed us time and time again through His Word. For example, “So he decided long ago to adopt us as his children. He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done. It pleased God to do it” (Ephsians1:5 NIRV). I encourage you to affirm those around you! Build up your children, speak positive reinforcement to your spouse, and ratify your friendships. We all need it, so let’s all give it.
Weekly Note From the Pastor
April 23, 2008
I guess I am as bad as the next person, but I am trying to work at it. I don’t think it is intentional, nor did I realize how it sounded… until recently. We get used to it, learn it from those who influenced our lives, and it becomes second nature. But it has really started to stick out to me lately. Let me explain what I am referring to… our negative slant when we engage in small talk.
I often tease Sherri because when we are with someone visiting, she can’t stand for there to be any dead space. I am a bit of a slow talker anyway, so I make her really nervous when we are sharing with others, especially if we are just getting to know them. Therefore, she ends up doing most of the talking. I sometimes wait as long as possible to respond if asked a question just to tease with her… we know each other well and I often get a discreet pinch as we try to conceal our inside joke.
All of us, however, are guilty of ‘small talking’ now and again. To me, the best definition that accurately describes it is: ‘conversation for its own sake.’ Other good synonyms include chin wagging, tittle-tattle, and gabfest. There is nothing wrong with this chit chat, in fact, I am thankful at times for light-hearted conversation that gives my mind a rest and allows my guard to come down. However, I have noticed that we often tend to chatter in a ‘gripey’ way more often than in a positive way. And some of the news we would put in the constructive category borders on gossip. Some of the more popular topics are the uncomfortable temperature, a weariness of some form, or the busyness of life. Take a listen for yourself and see if you concur.
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it..” Ephesians 4:29 AMP
Jeff’s Favs
April 22, 2008
As most of my friends know, I like good restaurants and particular, good dishes. When I find one I like, I eat it over and over until I get tired of it. My philosophy is, “If you find what you like at an establishment, why waste time and money searching for what you have already found.” Once I get tired of it, I will then try something else. And it is not that I am not adventurous, Sherri and I love trying new diners and tasting a variety of foods. But once found, I enjoy the ride until the wave subsides!
Sunday night, I was sitting at my favorite restaurant for my birthday and eating what is probably my top dish in the metroplex, when a thought came to me. People are asking me about my favorites, so why not just share on my Blog occasionally so that others can try them if they like. I always give a listening ear when someone tells about their choice of food. So, here go… the restaurant I am referring to is Tom Tom Noodle House (3699 McKinney Ave,
Thanks…
April 22, 2008
I just wanted to express my appreciation for all of the expressions of love and happy wishes for my birthday. It was a good one, if that is possble at my age, because you made it so…
Weekly Note From the Pastor
April 16, 2008
I am so proud of my kids! I dreamed and prayed when they were young, that when they became of age, good choices and decisions would be a natural part of their life. And the things that I have tried to teach would be beneficial to them. And when I feel like they ‘get it’ a sense of relief and satisfaction comes over me. During those times of training, they would look at me like I was crazy, not completely understanding why or what I was saying. It didn’t make sense to them. But then that moment comes, through maturity or experience, when they ‘get it.’ You know it and they know it. What a proud moment indeed, because sometimes they get it in spite of me!
“Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 AMP
Weekly Note From the Pastor
April 10, 2008
I have been concerned about the marriages and families of our church. It seems the enemy is bringing a heavy attack upon the home. However, I sometimes feel that I have been completely exhaustive in teaching in this area and wonder why we just don’t get it. But I also realize that even in my own marriage, if I don’t reiterate and study and work on the various areas of weakness and struggles… any relationship can labor. We are so bombarded with the selfish and unrighteous ways of the world, which if we aren’t careful and fully armored at all times, we can become desensitized and forget the full Truth and its application. Let me encourage you today, allow God’s Word to be your main counselor. Let His Truth initiate the needed change. Enlist the help of the Holy Spirit to cover and anoint your loved ones and these vital relations that are so important in your life. Don’t let the cares of life and the battles of the flesh cause the insight you have received to fade into oblivion. God doesn’t change, only our perceptions fluctuate.
“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you–unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?” 2 Corinthians 13:5 AMP
Jobs for Barron’s
April 8, 2008
Venezia, Windy and Abraham are wanting me to find some part time jobs for them. They want to help pay for some of their own costs so that Rosa won’t won’t have as much to be responsible for and to honor what everyone else has done for them. They still have school activities and church responsibilities, but if you know of a job possibiliy, please let me know.
