Preaching Sick

I have never had to preach sick before. I guess I am lucky but I can only think of once where I called in sick on the day I had to give a message. Well I did it today and it was messy but it got done. At points I felt like my eyes were going to swell shut or my throat was. I could’ve called Greg Nelson and would’ve under any other circumstances but I knew I had to give this message. We began a three part series on prayer and with our corporate prayer and fasting starting this week it was important to start it off right.

We had good crowds today which makes it a lot easier. I love the people of The Village Chapel. All three services had a good feel to them. To all of our workers keep up the good work.

Solar Shield

Yesterday as I was in line at Longs to pick up my prescription for my eyes I looked to my right and there they were…Solar Shields. Shades for people with glasses. Now you probably think that these usually look like those huge things Elderly people wear but they have come out with a new fashion line. So I snagged a pair. I can’t be out in direct sunlight for too long without my eyes killing me so this was the perfect solution.

You can’t even tell my glasses are on underneath. So I reclaim Shades as sexy and fashionable.

A Public Moment

I am always aware of who I represent when I am in public. I try to be as polite and courteous as possible to be a reflection of Jesus Christ. Well I had a public moment that caught me by surprise yesterday. I was at The Covenant Christian Bookstore purchasing some books when the lady behind the register recognized me. This is how it played out. She took my credit card and stared at it for a long time. I was thinking it was because we use a Starbucks visa and many times people think it is a gift card. After looking at it for over a minute she looked at me and said "You’re the pastor from the Village Chapel aren’t you?" She has been looking at my name.

Now I have never seen this lady before but she knew who I was. I felt bad because of this virus I was totally out of it. I was just there in anonymity purchasing some children’s books and a Biographical dictionary that would put me out of my misery. I was as nice as I could be but given the circumstances I could only see a fuzzy image of her (Make you feel safe thinking I hoped in my truck and drove to the church after this!)

It just goes to show "whom much is given much will be required." God has placed incredible responsibility on my shoulders and with that comes responsibility. On a side note Covenant Bookstore is a great little shop. I always find things there I would never see online or hear about. Make sure you support this place they are wonderful people.

Eye Update

It seems that I have a virus in my eyes. Dr. Ekstrum hooked me up with some drops and I amd getting better even though I may not look that way yet. Having a virus in your eyes is much like having a runny nose. Your eyes are constantly tearing up with this crusty discharge.

The Lost Art of Listening

Listening is becoming an art form. The reason I know this is that so few people are good at it. I am hardly an expert listener but I do know when people aren’t. Take for instance my favorite coffee drive thru. The people on the speaker are far more interested in sounding good than they are listening to what kind of coffee I want. I guess all of them are training to be TV announcers for Telemundo or something. One thing you don’t want to do is mess with someone before they get their daily caffine fix and forgetting what they ordered only exacerbates this.

Another place that baffled me was my sandwich place. I tolde her that I wanted everything on my sandwiches. What part of everything don’t people understand. She proceeded to ask me abut everything down the row. Now I am sure this is standard protocol but everything means everything.

I was always taught that you need to be an active listener. You make eye contact and engage the person as they speak. I admit this is difficult at times but every attempt should be made. It is important to repeat what the person says not for their sake but yours. Finally act like you care. If you are more into yourself than the other person this will come across. I think that if we become better listeners  it will in turn make us more caring people.

Swollen Eyes

I woke up on Wednesday morning witha swollen right eye. I could only open it half way. With the arrid climate in Bend, Oregon it only made it worse and by Thursday morning both eyes wer swollen. I couldn’t put my contacts on which was bummer because I wouldn’t be able to wear my sunglasses for all that driving. The glare was so bad in the afternoon that I finally put my sun. At one point I couldn’t open my right eye at all it was so bright so I was driving with one eye. Thank God for those rivets on the side of the road to let you know you have gone too far off the side because I would probably be in some wheat field right now. Just kidding.

Anyways they feel better today and I am going to see Dr. Ekstrum today to have them checked out.

Road Trip Day #2

After 14 hours on the road I am finally home. We drove from Klamath Falls, Oregon to Santa Maria. We could’ve shave and hour or so off if it wasn’t for us trying to figure out how to get out of Klamath. Took an extended tour of the downtown area trying to find the on ramp to the 97. There were absolutely no signs anywhere and Kent’s map on his iPhone kept telling us to turn left when we should’ve turned right. Needless to say we looped the city hall twice.

An interesting note is that the town of Weed is beautiful and the name doesn’t do it justice. Once you get past Redding the drive is one big farm field waiting to be harvested. I would draw spiritual parallels out of that but after 10 hours of it I don’t want to see another one for a long time. If it wasn’t for my cell phone and iPod I would’ve fallen asleep on several occasions. I would give you more highlights but unless you are interested in the 10 minute nap I took at a truck stop there is really nothing to share. I did listen to some good teachings.

So we got the Akins down here and they can move their stuff into their rental house on Friday. Their house is about one minute from the church.

Road Trip Day #1

I flew up to Bend, Oregon today to help my friend move down to Vandenberg Village. It was actually a nice trip. The plane ride from Santa Barbara to Portland was really nice. I had a row to myself and was able to spread out. Got some work done as well. Now the ride from Portland to Bend was the polar opposite. It was this tiny little puddle jumper that was packed to the gills. I had to sit the whole flight with my shoulders hunched forward so I would smash this elderly lady beside me. It was obvious that this was her greatest fear as well. She acted like she was asleep but was really praying for no turbulence.

I arrived at Kent’s house around for and for the next two and half hours we finished off getting his house cleaned up. Then we stopped off at Greg’s Grill for a good dinner with an incredible view of the Deshutes river. About 8pm we pulled onto the 97 and headed for Klamath Falls. The 97 is one of the straightest roads I have ever driven on. I think there were curves on the road may three times.

One cool aspect of this trip is that it is allowing me to get filled up. I have listened to some teaching by Jim Cymbala from Brooklyn Tabernacle and Adrian Rodgers. Really good stuff. I am actually looking forward to the ten hour drive to Santa Maria tomorrow for more good teaching and prayer. Driving is one place I can allow my mind to relax.

Lord, Where Would You Have Us?

Over the first four Wednesdays of October we are calling the church to a time of Fasting and Prayer. We are seeking God on where He would have us. We are looking for wisdom and provision on facilities and our future as a church.

If you are a Village Person I want to challenge you to take up this task. Fast all day Wednesday and then join the Elders of The Village Chapel for a time of prayer that night. We will meet at the church at 7pm solely for the purpose to pray and ask "Lord, Where would you have us?"

I believe that God is not only going to give us answers but show them in a mighty way. So mark your calendars starting October 3rd for this special time.

On The Road

I am catching a flight up to Oregon to day to help my buddy Kent and his family move back down to the Central Coast.

Looking forward to getting some studying done on the plane and to some mind time driving back home. Should be back around Thursday evening. There are some things that God has put on my heart that need some prayer and thought. If you remember pray for our safety.