Happy New Year!

As a new year approaches, I always find myself sifting through my mistakes and pitfalls of the year. Then I ask myself, "How can I do better next year?" Good old New Year's resolutions...how many have you kept?

Resolutions kind of remind me of dieting. Why do we always start our diets on Mondays? I guess we each think that we can gorge one more weekend before we change our eating habits. The same is true for the New Year. We all know the areas in which we can improve, but we like to wait until the next year to make the official changes.

I guess it is the procrastination epidemic. Why do something today if we can wait until tomorrow?

I have decided in 2008 to work on the areas in which I procrastinate. My only fear is that I might put those areas off until 2009, once again reciprocating the problem. Can I get a witness?

Let's work together this year to make Christ our focus, and depend on Him for life change. Happy New Year!

Madelynn's first Christmas!

Last Christmas, Madelynn Joy was nothing more than a twinkle in her parent's eyes. This year she is not only here, but she is growing everyday! Her beautiful smile warms my heart when she spots her daddy across the room. Last weekend our sweet little girl cut her first 2 teeth! Barely 4 months old and she already has two sweet bottom teeth starting to poke through her new little baby gums. I was warned they grow up fast...and I guess I am beginning to realize how true that really is! We couldn't get her to smile for her first Christmas picture, but her sweetness still shines through. I guess this year she will be happy to get diapers, baby wipes, and chew toys under the tree and in her stocking, but I know it won't be long before she will ask for an ipod, cell phone, or something else expensive. Thankfully, this Christmas Kelli and I are blessed to have the sweetest and most beautiful baby girl who is content with a bottle and a clean diaper. Merry Christmas!

In Her Daddy's Hands

What is it about a baby's tootsies? Shortly after Madelynn's birth, there had to be a tootsie inspection. I remember thinking, "where did this tiny baby get such big feet?" Then I held her sweet little feet in my hands and realized that this tiny life had been given to Kelli and I to love, guide, and protect. I thought of John chapter 10 where Jesus reminded us that nothing can snatch us out of our heavenly Father's hands. We are safe in the Father's hands. My hope is that Madelynn can always find security, protection, and safety in her daddy's hands.

The Joy of Thanksgiving

The turkey is often cited as the culprit in after dinner lethargy, but the truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and drink a big bottle of Similac Soy formula and get the same effect! Just look at my father-in-law and my daughter Madelynn not even 30 minutes after Thanksgiving dinner! Wow, what a meal! I think the lethargy comes from complete contentment, and of course, lot's of "stuffing". Thankfully there is no snapshot of me snoozing across the room in a lounge chair, or any other family members that dropped like flies shortly after we ate!

High School Fall Retreat @ LUL

What an amazing Creator we serve! This past weekend was a wonderful time of fellowship, restoration, and communion with our Lord. I think that it is safe to say that those who attended the retreat have no regrets. It was truly a blast! The scenery was the icing on top of the cake. Students repented of sin, renewed their fellowship with the Lord, and strengthened their relationships with one another. God worked and we had the privilege to be a part of it. Look UP Lodge is a camp we will visit again very soon. Praise the Lord for all He has done!

Check out some of the pictures from the weekend

All of Heaven is Rejoicing

Luke 15:7 says, "...there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." I want you to imagine a bright-eyed 6th grade girl who realizes she is lost and needs a savior. The invitation is given and she comes forward. She humbly prays the sinners prayer and is gloriously saved. Now picture her big blue eyes filling with tears as she hears Luke 15:7. Not only has her name been written in the Lamb's book of life, but Heaven is rejoicing over her repentance!

I had the wonderful privilege of leading 6th grader, Virginia Thomas, to the Lord last night at The Green House. It was such a joy to see her eyes filled with tears when she found out that all of Heaven was rejoicing because of her decision to follow Christ. WOW! What an awesome God we serve! "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 Virginia experienced that power last night. Praise Jesus for the cross!

Princess Madelynn

Our sweet baby girl may not be able to say, "trick or treat" this year, but there is no doubt that Madelynn Joy is the sweetest girl in the whole world! If you have not noticed, I am a very proud Daddy. My wife and I had no idea that we could love someone so much. Praise God for the blessings He bestows on us daily. God is good... All the time!

On this dark holiday, I am challenged to be in the light as my Jesus is in the light. As believers, let's shine for Jesus today!

"For you were once darkness, now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" Ephesians 5:8

Middle School Lock-in @ Roller Sports

Well, another lock-in has come and gone and so has a weekend of sleep deprivation. We had 73 middle school students this past weekend @ our lock-in! God blessed us with good fellowship and a fairly safe evening. I say fairly safe because of my one fall that could have been disastrous! Thankfully, the 2 6th grade girls that cushioned my landing did not have any long-term injuries.

Anyway, midway through the night we had a devotional where I felt led to present the Gospel. Praise the Lord that 3 students prayed to receive Christ! God is good and changing the hearts and lives of our youth @ BCBC. I think besides the bumped heads, cut legs, hurt arms, smooshed 6^th grade girls by youth pastor, and many foot blisters, this year's middle school lock-in was a huge success! 3 more students were rescued and gloriously saved!

Rejoicing with all of Heaven,

Jeremiah

Coming Soon!

Oliver's Twist is coming soon! Stay tuned!