Start Packing

Today I took vacation at work so I could work on the move. I am trying to organize so the moves goes well on Friday and Saturday. We hope to be able to start organizing thing at the new house on Sunday (after church). I just took some time to read and pray and now it is time to get started. Oh yea, I am excited that My workbook and journal came in for Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. Also, John and his wife wrote a book called "Captivated" TC will start on that soon. So, lets get packing!

God bless them all!

How well did you sleep last night? I was thinking early this morning when I could not go back to sleep that our lives for the most part are shielded from sacrafice. I think of the missionaries, soldiers and others who freely surrender the comforts of home in order to do what their life's purpose is. I hope this inspires myself to break from the comfort zone. God Bless our Troops and keep them safe!

A New Chapter to write

What Splendor in a new sun.

Remember that yesterday is gone and tomorrow in yet to arrive so write your today's chapter first. God is soooo good. Yesterday we went to Missionary Methodist Church with my mom and dad. It was cool. The pastor there is so excited. Also, TC and I finished up hauling some trash off. Only 6 more day until we move and there are tons of stuff yet to do. We are planning on still having Lifesong this Thursday.

The Heart of The Believer is Good

This morning I was just surfing John Eldredge's site http://www.ransomedheart.com/ and come across this and I thought is was awesome. You see most of us when we sin feel like, well crap or dung or whatever word you want to use. When this happens to me I can't help to feel like I have let God down in some way, yet I know He loves and forgives me at the moment of confession. For too long I have been taught that I am just a sinner and I am to feel that way. Well, guess what? What can possible do about this verse that John mentions. Consider this:

There is a widespread belief in the church, today, that the heart is desperately wicked – even after a person comes to Christ.

It is a crippling belief.

And it is untrue.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow all my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. – God in Ezekiel 36:26-27

That is pretty awesome is it not. understandad that Grace takes effect and it only because of God's awesome Grace that we have this, but nonetheless, we have it. It is our gift from our Father. So my challenge and my attempt is to live with this in mind. Won't you!

The 21 Day Prayer

This morning I was reading through Dr. Ray Pritchards blog http://blogs.keepbelieving.com/ and found this little jewel about a friend of his and the 21 day prayer. It is as follows:

The 21 Day Prayer challenge

“Heavenly Father, you are in charge of everything that will happen to me today--the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, the positive and the negative. Please make me thankful for everything that happens to me today. Amen.

I offer this Addition:

Ø Each day is a new Chapter. Because God gives us the choice and the authority to make our own choices, we in turn have the ability to be the co-author of our own chapter. Each new day being its own new chapter, we use yesterday for an introduction and tomorrow as a conclusion. The question is, “How will you write your chapter today?”

Ø Only look into the history long enough to learn and only look into the future far enough to plan. FOCUS on Today!

Coming to America

This past Thursday was my daughters three month anniversary. Pretty cool! I thought about that this morning. It is amazing that the man God had for Christie had to come from England. God had instilled in their hearts from a young age some of the same things. God is awesome! Today David goes and applies for permanent residence in America. To become a citizen of the United States of America. It may take several years but I just think it is cool. A quick shout out to my sister Cathy Dwyer, who turned xx on the 22nd. Sorry I called you a day late. By the way, Cathy also married an outsider from Canada. Oh well, I guess we are making a new breed of Americans. I do my part to make sure they are committed to America. I am one of those who say, "Love it or get the heck out"! Don't get me started on that subject. I wonder what I would do if I come across a demostration of someone burning our flag. Well, I think I what I would do. Jail time, probably, but something has to give on that! Oh well, let me say my prayers, salute the big old American Flag in my front yard and make it a great Day. God keep our guys and gals safe today. God bless them all!

Monday Night Moment

Ok here is an update from the weekend. Saturday I moved four loads of goods to the storage building. Saturday Night, sick as a dog. Sunday morning; no sleep and TC was ill as well. Sunday night we got to see Chad and Christie as David was preaching at Laurel Haven Baptist Church. He did a great job as he was sharing about the righteouness of God. He shared the revival service with other students from Fruitland (www.fruitland.edu) Today was still a rough day and TC was still out of work sick. We are anticipating moving the 31st of March. END

Future of LifeSong

I have to report and admit that all day Thursday I had a over powering feeling of well, lostness. There were things on my mind I had no answers for. Then, after work I became incredible ill and almost decided not to go to Home Fellowship. Let me say this, "I am so glad I went". The night started fairly normal, although we started late. We were just kinda talking with our core group. After some great worship let by R&D and under the apparent direction of the Holy spirit, we began talking about what God has done in the last week. I used my dream from the previous night as a topic starter; If we are to go on a "Fact Finding Mission", what Facts do we need to find? The question was where do we go from here. We have been meeting for about three months and basically have the same people. Is there a future? The answer is YES! It was incredible as people began to share about the vision. Here are some of the thoughts, visions and desires that we have at LifeSong

1. Continue the "Thursday Night Thing" and begin to promote through advertising for folks that are struggling and desire someone to struggle with them. Place an ad in the local paper and place some flyers in certain and specific areas. We feel that this event will reach specific people and it will probably be one person or one family at a time.
2. Begin to Pray for that one family that is searching for a venue just like this.
3. Do some prayer walks in specific areas.
4. Begin to pray about organizing an event that could be hosted once every three months or once a month for the purpose of bringing the Body of Christ together for Worship, fellowship and sharing our Faith.

Some Ideas about that:

• Our community is blessed with much cooperation between the mainline denoms and other ministries. What I see is throughout the year many things are planned and promoted and usually the turnout involves the much more mature generation and those that are extremely committed. While that is awesome, I see that much of the body is just not coming. We are thinking about doing something specifically for the 20 and 30 somethings.
• Our idea involves using the "Little Theatre of Cherryville". Using drama, upbeat music etc.
• A good example was given last night; instead of singing Amazing Grace, we should sing Grace like Rain. See the point. If you don't know the difference, that would prove my point. Grace like rain by Todd Agnew uses some words from Amazing Grace and then turns very upbeat.

Conclusion: Sometimes I can lose sight of what God has called me to do, therefore God has placed in my life some powerful people with great influence both here locally and those I have met through blogging throughout the US. I thank God for that. He is truly Awesome!

Thursday's First Thought

When I woke up this morning I was thinking of a soldier. This soldier was going on a "Fact Finding Mission". I laid in bed for a few minutes and thought to myself, What facts do I need to Find'? Then suddenly, as if from nowhere, the thought of my Lord's crucifixion came to mind. Why? I do not know but to say that what He has done for me I can only serve him Greater because of it. Jesus, thank you and I love you!








"I close my eyes, only for the moment and the moment gone, all my dreams, vex before my eyes with curiosity." Dust in The Wind-Kansas

Each day we allow to pass without doing the Lord's Will is a day we will never get back. So much time in our lives are wasted, so resolve today for this one not to be the best. Remember this day is a chapter in your life and because God allows us free will, that makes us at least co-authors of our book of life. Write it well!

Tuesday Thought

Tuesday Morning and checking in. Last Sunday we visited Oak Grove Baptist church here in Cherryville. It is a very small church and one that was literally chosen by casting lots. Chad, our son, did the honor and pulled the choice. We enjoyed the overall experience, but it was common the most churches I guess. When we arrived no one spoke to us. That would be out of their habit. Several folks came to greet us after Sunday School and during the fellowship time just about everyone did. I know that folks are creatures of habit and that is cool. So am I! It was good. The music was traditional SBC hymns with a real county flair. Everyone sang out loud and it sounded good. I enjoyed the overall experience. The preaching was a little dry and tame. The pastor was very sincere and to the point. Next week we intend to draw from the pool again. In fact we hope to continue this until we hear from God. It is quite fun.

We are continuing to pack and prepare to move. I will post new numbers and address soon. I am a child of God and I will accept His Favor and be blessed today. I pray that I can be a blessing to someone else!

Luk 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favored, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

Such a lovely verse used to describe the mother of our savior. Should it not be our goal to please God. I so want my Heavenly Father to be pleased with what I do and what I say. Too many times He is not. It is of course my fault. How my heart desires to be "highly favored". In fact I believe that I am. God sent His Son to die in my place, that is what I call "Highly favored"! God is Awesome and He is Worthy!!!

A good Weekend

This weekend started great. Beginning with Christie coming down on Friday to get her car inspected and then picking up Chad that afternoon to come home for the weekend. This was Chad's first weekend home since joining Job Corp. We had supper with Mom and Dad on Saturday evening and we are visiting Oak Grove Baptist Church this Sunday morning. We have a list of churches that we are going to visit over the next few weeks. I have to admit that we did not go anywhere last Sunday. TC spent the whole day doing homework and I was packing and hauling loads to the storage unit. We are so ready to move into my Grandparents house. It is so cool that I will be the fourth generation to live in that house. Maw and Paw Self built this house. Anyway, that is it this glorious Sunday morning, Wade

Interruption

Our Thursday Night Thing this week was great. I brought the question to the group, "What makes you come alive"? We had 7 adults present and 7 kids. I used the scripture from the prodigal son parable, where his father said,"my son was dead and is now alive". That is awesome! I too have felt that I was once dead and now I am alive! Anyway, we got great response has everyone shared something about things that made them coma alive. Randy shared that it was just living for God in the moment. That was really cool. Denise shared that it was the adventure and others shared that it was seeing kids and youth connect with a lesson or with Christ. Music was good, fellowship and the sharing time was awesome. I have thought about that for two days now and I come to this conclusion. I WILL NOT FINISH MY ACRONYM FOR ALIVE> Maybe later! I have the answer I am looking for. Here are some thoughts toward that:

• Live in the NOW and do what God wants today. Don't know ask Him. I realized that it is that simple, just ask the Lord. Talk to him as He was your best friend. Because He is you know!.Jesus said,
  
  9 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. 13 And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. 14 You are my friends if you obey me. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 I command you to love each other.

• Everyday is a challenge and an adventure. There is no set plan. Yes, God knows exactly what will happen that day, but as Eldredge puts it, "you are not only the character in your story but the co-author as well, because God allows you to choose, so you make it what it is by your choices". (paraphased) Eldredege also adds this excerpt from the movie Indiana Jones when asked how he will complete the mission, "I don't know...I'm making this up as I go." Pretty cool, everyday is an adventure!
• That is the answer I have been looking for! Really simple! Too simple? No, because in it self it is very complicated. Life is complicated. The answer must be simple. It is to live everyday as God is your best Friend (He is you know) No outlines, no formulas, not predetermined thoughts except that God has called all of us to take up our crosses and follow him daily. Get it! Daily! God help me, help all of us do that.

I'm so excited about this truth revealed to me and the simplicity of it. My Friend will let me know what to do. I will just take up my cross daily and follow Him. Where it lead is really no interest to me, just that it will be in His Will! Got any ideas? I will try anything. Success and Failure is not up to me, only faithfulness to my best Friend, Jesus!

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Alive Again

I spent Monday and Tuesday noticing how many time we use our senses. Man, I quit counting. I kept getting dizzy. Anyway, I do realize that our senses are important. So what do you think, Have you ACTIVATED YOUR SENSES. In my study of coming alive I am making that Step 1.

First step 1: (A) Activate
On to Step 2: (L) Learn

Learning: The process of acquiring knowledge. That is what Webster says. I want to step out further and say that unless you have the desire to process the information you receive in order that you might acquire that knowledge. Remember when in Step one we defined the senses with this definition, "he human body has five major senses which operate to gather information from the world around us" Now that information is sent to our brain to process it and to interpret it. In that process we either pass the info on down the line and forget it or we learn from it. I propose the necessity of taking that info and learning from it. Some may do this naturally, but I tell you for me I really have to nail this thing down and consider, process, think and even debate it a while. So, in the next day or so I will try to take that info coming in and learn a dew thing or twenty. Blessings, Wade


Goody, Chad will visit us this weekend. Cool!

ALIVE Part 1

I considered the first letter. Here is what I come up with. I tried many words and feels. I thought what is most important. At least most important in a series of importance. To come ALIVE I must:
1.) Activate My Senses: The human body has five major senses which operate to gather information from the world around us, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Any stimulus to one of the sense areas is detected by sensory nerves and is sent to the brain for interpretation.

• For one to come alive, I think we must activate those senses that give us our information. If they gather information from our world in which we live, then these senses must go through what I am going to call, my God Filter. I know if something is hot it is hot, but if I am going to make decision, I want the Spirit of God leading and in charge of all my senses.
  
• I think we get so caught up in our problems, our situation, our everyday life that we do not allow any stimulus to our senses. That MUST CHANGE!
• Consider how we can use our senses to come ALIVE
• spectator Sunrise (or Sunset depending on your preference.) What a Sight!
  
• Beautiful Music or your wife and kids saying" I love you" What a Sound!
  
• Great food cooking or the smell of the salty air on the coast or the smell of wild flowers standing on the mountainside
• Again for taste FOOD. I love good food. But consider the taste of bitterness. It can certainly help in life at the right moment.
• And finally touch- Oh to have your spouse just rub against you. If you are looking for it, it is great. To touch someone heart. It is great

So, today I will ACTIVATE MY SENSES: Intentionally seeking to use all my senses. God had given them to us to use. First step to come alive is to enjoy what God has given us, our five senses. End part 1

Yesterday was so beautiful. The temperature was awesome and it was sunny. I really decided to make a dent in our moving. At the end of the day I think it went well. It takes so long to go through stuff and decide what to get rid of, what to throw away, what to keep and what to not ask my wife about and secretly throw it away without her knowing. Dude, I hope she does not read this, but I must confess. I guess you might say my ox was in a ditch and I had to get him out. It looks like we will be actually moving the last week in March. I want to look at a subject all week: Coming ALIVE! So I will do it the way I know how: I want to find an acronym to help me discover what it is that makes me come alive. Not sure if this will work but lets give it a try. First the letter A

To Come ALIVE

I am just finishing up John Eldredge's book, "Wild at Heart". I totally and completely recommend this book to all men and their wives. I simply cannot stress this it enough. For me this book is the one book that makes many things clearer for me in understanding how to be a man. Or should I say, a warrior? I love the way he uses scripture along with quotes from many others men. Ok, so I recall this part that says and I paraphrase ,"The world does not need someone to say", What do you need? But, rather it needs men who will do what they are designed for and be alive in this world. Yes, I thought as I read this over and over. I need to come alive! I need to come alive. I need to do what makes me come alive, yes that is it. But, wait a minute, What makes me come alive? What is it. That is what I am going to find out, What makes Wade come alive. I could take the easy way out and say some things I might be interested in, but I am going to wait. I will pray everyday that God will reveal to me what makes me come alive. And then I will do that! More to come.
In other news, today Christie will deliver Chad his cell phone while she picks him for church. This will help our communication greatly. Thanks God for cell phones and our calling plan. I have missed talking to my kids on a daily basis. Now I can again. THAT IS COOL!
I am looking forward to this Thursday Night Thing with much excitement. I really like the fellowship and closeness of a small group. A PRAYER REQUEST- Recently, I applied for another position within the company I work for (psnc energy) This job would pay a lot more, but also require more of me. The job is in Asheville, so that could not be a bad thing. Just pray that God will not even allow a interview if it is not His Will, Thanks, Wade

My Two Girls

Of course this is Christie up top and me and TC below. I am a lucky man!

Breakfast for a Champion

I had the great priviledge to eat breakfast with my daughter in Hendersonville Wednesday Morning. What is really cool is that my route takes me right through H-Ville , then on to Ashville. To be honest, I am also about 15 minutes from my son as well. That would be a little more difficult to work out.We had a great time visiting and catching up on what is going on. Of course my wife said it was not fair, but she understands. TC goes today to observe at a school in Morganton, a requirment in her studies to be a state certified teacher. I have not been able to piddle with my camper yet. No time to piddle, gotta hat that! We continue to work toward moving at the end of March. Oh yea, added a new phone to my cell plan. We will be giving it to Chad. This will increase our comminication with him greatly.

Our Thursday Night Thing has been cancelled tonight due to scheduling conflicts, however we will continu on March 9th, 2006.

Started monthly support for Sonny and Bobby today: www.ywamconnect.com/sites/huntsinger