tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32377556366136311742024-03-21T15:43:14.216-07:00Calvary Journal a blog of calvary monroeDoughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-92034606611193568652009-03-11T12:56:00.000-07:002009-03-11T13:12:25.627-07:00On HiatusI've come to understand something. As a pastor who also holds down a full time job, I am quickly (or slowly as some may see it) coming to understand there are just some things I cannot do. This blog being one of them. I just simply don't have the time at the moment and find that my energies are best spent with other ministerial things (not to mention my primary ministry to my family). <br /><br />Anyways...this will be the last of the blogs for me for a while.<br /><br />Blessings -<br />DougDoughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-22257339112804742192009-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:002009-03-02T12:03:20.056-08:00Monday's reflection on Sunday night....<ul><li><br />Ananias and Sapphira lacked major integrity. They were hypocritical and duplicitous. Do I have a plank in my own eye? (II Cor. 13:5)<br />God is in the smelting business and we would be wise to avail ourselves to that process (I Peter 1:6-7)<br />My heart is heavy with prayer for Fred and his family. <br />Little Grace Marie looked so sweet last night. What a testimony to God's providence and grace! <br />I'm excited to pass off the Children's ministry (so is my wife)<br />My heart is stirring to pass off more of the ministry to the servants at CM<br />Praying still for AV equipment and provision<br />I'm praying that we stay patient with God's leading regarding Sunday mornings. His timing; His place; His will...we surrender!<br />Last night looked like a seed market after church....I think we came home with a garden! Thank you Tara.<br />I wish there were more hours in the day. I would be able to keep up on this blogging business. Let's see: Jesus, wife, children, church, work, etc, etc,....blogging. Ya, that's about where it comes in.<br /><br />I'm out!<br /> </li></ul>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-77367837890340129942009-02-23T11:59:00.000-08:002009-02-23T12:29:38.557-08:00God's Will<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5AxX1SFfnA3u6ArGVa6mHI3f2aZkXxJ4MdXgU1O2aieOtH3kinKm4W5UkLNl86MwldmC44ExZLcFfpTehlVm-tGjZmsKrfIPI3nj8XkxJs_iRDJMtvHrRjufUeT5FtIJSYgoU00JDMRq/s1600-h/CAODMD7C.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306089461446412258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 97px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5AxX1SFfnA3u6ArGVa6mHI3f2aZkXxJ4MdXgU1O2aieOtH3kinKm4W5UkLNl86MwldmC44ExZLcFfpTehlVm-tGjZmsKrfIPI3nj8XkxJs_iRDJMtvHrRjufUeT5FtIJSYgoU00JDMRq/s320/CAODMD7C.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We had a guest speaker last night; Will Haag. Will is (or better, was) a Marine for many years and served across seas. He was Special Forces (if memory serves me right) and a real "dude's dude!" Tough on the outside and tough on the inside. A number of years ago, while serving in the Marines he fell ill with Crone’s disease (though didn't know what it was at the time). He was discharged and sent state side where he was officially diagnosed in 2006. True to his driven, Marine nature, Will picked up the mantle himself and tried every remedy and human way to overcome and battle this crippling disease. He only got worse. After years of going about it himself, God finally broke through his toughness and broke him. He reveal to Will his sin of self dependency and self "will / Will". Only when he agreed with God's prognosis of the true disease and he surrendered did the healing begin.<br /><br />Will took the pulpit last night, not to tell of his miraculous healing from Crone’s disease, though that was certainly apparent, but more to encourage each believer to cast aside those things that hinder our intimacy with Jesus. To surrender to His will and to become God dependent, no longer self dependent. Some might see this as a crutch; to have a "god" to lean on in trouble times. I say he is no crutch; HE A STRETCHER! He is not someone we "lean on" only in troubled times, rather He is someone we trust and in Whose hands we place our entire life. Without him there is no rescue; there is no healing. </div><div><br />Will left us with a last though (paraphrased): What is it that is between you and Jesus to keep you from being sold out for Him". What ever that "it" is; that's your disease. Will thought his disease was Crone’s; turns out, his disease was Will's will. Be healed today from your "it" by surrendering and giving up your will for His. He wants all of you not just part of you.</div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-32715558907498539982009-02-16T11:46:00.000-08:002009-02-16T12:20:35.569-08:00Sunday Night Clear Out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn_p6JawZRKF_Onp1mmgsK_B12cBucOkSNPu9asOokM-bWWHGqZiXHoKx4-afGMLi-41-BIBc7y1cjyPiyy4ZjdpAr4fMU4QhIg_h80Ekx2pbUpOSQ-TSNQitN7QP29iBTU79retdZMCZ/s1600-h/DSCN1176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303492732231532146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn_p6JawZRKF_Onp1mmgsK_B12cBucOkSNPu9asOokM-bWWHGqZiXHoKx4-afGMLi-41-BIBc7y1cjyPiyy4ZjdpAr4fMU4QhIg_h80Ekx2pbUpOSQ-TSNQitN7QP29iBTU79retdZMCZ/s320/DSCN1176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Clearing out my head from Sunday (which was awesome, by the way) here are some thoughts rattling around in there:<br /><br />1. These past couple of weeks has been such a tremendous encouragement to my heart. To see the Lord's peeps loving on each other, fellowshipping, engaging in deeper conversation than just your every day surface talk...it's been wonderful to step back and watch the Lord work.<br />2. We have 18 kids (the majority under 10 or so)...WOW! If they decided to revolt, we'd have a serious coup on our hands :)<br />3. We need to bless these kids some in some way. Praying as to how.<br />4. The men...WE NEED SOME SERIOUS MAN TIME! Something that revolves around beef, grunting and the Word. I'm thinking of that new BBQ place down the road <a title="http://www.teddybearbbq.com/" href="http://www.teddybearbbq.com/">http://www.teddybearbbq.com/</a>. I swear I just uttered my best Tim the Tool Man grunt (or was that my Homer?? Mmm...BBQ...oahlahalhala...**drool**)<br />5. The Women's ministry is awesome! My wife totally rocks and she is so jazzed about the participation.<br />6. Women's Ministry - We have 18 kids in tow and our house is not really built for this. Praying for options.<br />7. Children's ministry is growing. Glad that Chad and Becca have stepped up to serve them.<br />8. The Book of Acts has been absolutely fantastic to go through. What a great book...to be given the privilege to see in to the diary of the Holy Spirit (as it were) and He recorded the beginning of Church history.<br />9. We need a Hospitality Ministry going. Greeting those that come in with warmth, love and a bulletin.</div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-70935984482878692862009-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:002009-02-09T12:29:48.338-08:00A Man That God Uses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1poSEoSvAucHSwJTe0PNlyZjn8BVgn5Fz4Fs-61bMb2s2OOaet6kzHilWpuNP_V0OSPY3ONU2tTYhfPmST83TW1PSogmiS93QsXs9Y6TAArB5l4wB9gw2unTkiZoAMpby6FNGe36jyBQ/s1600-h/images[23].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300894266094995842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1poSEoSvAucHSwJTe0PNlyZjn8BVgn5Fz4Fs-61bMb2s2OOaet6kzHilWpuNP_V0OSPY3ONU2tTYhfPmST83TW1PSogmiS93QsXs9Y6TAArB5l4wB9gw2unTkiZoAMpby6FNGe36jyBQ/s320/images%5B23%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> What a great night of the Word and fellowship last night. I can see that the body at Calvary Monroe is starting to click. People are hanging out after and really talkin' it up. This blesses a pastor's heart and is an answer to prayer.<br /><br />Last night, I taught a larger portion of scripture than I'm used to. We covered a chapter and a half in Acts (3-4), highlighting portions and answering the question: What are the characteristics of a man that God uses? (I heard really good teachings on this approach so don't think that I came up with it all. :) <br /><br />1. A man of prayer<br />2. A man of faith<br />3. A man who is preoccupied with the glory of God<br />4. A man who hides the word of God in their heart<br />5. A man who is full of the Holy Spirit<br />6. A man who is nimble in the hand of God<br /><br />Though it was great to see people tracking with me, if I'm being honest, I think I was blessed more than any (at least that's how i feel). It was just a wonderful time in the scriptures. We are incredibly blessed to have His Holy Word preserved for us all this time and incredibly blessed to be loved by Him. I kneel in awe!Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-43845913959149439052009-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:002009-01-31T17:38:42.078-08:00Mark Driscoll on Nightline<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BrLm2A65RfJrCcxKcfWaMIoQdPtYCjveMGES3EW69x06XPOw_62Oc2tEVsRpipBnX2JkT3plJ4-aROUEUTpo9VIEO4h-ATivaVhsU9P9iaVXAzlSlzHIyPndQdM3pVRFTpgxtbglNDjT/s1600-h/driscoll_mullet%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297637374629258482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BrLm2A65RfJrCcxKcfWaMIoQdPtYCjveMGES3EW69x06XPOw_62Oc2tEVsRpipBnX2JkT3plJ4-aROUEUTpo9VIEO4h-ATivaVhsU9P9iaVXAzlSlzHIyPndQdM3pVRFTpgxtbglNDjT/s320/driscoll_mullet%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So I was browsing through the internet and stumbled on this. I'm curious what people thought. Watch it and make comments.<br /><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6746393">http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6746393</a></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-82620351397349047732009-01-27T12:31:00.000-08:002009-01-27T12:50:25.761-08:00Food, glorious food!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO70Z-qVtRHGRmvkYUODstiU20L3w3NG3JDJr0ieARdrrgR8L-VsJzRYdtPD4n0jk_1rWv0DotRmHUGKzhtNAqIjjB08uSKiu56UsMfnDrS-wIRITa4Fo-U4A7jd7hYFID_YzHLRNFZkEZ/s1600-h/images[20].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296074274437267922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 42px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO70Z-qVtRHGRmvkYUODstiU20L3w3NG3JDJr0ieARdrrgR8L-VsJzRYdtPD4n0jk_1rWv0DotRmHUGKzhtNAqIjjB08uSKiu56UsMfnDrS-wIRITa4Fo-U4A7jd7hYFID_YzHLRNFZkEZ/s320/images%5B20%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just a reminder for this coming Sunday about our "pot-luck" (pot-faith?). We eat at 5:30pm this Sunday so please, if you would like, bring your favorite soup or salad to share with the group. I'm certain Dacyl will be making her famous (at least in our home :) Chicken Noodle soup...mmmmm!! Bring what ever you like. You can even open a can of Campell's Bean with Bacon soup and heat it in the the microwave! I LOVE THAT STUFF!!!<br /><br />The point is to get us all together, share a meal and share great fellowship. Remember, 5:30pm this Sunday the 1st of February. After service, we'll share the Lord's table together as well...a sweet time! Hope to see you all there. Call if you have questions.Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-42642840541977785082009-01-22T04:30:00.000-08:002009-01-22T04:33:01.524-08:00All Church Prayer **TONIGHT**Come down to the church tonight and join us in prayer for a new facility. This is an important step for our body and we'd like to see all that can make it come down to petition the Lord as a family. Hope to see you there! It's at the church at 7pm in the back library room.Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-37227756579322683882009-01-19T09:44:00.000-08:002009-01-19T09:59:07.290-08:00Calling all prayer warriors!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis85O03TRx0pKolf6IqgPjKMiAHbAxQ3SmQH19Ld7C_bL0OOi_3a6yFAk9WchEWZxgjCQMQ4_HuYe7J7VL_UV3T7GWquo8CQWMxnZaty9GHrZ6UKF28Tl7uHs_OgH7wMwXpRjFSvCeagHT/s1600-h/ACGCA1AYKZ2CAC9UNUYCABE6271CA08LIVNCA1BTYAXCAOSDQFMCA5NTT4ZCALLAZQ3CANBEM3ZCALQIEWMCA7RC6SECA16ZE55CAPFJRI9CA4ND8OCCA5YE4AOCAA9GVEMCA2ZP4IHCAWML4W4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293063735743324674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis85O03TRx0pKolf6IqgPjKMiAHbAxQ3SmQH19Ld7C_bL0OOi_3a6yFAk9WchEWZxgjCQMQ4_HuYe7J7VL_UV3T7GWquo8CQWMxnZaty9GHrZ6UKF28Tl7uHs_OgH7wMwXpRjFSvCeagHT/s320/ACGCA1AYKZ2CAC9UNUYCABE6271CA08LIVNCA1BTYAXCAOSDQFMCA5NTT4ZCALLAZQ3CANBEM3ZCALQIEWMCA7RC6SECA16ZE55CAPFJRI9CA4ND8OCCA5YE4AOCAA9GVEMCA2ZP4IHCAWML4W4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>As I go out today to see if the Lord would have another facility for the church, please join me in prayer. </p><p>Specifically: </p><ul><li><p>For a facility that would fit all our current needs and growth (children's ministry, cry room, great chapel area...etc)</p></li><li><p>For a facility that would allow a mid-week study as well</p></li><li><p>That would be financially feasible. (free would the best...God can do it)</p></li><li><p>That the building would be centrally located to better reach the community</p></li></ul><p>Thank you all. I'll let you know how the day turns out.</p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-5505157626308568612009-01-17T21:10:00.000-08:002009-01-18T16:06:52.711-08:00Great time!A big thank you to the body at Calvary Monroe for such a great night of fellowship. We had so much food I think my stomache is going to burst. A fan favorite (well, at least my favorite) was the amazing sweet potato in an orange half that Cheryl brought. Absolutely amazing! I shout out to the person who brought the apple crisp...one of my very favorite deserts. Oh...and thank you for leaving it behind. I've already had a second helping.<br /><br />Check out the pictures on the right (if they're not there they will be in a little bit). Thank you, Becca, for snaping all the pics and uploading them.<br /><br />Looking forward to tomorrow evening's service in Acts.Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-78792479134887902292009-01-17T08:30:00.000-08:002009-01-17T08:37:17.251-08:00My ablogogiesYes...it's been a while since I've posted and I apologize. As some know, I work outside of the Church as well (been with Costco for 17 years). Between that and the ministry (not that Costco isn't a ministry in and of itself) that keeps me really busy. I try to write each Monday or Tuesday...I even had something just about put together last week but then got really busy. From there, really sick. Ear infection. Those are weird. A lot of pain, balance is thrown off, nausea and a fever. I suppose this just goes with the rest of my aging body. Not that I’m complaining mind you, I just long for home when the corruptible will put on the incorruptible. <br /><br />So…I will attempt to be more diligent in by blogging. Thanks for hanging in there with me.Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-13775979714329761972009-01-06T21:18:00.000-08:002009-01-06T21:56:09.315-08:00Notes from SundayS'no more snow...that's how I kind of feel lately. We've been in the middle of the wildest snow storm in years. Just when we think it's over, another front hits and this keeps some from being able to attend. After a sweet service this past Sunday, we peered outside to see another 2-3" of snow on the ground. We even had to chain ye ol' van so the family could get home safe. <br /><br />One thought surfaced for me about that night:<br />Though the service was small, the move of the Spirit was big. With the snow, we had a smaller attendance than usual and so instead of passing out the communion as is our tradition, I decided to move the table to the side of the sanctuary and grabbed my guitar. I encouraged them to open their Bibles to I Cor. 11, read, take the time to draw near and find intimacy with Jesus in this time. As I played and we sang, the body approached the table. One by one. Taking the precious bread; taking the precious cup. We continued to sing... "Once again I look upon the cross where You died, I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside". We stayed in the attitude of worship in song for a bit and then moved to a instrumental time. When I finally put my guitar down, I looked at the body and no one moved from their chair. The Lord just continued to work on the hearts of those there. It was a beautiful thing.<br /><br />Psalm 96:9 "O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth."Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-2499010814214443292009-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:002009-01-04T09:09:31.763-08:00What's in a name?Quite a number of us journal or write in a diary. Some of us record every day; every detail. Others of us record just the significant things. Scribing events in our lives that demonstrate how God has worked in a certain way at a certain time. One of the great things to do is to go back years later and read about them. It evokes all kinds of emotions and happiness (hopefully). I recall many years ago (BK - Before Kids), my wife and I went on a short term mission trip to plant a church in Tonga in the South Pacific Seas. We went with our then Pastor, Wayne Taylor. It was my first time on a plane (I was 24…I know, I know).<br /><br />I kept a journal of all that happened and reading it now stirs once again that excitement of being new in the Lord, of utter dependency in Jesus that only a new born babe has. It was a great decision to keep a journal.<br /><br />The Book of Acts is like this. To me, it’s like a journal of the Holy Spirit in a way. Acts is God’s journal, recording what He deems as the most significant events in the Church’s infancy. We can, and do, learn a tremendous amount from this account. It is beneficial for our personal walk and a great blueprint for church plants. Not to say that we will experience all that happened in the BoA, (some were unique to the birth), but encouraging to study the beginnings of the church itself as we are in the infancy here at Calvary Monroe and know that God still moves and does amazing things through ordinary people. I pray that the Lord use us ordinary people to do extraordinary things in Monroe. Lord use us!!<br /><br />What’s in a name? The book of Acts is God’s journal of the acts of the Holy Spirit as He used sinful man to do holy things to birth a revolution. May we be part of this revolution as we submit and surrender to His will. Today, church, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Let us ask for and receive the Promise of the gift (Acts 1:5) and go out and affect the world. This is not for our glory, it is for His and His alone. Let us preach and teach the name, works and person of Jesus Christ to all and watch His kingdom blaze!<br /><br />Acts 28:31 “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him”Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-25968988337288867702009-01-01T10:39:00.000-08:002009-01-01T17:14:38.891-08:00Did you blink?It's funny...the older I get, the faster the years seem to move. I swear I blinked and we are now looking at 2009. Last year (I can officially say that now) brought about a plethora of changes in Dacyl and my life. The most significant was the launching of Calvary Chapel Monroe in May. This new venture has had it's ebbs and flows; some real stretching times and has been a real faith builder as we have seen Jesus move in the hearts of those that call CM their home.<br /><br />One of the greatest aspects of this work has been getting to know and serve with some great and amazing new friends. It's wonderful to see Jesus build this body His way. I, with many others, am looking forward to this New Year with great anticipation.<br /><br />Here are some things to watch for and pray for in the coming year:<br /><br />1. The move of the Holy Spirit as He seeks to strengthen the relationships at CM through the proclaiming of the Word, the fellowship of the believers, the breaking of bread and prayer (Acts 2:42)<br /><br />2. The move of our worship services to Sunday mornings...this is a top prayer of ours.<br /><br />3. Learning and studying the beginnings of the church as we start a study in the book of Acts.<br /><br />4. Corporately, a more purposeful, concerted prayer. A part of the vision of CM is to be the "hospital" to the lost and hurting world. We can't even begin to minister apart from prayer.<br /><br />These are just to name a few that come to my mind but what I’m really looking forward to are the things<br />that are beyond what we could ask or think. Please stay with us in prayer for this coming year. God is great and mighty and desires to move in Monroe using this body. Let’s be a body that watches fervently.<br /><br />What are your prayers for the coming year? How would you like to see the Lord work in your life?Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-83825990325861245532008-12-29T12:05:00.000-08:002008-12-29T12:23:08.172-08:00Sunday Rumination<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sfWPiUQmI4cYsbq7XtQ5OGj_SkDHbNLJ75-5mlFeNsngGSPY-zEd5ZTa6gkxNMwCG2ErHntWRdpTMZx5XD-apuJwH56Ov0Y12jXUi_mrO7pI6lblGCLhq5g4q5C3srep4BUdWERzRi4F/s1600-h/Acts470[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285310071362902674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sfWPiUQmI4cYsbq7XtQ5OGj_SkDHbNLJ75-5mlFeNsngGSPY-zEd5ZTa6gkxNMwCG2ErHntWRdpTMZx5XD-apuJwH56Ov0Y12jXUi_mrO7pI6lblGCLhq5g4q5C3srep4BUdWERzRi4F/s320/Acts470%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0psoWP1FEPdx2_WoqWVAcEvhIbIgJkORLydk0jLwKRta5FaD0Dy9QGZvP904KrPoSoOq9jMiG4SdpfstBJi9wlZgWn7gGNkkTLQNqEkZ135PNJi7Wb_RLh43Ew8ZXrvMa9ZYq2QnuZnE/s1600-h/images[18].jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>What a great night. Most Sunday's have that familiar rhythm to them: Set up, greetings, worship, meet and greet, worship through the word, fellowship and then tear down. Last night was certainly different. I believe this is the Lord's work in keeping us dependant upon Him and trusting in His leading, His building, His grace being all sufficient. </div><div></div><br /><div>Last night I walked into the entire church building torn apart as they had just completed stripping the floors and waxing them. It was a surprise to say the least. We made the quick decision to hold services in a smaller room where we typically have children's ministry and we then mixed the children in with the little ones. This worked out great...had a kind of home Bible study feel to it. Our guest speaker, Pastor Mark, did an outstanding job in feeding us Psalm 116. He has a great handle on the language.</div><div></div><br /><div>I was really encouraged to see everyone jump to help another brother out who's car got stuck in the snow not more than 30 feet from the church. Robert...you're amazing. Clementine...thank you for running in the slow to get your shovel. This brother was out of trouble and in service by the second worship song! This is the body serving the body and a wonderful thing to see. Praise God.</div><div></div><br /><div>Dacyl and I had a chance to have dinner with Mark and his wife (Heidi) afterwards. They are a real blessing and have a genuine heart for God's people and His Word. Wonderful friends. </div><div></div><br /><div>NOW....next week....we start the book of Acts! I am stoked and can't wait! Though called the Acts of the Apostles, it's better called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. I am excited to see how the Lord would use this section of His word to build the body of Calvary Monroe. Woo!</div></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-19167682132687533132008-12-26T20:09:00.000-08:002008-12-26T20:23:21.625-08:00Excited For Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5uQVEZkrQ_P7u6UpDMNTmArEHIuwo2XBJxTE02L36QwL6xWzSRLocj2N4XoLlQjFx_tnm_2-OKQXx8V64DYh7Q0jkLtaTwimDIDH6ZZikOJsgm94Twhg07s6A74m5zxRJ_nQqYUGkcQj/s1600-h/mark_web%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284317854258418978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5uQVEZkrQ_P7u6UpDMNTmArEHIuwo2XBJxTE02L36QwL6xWzSRLocj2N4XoLlQjFx_tnm_2-OKQXx8V64DYh7Q0jkLtaTwimDIDH6ZZikOJsgm94Twhg07s6A74m5zxRJ_nQqYUGkcQj/s320/mark_web%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> This Sunday, we are all in for a treat as Pastor Mark Barrett from Brier Community Church comes and shares from the Psalms. Mark and I have been friends for many years and has a wonderful heart for the Word of God. You can click the link to read a bit more about him (though it looks like they are working on their website a bit).<br /><br />Mark and I met each other many years ago through a mutual friend where we became fast friends. His no-nonsense, straightforward, theological approach in teaching is fresh and sorely missed in this day and age of the cotton candy gospel.<br /><br />This is Dacyl and my 17th year wedding anniversary so he is stepping in for me so we can celebrate. Dacyl and I will still be there. We can't wait to see everyone!!<br /><br /><a href="http://brierchurch.org/pastor_mark_barrett.htm">http://brierchurch.org/pastor_mark_barrett.htm</a>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-66308765465579308842008-12-23T09:24:00.000-08:002008-12-23T09:53:47.142-08:00'Twas Two Days Before Christmas........and all through the house, every one is up and stirring, even the coffee pot! The kids are bouncing off the wall. Not only because they've been stuck in the house for a week. Not only because we are going to venture out to North Bend this morning. But mostly because it's Christmas time. "Dad...what did you get Keilah? What did you get Mom?" So many questions...so much excitment. And through it all, my children seem to not lose sight (for the most part) of the real meaning of the Season.<br /><br />They've always known. From day one we've always told them the truth about St. Nick and how he loved the Savior. I recall, many years ago, my firstborn (Faith...now 13), was asked by her grandma "Faith, are you excited for Santa Claus this year". With a perplexed pause and a bold, black and white childlike answer she proclaimed "Santa Claus is dead!". She was serious...we laughed. It was tough for others to understand why we would teach our children the truth about the Saint we now call Santa Claus, but through it all we are very gratful we did. And you know what? Our children have NEVER MISSED OUT ON ANYTHING. They've never said..."oh man, I really wish I could have been told there was a real Santa that was alive today that brings me gifts. That would have really made Christmas time special". I've even asked them point blank before "do you think you've missed out on something since we told you the truth about Christmas". To be honest...I think the question confused them. Not because of how it was worded but because they've always known that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus and that it has nothing to do with a fat man in a red suit (not slighting the ministry of St. Nick, he was a great man of God). I think the Santa gig is more for parents to bring a sense of wonderment and awe in their children's lives. Isn't Jesus enough? He has been for our family.<br /><br />Anyways...enough soapboxing. However you chose to do it, my prayer is that you don't deminish the true reason just for traditions. Never deminish Jesus...always exalt him.<br /><br />For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods." Psalm 95:3Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237755636613631174.post-85694074115007607152008-12-21T18:06:00.000-08:002008-12-21T18:12:13.531-08:00And it begins...In an attempt to sit at the cool table, I begin the journey of blogging. I actually tried it once before...wrote about 4 entries and life got in the way. This is my second try in adding to the blogsphere. With that...off I go.Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019522584800747550noreply@blogger.com0