Lisa and I off to a Black Tie Event for Northwestern

Am I the Six Flags Guy or What?

All I need is some black rimmed glasses and I'm dancin' my way Six
Flags - More Fun!

Encouraging Words Regarding Getting on a Budget

The following is an excerpt of my email sent to my small group regarding personal finances:

Because we each have our own perspective on how the money we make should be spent, talking about money with our spouses can often times be painful, frustrating, and discouraging.

Here are some suggestions as you talk through your plan:

1. Before you even take out a pen or pencil to write out your budget... PRAY together. It may seem a little "awkward" at first... GET OVER IT GUYS! She's your wife, pray with her!
2. Understand AND accept that each of you are very different and will have different "philosophies" on money. One of you will be a SPENDER and the other will be a SAVER. One of you is going to be a NERD about saving, the other is going to be a Fly-By-The-Seat-of-Your-Pants person. Some of you are not going to know one thing about your personal finances, others of you know too much and hate what you see! BEEN THERE...DONE THAT...GOT THE T-SHIRT!
3. Start Talking... set aside your differences, stop thinking about self and now, and start thinking about the future. Evaluate your daily habits! Ask yourself hard questions like: Am I going out to eat everyday? Do I use credit cards?
4. Stop making excuses and START giving every dollar you make a name. I have made every excuse in the book in regards to why I should use a credit card. All of them from the "Interest Free for 90 days" to the "IMMEDIATE 15% off when you open a store account TODAY". Listen, you will spend in upwards of 18% more when you use a credit card! Get out your scissors and make CREDITCARD CONFETTI! Cut them up!
5. GET SOME RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS PROCESS: Here is a link to Dave Ramsey's Personal Finance Software to help you in your budgeting process. It's only $18.95 (not the $40 someone told me it was). It will be money well spent... the only catch is that you have to pay cash for it through your debit card! Ramsey will not accept Credit Cards!  http://www.daveramsey.com/store/Downloads/Software/Dave-Ramseys-Personal-Finance-Software/prod726.html
6. Another resource is his book: "MY TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER". It's only $14.95. Here is the link to that resource: http://www.daveramsey.com/store/Books/dave-s-bestsellers/The-Total-Money-Makeover/prod326s.html
7. PLAN IT! Stick with it! 

This will help you Live Life to the Fullest! (LL2TF)

Over $2000 Given to Provide Water for Life for 200 Children

During Christmas last year, River Hills Church members and regular attenders gave over $2000 to provide water for life for over 200 children!

For more information on this awesome project... go to http://www.water.cc/initiatives/adventconspiracy/

To keep track of what Living Water International and Advent Conspiracy are doing around the world, click on the See The Change icon on LWI's website (noted above) and you will be sent to a Google Earth Plug-in where you will be able to see where your dollars are at work!

Here's the video from Advent Conspiracy:

Thank You for Conspiring! [AC 2009] from Living Water International on Vimeo.

LL2TF

River Hills banner

The last photo didn't show the "E" in welcome. We do know how to spell!

Welcome to River Hills Church Banner

Thanks to the Y for letting us hang the new welcome banner! Check it
out!

Call a Locksmith - Dad's... please read!

I love my wife! She's the best! And when things don't go her way, she has the best attitude... unless she's driving behind "pokie people"! The other day I heard my 4yr-old daughter say from the backseat of my truck as we were driving down HWY 316: "Come on Pokie! Get out of the way!" Geeee... I wonder....

In my years of doing student ministry and leading mission trip, my number one rule is BE FLEXIBLE, because things are not always going to go as planned! But why is it that when things don't go as planned in my family, I have a tendency to get uncorked rather than be flexible?

This morning as Lisa was preparing to leave, I hear her say, "AWWWHHH MAAANNN! I locked the keys in the car!" Of course, I reacted with, "WHAAAT? How did YOU do THAT?" And then... when I saw the look... I changed my attitude really quickly from BLAME mode to it's-gonna-be-ok-honey-so-let's-get-this-worked-out mode.

So, we got everybody to school and work, and then my good friend Brad Akins sent his trusty advisers, Joe Akins and Scott Sams, from Akins Ford to unlock Lisa's car... all before 9:45AM!

But here's what I am taking away from this today:

1. things don't always go our way... so yes, be flexible!
2. have a good relationship with your local car dealer who goes above and beyond for his friends and customers.
   
3. be a good neighbor... Scott is not only Brad's employee, he's my next door neighbor!
4. always have a spare key (we only have one... I'm going to get one today!)
5. serve your wife...things like this are MINOR in the course of life!
6. my schedule is not as important as my wife and kids...even if it was my day off, we don't have day's off from being parents and spouses!
7. be thankful we have other means of transportation!
8. always learn from things like this!
9. take it light...if your kid spills his milk... GET A RAG! In this case... CALL A LOCKSMITH (or your local car dealer)
10. And as always... LL2TF
    

Other Ways to Donate Resources for Relief in Haiti

The following is an email response from my friend, Evelyn Blount, regarding my most recent post on Samaritan's Purse:

Evelyn said:
"Donations also may be made to the HEART Fund through the WMU Foundation.100% of the money will go for relief in Haiti and will be distributed by Baptists in Haiti."

For more information on giving through this ministry, click here.

Donate to Samaritan's Purse for Relief in Haiti

If you are interested in donating to a faith-based agency to provide resources for relief in Haiti, Samaritan's Purse, you can donate $10 by texting "HAITI" to 85944.

Here is a field report video:


LL2TF

The Birthright

The story of Isaac and Rebekah and their children, Esau and Jacob, is a twisted one. The order of the birth was Esau then Jacob, but in reality, it's Jacob and Esau because Esau sold his birthright to Jacob because he was "dyyyyyyiiinnnnngggg" of hunger... (so dramatic).

What's the purpose of the birthright? Why did Jacob want it? Why didn't Esau value it? What right or privilege was Esau entitled to that Jacob was not? Why didn't Esau want his father's blessing? Did he even have a clue that his father (Isaac) wanted to bless him?

As I ponder these thoughts, I am well aware that God WANTS to bless His children... just like Isaac desired to bless Esau. However, like Esau, most people are consumed with a "feed me now" mentality to the point of giving up what is most important. In Esau's case, it was the rights he was entitled to as the firstborn son.

In our case, when we are misaligned with God's will for our lives, we miss out on God's blessing by because we are not being obedient to GIVE and LIVE! In the end, we blame God for everything and end up despising our birthright.

Therefore... (1) be wise in how you live! (2) GIVE generously... it's really FUN! (3) LL2TF (Live Life 2 The Fullest)

Small Group Tonight

Well.... after a long day of caring for Jared and working from home, we have our second small group meeting at the Bostwick's home! Looking forward to some great food, good fellowship and growing together.

LL2TF (Live Life 2 The Fullest)!

Jesus... THE core VALUE!

Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

This verse convicted me as I listened to my pastor preach on the subject of Getting Smart about Time Management! Time Management may not sound like a great topic to preach on, but allow me to remind us all...

...GOD...you see... He CREATED time & He wants us ALL to "make the most of every opportunity!"

People are important for several reasons:
1. God created them!
2. God loves them!
3. Jesus died for them!
4. Jesus is preparing for us a place in heaven...our eternal home!
5. God desires for NO ONE to die but for ALL to have eternal life!
6. God enjoys His creation!
7. God is close to the broken-hearted!
8. God knows__________________ (fill in the blank)
9. God is_________________ (fill in the blank)
10. God always will be _____________________ (fill in the blank)

Therefore, based on God's Word, I must make others more important than me because JESUS is THE core value... not me!

I must confess, I failed at this today! But thank God that GRACE increases above my sin and that His mercy is NEW every morning! Tomorrow's another day to live by grace and live life to the fullest!

If you've ever wondered....

If you've ever wondered just how Great, Awesome, Glorious, Detailed, Concerned, Focused, Strategic, Loving, Caring, and Powerful God is... READ Job 38 and 39

Email from Shane with Julian Drive

The following is an email sent from Shane Bower updating family and friends on how the Julian Drive band is doing:

Thank you all soooooo much for your continued prayers.  I love y'all.  
Date: Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Subject: Earthquake - I'm ok

To everyone, I’m coming to you from HAITI and I’m okay! I have 55 messages and can’t check them all but please pass the word. I don’t want folks worried. We came in to Port Au Prince but drove into the country away from the city a ways. The earthquake was indeed heavy and big there and scared us to death, as did the countless aftershocks. It's like nothing i've ever experienced. Even trying to sleep last night, the aftershocks continued...creepy. However, with no buildings near to fall on us, we are all fine. Our biggest worry is getting home, so pray for favor with the airport, planes, etc. Thanks and I’ll keep you updated as I can. Maybe even update your facebooks with this info. There is no phone signal but fortunately the internet came back up here at the Holt orphanage I’m at. Love you all. Pray for this country. Shane

Offering Help to Haiti

My pastor, Chip Wheeler, just posted Four Ways You Can Serve Haiti. If you want to help by going, giving, sending or praying, click here to read his post and find out more information!

If you are interested in serving, please contact me by email or by calling the River Hills Church office at 770-867-0909.

Praying For Haiti!

Praying for Julian Drive

Shaun Bennett and the music group Julian Drive are in Haiti where
there was an earthquake that measured over 7 on the Richter scale.

JD was in Haiti with Holt International caring for orphans.

Pray for these guys!

Surround Yourself With Mighty Men

Mark Batterson posted this article this morning and I thought it was just too good to NOT share with everyone that I know!

Mark writes... "
I was reading about David's Mighty Men today and this thought crossed my mind: if David had been consumed with insecurity like his predecessor, Saul, he would have surrounded himself with weak men. I know that sounds silly to say, but I think that is what a lot of leaders do. They sabotage themselves by NOT surrounding themselves with the best or the brightest. Why? Insecurity. Just a thought. But I do know this. Early on in ministry, your level of influence will be determined by your competence. But give it a few years, and your level of influence will be determined by the competence of the people you surround yourself with. If you struggle with insecurity you'll never reach the level of influence God wants you to have. Why? Because you're not surrounded my Mighty Men.

Think about this. Anyone of those Mighty Men probably could have killed David. But David wasn't threatened by their strengths. He marshaled them. He led them. He rallied them to his cause.

Here's the litmus test when it comes to insecurity: are you threatened by the strengths of others?"

For more information about Mark Batterson and his posts, go to Evotional.com

3AM Prayer Time

There are times when the Lord wakes me from my slumber to pray. Well,
this morning is one of those times.

In regards to my family and my church, I have these prayers racing
through my spirit like a hot knife through butter:

My Family:
1. Jared's relationships with friends!
2. Lisa and her work as a mother, spouse, and employee! She is my
Prov. 31 woman and is "blessed".
3. Tyler's spiritual growth.

My Church:
1. That God would never remove His hand of blessing from River Hills
Church, and that He would multiply those resources - both financially
and physically - that have been given by faithful believers,
organizations and churches.
2. That RHC small groups would have a great impact in the city of
Winder,GA.
3. That God would bless and strengthen the YMCA and impart wisdom to
it's leadership and board as they make decisions. I'm thankful for the
partnership between the Y and River Hills.
4. That River Hills would be a "city on a hill" that seeks God's
Kingdom FIRST!
5. That we would be ready and focused to reach 500 people this year!

May Your Will Be done Lord here as it is done in Heaven! AMEN!

That's all for now. Back to sleep for a few hours! Live life to the
fullest!

Great Day today at River Hills Church

Chip text me just a while ago to tell me that one year ago today the attendance at RHC was 65! Today we launched the "Get Smart" series and we had 172 in attendance! We also launched the second semester of our small groups which has grown from 6 groups to 8! To God be the Glory for His blessing and faithfulness!

If you are interested in being in a small group at RHC, please email me at spencer@churchatriverhills.com.

For those of you who have committed to pray for my family and me in this move to River Hills, please continue to pray for...:

1. ...Tyler, Jared and Elisabeth as they continue to develop new friends at RHC.
2. ...Lisa and me and also RHC, that we would be wise stewards of the resources God has blessed us with!
3. ...for mine and Lisa's small group of married couples - we start meeting this Wednesday night!
   
4. ...the RHC staff: that we would - in all our ways - acknowledge God so that "our paths would be made straight."
5. ...RHC's prayer ministry - we will be hosting a fasting and prayer event at 12noon on the second Wednesday of every month - our first one will be Feb. 10 at the church office.
6. ...RHC's men's ministry - we want to reach more men with the Gospel!
7. ...Will Clark and Unleashed Student Ministry
8. ...Bunnie Claxton and Kid's Connection
9. ...Brandt Farmer and the worship team
10. ...Chip Wheeler and his pastoral ministry 
11. ...Sarah Beth Wheeler and her counseling ministry with StressCare
    

Thank you to Karen and Lindsey Allen

A huge thanks goes out to Karen and Lindsey Allen for the new chair! It fits just perfectly! You guys are awesome! Also, thank you for your prayer support and encouragement!

Interested in Adoption?

Are you interested in adoption?

Check out Lifesong for Orphans! What a great resource available to adoptive parents and also to churches interested in establishing an adoption fund!

Thanks for praying for Lisa

Many of you saw my prayer request about Lisa's foot which was causing her some pretty severe pain. I am happy to tell you that her foot is fine. Actually the place that was causing so much pain and discomfort was a bone spur on the side of her 4th toe on her right foot.

After x-rays, her doctor came in with a scalpel, removed the callous and then shaved the bone spur off. And she did this with NO local anesthetic. I thought she was nuts for allowing him to do that without numbing medicine! But, how can I forget that she went through 16 hours of labor with Tyler with no epidural... only to have a c-section. She really does have a high threshold for pain. Not me... I'm a wimp! (Kevin Leman says to flaunt your imperfections!)

Now that the pain is gone, she is a different woman. Thanks for praying!

Nearly $1.4 Million Given at Passion Conference in Atlanta!!!

Louie Giglio is passionate about the cross of Jesus Christ. His passion to reach young adults with the Gospel is second to none. I love hearing him preach!

His passion is demonstrated in how he has led people to give!

This morning, I read Louie's report on what was given at the Passion Conference in ATL this past week. I was blown away when I read that nearly $1.4 million was given to support a number of causes. And people say we are in a recession! People, these are college students and young adults that are giving! Can I just tell you that in God's economy... there is NEVER a recession? God's economy is not limited to man's. 

Here's Louie's Post:  "Together, We Are A Force For Good!"

But before you jump to Louie's post, I would ask you to pray with Lisa and me about the following:

One of the areas that Passion supports is one that Lisa and I are praying about being a part of. It is Gobena Coffee which supports orphans in Africa! Check out this video about Gobena Coffee and remember, live life to the fullest!


Gobena Coffee Story from Danae Lehman on Vimeo.

Infused with Passion for River Hills Church

Yesterday was a long day, but a great day, as we stayed in town for a one-day staff retreat. We prayed, planned, played, laughed, ate with our families, and dreamed BIG! It was one of the most productive, passion-infusing staff retreats I've ever been a part of.

Following our retreat, Chip (my pastor), asked me, "So, what are you most excited about regarding what has been planed?" Here's are a just a few of the things I'm excited about for River Hills Church:

1. An Intense Focus on Prayer: this is the key to growth as a church! I am looking forward to the Wednesday's where we (River Hills Church) will spend our lunch hour praying and fasting together. If you can't physically attend that's ok....you can choose to spend that time wherever you are fasting and praying. Our first one will be Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at 12-Noon at our church office.
   
2. Special Baptism Service this Summer: Details are being worked out for this special occasion! You will not want to miss this!
   
3. Small Groups resuming this Sunday!
4. Being more intentional in ministry to men! Did you know that if you reach a man, 89% of the time his family will come to church with him? We must bring men and the Truth together... not only is the Kingdom at stake... so is the family!
5. Seeing God move in the lives of people! To God be the Glory!

 

Looking for an office chair!

I am looking for an office chair to replace the broken one in my office. My current chair leans a little too far to the left when I sit down. It's functional, but it is on it's last leg (pun intended).

If anyone has a lightly used office chair you would like to donate to the mission of River Hills Church, please email me at spencer@churchatriverhills.com.

Thanks!

"Miserable Comforters Are You All"

For the first week of Job's "test", his friends all sat silent with him... not saying a word! The truth is, there are not many words you can say to a man who has lost everything that was dear to him plus losing many of the things he owned.

I mean... what if, in a matter of a few days, all your children died, you lost your job, you became sick, your stress level sky-rocketed, and the question of "WHY?" kept pouring out of your mouth like an open fire hydrant? WOULD YOU WANT ANYONE TO SAY ANYTHING TO YOU? COULD ANYONE SAY ANYTHING TO YOU?

Does anyone ever remember from your "youth group" days when your youth pastor would have the group sit in a large circle for "church group devotions" at camp? Does anyone ever remember the awkwardness that a long silence would bring to the group and everyone was just staring at each other? Then someone either passes gas or someone says, "would someone just say something?"

People can't stand silence! I get the feeling that was how it was for Job's friends. They were tired of the silence and they could not keep silent anymore. So, they resorted to what most men do on Sunday afternoons... play "armchair quarterback". These guys were dissecting and diagnosing Job's issue and brought ZERO comfort to Job! Notice what Job said in reply to Eliphaz's comments...

"I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all. 

Will your long-winded speeches ever end?"

Job 16:1-2

When someone is hurting... the best message you can communicate to them is found in your silence and in your commitment to pray for them! Therefore, if anyone of your friends is in turmoil, grief, pain, or loss, practice the ministry of presence (be there) and the ministry of intercession (pray)!

Live life to the fullest!

Check out Chip Wheeler's Blog Post RE: Sunday Reflections

Read my pastor's blog entitled "Sunday Reflections". Click on the link
at the end of this post.

If you would like to subscribe to River Hills' weekly email, send me
an email requesting your subscription.

Our "Get Smart" series starts this weekend. "Get Smart" is a 4-week
study in the book of Proverbs. This week we are talking about my life
verse - Proverbs 3:5-6.

See you at the Y on Sunday morning at 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Reflections - http://chipwheeler.churchatriverhills.com/?p=271

A whirlwind!

It has been an absolute whirlwind getting started at River Hills Church and I'm loving it! Started off with set up at the Y at 7AM... Lisa was interviewed by Sarah Beth Wheeler during the worship service Sunday and I preached... then we capped off the day with a covered-dish lunch at church.

The last two days have been meetings, conversations, bulk mailing, getting the office in order, working through budget, etc... etc... I am doing what God has called me to do and I'm lovin' it!

It's been so busy I haven't had time to post comments! However, here are some Prayer Requests for Lisa and Me and our family and church:

1. Pray for Lisa - she has injured her foot somehow and is having severe pain. She will be seeing a doctor tomorrow morning!
2. Pray that I would be wise in all decisions and coversations!
3. Pray for our ALL-DAY staff meeting tomorrow... we have rescheduled our staff retreat to a one-day meeting due to the weather forecast.
4. Pray for our all our children - Tyler, Jared and Elisabeth - as they adjust to a new church and new friends. Also, Tyler had braces put on yesterday so he is a little sore!
5. Pray for our marriage -- that God would continue to bless it and protect it! I love my wife!

Thank you all for your love and support! And remember...

Live Life to the Fullest by doing what God has called you to do!

Happy New Year!

I wish all of you a very happy new year and a blessed 2010! Thank you for subscribing to my blog! I consider it a blessing to share with you words of encouragement to live life to the fullest! Many of you have expressed your appreciation for posts that I have written! Believe me... I consider it a blessing that you would take the time to read some of the stuff I post!

Here are some ways you can Live Life to the Fullest this year:

1. Read the Bible through in a year! Check out YouVersion for a reading plan.
2. Go on a mission trip this year with your church!
3. Lead a small group at your church!
4. Take a vacation with some friends!
5. Bless someone you don't like or don't know!
6. Give more money away to advance the Kingdom!
7. Answer the question... "how much is enough?" and live at that level! Save & Give the rest away!
8. Stay healthy! Exercise your body! 
9. Work Hard! Don't give up!
10. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength! Read Mark Batterson's new book, Primal, for a great book on loving God!