Whole lot of shakin...

Living in SOCAL is great!!! I honestly mean that, even though I never thought I would. It has grown on me (of course 70 degrees in the middle of winter helps). I love it for the mountains, the desert, the beach and the PEOPLE (some of the greatest as far as I am concerned).

However, the one thing I will never get used to is the earthquakes. Yesterday, there was a whole lot of shakin going on. At around 11:42 a 5.4 quake hit in Chino Hills (not too far as the crow flies). I was working on my computer when the ground began to rumble and then the jolt hit. Words cannot describe how an earthquake feels (you have to experience them to know). To me it is the most unnatural feeling in the world. The ground is not supposed to move, at least not where I grew up. I would love to say that I am getting used to them, but the truth is, I am not.

It just makes me realize how fragile this world truly is and that the really only firm foundation we have is found in a personal relationship with Christ.

I am finally back

It feels good to finally be posting again. The reason for the long delay is that our home computer crashed and we did not replace it for a while. I do not post while I am at work so I had to wait to get a new computer. Of course by the time we got one, I was out of the habit. Here are some really important events that have occurred since my last post.

• Meagan (my oldest daughter) GRADUATED from high school and is registered for her first semester at Crafton Community College
• Marissa (my middle daughter) GRADUATED from middle school
• Malory (my youngest daughter) GRADUATED from elementary school
• The church voted to bring on two new ministerial staff members (Jason Barker as Minister of Education and Jonathan Jones as Minister to Middle School)
• We went on a family vacation to Montana (Montana is quickly becoming one of my most favorite places)
• I am now the Executive Pastor of Immanuel

I would say however that the single greatest thing that has happened continues to be the faithfulness of God. His faithfulness ALWAYS amazes me. As I write this there are some significant things coming my way that I will expand on as they come.

• I am leaving for Russia next week for a mission project in which I get the privilege to minister to our M families (looking back this means I have had the privilege to visit The Netherlands twice, Poland, Cambodia and Mexico - only God could have orchestrated all of that).
• Meagan will begin College, Marissa will begin High School and Malory will begin Middle School.
• Our two new ministerial staff members will be arriving
• Gretchen and I will celebrate 21 years of marriage
• Marissa will turn 14

I know that through all of this the Lord will continue to show His faithfulness. Stay tuned...

Attract, Connect, Grow and Serve

Last week during ministerial staff meeting there was discussion about an important issue. The question was whether the people of immanuel (members, attenders and guest) knew exactly what they were supposed to be doing. This opened up some great dialogue that I believe will do nothing but help us fulfill the great commission as a church. If you want to read what we believe God desires for us do you can read my post on June 21, 2007 (Matthew 28:19-20 would not hurt either). My intention over the next month will be to take each of these four elements (ATTRACT, CONNECT, GROW and SERVE) and give insight to each individually. So starting Monday I will begin with the task of ATTRACT! Stay tuned.

Leavened bread

It's funny how we can read through scripture many times and not see something. That is the great thing about God's Word. It is alive and speaks fresh Words every time you read it. This morning I was reading in Exodus about when the children of Israel left Egypt. Get this picture 600,000 men (plus their wives and children) left Egypt in a single instance. A place where they had lived for 430 years. That was when God stepped in, in a big way, and got them out. They left in such a hurry that they had not added leaven to the bread they were making. Many times leaven is thought of as an agent that represents something bad (beware of the leaven of the Pharisee's...). To the Israelites the leaven was supposed to reemind them of the fact that God had set them free from the Egyptians. It was a reminder that He came through in a big way. That got me thinking about the big things (actually all things) God has done in my life. He certainly has come through in a big way in my life. I have many reminders of this fact. Some of those reminders are the source of joy while others are a little more painful, nevertheless, they are reminders. I pray that I will not turn those reminders into anything more than what they truly are. Reminders of when God came through in a big way.

I am already tired....

The 2008 election is not even here yet and I am already tired of politics. With all that is at stake this year, I am sure we will see an unprecedented political media blitz or should I blitzkrieg. I saw yesterday that the amount of money already spent on this election is twice as much as 2004. Needless to say, I am anxious for November to be here and gone. However, I do ask myself the question in the midst of all this junk, what am I to do? To me the answer to that is very simple. TRUST GOD! I will pray, study and vote my convictions but at the end of it all, I will just have to trust God. The people who get elected will be put there by God so I just have to know that He is in control of things. So, hold on to your seats it is going to be bumpy ride for the next 10 1/2 months.

Year of Intention

I am always amazed at the amount of New Years resolutions that are made and just as quickly broken. How do I know this happens? Because I am one of the millions (possibly billions) of people who have done that very thing. The beginning of a new year rolls around, resolutions are made and then.... I am sure you can get the picture. It is a very vicious cycle. I was reading an article the other day that I believe sheds some light on how to overcome this. The article was discussing the importance of being intentional. It really caused me to do some thinking. I believe that nothing really great comes by accident. If it is truly great it was the result of someone being very intentional to ensure its greatness. I believe that God is an intentional God in everything He does and if we are to emulate Him we need to be intentional. So my resolution for 2008 is to be intentional. There are certain things that I believe need to be accomplished this year and if I am not intentional, well.... Hopefull this intentionality will show up in the accomplishment of tasks for the glory of God and His Kingdom.

Thanksgiving recap

Here is my recap of Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday). To start off my parents came in town to celebrate the holiday with us. It was a great blessing having them here. We enjoyed every minute we got to spend together. Gretchen cooked like crazy and the food was awesome. I got to deep fry another turkey. I would like to say that this one was the best so far. We watched some football. Jeff, Jody and the kids came over (the stuffing was probably the best I have ever had). Rob Signs brought his Texas Fire Crackers and some desserts that were just incredible. One day someone will be able to get the secret recipes out of him. The day after thanksgiving Gretchen and Jody loaded up to go shopping at 4am. I slept. I had to take dad and mom to the airport. We did some things around the house then we went to the REV/Norco game. Saturday was putting up the Christmas lights outside (I have to quit adding things) and doing some chores. In the midst of that I took a break to take the girls (each with a friend) to see a movie of their choice. Me, Malory and her friend went to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It was absolutely an awesome movie. I would highly recommend it. All of this put together made this Thanksgiving a GREAT one!!

I'm Baaaaaaack

Okay, now everyone can leave me alone about not putting up a post in over two months. It was not intentional, I just had a lot on my plate. Since I last wrote the following things have happened.

• We finished Walk Thru the Bible
• Completed another 24/7 prayer week
• Gretchen and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in Las Vegas (had an absolute awesome time)
• Led a SS conference in San Diego
• Traveled to Texas to preach the ordination service for my great friend Jeff Ritter
• Led another SS conference in Eugene Oregon
• Hosted Team Impact
• Took a little breather
• Harvest Festival (although Rhonda did the work)
• Started 3 new Bible Fellowship Classes
• Spent some time sighting in my rifle for my hunting trip which starts tomorrow

As you can see it was a crazy two and half months. Of course the highlight of all this was Gretchen and I celebrating 20 years of marriage. God truly blessed me by giving Gretchen to me! Here is to as many years as God allows (hopefully many, many, many more)!!!

As I write this, I am less than 12 hours away from leaving for Montana. For me an Elk and Mule Deer hunt in Montana is a chance of a lifetime. I am sure you will hear more about this in the days to come.

Next Friday is Malory's 11 birthday. I am going to have to celebrate a day late because I do not return until Saturday. I am glad that I have a daughter who understands (don't you Mal Mal)!

Okay, so I am back. If I write this and no one responds, I am going to be disappointed.

Two teenagers - how did that happen?

MARISSA IS 13!!!!!!!!!!! I am not quite when or how this has happened. I remember all to well the day she was born. Now she is a teenager and a very beautiful, smart, talented, caring, giving (I could go on) one at that.. I looked in the mirror this morning and there were more gray hairs than yesterday. I swear this is true. I just did not see this coming. Next thing I know...never mind, I would rather dig a hole in the sand and not watch what happens next. Of course I can't do that. I enjoy watching my kids grow up. As they grow up our relationship matures. I am anxious for each new day with all three of my girls and the challenges and rewards that they present. Of course if my girls read this, you can stop getting older any time.

Walk Thru the Bible

You do not want to miss this

Walk Thru the Bible is coming this Sunday. I know that many have never attended a Walk Thru the Bible Seminar. I can promise you, if you attend it will be one of the best things you will ever do. I am posting a video that will give a better definition of what will happen at the seminar. Our seminar leader (who is not the leader on the video) will be speaking in both services this Sunday and will give us great taste of what will happen if you choose to stay for the rest. If you have children in the 1st - 6th grade you will want them to be a part of this great event. SEE YOU SUNDAY!!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year

The official start of College football 2007 started yesterday. I love college football. It is by far my favorite sport. I enjoy watching any game at any time. Of course my favorite team is the Colorado Buffaloes. I grew up in Boulder watching the games. We had season tickets and every home game during the fall I got to go to several games each season. I remember one game in particular when after the game I was able to go into the locker room and meet the players. I was all of about 10 years old. I will never forget that - it made me a lifetime (not a fairweather) fan. I cheer for them when they are good and when they are bad. Last year they did not give me too much to cheer about. I hope this season is different. Regardless of the outcome I will pull for them all season long. I am anxious to see what this season has in store. MY SATURDAY'S ARE FULL UNTILL JANUARY!!!!

A new series in Bible Fellowship starts Sunday

This Sunday in our married adult ministry our classes will begin a new quarter of curriculum. To some this may not be a big deal, but to me I am anxious for it to get here. Let me explain why.

I have always enjoyed new things (buildings, clothes, sporting equiment, books, etc). It is not that I do not like old things, it is just exciting when something new comes along. Don't get me wrong, I take care of old things and have a difficult time letting things go that sometimes should just be thrown away. Case in point, the black shoes that I am wearing today are 6 years old. I love these shoes. I like the way they fit and how comfortable they are. When I wear them my feet do not hurt at the end of the day. I have a new pair of black shoes that are not as comfortable and do not feel as good as my old ones. With that being said, the shoes that I am wearing today are getting so worn out that when I wear them, my back hurts (the heal is almost worn off on one side). So I know that I just need to throw them out and get some inserts for my new shoes and make the switch.


I have enjoyed the last 13 weeks in Bible Fellowship as my class has been going through a study in the minor prophets but I am thoroughly looking at the study in Matthew that begins this Sunday. It will bring a new set of challenges weekly from the riches of God's all sufficient and all relevant Word. How good can it get.

Going to lunch with the girls

One of the things I really enjoy is going to school to eat lunch with the girls at school. I began doing this when Meagan started school and it is something that I continue to try and do. Sometimes I am better at doing this than other times, but I really do try to make this a regular thing with the girls. School started a couple weeks back and I had not yet had lunch with any of them. That changed today when I took Malory lunch. It is great watching them get excited to see me at lunch. To my knowledge they have never gotten embarrassed by having me there (I hope that never changes). If you are reading this I would like to encourage you to take a few minutes and go eat lunch with your kids while they are at school. It is a great bonding time that is valuable beyond compare.

Early morning appointment with the green family

I am up early this morning because of an appointment with the Green Family. The appointment is at 6:52 in Yucaipa and I am going with my great friend David. The appointment hopefully will take no more than 4 hours. At the end of the appointment we will either be happy or very sad. I have been on several of these appointments with David and he usually comes away feeling very good. I, on the other hand, come back feeling not quite as good. The factors that determine how good we will feel are too many to mention. I am hoping that it is not too rough for me today. Either way I have never wanted to stop my appointments with the Green Family. They always leave me with the feeling that I want to go back for more.

The numbers are in

The numbers are in from last week. We had 1760 in attendance. I am thrilled with what God did through our efforts. This is the second highest total for attendance on any Sunday during the summer months in THREE YEARS. Yes you read that right. Only two other times did we go past that number in the three years. I really believe that sets the stage up for a great fall. If you read this blog it would be great to hear some of your experiences (good and bad) from this past week. Post some comments that will help encourage others for now and the future!!!!

Thoughts from Sunday

Yesterday was our In-N-Out day. I do not know yet exactly what our numbers were, but from observations, we were up. To me the most exciting thing was seeing quite a few people who visited classes for the first time. I talked to one person who asked me how people were getting tickets to get the free In-N-Out. I told her that she needed to attend a Bible Fellowship Class. I went later on to distribute tickets and found her and her husband in a class. This was her first time in one of our Bible Fellowship Classes. To me that made the day well worth the effort. I am personally considering the day a great success!!! I am just praying that it helps us build some great momentum going into this fall. God is doing some great things right here among us. I have prayed for a movement of God among us! I pray this is it!!!

IMMANUEL IS THE PLACE TO BE ON SUNDAY'S!!!

Let's get the word out fast!!!!

Big Bear Lake in the dark

Last night I went fly fishing with my good friend Aaron at Big Bear Lake. We did not get to the lake until 6:30pm and fished until just after dark in our float tubes. It was very interesting fishing in the dark out on the water in my float tube. I have fished in the dark before but from the shore. When he first told me what he wanted to do, I was a little anxious, but when it began to get darker it did not bother me. Thanks to modern technology, I was able to call Gretchen from the middle of the lake (okay so it was really only 100 yards away from shore). It was just a great experience that I will definitely do again. Hopefully next time the results will be better.

Be a part of what God is doing at Immanuel

This Sunday is our In-N-Out 2007 Sunday. Everyone who attends a Bible Fellowship class will receive a free In-N-Out burger. To me this Sunday is all about getting excited with what is happening at Immanuel. It really is not about coming to church to get a cheeseburger. During the summer I have seen some initial signs of revival among us. I hear about people who are inviting their friends to church. Last week we had two classes that had a total of 14 visitors attending (we had a total of 97 visitors registered in Bible Fellowship). Our preschool ministry has grown 10% over the same time last year. Our Married Adult Ministry is averaging close to 10% above where we were last summer. I truly believe that our Bible Fellowship Ministry is right on the verge of some great things. The question I am asking is - WHO WOULD NOT WANT TO BE A PART OF WHAT GOD IS DOING RIGHT HERE AT IMMANUEL!!!!!

SO GO INVITE SOME FRIENDS AND HAVE A GREAT BURGER ON US!!!!!!

She's a senior in high school

Today I dropped Meagan off at school for the first day of her senior year. I cannot express how very proud I am of what she has accomplished. It is the beginning of the end to this stage of her life.

If someone would have told me that this day would arrive right after she was born and was struggling for life itself, I am not sure I would have believed them. Last night as I was putting her to bed and praying for her, I told her how I was so very proud of her.

I am just praying that this year goes by slow (sorry Meg's). I will try my best to help her make it the best senior year ever!!!!

I LOVE YOU MEAGAN ASHLEY

DAD