I’m excited

about today. We’re taking Jayden to “Fork and Screen” to see the movie “UP.”  Jayden has never been there so we decided to take a different approach to seeing a movie; seeing if he likes it better than a reg. movie theater. (I do to tell you the truth..)

We’re working on painting and doing things I’m not use to.. (NO, it’s not WORK!! Lol-I know what some of you are thinking!!   I’m actually taking my time, repairing all the holes in the wall, patching up places which need it, sanding, and allowing things to dry.  Of course I learned some of that from attacking our bathroom-I should have sanded a few places down but it’s too late now; bathroom, a learning place. LOL. I’m excited but it’s a lot of work and the house will be a wreck until we’re finished.  The good thing? I’ll be able to get some “nice” accessories for the bathroom and update the kitchen a little as well as the living room.  Plus, we want to put new lights in both bathrooms, kitchen, living room and maybe even some recess lights in our bedroom.. (Oh yeaaaaaaaaa!!)  We’re just doing things one little bit at a time-wish we could pay someone to do it but it’s EXPENSIVE!! So, I figured while I had the days off in the morning and I could stay up late at night, I could work on it.  So if I’m tired or seem distant with a blank look in my eye…..that’s why..

Hope you guys have a great weekend and I hope to see you tomorrow.  I hadn’t blogged in a while due to not being on a computer in a couple of days.. If you know me, that’s a miracle in itself but even the MAC BOOK has only been opened 2 times since last Sunday. Oh well, see you tomorrow!!

Sunday’s Sermon

Here’s the 5th message, “FORGIVENESS” in the Fireproof Series. Enjoy..

[podcast]http://www.centerstage.riverridgechurch.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Fireproof Message 5- Forgiveness.mp3[/podcast]

One Desire

This is one of those videos which touch your heart in so many ways, just listen to the words and watch the people truly pour their hearts out before God. Hillsong does an amazing job and their credit is all given to God.  They truly worship and believe the words they are singing-therefore an atmosphere of worship is created which is unlike any other. Enjoy..

(Sorry you have to register to leave comments again, but once you register I’ll try to make it where you don’t have to again. Thanks for your patience and understanding.)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPy7pKlKd8

Putting together

an adventure land swingset is SOOOO tedious but once your finished, the produt is wonderful.. Provided you did everything right.. That’s kinda like God is with us.. Sometimes we have to endure some pretty tedious things in our life, but when we’re finished, it comes out perfect.. What is God doing in your life that seems tedious?? It’s tough, long enduring and sometimes draining, but God has placed nothing on us we can’t withstand through Him-that’s the key-through HIM.. So this next week, turn you’re focus not on the things you’re not doing, but things you CAN do for others.. Stop complaining and start making things happen, stop griping and start gearing up for what God is going to do in your life.. Focus on you and your relationship with God first, then allow God to work in your life and bring about great things.. Truth be known, God will get his plans done, with or without you, but He wants you to be a part of it-so be a part of it.. Dedicate yourself to God, commit and invest everything into Christ-that’s one thing that will NEVER loose it’s value..
Pray for me Monday as I go for my test and let God’s will be done in my life and to God be the Glory in ALL things-Good or Bad.. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow and love God-Love People!!

Check out our First PODCAST!! More to come..

http://riverridgechurch.podomatic.com/

Wednesday’s Widgets

Have you ever been mad and had no reason why? I mean, so mad you were ticked, hateful, and down right ugly??  For some reason, I’ve found myself in that very mood today.. Have no reason why-nothing’s wrong and everyone is doing well around me.. I did have to go to an unexpected funeral and sing, but that wouldn’t cause me to feel this way.. I have no idea why I feel like this but I don’t like it.. My family doesn’t deserve this attitude from me and I can’t stand feeling this way.. Oh well, maybe I’ll go to bed and wake up in a better attitude..

December 21st will be cool.. We’re planning on singing some Christmas Carols, talking about Lifegroups, Lord’s Supper and giving Christ a gift from our heart, of love.  Sam and I always comes up with something a couple of weeks before the Sunday in question. So funny how everything comes together and ideas begin to flow.  We’re discussing the 2009 year, changes we’re going to make and things we’re going to try.  With that being said, we’re going to change things from time to time, or try things in the music, lighting, audio and even video spectrum. So as we try things a little different, please give us your feedback so we can make a note of it. You guys have been great about telling us how much you enjoy the new setup and that’s what we want to hear: good or bad.  There’s a purpose for the change and it’s important to hear feedback from you, the people.  So as you see the changes, let Sam or I know what your thoughts are so we can discuss it.

Have an awesome day and I hope to see you Sunday.. Let’s get out there, create relationships, and bring more people in for Christ.. Love you!

Psalms 34:1-7

^{Good evening everyone and I hope you’re having a great week.. Sam and I had a good meeting Wednesday and almost had church up in Starbucks!! Maybe we can meet there?? Lol.. Anyway, everything is good so far and time to keep doing what we’re doing.. Anyway, a song by Hillsong has been on my heart and I thought I’d share the title, scripture and a little insight-so feel free to post comments about what you think..  I’ve heard this song so much, I can’t remember the words because  I worship to it.. Which led me to see something about us and our church.. You see, sometimes we hinge our worship on the things around us, physical things that is.}

^{Sometimes we hinge our worship on how we “feel” or are made to feel by the band, preaching, etc…  However, Worship is not or should not be determined by physical or emotional things..  Worship is an intimate relationship between you and God-it happens between you and God, not based on things around you.  Sometimes the mood and atmosphere helps, but ultimately, Worship is about the praise, thanksgiving and honor that you give to God for all His blessings on your life.} 

^{Worship can happen anywhere, anytime and with anything if we’re ready and willing to receive it. If we come to church hoping to get led by the music, preaching, the people etc…we’ve come for the wrong reason.. We often times come looking to see what God is going to do but what we’re unaware of, is God has already moved and He’s waiting on us.  Simply put, let’s take a glance at how we approach church, how we look at the people who’s coming, and turn things around-what can WE do for God.. What can we offer Him, what can we give Him, what can we do to worship Him with everything we have.  Psalms says His praise shall continually be in my mouth and my soul will boast in the Lord.. NOT in the things, traditions, or the rituals of church, music, or other things, but in the Lord.  “I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES.”  Please pray that prayer this weekend, this next week and for the month of December.. Let me know how it changed or changes your life.. I want to know because as of today, I’m going to pray this every morning, every evening and everytime I get a chance.  Begin looking at our church, our people and ourselves and give PRAISE unto God for what He’s done and doing, not what isn’t happening around you or in your life.. I’m so excited about this prayer and this verse-as it’s given me a new life and vision for our Worship Team, for our church and for the people. I WILL bless the Lord at ALL times and His praise shall be on my mouth… Praise God and thank you so much for allowing me to share my heart..}

¹I will ^(A)bless the LORD at all times;
         His ^(B)praise shall continually be in my mouth.
      ²My soul will ^(C)make its boast in the LORD;
         The ^(D)humble will hear it and rejoice.
      ³O ^(E)magnify the LORD with me,
         And let us ^(F)exalt His name together.
      ⁴I ^(G)sought the LORD, and He answered me,
         And ^(H)delivered me from all my fears.
      ⁵They ^(I)looked to Him and were radiant,
         And their faces will ^(J)never be ashamed.
      ⁶This poor man cried, and ^(K)the LORD heard him
         And saved him out of all his troubles.
      ⁷The ^(L)angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
         And rescues them.
      ⁸O ^(M)taste and see that the LORD is good;
         How ^(N)blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
      ⁹O fear the LORD, you ^(O)His saints;
         For to those who fear Him there is ^(P)no want.
      ¹⁰The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
         But they who seek the LORD shall ^(Q)not be in want of any good thing.
      ^11(R)Come, you children, listen to me;
         ^(S)I will teach you ^(T)the fear of the LORD.
      ^12(U)Who is the man who desires life
         And loves length of days that he may ^(V)see good?
      ¹³Keep ^(W)your tongue from evil
         And your lips from speaking ^(X)deceit.
      ^14(Y)Depart from evil and do good;
         Seek peace and ^(Z)pursue it.
      ¹⁵The ^(AA)eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
         And His ears are open to their cry.
      ¹⁶The ^(AB)face of the LORD is against evildoers,
         To ^(AC)cut off the memory of them from the earth.
      ¹⁷The righteous ^(AD)cry, and the LORD hears
         And delivers them out of all their troubles.
      ¹⁸The LORD ^(AE)is near to the ^(AF)brokenhearted
         And saves those who are ^[a](AG)crushed in spirit.
      ^19(AH)Many are the ^(AI)afflictions of the righteous,
         But the LORD ^(AJ)delivers him out of them all.

 

Do you realize by the way, around 85%-90% of the people in our church were inactive at least 6 mos or more before they become a part of RRC?? Meaning, almost everyone was either inactive in a prior church for whatever reason, stop going or wasn’t involved in a church at all.. Think about that if you will.. God has a purpose for everyone there, the struggles we’re facing, and for putting us all together.. Let’s focus on loving on one another, being content to where we are, (not sacrificing our vision) and being still to see what God has in store for RRC.  I love you guys and have a wonderful weekend!! See ya Sunday morning!!!

Saturday’s Reflection

Well, my vacation is almost over. It’s been real, fun–real fun..  I didn’t get anything I wanted to do done, including sending out music, school work and very little house work.  What I did do was spend a lot of time with my son.  He and I had a ball. We played, counted, said our colors, watched “SuperWhy” together and just hung out.. I enjoyed it and I think he did too.  I’ve always been big on family and even though I knew I had school things to do, music to plan and the other stuff, I don’t regret it.

Thanksgiving was awesome.  We had some of the family come up on Kim’s side to spend Thanksgiving with us. It was enjoyable and Kim cooked her FIRST Thanksgiving Turkey.. I marinaded it and boy, we make a GREAT team.. The turkey was a hit with everyone and I’m proud of Kim-it was good.. I hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed yourself..  Can you believe we go from here to Christmas-already?? Gosh, time is going by so fast!! 

Don’t forget on the 21st we’ll be discussing LifeGroups and taking communion. (Lord’s Supper)  Hope to see everyone there and I hope you have a great week next week.

God Bless you guys and I love you! 

Random Points

1.  Great Life group tonight.  House full and laughed until we hurt..

2.  Sam’s sermon was good and his voice held out.

3.  Dale Jr. was involved in a wreck on lap 174 out of 186.. Dang it!!

4.  Alabama won again and stayed in the #2 position.

5.  Satan is attacking our church and using anyone he can get his greasy-sleezy paws on.

6.  Music went well this morning-better than I thought..

7.  Looks like we won’t have a band for the next 2 weeks due to a couple of the band members being absent for one Sunday and not sure about the next.

8.  We’re eventually going to set up a tear down crew for Sunday evening and a set-up crew for Sunday morning.  This will hopefully eleviate the stress of doing both or just the stress.

9.  A lot of changes are going to take place so please pray for us that God will allow us to move in the right direction.

10.  If you can slightly or even remotely play an instrument, sing or help with Worship, please let me know, I would love to have you part of our team!!  (256.404.5919-my number.  Andygoswick@gmail.com is my email. 

*****IF you can help with Cafe Latte/Connection Point, Children’s ministry, set-up or anthing else, please let Sam or myself know as soon as possible.  We’ll fill you in and let you decide where you can help.

****Don’t forget to invite people every Sunday so that we may grow.

       Last but not least, something I’ve observed over the past couple of weeks:

                Please join some kind of Life Group.

                We MUST be unified in all we do. If we’re not unified, God will not bless us and we’ll always get what we’ve always got because we’ve always done, what we’ve always do.. People, RRC can’t grow if we’re not unified and love God with all our heart.  We must remember WHY we’re doing what we’re doing.. We’re doing it all for an audience one-keeping our eyes on the prize, never looking back. 

Love you guys and have an awesome week!! (Missed you Tasha!!!!!!!!!)

Excitement about Sunday

Well, since the band isn’t playing this week, I found a guy in Nashville, Joshua Lambert.  He’s pretty cool and as far as I could tell, he was excited to see Georgia play (beat) Alabama.. However, I informed him he was stepping into a BAMA home and the Dawgs ARE wearing the appropriate wear for a funeral-their own.. (I love talking smack!!!)  Whatever the outcome, I don’t think either team will be able to walk away easy and it will definitley be a fight.. Hey, I love Georgia, not for Auburn and LOVVVEEE Alabama… There ya go, I’m just a country boy who loves College Football as well.. Anywhooo-Josh sounds really cool and I’m excited about what he’s going to bring this Sunday.

Just a word, the Worship Team will be in full swing, or at least back, as of next Sunday with some awesome songs and some kicking Worship. I’m excited about being a part of Riverridge and being a part of some wonderful people. You guys are great and God has really moved..

God is beauty, but he’s a jealous God as well.  He wants us all to himself and doesn’t want to share.  What can you expect though, He did CREATE us, so it’s fair the creator love his creation.  God is so much bigger than any problem in your life even when you think different.  When your problem is big, know God is much bigger than the issue.  No matter what you’ve been through, where you’ve been or what your struggling with, allow God into your life and then let HIM change you.. Don’t worry, do your best but God is in the Life-Changing business.  Sometimes it seems He’s not there, but God tells us in His word He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.. He loves us to much to allow us to walk alone, rather sometimes He carries you instead.  So, in order to help us when He’s gone, He created others around us to walk with. We’re not suppose to walk through life alone, rather with someone. That someone could be a spouse, friend, family, church family or whomever.. God wants us to form relationships with one another, that’s what He did when He was on this earth.  Forming relationships allow the bond to be formed, trust to be birthed and a friendship which can’t be broken.  Yea, we’ll still have fights, fusses and disagreements, but like any close family, you’ll make up and allow God to grow you, instead of digressing. 

I hope you have a great week and being busy as I have over the last few days, I realized I hadn’t blogged this week, so there it is.. We have a great weekend ahead of us.. Michelle, Greg, and Mason are coming over tomorrow night for Guitar Hero and then Charles and Amber are coming over Saturday as well as Josh spending the night with us Saturday.. WOW.. What a weekend but it’s great to find new friends, acquaintances and hang out with current ones.. God is so Great.. I pray this week you will have a blessing which will fulfill your life and bring joy ONLY God can produce.. Love you guys and talk to ya soon!!