WHY HELLO STRANGER!

 

Well…. My wife and I have certainly had our hands full the last past couple of months…..Building God’s church in Fredericksburg!!

Such exciting news and responsibility doesn’t come without investments in time and other people. We have been blessed during these past months leading up to our launch to have a chance to impact people. To watch them smile at a simple friendly gesture that was unexpected. To watch them hug and shake hands, embrace the thought of someone just “caring” about them…. Nothing gained expected. We have learned a lot by being in streets preparing for this church… We have learned a lot about ourselves too. To God be the glory.

Back on the scene!

Back to the grind :)

    Okay apologies blog followers ….I have been slacking as of late, but not without valid reason. My family took to the trails of Williamsburg VA, where our vacation time was enjoyed and relaxing. Now I had meant to take my laptop and every electronical accessory that would fit into my suitcase. At the last minute I left it though….Sitting right on the counter next to my books that I wanted to read.

Guess that was God’s way of saying “Jairus- Today you focus on spending time with the family and nothing else.” It was awesome….. It had been a long time since I can remember seeing cousins and aunts, uncles, and my own family frolicking around each other.

After that we spent some time dealing with those nasty power outages and before you know it...I am behind on a multitude of things. Man my desk looks like a nightmare..lol.. I would show a picture of that, but I don't want to be held liable for any damages as a result.

   Well as they say after a great weekend of free time in the office on Monday looking depressed, back to the grind. Expect more blog posts coming soon!

S.E. GREGG

Apologies on me being out and about, but I am dedicated to taking time during my vacation to catch up lost emails and entries.

 

Heres another awesome author S.E. Gregg and his works The Christian Olympics!!

Check it out!

The Christian Olympics: Going for the Gold Crowns, the unveiling of the Bible's comparison of the Christian race to the Olympic Games, is the spin-off from the newspaper article titled "The Christian Olympics are still going on!" written by the author .Today more than ever Christians are discouraged in their walk with God because of the multitudes of personal problems, suffering, and worldly events that have occurred. Some have given up, lost hope in their faith, and/or don't feel that living holy lives matters anymore.
The Christian Olympics will stir up Christians, igniting their spiritual fires to look forward to what is ahead. When Christians see themselves as players in an Olympic game, it gives them a new understanding and exhilaration for the Christian life, as spiritual athletes. Readers will actually visualize themselves in a spiritual athletic competition which has never been done before in a Christian book.


RUN THE RACE WITH ENDURANCE !!
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT !!
KEEP THE FAITH !!
PRESS TOWARD THE MARK !!
FINISH THE COURSE !!
REACH FOR THE FINISH LINE !!!
RECEIVE CROWNS OF GOLD !!!!!


About the Author:

A marathon runner in the Christian Olympics for several decades, S. E. Gregg is a Bible school graduate and the founder of Sound Doctrine Christian Ministries. An award winning author, gifted Bible teacher and Bible curriculum writer, Gregg has authored   the best-selling books,"Evangelism Counseling- How to Counsel People About Salvation","The Christian Olympics-Going for the Gold Crowns" and the salvation tract,"God Became A Man". The salvation tract has been translated into the Burmese language and over 100,000 have been printed.  Gregg lives in the Philadelphia,PA area.

My winners and another great Author

Winners!!!!

I shall first apologize to my fellow blog follwers.....I haven't managed to get this announcement out as early as I had intended. Sorry about that:(

Now...Secondly I would like to thank J:316 for the great opportunity involving the blog hop and give a special "shout out" to my winners Marianne, Joy, Anatasia, and Ray. Thanks for participating guys....Next time I will up our pizes even higher!!!

My Authors Corner  TAMMY HILL 

Tammy Hill is a homemaker with a love for reading, photography, and writing who grew up in the South. She and her husband were stationed throughout the U.S. and Germany with the Army. A few years ago, they decided to trade an ordinary, comfortable life for a full life in Christ. This book is just one of the many exciting results of that decision. They now live with three of their six youngest children and two poodles in the South of France.

Book Synopsis:

 Ember Matthews has a gift...

Sixteen-year-old Ember Matthews is tired of being the person everyone else wants her to be. Although she is nervous about moving to a small town and leaving behind the comforts of her old life, Ember welcomes the opportunity to escape the mistakes and pain of her past. Ember truly wants to change, but when faced with temptation and peer pressure from some new friends, she finds herself slipping into the same old patterns.  As she reconnects with God, Ember begins to realize that she is no ordinary teenager. She sees things that no one else sees, and knows things she has no business knowing.  Will Ember learn to use her God-given gift, or will the burden of her calling be too much for her to carry?

Readers Reviews:

“This book is well done on all fronts. I highly recommend it to the general audience, but especially for teens.” –Carol B.

“What a refreshing and insightful look into the life of one with such a special gift. This read will not disappoint.” –Michelle F.

“I couldn’t put it down!”-Heidi M.

“The book is terrific!”-Gina D.

“From the first words to the last, the story and characters had me spellbound!”-Leslie O.

Official Website: 

www.aseriesofgifts.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tammy-Hill/358876657473192

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/#!/TammyHillBooks

Blog (Official Launch Page TBA):

www.tammyhillbooks.blogspot.com

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5812610.Tammy_Hill

Google+:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/117090970372147024252#117090970372147024252

 

Book Launch Details:

Date:

June 5, 2012

Launch Page:

To Be Announced

Note:

Anyone who purchases my book from any retailer and posts his or her email address in the comments section will be entered to win a Kindle (proof of purchase required).  I will announce the winner on my blog  on June 6^th.

Sample Facebook Posts:

Knowing:  A Series of Gifts, a supernatural novel for teens is available today!  Purchase your copy and enter to win a Kindle!  Details at:  Landing Page To Be Announced.

A Christian Supernatural Novel for Teens, Knowing:  A Series of Gifts.  Today only:  Purchase your copy and enter to win a Kindle.  www.landingpageTBA.

Whats Your Angle?

I read a recent posting and decided to add to it…..It would seem God has been smacking me around with this recently and so im like okay, okay, okay Lord I will share it!

 Philippians 2:3-4

³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 4 

  This scripture confirms that in whole truth there is a selfish side to the human race. I have witnessed both in the common workplace and church the plans, dreams, and hopes stall because people begin to operate outside of humility. Think about God’s humility……He never had an additional game plan other than what the father gave him. Every movement that he took was to give God glory. He was the truth and he was perfect, but unfortunately we are not.

   That doesn’t mean we can’t be cleansed and operate at a high level through the Spirit. While God is the truth we must constantly be seeking and living in the truth! A man or woman must be willing to examine themselves on a daily basis to seek the truth. The truth cannot be tampered, rationalized, or massaged to justify what we have done. At that time it is no longer the truth.

    I once worked to the bone for a job that didn’t reward me how I felt I should be rewarded. I justified it as Corinthians (In whatever you do –do it for the good of God). I wanted to do a great job, but deep down I also wanted something more…..I wanted my come-up ins. I was perfectly justified to feel that things the employer and I had agreed upon before taking the job where not coming to be as promised. I was told I was going to be moved into a higher position soon, but it wasn’t happening despite the additional responsibility that was “dog piled” on me.

   In order to identify the humility in yourself you must be honest. Ask yourself….What is your true motivation? What are you really trying to prove? I had to face the facts that my ambition was great, but was starting to darken me. I had to readjust myself in order to be in a place where I could give God glory. I continued to do a great job and found that the position no longer mattered… The relationships with other people began to take precedence over titles and recognition.

  The co-workers began to respect my work and gave me senior respect even though I was a co-worker. God has a funny way of making you visible and brining you into and around situations at the right time. In order to continue God’s work I have to check my own agenda and then abandon it in order to adopt the Lord’s plan. Ask yourself the following questions on a daily and find out if you are living in humility. Are you accomplishing the Lord’s will or are you to busy trying to impose your own?

I also thought I would include a great parable I read about Pride vs Humility.

“The proud man will see himself as humble and the humble man will identify the pride in himself. To be proud is to be blinded to reality and the truth. Therefore the proud man is a simpleton who is unable to recognize the flaw in himself because he is too busy trying to prove he is humble. The humble man evolves in life because he is busy trying to further live a life of humility…God’s humility”

Ask on a daily

1.      What am I am really trying to do here?

2.      Am I doing what the Lord has asked…Or what I would like?

3.      What is my motivation for doing this?

  

The Shot that wouldn't fall!

The Shots that wouldn’t fall.

This week was a fun week for me as I had an opportunity to play basketball with my friends over at a local gym. I must warn you that I had been off the court for about a month or two so I was expecting to be a bit rusty. Additionally my fancy black Jordan sneakers where beginning to show signs of wear. Yet I didn’t have 100- and up dollars to invest on the pair of shoes I really wanted, but enjoyed the time in fellowship none the less. I took the court and seemed to be able to get open using my speed and athleticism.

I ran for open layups and three point attempts that I thought should’ve normally went in, but they didn’t.  In the past months I knew that I had developed a reputation for being a scoring machine and often my teammates needed my contributions to secure the win.  The more I missed, the more aggressive I became in my attempts. I would slash and cut my way to the basket for a close shot, but it wouldn’t go in. I was getting worried…..I felt like I was letting my teammates down.

I began to turn the ball the over to the other team. In back of my mind I was pleading “Lord let me have the confidence to make these shots”! 

Frustrated with my play I stopped shooting and set a pick for another teammate who made the shot. The next play I was able to steal the ball and pass it to another teammate for some points. Running back down the court my teammate looked at me and said “we can win this”.  At that time I felt I had received a lesson for the day that I thought I would share. Sometimes the best contributions that we truly make are not visible or necessarily the ones we prefer. I was drawing a double team in offense, but had advantages on defense. On the offensive side I was getting multiple assists…I could spread the floor by cutting to the basket and then finding the open man. The rebounds and steals I was getting were contributing to the team…..I didn’t have to score a bunch of points!

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.

The point behind that verse is to illustrate that Apollos made a contribution, Paul did a portion and then God gave the increase for his glory. Imagine if Apollos would’ve been visibly mad because he didn’t accomplish what he thought he should’ve in his mind. The end result is that God gives the growth and gets the glory! It no longer becomes a matter what we accomplish in ourselves.  Often times in ministry and in our journey called life we carry expectations inside of our own mentality instead of the reliance on God.

We have no clue the results or effects of the contributions we make amongst each other. When we develop a mentality to contribute at the capacity God would have us to and not what we would prefer it to be, the glory can truly be his whether we are around to see it or not.  Just my thoughts today- Be Blessed

Sharing A post from My Buddy Jerry Kay Sr.

Im sharing articles from the non-profit newspaper called the Word (www.thewordnewspaper.org)

I appreciate the writings brother!

“Not long after September 11, someone scribbled these chilling words on the wall of a building in Washington, D.C.: ‘Dear God, please save us from the people who believe in you.’”

I ask you to consider these words, and as you think on them let the Holy Spirit speak to your Heart. The acts committed on that day were done in the name of God. I have seen that same mentality, hatred, and distrust among Christian people from one Race of people and denomination to another.

Not long ago a man that I love as a Christian, ask me to come visit him, actually it was more than an invite, it was more like a heartfelt plea of a friend reaching out to a friend for fellowship. He is the kind of friend that every time he greets me he sheds tears of joy and almost squeezes the breath out of me.

A few years ago, I did some things that caused a company I was affiliated with to buy a very large amount of equipment from him and they have continued to do so, and more than likely it will continue for many years to come. It just so happened that the market for that type of equipment was very slow and still is. The day I approached him to make a deal, I had many choices as to where I could go, and I was the one that would make the final decision on the purchase. We are talking about several million dollars, and has been millions sense then. For him it was a gift from God, and Poppa was the delivery boy.

While in the process of bargaining and doing the deal, I discovered he was a Christian and I shared a poem I had written. And we talked about the love of God. It seems that he shared it with coworkers at his company along with his general manager. That particular company surprisingly has a lot of Christian folks employed there. Several are preachers and Poppa picked up a built in fan club!...Can you say Amen?

When making a deal of that size there are always details, details, and more details to be worked out, so I made several trips to their offices. Every time I drove into the parking lot someone would greet me and tell me they had read one of my poems or articles, and how much they enjoyed it. I often wondered if it was because of the business I brought to them or did they genuinely like what they read.

On one occasion while I was in my new friends office, several of the employees gathered, so we moved into the conference room and made coffee. As we conducted our business the conversation turned to religion, not on my part, but first one then the other would bring up a question to me about my affiliations in the church world. What did I believe about this or that, what did I think about this denomination or that one, what did I think about Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Charles Stanley, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, A.A. Allen, Jack Hyles, Benny Hinn, Paula White, Marcus and Joni Lamb, Paul and Jan Crouch, Do you approve of the way Jan Crouch dresses and wears all that makeup? Are you filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues?, Do you believe in once saved always saved?, do you believe in progressive sanctification?, are you post-tribulation or pre-tribulation?, what day do you believe is the Sabbath?..Do you believe Catholics are saved?.... I was overwhelmed and amazed!..I was told they argue like that all day everyday..They thought they were being spiritual, and they were...but not with a Godly Spirit...they were in the flesh. They were sincere, but sincerely wrong... and hell loves it....I could see where this was leading and I was grieved in spirit.

The general manager was one of those in the room and he is one of the preachers there. I told him if he wanted me to address all this, He would need to ask the receptionist to hold these folks calls for about 30 minutes. He agreed, and I told them a burro parable...I happen to be very fond of mules and burros, they remind me so much of the people of God!...Can you say, Hallelujah?

An elderly man was traveling with a boy and a burro... As they walked through a village, the man was leading the burro and the boy was walking behind. The townspeople said the old man was a fool for not riding, so to please them he climbed up on the animal's back...When they came to the next village, the people said the old man was cruel to let the child walk while he enjoyed the ride. So, to please them, he got off and set the boy on the animal's back and continued on his way...In the third village, people accused the child of being lazy for making the old man walk, and the suggestion was made that they both ride. So the man climbed on and they set off again...In the fourth village, the townspeople were indignant at the cruelty to the burro because he was made to carry two people. The frustrated man was last seen carrying the burro down the road!.....Do you get my drift?...Sometimes we, (the church) frustrate people so very much with our know it all critical attitudes the last thing we see of them they are carrying their "Donkey" on down the road, and happy to not have to listen to our opinions and dogmas!

I have always believed even though many theologians do not agree, every word in this bible has been given to the church chocked full of spiritual goodies that will help us as we journey through our time on this earth. When I say church I mean every individual that makes up the body of Christ. I also believe, Every Promise in the book is mine, Every chapter, every verse, and Every line. I am aware that many theologians are carnal minded and will never see the spiritual treasures tucked away therein. I don't care how many DD's, Phd's, Dm's. Md's or Copd's they have for qualifications. Mind you, I am not talking about all students of the word. I also know many that are filled with knowledge, wisdom and the Holy Spirit.

Consider your self to be fortunate if you are blessed with a pastor that really sees the spiritual meaning and significance of the scriptures.

Book Review The 7 Levels Of Intimacy

Book Review: The Sevens Levels of Intimacy
By Mathew Kelley

It is a rare occurrence to read a book that truly changes your life. This friend is a book that I would simply marvel at being called a GAME CHANGER. The author has created a book based off of biblical principles, but delivers them in a subliminal, simplistic tone.  In the beginning chapters the author establishes a multitude of different systems within humanity working together. The first system is recognized as the true human needs. Emotional support- Spiritual support- Mental support- Physical support. The overall tone that the book sets revolves around the questions “are you helping someone become the best version of themself?”

An additional system speaks to the levels of relationships that we carry amongst one another. The author makes a point to speak truth in knowing that not every person we interact with deserves to be a “close friend” or in high tier/primary relationships with us. He writes that the only thing consistent is change and those relationships may come and go during different times, but the question remains “did you help them in becoming the best version of themselves, while they were in your midst?”

The level of thinking is challenged when the author informs the reader about moving past communication barriers. Once this is accomplished the reader can expect to grow in the levels of closeness felt with people that they come into contact with.

I was not sure what to expect reading the book, but my experience with it has helped me to continue on that journey we call life as a much improved man. I would personally recommend this to anyone, but I will go on record and say that this book will become required reading for all couples entering pre-marital counseling through this church. Sincere thanks to the author- You’ve got a jewel here.



                           

Book Review A Framework for understanding poverty

A Framework for understanding Poverty
                                By Ruby K Payne

  This book was recommended to me by my mother who reads like….Nonstop! I took interest in the title because understanding something is the underlying obstacle in trying to have a positive effect on it. In my calling I tend to interact with many different types of people. Anything that I can add to my belt as a knowledgeable resource is well worth the time and effort.  This book is detailed for teachers trying to make in impact on students lives that may be lacking resources. The author describes resources in a number of categories in the early chapters. These include financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, support systems, knowledge of middle-class hidden rules, and role models.

  The lack of these resources would then indicate to me a means of poverty. One caveat that I would have to this book is if the lack of resources would be indicative to impoverished youth, why does the author only stick to youth who mainly lack financial resources? Let us be commonly clear on one theme: money doesn’t automatically generate the additional resources already stated. By focusing so much attention on people from poor financial backgrounds, the author neglects to mention other areas. For example in high income areas there are still youth and people walking around in poverty based on the resources definitions. A person may not have the necessary support systems, but financially lives in a great house and have adequate food to eat. These numbers slip through the cracks in the education system and then become grown people still broken and still missing key resources in their lives.  

  Another key to the book that perked my ears was deemed “hidden rules” associated with each social class. For example in poverty the hidden rules of a disagreement are that the disagreement will lead to physical altercation. You must be able to fight in the lower economic status. The middle class tends to negotiate disagreements. Another one includes the rules of finances: in poverty it is used to be spent, in middle class it is managed, in wealth it is invested.

  There are literally dozens of stereotypical rules that the author has applied to the various classes. By using a huge paintbrush to broad stroke people, in some situations she comes through truthfully. The problem is that this doesn’t ring true for all cases. Assuming that a child will likely be absent manners because of social status is hilarious. Although I don’t work in the school system I do mingle in and around town. For some reason in target and other stores I hardly ever see a child that appears to come from a humble household acting out in public. I do however see a lot of middle and upper class children, tearing up and down the aisles. Whining because they can’t have a new toy or a hot chocolate from the Starbucks.  The mother is standing the in line begging for compliance, while the established father does anything to avoid having to be called into the situation. Am I the only who sees this every weekend?

   The point is that these hidden rules are nothing more social norms that Americans have adapted as a whole. Some of them reside at the current economic status and others truly depend on what a child or person learns during their time here.  If you choose to read the book…Read it lightly..Otherwise you could find yourself grossly miscalculating who a child or person is based on the multiple generalizations throughout the book.

   In conclusion the author does list a few practical ways to lend assistance to poverty stricken youth. The understanding is somewhat lacking though. There are many broad statements, but no thorough point of understanding. For example in lower class homes she writes, the eldest mother is the one who yields all power. She determines the comings and goings in the family. There is never really a clear explanation as to why the structure is set-up this way. How then do we understand this issue?

  If you have nothing else to do…read the book..If you’re looking for concrete answers …Skip it and look elsewhere. God is the only one that can change people and circumstances. It is through his love that we can show others that bring them closer to him. Once they are closer to him generational norms are broken and better living is established.

He's Got it all

Sometimes it can be difficult to not worry much. Even as an author preparing for a launch someday I wonder about the support. I wonder will I be blessed enough to see it go to the top best seller? Then God reminds me would it matter? Like Abram falling into his deep sleep wondering will he ever have his seed, God was there to reassure him things would be as he said it. I have no experience at selling a book, but then again I had no experience writing one either. Yet the spirit produced a good works that blessed our men's ministry. I was blessed enough to find the John 3:16 network, thinking wow! Thank you Lord....Then just today for the second time in 2 months I am contacted by a group hosting a conference where they want to have copies of the book to distribute. Praise the Lord....Why should I worry? Just when I have no clue what will happen next or how things may turn up, God shows me that he has it all under control. He continues to place the right people- the right circumstances- and the right situations into my path. I am so thankful for it all

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Ministry-handbook-Christians-1/dp/1463672179

-Jairus

Time-
   My thought for the day is centered on time. How we claim it's so precious yet waste it to no end. The time is precious, but we shall spend it being mad with one another. Not talking to one another, not loving one another. The time is precious, yet we spend it dreaming ......Never doing....in a slumber never to awaken. The time is precious and we must work, work away to sustain an enjoyable life. All the while forgetting to invest time in securing an enjoyable after life. Time is a conversation all in itself...We want an eternity of praising the Lord, yet cringe we when have to stay at church longer than expected....That is if you can get us there...See we don't have time. Have is defined as in possession, own or to hold. To have time would mean you possess it, control and can manipulate it. We don't have the time, so who does?  God controls everything (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (TEV) if God has the time then how shall we spend what he has given us?  Everyday we get a little older and either we have done something to give God glory or we have failed and moved our purposeful life in reverse. So the real question is....With time being so very precious...How are you going to spend yours?