One moment empowered by Almighty God can do great things.

On occasion you hear about those things that you have done in a moment that have impacted people. Many times you don't, but that doesn't lessen the impact.

- You don't always know how saying hi and smiling at that person walking by can affect their entire day.

-You don't always know how much that phone call to a friend in need can alter their circumstance.

-You don't always know the impact of playing football in the back yard with your child, and how it can shape that youngster.

-You don't always know how the Holy Spirit will use your gifts in a particular ministry at church to change someones life eternally.

-You don't always know how forgiving someone of the wrong that they have done can change and impact that person, and you for that matter.

-You don't always know how having that difficult conversation with someone could alter something great in their life and unlock difficulties they might be having.

You never know how much power a moment in someones life can have. We must always be looking for that moment. In doing that we must get our eyes off of our self and put them on Jesus. He then will direct our eyes on to someone who needs that "moment"

I've heard this said before. "Significant change takes time, but it is always ignited by a moment."

In my quiet time today, God really got a hold of me with something. It seems like I have really been busy lately with "my stuff". Now it really isn't my stuff exactly. It might be work, school, family, or just life related, but it is still "stuff". It is all things I need to do, and do well, but it seems like after I have done all of those things, I want to start focusing on myself. I want to do something for me. (even if it is something like watching tv) I realize though that when I get so focused on myself like that, I start forgetting to love others around me and being concerned about their needs and feelings.

I have been sick with a stupid cold for like 2 weeks. It is getting better, but the whole time I was sick, I subconciously wanted everyone to feel sorry for me. "Hey look, I'm sick". My stupid flesh wanted everyone to feel sorry for me. What an idiot.

God spoke to me today to get my eyes off of myself. I need to refocus on others and their needs. I pray that I can do that this week. I would encourage you to do the same.

I do know when we start looking at others and their needs, we begin to forget out our own hang ups and selfish desires. Just a thought!

I just read a book called "Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament". I have always had more of a natural tendency to read from the New Testament. It's not that I haven't read from the Old Testament much, it has just been easier for me to dig into the New Testament.

After reading this book, I think it is vital for us as believers to understand the value of the Old Testament. As I read this book it opened my eyes into what Jesus believed, thought about, and acted upon.

Jesus Christ learned about His self, his mission, and His future from His study of the Hebrew Scriptures. (Old Testament) In this book I learned how Jesus understood himself as the Son of Man and the Son of God, following the path and fulfilling the call that God had placed before Israel.

I would encourage all of us as believers to not neglect the study of the Old Testament books. Through these books we can really have a deeper understanding of who God is and how much He really loves us.

I thought I would just update everyone on what is happening in the worship ministry. The pictures are actually from our celebration service we had a couple months ago. I thought I would just throw them on.

It is a busy time. We have started a yearly review with our bands. So right now, we are in the process of reviewing each band member. This review consist of everything from their spiritual walk to to musicality. We talk about their strengths and areas where they can improve on as well. This is something new we are starting this year.

This Tuesday night we are having what we call "Vocal Placements". These are held for anyone that has a desire to sing in any of our vocal groups, or sing solos. This will also be a review for the vocalist as well. These Vocal Placements are a way to keep the Vocal team fresh, re energize their commitments, and grow us as singers. We will hold this on one night with everyone there. It is not going to be "American Idol". It will be a fun encouraging night for everyone.

We have also been blessed with about 4 new band members in the past few weeks. We have a new electric guitarist. His name is Matt Merlino. We also have a new acoustic guitarist. His name is Blake Edwards. JD Love has also come aboard to be a drummer. These new additions have helped fill out the 3 teams. We are always looking for new people though.

We are a little bummed because we are losing a dear family of our church. The Houcks are moving to North Carolina. Karen plays bass in one of our bands. She will be sorely missed. We are happy for them, but bummed that they will be leaving us as well.

The Praise Choir is up and running again. I continue to have new people each week that want to be a part of it. That is awesome.

Now we are just looking forward to each weekend service, as well as "Trunk or Treat", and the Christmas Program coming up in a couple of months.

Please continue to pray for each person involved in this ministry. Satan always attacks those who are being used by God.