RUN

So what are you doing Labor Day Weekend? Hopefully you are hanging out with friends and family and celebrating, "NO WORK!" or "NO SCHOOL!" on Monday. But what about Sunday? We would love to see you at one of the services at Rock Point. (10am & 11:30am) Danny Dukes will be leading us in worship, (one of the coolest guys I know), and I have the privilege of bringing a message entitled, "Run". What is "Run" about? Well, you'll just have to show up Sunday to find out. :)

Oh yeah, don't forget to bring someone with you!

Heath

Group Link

Yesterday we had Group Link at Rock Point. Group Link is the environment where we assist people with getting plugged into a small group, plain and simple. We believe that life change doesn't happen sitting in rows, but in circles with other people and sharing life together and after yesterday's turnout, I can't wait to hear some of the stories of the groups that will soon be formed. It's always fun to hear how people's lives are impacted when they have a safe environment to share together, laugh together, cry together...do life together. Thanks so much to the volunteers and staff who assisted in helping pull this off after a very tiring couple of services. You guys are the greatest!

Sunday at Rock Point

Check out the pictures from this past Sunday at Rock Point. Chrystina Fincher came in to lead us in worship with her band. It was amazing! Chrystina truly has a heart for God and a heart for people and it is evident in her leading.

My Moment in Beijing

So, I really haven't been to Beijing, but I recently have been totally engrossed in the Olympics. Something about seeing some of the best athletes in the world competing against each other is really amazing to watch. Being on the other side of the world hasn't helped much since all of the great "live" footage takes place late at night, but I guess that's what coffee is for the following morning!

A few nights ago I watched one of the most incredible races I have ever seen. The French were expected to win the men's 4 x 100m relay and they had even been talking some trash about crushing the USA men's team. The commentators kept bragging about the strength of the French team and how if they had the lead, their anchor swimmer would not give it up. As it turned out, that scenario played out perfectly. Coming into the last 50m of the race, the French had a lead and it looked like the USA would come in with a Silver medal. But then something absolutely amazing happened! Jason Lezak, the anchor leg of the USA men's team, began coming from behind and eventually passed the French at the wall for the gold. I leapt into the air and pumped my fist with a resounding, "YES!" I felt like I was right there in the stands cheering them on. What an awesome race!

Why was I so excited with this race and not as much for the other ones? I had watched several races and I loved seeing my team win, but there was something in that come from behind moment...when their back was against the wall...that I rose to my feet yelling, "Go! Go! Go!"

You know, I think that God allows some things to happen like that in our lives as well. That we sometimes are faced with incredibly difficult situations and our backs are against the wall. The easy response in those moments is, "Yeah, this one has definitely defeated me". But I think our Creator, our greatest cheerleader, is saying, "Go! Go! Go! You can do it! I am right there with you!"

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.

What a big God, huh?!

Rock Point Volunteer Party

Rock Point has some of the most incredible volunteers that make our environments work each and every week. They show up...set up...lead small groups...welcome people...push cool buttons...change diapers...help new families get acclimated...the list goes on, and on. Rock Point could not happen every week without them. A few weeks ago, we had a little get together for those who offer their time each week. It was a small token of our appreciation, but also a wonderful opportunity for different service teams to meet each other. Check out the photos above!

If you would like to join one of these amazing teams, please go to our website at: http://www.rockpointcc.org/volunteer.asp

Is a Donut Worth the Wait?

A few weeks back I had the privilege of taking my 6 year old daughter to Krispy Kreme donuts. If you have never had one of these before, it's a must to try sooner than later. Sure, they sell these at your local grocery store, but there is nothing better than getting one fresh at the bakery...especially if the "Hot" sign is on. The "Hot" sign means that the donuts have just come out fresh and absolutely melt in your mouth!!

So here was our dilemma. When we arrived at the Krispy Kreme, the "Hot" sign was not on. So when I asked when they might turn it on again, I was told it would be about 20 minutes. Wow! That's a long time to wait for a donut. So I asked Kailey what she wanted to do, she said, "I want to wait!" They had some older donuts there in the case and we could have gotten one of them easily and hit the road. So much we could do in 20 minutes!...but we waited.

20 minutes later out came the hot donuts and we devoured them! Not only was the donut so amazing, but the expression on my little girls face was so priceless. Was it ever worth the wait!!

I guess this night God taught me a little something about patience. That sometimes the great things in life you have to wait for. This is very difficult in church planting. We want to fill our seats immediately and wonder what's going on when that doesn't happen. We want something to happen now and it if doesn't we take it under our wing and try to get things rolling. But as God reminded me that night, when we are patient and faithful, amazing things can happen. How often I forget to wait on His timing. How about you?