It is Amazing Grace

I'm so excited - this weekend we being Grace. That's the title of the new sermon series - I don't mean we are finally starting to live out grace at Horizons or preach grace; but rather - we are beginning a new sermon series called grace period. See - it's that simple and yet it is pretty complex - maybe it's a paradox (that is for Jay)- you see he is working on a sermon series called paradox. Anyway, I digress - or maybe I'm just being verbose. just kidding :)

On a serious note - I appreciate your prayers for this series.

NEWS FLASH - Horizons just had its largest attendance ever this past Sunday - over 550 people atteneded our two worship services this past Easter Sunday - we had many people who made commitements to the Lord and the worship/special ministry team hit a home run ministering to us. Our support ministries are simply amazing - great job to everyone.

Updates

Mortgage Business - can u say wild financial swings - the mortgage market continues it topsy turvy cycles

Family -kids are doing great - we got a new scale - the old one kept fluctuating too much - here is an insider note - I weigh myself 3 times a day - once in the morning - once when I get home from work and once at night- talk about needing therapy. My dogs - China and Dakota are amazing but barking too much recently. Our family is having a March Madness tourney - we all picked brackets and the winner gets to call in a favor from each of the other family members.

Baseball - yes, I love baseball - root for the Cincinati Reds and once again we wait with baited breath for a new season (that doesn't sound too good does it- waiting with baited breath)

Amazing- final thought - God's grace is truly amazing - He is all we need and He is perfect - I for one am glad the He made a way for us.

Talk at you soon.

Rich

What's so amazing about Grace.

I am so excited - I get to preach again this Sunday for Easter and then the next 4 weeks - we are going to examine Grace. -what it is - what grace motivates us to do and how we are to reflect grace in our world. I appreciate your prayers.

I love our pastoral team - these guys just love to do ministry and do it well - Jay Hawpe, Jim Black and Andy Rogers are 3 guys who just love Jesus and love doing God's work. We are so blessed to have such amazing volunteers and awesome leaders. Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with the Worship Team - these people are not only incredible musicians and vocalists but also people whose hearts are focused on and surrendered to God's purpose. I appreciate their commitment and service at Horizons.

Pennington Update -

Morgan is playing on a travel soccer team and her team took 2nd place in the St Patricks day tourney this past weekend(oops - didn't wear green today - do people still pinch you if you don't and where did that tradition come from)

Lauren is still on pins and needles waiting to hear from UVA and WM and Mary -

Brooke helped out at the special olympics this past weekend - she is so caring and giving.

Grant is having fun playing the new Wii game Smash Brothers

Dad had some fun playing as well -

Paula is helping to lead a special song for Easter and is having fun playing chauffeur to the non-driving kids - btw - Brooke can get her permit in 2 months so be on the lookout

Talk at you soon.

Rich

On Task

Sometimes it takes everything within us to stay on task - to not be distracted. That's how life is for me right now. Lately, work has been burdensome - but you can't quit or give up - you must press forward(am I preaching to myself right now - do I need therapy because I'm having a conversation with myself in the middle of this blog - what's up with the use of the word myself?) Anyway - must stay on task - see how hard it can be.

So that's my encouragement to you - stay on task - if you committed to a diet then stay on it - don't give in to temptation - if more importantly you committed to a time of prayer of fasting during lent - then stay with it - don't quit - if you've recently turned the corner on some character issue - then keep moving in a God direction - don't turn back. And you know what - He promises that He is faithful - that His grace is sufficient. More on grace in a couple of weeks.

Updates

TV SHOWS -

Football is still over -

LOST - glad they answered a couple of questions only to ask a dozen more - please someone bring this to a nice and tidy close- still addicted though

Church - WOW! God is great - the church continues to grow - the two services have really turned out to be fantastic - I get to attend one service and then teach at another - a Horizons 101 - an Assimilation Team Training - etc - btw - our teams at HC are amazing - every week they show up and serve and are a tremendous blessing - we just had our largest non-Easter attendance last Sunday - cool!- but more importantly - God is preparing us as a church for something big - don't miss this coming Sunday.

Talk at you soon.

Rich