Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Time out for a blog

1. We're getting ready for tonight's Family Fun Fest. I'm waiting on the Inflatable company to come and set up. Then, it is off to Wal-mart for some last minute items.

2. We have a great team. I believe in teamwork. I want to thank everyone who came up last night. Thank you to Bobby, Tammy, Blake, Brent and Brandon Caraway, Wes and Patti Everett, Marc, Gina and Austin Mote, Tyler Stuart and Amanda Vaughan. These guys worked for about 4 hours last night getting ready for tonight's Fun Fest. Bobby fixed some of the lighting outside and it looks awesome. Thanks guys for all your hard work!

3. I spoke with Bobby this morning. Little Peyton came through surgery great! The doctors are very pleased with the results. Let's keep praying for him!

4. Yesterday, I made my NBA picks. Then, last night, I got an e-mail newsletter from the Dallas Mavericks announcing that they had reached a deal with Juwan Howard. WOW! This instantly make the Mavs a deeper team. I hated to see Howard go when he was a Mav before. He fits into their team really well. He had a great year as a role player in Houston last year. This year, he will be a great role player. Stack, Terry and Juwan off the bench is going to be a formidable line up. They face Lebron and Co. tonight on ESPN. Go Mavs!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

NBA

I love football, but I also love Basketball. I had such a great response from my NFL picks that I thought I would prognosticate the upcoming NBA season.

I'm going to give you my picks to win the Western Conference and Eastern Conference. In fact, I'm going with two teams that are flying under most people's radar.

I'll start with the East. I'm going to pick the Miami Heat. Shaq, Wade and Co will be back in the finals this year. When Wade is fully healthy, these guys will make a run. Boston has nothing to stop Shaq down low and there's no way that Ray Allen or Paul Pierce can stop D-wade defensively. You can never count out a Pat Riley coached team.

In the West, no one.....absolutely no one is giving this team a chance. The Spurs are an every other year team. They won last year and will have a down year with that aging roster. The Suns are in disarray....Marion doesn't want to be there and you never know with Amare what you are going to get. In the end, their lack of defense will be their demise. Utah was a one year wonder and they lost the "heart and soul" of that team when Derek Fisher left. So, once again I'm going with a homer pick. That's right.....the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs got rid of Croshere and Buckner and brought in Eddie Jones, Trenton Hassell and Brandon Bass. They have adjusted the lineup to have Terry and Stack off the bench. This will be a potent team. Dirk will turn in another MVP season.

The Cowboys in the Super Bowl. The Mavs in the Finals. This will be a great year in Dallas sports.

Winner: Mavs get revenge on Shaq and Wade and win it all.

Blogging and other thoughts

1. I had several people tell me this weekend that they read my blog regularly. I love blogging! I love celebrating what God is doing. I love talking about my family. I love revealing what I'm thinking about. Thank you to all the readers of my blog!

2. We had a great weekend! On Sunday Morning, one young man committed his life to Christ. That is why we do what we do! I love it when someone accepts Christ. We also had several new families at Cornerstone! We were honored to have them in service!

3. Our Family Fun Fest is tomorrow night. There is a lot to do today and tomorrow. It is going to be a great event. It starts at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night and will last until 8:00 p.m. There will be inflatables, candy, food and more. It is all free! We're also giving some prizes away.

4. Please continue to pray for little Peyton. They got great news yesterday on his heart. However, they are still anticipating having a procedure on his stomach tomorrow.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Saturday Night Thoughts

1. Today was a great day! We had a soccer game this morning for Mady. I got to invite someone to our Family Fun Fest.

2. We went to Larry and Joyce Rhyne's 50th Anniversary Party! What a great celebration! Congratulations to Larry and Joyce for 50 years of marriage!

3. I can't wait for tomorrow. I am anticipating God doing something great in our services tomorrow.

4. I talked with Bobby earlier. Please keep praying for little Peyton. He had a rough night, but is doing better. He is still in the hospital in Little Rock. He is having some problems with his intestines and they are possibly going to operate on him Wednesday.

Friday, October 26, 2007

First Steps

Mackenzie took her first steps this week. Tonight, she took 7 or 8 steps before falling. She got to where she would catch herself and then stand back up. Then, she would start walking again. She is getting so big. Both of our girls are. I love my girls! They're the best!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Only The World

Right now, I have to say that my favorite song on the radio is Mandisa's "Only The World." We have this song on our Myspace Profile. It's got a catchy tune and a catchy beat. I love it. If you're going through a rough spot in the road of life, then put this is in your 8-track.....I mean CD player......mmmmm Ipod and enjoy it. It'll make you smile!

Here's the lyrics:

Verse 1: Been a hard one, Been a bad one Been a tough one, Been a sad one It's been one of those days that keeps chipping away at my heart Nothing new here, It's what I do here its a stereotypical day, in the life I'm surrounded by all of the pain and the strife but I know it's alright, woah oh

Chorus: Cause it's only the world i'm living in It's only today i've been given There ain't no way i'm giving in Cause it's only the world (only the world) I know the best is still yet to come Cause even when my days in the world are done There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world

Verse 2: Anybody can you hear me? Do you feel me? I mean, do you feel me? I know I'm not the only one wearing the weight in this world We got problems (said it's alright) Just remember (yeah, it's alright) Take a good look around we're just stuck on the ground for a little while Don't it make you smile

Chorus: Cause it's only the world i'm living in (Yeah) It's only today i've been given(Yeah) There ain't no way i'm giving in Cause it's only the world (only the world) I know the best is still yet to come Cause even when my days in the world are done There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world

Bridge: Heaven is a place where the tears on every face will be wiped away And I can't wait to go, but for now it's enough to know This is only temporary this is only, Yeah, Alright!

Chorus: Cause it's only the world i'm living in It's only the day i've been given There ain't no way i'm giving in Cause it's only the world (only the world) I know the best is still yet to come Cause even when my days in the world are done There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me

Monday, October 22, 2007

Sunday Thoughts

1. We had 86 in service yesterday morning. We are averaging about 5 more people this month than last month. :) Jon Catron, the North Texas District Youth Director, spoke about Sacrifice. We received commitments and an offering for Speed The Light.

2. Last night, we had a great service. I spoke about priorities and making God the number one thing in your life. We had a great response to the altar call.

3. Yesterday was a busy, busy day. Between services, I attended the funeral for Moe Moyer. Bro. Moe was 85 years old. It was a great memorial service celebrating his life. Please pray for his wife, Ruth.

4. The Cowboys win!!!! Now, they are 6-1 going into the bye week! I have noticed that when they play the 3 o'clock game that our Sunday Night attendance is down. Coincidence?

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Best Question Ever

In the summer of 2006, I read a book by Andy Stanley called "The Best Question Ever." There are few books other than the Bible that have impacted my life as much as this one.

Tonight, we started the Group Study based on this book in our Wednesday Night Service. I had a great time. We had great interaction and the Video portion was awesome.

If you have not read this book, come join us next week or go pick up a copy at your local bookstore.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Monday Morning Thoughts

1. Yesterday was a great day! We had 94 in attendance yesterday morning. Also, we had one person who committed their heart to Christ. There was such a sense of excitement in the place. We challenge Cornerstone to get involved in ministry. I was excited to see how many people who are not currently serving in an area stepping up to get involved.

2. Peyton's Grandparents were in service yesterday morning. His Grandmother told us about how the place where the doctors saw the hole in little Peyton's heart. The medical staff can't explain it, but there is new muscle growing over that place. I can explain it. By his stripes, we are healed!!!!!!! They have a test scheduled today that will determine when they will let him come home.

3. The Patriots are awesome. I saw the first half of the "Duel in Dallas." The Cowboys played well, but the Patriots were in a league of their own. Not sour grapes, but I think the game is different if Anthony Henry, the 'boys starting Cornerback, is playing. Maybe we will get to see the rematch in....dare I say....the Super Bowl. :) Plus, Terry Glenn will give them another weapon on offense when he comes back.

4. I got to hang out at my Granny's house for lunch yesterday. My grandaddy turned 85 and my aunt cooked lunch for everyone. It was great. :) I got to see my little cousin, Jared, for the first time. He's cute. We had a great time. Mady enjoyed playing with her cousin, Brooke. They played tag and hide and seek all through out the house.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Update on Peyton

I spoke with Debbie, Peyton's Grandmother, tonight. As I said yesterday, the doctors were going to run tests today because they said he had a blockage in his pulmonary artery. The doctors had said that there was nothing they could do for him if there was a blockage.

Guess What? They ran the test and there is NO BLOCKAGE. Praise the Lord! We serve an awesome God!

Jessica, Peyton's Mom, was released from the hospital today. Please keep praying for Peyton. There are still some problems with one of the chambers in his heart. The doctors have said that they can correct these problems, but I am praying for a complete healing.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Peyton

Tuesday, I went to Little Rock. Bobby and Jessica were scheduled to have their new baby Wednesday Morning. So, I drove up Tuesday afternoon and spent the night with Brian Dollar and his family. Thanks Brian and Cherith for your hospitality!

Jessica had the baby about 2:50 yesterday afternoon. Peyton Lee Hearnsberger came into the world weighing in at 8 pounds 4 ounces.

All babies are miracles. However, Peyton is especially a miracle. The doctors said months ago that Peyton would not even make it into the world. They said he had no stomach, that his heart was turned around backwards and that he would have down syndrome. The family, friends and Cornerstone have been praying. Other pre-natal tests showed that the stomach was there and that Peyton would not have Down Syndrome. His heart has progressively gotten better. At one of their last appointments, the doctors told them that he would have to have surgery right after he was born or he wouldn't make it.

They took him yesterday to a Children's Hospital for tests. I got to see him in the NICU at about 8:45 last night. He looks healthy, is breathing on his own and was resting peacefully. They will run more tests today. There are some problems with his heart.....in one of the chambers and a blockage in an artery. The heart is beating good and the doctors are now saying that it isn't necessary for them to rush him into surgery now. He still may have to have surgery, but we are believing that God is going to heal him.

We have already seen the miraculous with Peyton. Now, we are believing that he will be completely healthy. Please Pray for Peyton.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Soccer

Mady had her first Soccer Game this weekend! She had a great time and so did we! I thought I would share some pictures of the event!








Monday, October 8, 2007

How 'bout them Cowboys!

What a nail biter of a game! Romo was awful. Now, a couple of those interceptions were not his fault. If you didn't see the game, it had to be one of the greatest games in Monday Night Football History. Dallas was down by 8 with two minutes left. Romo leads them down on a night when he had personally turned the ball over on six plus occasions. The 'boys score. T.O. couldn't hang on to the two point conversion. The Cowboys are forced to kick an onside kick. They recover it. Romo completes a couple of passes. It sets up the game winning field goal by rookie kicker Nick Folk. Nick makes the kick. Wait! Buffalo called Timeout! He kicks the 53 yarder again. Ice water runs through his veins and he nails it! Cowboys comeback and win by one in Buffalo. 5-0!!!!!

Next week, the New England Patriots will face the Boys. I can't wait!

Weekend Update

1. We had great services on Sunday. 84 were in attendance Sunday Morning. We had a couple of new families. I'm so excited about what God is doing.

2. Sunday Morning, we talked about fellowship in our Get connected series. Thank you for the positive feedback on the message.

3. It was sad to say Good bye to Matt. Matt is leaving for the Air Force today. Please remember to pray for him! We had a great time Sunday Night at the going away party for him!

4. Our Sunday School attendance was great! We had over 50 in Sunday School. I heard a lot of great things about the two new Adult Classes!

The Best Is Yet To Come

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Reasons my life is good

1. I love God! He is the best thing that ever happened to me. I honestly do not know what or where I would be without him guiding my path. Thank you, God, for sending your son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I can't wait to see you in heaven.

2. I love my girls! Sasha, Mady and Mackenzie are the best! They are going to be here in about an hour and we are going to get to hang out tonight. Mady's got soccer practice and we will probably grab a bite to eat before or after.

3. I love my church! It is fun working with such great people. Dennis and Beverly are up here now working. Last night, we had a group of teenagers that stayed and rearranged classrooms to get ready for our new classes that are starting Sunday.

4. I love my family! I wish I got to see everybody more, but I have a great family. It has been nice living closer to my Texarkana Family and getting to see them more than a couple of times a year.

5. I love my friends! I am truly blessed to have great friends. I'm in a couple of different Fantasy Football Leagues. One with some friends in the Chandler area and one with guys that I went to SAGU with. I am having a blast.

6. I love this time of the year. Don't get me wrong. There are things that I love about all the seasons. I love the spring when everything is blooming. I love the summer because of vacationing and the longer days. I love the briskness of the winter and the holiday season. There is nothing that compares to fall. The beautiful colors of changing leaves. NFL. College Football. Friday Night Lights. The crispness of the air. I love fall. This is by far my favorite time of the year.

My life is good. I'm a blessed man.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Community and Bar-B-Que

We had a great weekend at Cornerstone! Sunday Night, we had a great fellowship. I love the sense of community at Cornerstone. We had a young couple visit Sunday morning and they came back Sunday Night for the Fifth Sunday Fellowship.

Our theme for the fellowship was Bar-B-Que. I have to admit that I was amazed at how much Bar-B-Que we had. There was Brisket, Chicken, Sausage, Ribs and Shrimp. All of the Bar-B-Que that I had was great. No, I didn't over do it. In fact, I stayed away from the dessert table.

I really appreciate all who came early and stayed late to clean up. Thank you for serving at Cornerstone!

Bro. and Sis. Chamblee sent my family home with some of their Bar-B-Que chicken. It was delicious. It was great the first time and great last night. Thank you for blessing us with such great food!

I love the sense of community at Cornerstone so much that I want to get other people connected to our church family. This Sunday, we are continuing our series "Get Connected" with the topic of fellowship. I can't wait!!!

Monday, October 1, 2007

Kid's Convention

Mady and I attended the first ever North Texas Kid's Convention. We went with Bobby and Brandon Caraway. Brandon even got to go on stage as a part of an Illustration. We had a blast!!!! Thanks guys for going and hanging out with us!

Friday Night, we checked into our hotel and ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Pei Wei. After some great Honey Seared Chicken, we headed over to the Kid's Convention. It was held at Calvary Church in Irving, Texas.

My good friend, Brian Dollar, was the speaker for the event. Mady loved the lights and the music. When she got home, she was telling Sasha all about it. The theme was having a Rock Solid foundation in Christ.

It was great seeing Brian, Cherith and the Kids again. He does a great job with Kid's Ministry. I especially love his character, Skittles. Skittles is hilarious.

It was also great seeing some of my other friends. Darrell Wickert was there. He's a Kid's Pastor at Bethel Temple in Cleburne, Texas. It was great seeing his wife, Margaret and his kids. Darrell, Brian Dollar and myself came out of the same church, Victorious Life Church in Waco. Brian Massey helped Brian with the Kid's Convention. We interned at the Oaks together. Massey is on staff there as the Creative Director. It was also great seeing David McLain. David pastors The Bridge Community Church in the Austin area. All five of us attended Southwestern at the same time.

Here are some pictures from the event!

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Mady and Daddy hanging out at Kid's Convention. Sasha stayed home with Mackenzie. So, we had a Daddy and Mady Weekend. It was a blast!

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Mady has been learning about giving to Missions through BGMC. She was so excited to see the big blow up Buddy Barrell.

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Mady and Brian Dollar's Daughter, Ashton.

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Milk Dud and Skittles rapping for Jesus. He's got a rainbow of flava and he's living for his savior.