Saturday, August 30, 2008

Hope Fades....

Fans are fickle. The excitement of a new season can be lost in one game. Thursday Night, I watched the Baylor/Wake game and was discouraged. Then, I didn't feel so bad after I saw that A&M lost to Arkansas State. Wow!

Baylor had some bright spots..namely Freshman QB Robert Griffin III. The guy is lightning quick and has a great arm.

Regardless, in sports, so many times we are judged by the last game. In football where you generally have a week between games, it gives more time for the naysayers to cry there's no hope for the team. That's when you have to focus on the goal and move forward ignoring the crowd.

In life, we all face adversity. Tomorrow's message is about dealing with that adversity. Sometimes our greatest problem becomes our biggest opportunity. Brett Favre got his first chance to play because the Green Bay starting QB went down with an injury.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Sarah Palin

Hey,

I just thought I'd alert all my blog readers know about the Republican Candidate for Vice President.

This was taken from the Alaska District Council of the Assemblies of God's website. I have seen it posted on Facebook.

"The opening night banquet of the 2008 Alaska District Council was honored to have Governor Sarah Palin address the delegates and guests. Governor Palin spoke of her appreciation for the Assemblies of God and requested that the Council pray for both her and the State of Alaska.
Superintendent Ted Boatsman, who was Palin’s junior high pastor at Wasilla Assembly of God, along with Pastor Mike Rose of Juneau Christian Center, where Palin presently attends church when in Juneau, laid hands on the Governor and led the Council in prayer. Palin, who was elected Governor in 2007, is Alaska’s youngest governor and the first female governor of the state. She just recently gave birth to her fifth child, Trig. Palin spoke of the faith challenge she faced when learning that Trig would be a Downs Syndrome child. However, she and her husband, Todd, believe that every child is a gift of God, deserving of life, and that God was
asking them to accept His will for their lives."

As I stated earlier in the week, we need to pray for the upcoming election. We need the people God wants in the White House. Please pray especially for Governor Palin.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

It's Here!

After months of agony, tonight is the night. That's right.....football season is officially back. This is...without a doubt...my favorite time of the year. From High School to the Pros, I love watching football.

Tonight, Baylor will play #24 Wake Forest on Fox Southwest. I will flip between that game and the Cowboys final preseason game.

So, who do I cheer for?

Pro - Dallas Cowboys (America's Team, 5 Time Super Bowl Champions)
College - I began life as a Texas Longhorn fan. I still am. However, we moved to Waco when I was 10 and I became a Baylor Bears fan. I still cheer for Texas every game except when they play Baylor.
High School - I still follow my alma mater, China Spring High School, from a distance...they lost in the State Championship game last season. Now that we are here in Atlanta, I cheer for the Atlanta Rabbits. I also still look and see if Brownsboro won or not. When we lived in Chandler, I was on the sidelines for all of the Brownsboro football games.

Now, let the games begin. Sic 'em Bears! Beat Wake!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Politics

I have to admit that political posturing makes me sick. Whether it is in the political realm, at a minister's meeting, in the community or at church, It sickens me the way people jockey for position to get their way.

We are fast approaching the season of electing the next President of the United States. With the world events and current economy, the selection of our next President is crucial.

I want to tell you who I am voting for. Are you ready? I am voting for the person that God tells me to vote for after I have spent time in prayer about it. God is the one who ultimatly puts people in authority. Would you join me and begin to pray for this election season?

Vote God 2008

Monday, August 25, 2008

The First Day

This morning, we took Mady to her first of Kindergarten. Sasha and I walked her to her classroom, took a few pictures, exchanged hugs and kisses and walked out the door. Mady did great. She set down at her table and began working as part of the class of 2021.

She was ready, but I'm not. Sure, we got a raise today. I no longer have to pay childcare for two kids, but I'm not ready for my baby to grow up. Sasha handled things much better than me.

Mady has a great teacher and I know that she will have a great year. I just hope it doesn't go by to fast. Regardless, I am going to make the most of every moment.

Friday, August 22, 2008

I think I just saw animals going down the street two by two...

Wow, we have had an unusual amount of rain for August in Atlanta. I need to mow my lawn, but it will not stop raining long enough for me to do it.

What's been happening...

1. Last night was Meet the Teacher. We took Mady to the Primary School to meet her Kindergarten teacher. We dropped Sasha off at the school to meet her students. It was a full night. I can't believe Mady is about to go to Kindergarten.

2. Today is Daddy/Daughter day. Mady and I are going to spend the day together. We were going to go to the park. The rain kind of messed up that plan. We were going to the movies, but there's nothing on that she would watch. So, we'll probably head bowling or something like that.

3. I've been enjoying the Olympics. In fact, I'm about to go watch the "Redeem Team" put a hurt on the Argentinians.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Weekend Thoughts

1. I had a great time at the North Texas Men's MoMENtum retreat. Pastor John and I went to the Lakeview camp in Maypearl for the retreat. Mark Batterson did an awesome job. Also, the band, Redemption Cry, were really anointed.

2. On Saturday, we stopped at Snuffer's in Rockwall to eat. Snuffer's is right off I-30 and they have excellent burgers and Bacon/Cheddar Fries.

3. Saturday Night, I was glued to the Television as Michael Phelps broke the record for most Gold Medals in the Olympics.

4. It was great being back with the Cornerstone Family. Tammy and the worship team did an awesome job. The message in tongues and interpretation was right on with what God was speaking to us. We began a new series called "Chase The Lion." Over a year ago, I read the book "In a pit with a lion on a snowy day" by Mark Batterson. I have felt since the beginning of the year that we were supposed to do a series based on this book. This week, we talked about Defying the Odds. When the odds are impossible, it is God setting the stage for an amazing miracle.

5. We have copies of the book available in the church foyer for $5 each.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Jamaica - Part II

The Food was amazing. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort. So, all of our meals and snacks were included.



The first night, we ate at the Arizona Restaurant on the Beach. I ate the Fajitas. They were good, not great. The best part of that meal was the Salad/Nacho Bar. The cheese sause for the Nachos was perfect. It wans't thick...like from a Sam's can of Nacho Sauce...and it wasn't runny. It was awesome.



For Breakfast and Lunch, they had two places to eat. Both were very similar. They were buffets. For Breakfast, they had a guy that would make omelets with a variety of ingredients including Bacon, Ham, Onion, Tomoto, Mushroom, Bell Pepper, Cheese, etc. For Lunch, they would make Pasta dishes. You got to choose your sauce, what kind of pasta and what else you wanted in the dish.



The second night, we got dressed up and went to Valentino's. The dress code required dress slacks and a collared shirt. It was an Italian place. They had great Fried Cheese. Sasha really enjoyed their Tiramisu. It was more of a Chocloatey flavor. I got the steak and it was really good. We were in the Air Conditioned restaurant, but had an incredible view of the ocean from our table by the window.

The third night, we ate at the Terrace Reef. It was located on an Terrace overlooking the ocean. It was a carribean place. I ordered the steak again. The food was good....but this was not our favorite place.

The Last Night, we ate at the Bayside Restaurant. This was the best place we ate. From the appetizers to the Main course to the dessert. This was the best all-around place. I had the new york strip steak and it was awesome.

Snacks were also included. My favorite thing that I got for a "snack" was Jerk Chicken. Very good.

Needless to say, we ate WAY too much and I am going to have to drop the pounds that I picked up.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Jamaica - Part I

Sasha and I went to Jamaica to celebrate our 10th anniversary over last weekend. We had a blast. We went to the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Resort.

The Highlights of the trip for me were:

1. SNORKELING - This was by far my favorite thing of the trip. I love the water and the ocean. Captain Dennis took us out on the boat to a shipwreck. After five minutes of looking at the ship underwater, I was ready to see something else. He told everyone to come over to where he was at. I was the only one who went. We ended up swimming about 1/2 mile from the boat over this amazing coral reef. The next day, we went snorkeling again. This time, we went to a different area. Captain Dennis once again jummped into the water and showed me the best places to snorkel.

2. BEACH - The first night, we arrived late because of a flight delay in Miami. After checking into the resort, we went to the Arizona restaurant. The Arizona restaurant was on the beach. Our table was literally less than 2 yards from the ocean. It was awesome. We loved just hanging out at the beach.

3. RELAXING - Many times, you need a vacation after your vacation. This was the most relaxing vacation that I've ever been on. We spent time at the beach and at the multiple pools on the resort. We slept in. There was a concierge that took care of all the details for us. It was wonderful.

Tomorrow, I'll highlight the food. :)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Plugged In

I am back online and plugged in. Sasha and I are back from Jamaica. I'll tell more about our trip in future blogs.

As promised, I've redesigned the blog space. I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm plugged back in. :)

I think everyone should unplug occassionally. I wasn't able to check e-mail or be online for a week. It was refreshing. Also, in Jamaica, our cells didn't work. So, I walked around for a week without the cell on my hip.

In a world where we are so easily accessible via net, cell, etc., it is easy to lose focus on the things that are most important in life. The world existed before the first bag phone was made. The world existed before we had our first e-mail account. These things make life easier in some ways and more complicated in others. Try unplugging. I promise after the withdrawls that you want really miss anything. :)

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Anniversary - Wedding and Blog

Today marks one year that I have been blogging at www.rustyposey.com. It has been an exciting year. Occassionally, I go back and read what God has done and the different thoughts that I have had over the past year. I'm looking forward to year two.

However, I am starting year two by taking a break. For the next week, I am "unplugging" to spend some time with my beautiful bride as we celebrate our 1o years of her putting up with me. :) Sasha and I have had a great journey the last ten years. We have two wonderful daughters. God has blessed us and given us the opportunity to touch student's lives for most of that ten years. For the last year, we have had the privilege of pastoring a great group of people at Cornerstone.

I'm thankful for the team at Cornerstone. I've got great men around me who will be taking care of things. Our Youth Pastor John and the guys on the Advisory Board at Cornerstone are god sends to me and my family. This Sunday, my friend, Jeff Andersen will be speaking in both services.

When I resume blogging a week from now, you can expect a new look on the blog.

I want to celebrate some milestones on the blog.....
1. 4772 hits in the last year.
2. 1309 different visitors
3. Visitors from 53 different countries.
4. 178 different visitors this month.
5. Visitors from 6 different continents

All this from Atlanta, Texas...The Best Is Yet To Come

Leslie Barnhart

Leslie Barnhart went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 3rd. Leslie attended Cornerstone. His grandson, Billy, also attends Cornerstone.

The visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, August 7th at Hanner Funeral Home. They will have a graveside service on Friday, August 10th at 10:00 a.m. It will be held at the Kildare Cemetery.

Please be in prayer for this family.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Water Wars

After I got home from work today, we went outside and played. We set up one of the girls sprinkler toys that shoots these little plastic balls in the air. Mackenzie had a blast. She even walked up to it like it was a drinking water fountain and started drinking the water.

I didn't intend to get wet, but I ended up soaked. It was fun and we made a great summertime memory together.

What have you done recently to make a memory with your family? I'd love to hear your comments. :)