c'mon get happy

check out the vox blog

2009-07-06T09:43:00.001-04:00

Check out recent and future blog posts at www.lcfoblog.vox.com.

losing innocence

2009-05-26T21:39:00.004-04:00

Matthew almost made it through first grade without getting into any major trouble at school. Almost. His sweet first grade teacher had the unpleasant task of sending me an email today, explaining that Matthew had...how can I say this?.....dropped the F-bomb on the playground. Of course, he said that he heard it from another child on the playground. He certainly didn't hear it at home!

He said he didn't know that it was a 'guss' word and didn't even know what it meant. Of course not. His spelling and vocabulary words don't consist of guss words. They aren't part of any curriculum that I am aware of. So, how would he know? Someone would have to introduce it to him. In this case, it was a conversation under the slide that would take my son one step away from his innocence. And that is the saddest part.

Although I gave him the what-for, I couldn't be angry at him. He was so ashamed and confused and remorseful. I forgave him before I even heard his side of the story. It's easy to forgive someone when you love them so much. Isn't it?

keep the main thing the main thing

2009-05-19T21:44:00.003-04:00

I know it must seem that I am obsessed with Chick-fil-a, considering the numerous times I have mentioned it on this blog. But they have the most clever marketing in the world, in my opinion. And I can't help but talk about it.

Tonight, I saw the above card on my table. Check it out: It is a memo from the boss, with a list of the company's agenda. Funny thing that the list ends at number 1...You eat chikin stripz.

What is so great about this is that the company's LEADER shares the VISION and keeps the MAIN THING the MAIN THING... to get people to eat chicken. There is no top ten list. No cheesy acronyms. Just a short, concise statement of purpose. Period.

How about your workplace? If your boss presented the company's one point agenda, what would it be?

cancer sucks...can i say that?

2009-05-16T10:56:00.004-04:00

My family and some friends went to the Augusta Relay for Life last night to support our friend Melanie, who is a cancer survivor. Yesterday she received results from medical testing that her cancer has returned, so we had to go hug on her. She has a positive outlook and said that with friends like us, she doesn't have to worry because we will do it for her.

Relay for Life is just an incredible event, full of community, laughter and tears, victory and remembrance. The survivor walk is very humbling as an army of people of all ages walk together to celebrate life!

When we got home, I watched Farrah's Story...a two hour documentary of Farrah Fawcett's struggle with cancer. And as I was trying to go to sleep, I had an image in my mind of Melanie's button she was wearing on her survivor t-shirt last night. Two words...CANCER SUCKS.

That pretty much sums it up.

the hot seat with matt ames

2009-04-30T17:03:00.007-04:00

Ever wonder who is the face behind the Facebook group for TrueNorth Church? Matt Ames is no stranger to social networking. He is Mr. Facebook, he is a Twitterer and a super blogger! Check out his mad blogging skillz at www.mattames.wordpress.com.

Matt, how do you think Facebook is enhancing the community of TrueNorth Church?
Like social media as a whole, it gives people a place to express their thoughts and get further connected. It makes news and announcements more dialogue than monologue. When a status update or story is posted, it shows up in people's news feeds with the opportunity for instant feedback, or to find what others think. That's hard to do in an organization of any size, so it's been great watching people take to it.

What do you think about your MOM having a Facebook account? I see that she is trying to hook you up.
HA! Moms are good like that. I'm okay with it. Not only has more family joined Facebook, but it also gives us a chance to learn more about each other. I think when I say something on Facebook, she can see how much it is a part of my life. It helps eliminate that "Geeze, Mom! Take an interest!" feel. The other good thing is we can chat from the other room. It cuts back on that whole getting up and walking thing. What's the deal with that anyway?

By following your Facebook statuses, it appears that you sleep all day while we work all day. What kind of job do you have that keeps you up all night?
I get the sun ready to come out in the mornings. I'm usually pretty spent from that by dawn, so I go right to sleep. Actually, I work overnights doing production work for radio stations. Although that isn't the same as getting the sun ready, I do make sure people are ready to wake up to some of their favorite morning shows and get their day started. In that sense, I suppose you can call me a radio barista. I don't make their coffee, but I do give them a double-shot of their favorite personalities. Yeah, that might have been a little corny. That's why they put me in a building by myself most of the night!

What are the challenges you face with blogging?
I try to blog at least once every weekday. A challenge I face with that sometimes is keeping things fresh. It's also more difficult for me to get as much feedback on a blog versus writing a "note" on Facebook. However, these are small in comparison to the biggest challenge of taking yourself too seriously. Personal blogs should be enjoyable and not another task on the agenda. Write every day. Write once a week. Write twice a year even. Write your thoughts on God, or your thoughts on dogs. Just be you. That's who your were designed to be. People will catch on to that.

Do you Twitter? Convince me that I should Twitter too.
Yes. I Twitter. I'm on my second account, actually. The first time I was on Twitter, I left because it just wasn't clicking. I decided it was worth another shot, and it turns out I took to it more the second time around. Should you Twitter? That's up to you. It's funny. I read a lot on the Internet about how people should Twitter, should blog, should this, should that. Dude, it's the Internet. Aside from returning your boss' emails, the only thing you should be doing is having fun with it. And if you're wanting to use the Internet to reach people, do it in a way that works for you. Just because something's the hot new thing doesn't mean it's your recipe for success.

Can I get up now? This chair is starting to burn!

it's ridiculous

2009-04-25T08:45:00.004-04:00

Once again I have become a victim of identity theft. Someone has apparently had a spending spree, compliments of my debit card, which has not left my possession. My debit card hasn't had this much fun in a long time! My bank will file the claims and I have already gotten my money back. But the absolute worst part of the whole deal is that I have to wait for a new debit card.

[GASP!]

My first thoughts were "What if I have to get gas?" and "How am I going to pay for groceries?" Somebody has swiped my swiper and I am actually going to have to WRITE CHECKS or use CASH? This is SOOO inconvenient!

Isn't it ridiculous how spoiled we can be?

don't miss this!

2009-04-23T19:46:00.006-04:00

Plans were being made in early March for the current series, What Might Jesus Say, at TrueNorth Church. Each week we will be addressing what Jesus might say to specific influencers of modern day culture. In the initial planning, it was a challenge to identify exactly which media figure we would use. We wanted to make sure we stayed current by not using someone whose influence may fizzle during the course of the planning and the timespan of the series. What if, in the next month or so, someone should hit the spotlight and inspire a life-changing message?

Someone did.

Carrie Prejean, the current Miss California and the first runner up in the recent Miss USA pageant, will be the inspiration for Steve's message this Sunday. Read about her story here. We have had to do some creative rescheduling to make room for this amazing testimony of faith by Miss California.

This is just another reminder that you can't plan a move of God. But you better be ready for it. We had to change our plans this week so God could change some hearts in His perfect timing.

this blesses my heart

2009-04-19T13:44:00.006-04:00

Check out this group of 9, 11 and 12 year olds jamming out to Separate Ways by Journey. Don't miss the guitar solo a little over halfway. They make me smile!

i knew it would happen

2009-04-14T16:23:00.006-04:00

I knew it would happen. There was once a time when he couldn't get enough of me, now he will barely touch me. I have felt him slipping away for a while now. After seven wonderful years, our relationship has officially transitioned and someone else has taken my place.

I am talking about my seven year old son, Matthew.

Me: Matthew, have you given your mama a hug today? (I pull him toward me.)
Matthew: Stop! You're embarrassing me.

I knew it would happen. The day would arrive when my son would resist my affection and cling to his dad. Since the day he was born, I knew I would have to let him go. First to his dad, and then to his future wife.

And I don't like it one bit.

However, in order for Matthew to have healthy relationships as an adult, I have to encourage him to become a man and to be independent of me.

I am not giving up on showing my affection to him. I just have to find creative ways to love him without embarrassing him now!

salvation is here

2009-04-01T09:49:00.004-04:00

This week, our community has been shaken by the untimely death of an eighth grade boy while at school. Autopsy reports indicate that he had an irregular heartbeat and enlarged heart.

Allison is in seventh grade and attends the same school as Cody. Although she didn't personally know him, the tragedy surrounding it has affected her. The school days continue as normal, but there are lots of tears from students and faculty, counselors are counseling, and school just doesn't feel the same for now.

Allison has had trouble sleeping the past two nights. As she was struggling to sleep last night, Alan went into her room and said, "Allison, I heard today that Cody accepted Christ a month ago".

"Oh, good. I feel much better now". She went to sleep and we didn't hear a peep from her the rest of the night.

I am so proud of Allison's involvement in Element Student Ministries and that on a regular basis, she learns how important it is to reach out to her classmates and to care about their salvation. Cody's death reminds us all of the urgency to help others know Christ. How can any of us sleep knowing that someone does not believe because they were not told?

go ahead...ask

2009-03-29T20:55:00.007-04:00

A recent survey reports that people are more likely to attend a church if they have been invited by someone. This morning at TrueNorth Church, Steve asked in each service for those in attendance to stand if they were at TNC because someone invited them. I was amazed at the massive amount of people who stood in response.

After second service, I felt a tap on my shoulder. As I turned around I was greeted by a friend from my old neighborhood. He thanked me for inviting him and his wife to TNC five years ago because it was home to them now.

I remember how nervous I was, inviting them to this new church that would challenge their perception of what church should look like. I knew they did not have a church home and I wanted them to experience what we had been experiencing. But would they think we were weirdos? Would they start avoiding us if they didn't like it? Could it change their lives forever?

Is there someone in your life who is waiting for an invitation? They have probably seen a difference in your life and they want it too. All you have to do is ask and God will do the rest.

What are YOU waiting for?

"C" is for cutbacks

2009-03-27T21:18:00.003-04:00

Once upon a time, "C" stood for cookie. These days, "C" stands for cutbacks. Even the most beloved street in the world is not immune to the current economic woes. Sesame Street announced this month they would lay off 20 percent of their workforce. I would hate to be the person to decide if Cookie Monster or Elmo got the ax. Or if it was finally time to split up Ernie and Bert.

I bet the sunny days have been a little cloudier behind the scenes at Sesame Street lately.

facedown - april 5

2009-03-25T22:22:00.004-04:00

TrueNorth Church will be celebrating a Facedown service on April 5th in each of the morning services in North Augusta and Columbia County. Facedown is a unique worship experience as we participate in communion as a church family. We have a special service planned to commemorate the week leading up to Easter Sunday. If you are going out of town for spring break, you might want to wait until after the Facedown service on April 5th!

the hot seat with tucker

2009-03-23T22:35:00.002-04:00

I am resurrecting The Hot Seat with a special guest appearance by our boxer, Tucker Napoleon Owings.

1. Tuck, what is your favorite thing to do during the day?
Scratch my own back underneath the cypress trees.

2. Do you know why we haven't let you come inside lately?
Does it have anything to do with hiking my leg on the wall?

3. When are you going to learn that trampolines aren't for dogs?
They're not?

4. What is your favorite thing to play with?
A Shrek slipper.

5. Do you by any chance know how the seat on the golf cart got ripped to pieces?
Woof.

Tucker, our family would be incomplete without you!

yard sale

2009-03-21T21:16:00.003-04:00

We have a couple of future business entrepreneurs in our family. Matthew and his cousin Maddie decided to host their own table at our yard sale this morning. Instead of following their initial idea of running a lemonade stand, they decided that at 7am in freezing weather, customers would be more willing to buy hot chocolate. So with a little help and financial backing from their moms, the duo made two dollars and made some early bird shoppers smile using their various marketing schemes. Songs. Antics. Megaphones. Spy gear. All for two dollars. I don't have the heart to tell them that it's not "profit" until costs are covered!

sushi for dummies

2009-03-20T08:33:00.003-04:00

Kacie and I have a new tradition of going to eat sushi when she is home from Clemson. We have both been anticipating our lunch date today at Takosushi. It took me 41 years to try sushi and now that I know I like it, it is my new craving. I have started out very basic, of course, with the rolls. My favorite is the Cary Roll at Takosushi. It is lightly breaded with white sauce drizzled on top. I have not ventured out much because of not knowing exactly what I am eating. I prefer trying something that has been recommended to me.

Since I am an uneducated sushi beginner, I am seeking the advice of sushi experts. If you know of a sushi place that I should not miss in the Augusta area or a particular type of sushi that I should try next, let me know. I am ready for a sushi adventure!

things that make you go hmmm

2009-03-18T08:10:00.004-04:00

Dunkin' Donuts is preparing to launch a $10 million campaign that would shift consumers' focus back to their basics....the fact that they sell DOUGHNUTS! Ummm...Duh? It appears that the company ventured off into the fancy breakfast sandwich business, but has now decided to return to its first love.

What if Chick-fil-a added beef items to their menu? Or if Dollar Tree items cost more than a dollar? What if MTV stopped showing music videos? (Which they did for the most part.) And what if the church began shifting its focus away from Jesus? When a successful business gets too far away from its core values, it runs the risk of dying or it will eventually come back around full circle.

I am happy about Dunkin' Donuts reassessment of their values. I would hate for them to go under, because I think their coffee tastes better than Starbucks. Yeah, I just said that!

aunt betty

2009-03-17T08:15:00.003-04:00

My Aunt Betty is dying of cancer. Unless God decides to whip out a miracle, Sunday may be her last birthday celebration. The family has asked everyone they know to send her a birthday card, even if they don't know her. They want her mailbox to be filled with cards, especially lighthearted and humorous ones, because she has not lost her sense of humor.

So I was at Walmart yesterday, trying to pick out a card for Aunt Betty. It is difficult to find a funny card that isn't crude or suggestive. It is even more difficult to find a funny card for someone who is dying. It is like the pink elephant in the room. You pretend it is not there, but how could you ignore something that big?

What could have taken five minutes, took twenty. I finally found a card that said something about her trying to be the center of attention. I can hear her chuckling right now.

If you feel like touching someone's life in a simple way, please pray for Aunt Betty and her family. And if you would like to go a step further, send her a birthday card telling her you prayed for her. It would make her birthday.

Betty Davis, 416 Heathwood Drive, Aiken, SC 29803

jeans, bathing suits, and bras

2009-03-16T10:00:00.005-04:00

What do these three things have in common? Most women would agree that shopping for these items qualifies as stress-induced shopping. So many choices. So little patience. Trying on jeans, bathing suits, and bras should not be attempted all on the same day. One category at a time is enough torture. Considering how we view our bodies and the way the mirrors and terrible lighting highlight our flaws, dressing rooms can become drama rooms.

Here are some things I do to make the stressful less stressful:

1. I take a female with me who will give honest feedback. When I ask "Does this make my _____ look _____?", I need to hear the truth. My personal shopper is my 12-year-old, Allison. She tells me when something looks bad and when something looks great. I trust her opinion, because she wants her mom to look good.

2. I know when to give up. When I feel like I have approached the point of frustration, I stop. Just because I go shopping, doesn't mean I have to buy something.

3. Don't take myself too seriously. I am not defined by my outward imperfections, but by my inner beauty. Right? Right?

4. I treat myself afterward. Starbucks, anyone? After all...I survived the drama even if I leave empty-handed. Besides, there is always next time...

dream on

2009-03-15T22:15:00.002-04:00

We have approached the midway point in our "Supernatural" dream series at TrueNorth Church. The band in North Augusta nailed Aerosmith's Dream On. It is such a difficult song musically and vocally, but they pulled it off with excellence. I love the fact that I go to a church that can take a secular song and bring out the spiritual meaning in it. Looks like I'm going to have that song in my head for the next few days!

sharing the bad news

2009-03-14T23:10:00.002-04:00

One of the most dreaded parts of my job is breaking the news to someone that their work needs tweaking. Or that we had to make some changes to a service, therefore eliminating something they contributed. I am definitely getting more comfortable in sharing what could be perceived as bad news since I have had so much practice these past couple of weeks. The last time I had to break some sensitive news, I was thinking about how much this stinks. I began realizing that God probably wants me to see it as a privilege to be the bearer of bad news. Then I wrote down this quote from the Unleash conference: Jesus called you to hurt somebody's feelings. But Jesus also called somebody else to hurt my feelings. I just hope I receive it in the same manner that I want others to receive it from me.

what had happened was....

2009-03-13T21:48:00.006-04:00

Well I messed up my 40 Days of Blogging streak by not posting yesterday, but I'm still going to finish it out. See, what had happened was...I spent all day Thursday at the NewSpring Unleash conference in Anderson with the TNC staff. It was a very long and inspiring day and I was wiped out by the time I got home last night. Blogging was not an option.

I took tons of notes and I am excited about the possibility of implementing some ideas that I feel would help us work smarter and not necessarily harder at TNC. As I look through the notes from various sessions, I thought I might share a few that jumped out at me:

If you tell certain people they can't come to your church, you've just told God he can't come.
People who get mad about teaching finances at church probably aren't giving anyway.
Are you manufacturing energy for anything in your church?
If ministry is drudgery, you are either overworked or just slack.
The Holy Spirit is not limited by our preparations.
Pastors carry a weight you could never imagine.
We are in ministry only by the mercy of God.

I also learned a lot about the people that I serve with at TrueNorth. It is amazing what can be experienced in a 15 hour day together.

But what happens at Unleash, must stay at Unleash!

i smell abercrombie from here

2009-03-11T21:23:00.004-04:00

I could smell it from the mall parking lot....the smell of Abercrombie and Fitch. The smell of clothing and wood fixtures and money. The most common marketing strategy of clothing focuses on appealing to the sense of sight, some visual stimulation if you will. And A&F has quite the reputation for stimulating the eyes. The sense of sound cannot be ignored based on the loud, obnoxious music coming from within:

Employee: Hey, how's it goin?
Me: Huh?
Employee: Hey, how's it goin?
Me: WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!
Employee: Hey, how's it goin?
Me: SIZE FOUR!!

The store has kicked up the competition a notch by using the sense of smell as a temptation for customers to follow their nose right into the store. The employees are spraying A&F products directly onto the clothing and probably into the air system as well.

Aside from the controversy surrounding the scantily clad models in their ads, I think the A&F multi-sensory marketing scheme is brilliant.

unleash 2009

2009-03-10T22:04:00.003-04:00

I'm looking forward to attending the NewSpring Unleash conference this Thursday with a handful of TNC staffers. I attended a couple of years ago and blogged about it here. No doubt that we will all be inspired as leaders and treated like royalty. Those Buckle-wearing NewSpringers put on a great conference!

mannequins are people too?

2009-03-09T08:42:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the quirky, new Old Navy ad campaign featuring the Supermodelquins? The commercials showcase the Supermodelquins "talking" about their clothes and interacting with each other. There is also a comical behind-the-scenes documentary about them that "models" itself after Real Celeb Stories. I have seen the Supermodelquins in the stores and it's kind of creepy that I know their names and their backgrounds because of the marketing. They don't make me want to buy more clothes, but they do make me smile!

crisis and opportunity

2009-03-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

I went to Newspring Church with Kacie this morning. They kicked off a financial series entitled Where's My Bailout?. Many times people complain when a church teaches about money. "Here they go again. They want my money". But in these tough economic times, I believe people are more willing to hear about God's desire for their finances. Why? Because that is what they are thinking about. Money...particularly the lack of it!

During the message I began thinking about President Obama's recent challenge to “discover great opportunity in the midst of great crisis.” I don't know what his exact motivation was behind that statement, but we can all use this advice and find ways to honor God with our money. We can look for opportunities to give generously. Re-evaluating our budgets is a great opportunity to begin spending wisely. But the greatest opportunity we have right now is showing God's love to others. It is free and it is priceless.

barbeque barn

2009-03-07T21:50:00.001-05:00

I came to Clemson today to attend an FCA BBQ fundraiser event with Kacie. Nothing like eating dry barbeque and cold pork and beans in a barn, surrounded by a bunch of smelly college boys! My favorite part of the evening (so far) has been meeting Kacie's friends in person who I have previously stalked on Facebook. I already knew a little bit about each person she introduced me to based on stories she has told me or conversations I've seen on Facebook. The characters in her stories came to life for me tonight. And I was happy that she shared them with me! Especially a boy named Zach, who said he reads my blog....nice to meet you, Zach.

As I look around me, it is obvious that no one around this apartment went out of their way to clean up for THE MOM. But that's okay....it makes me feel like a part of the family. Kacie and I are getting ready to watch a movie, eat popcorn, and snuggle on the couch.

On a Saturday night. In a college town.

I know she's thrilled.

countdown to 180 weekend

2009-03-06T16:22:00.005-05:00

In about two hours, over 100 students have the opportunity for a life-changing experience this weekend at Element Student Ministries' 180 weekend. I have seen the leadership team behind the scenes...crunching numbers, detailing, dreaming, organizing, sweating, more detailing, and lots of praying. Host homes are preparing for an invasion. Bands are practicing. Counselors are arriving in town. Students are anticipating. It's going to be an amazing weekend where middle and high school students have an opportunity to connect with each other and connect with God in their own unique way. As the name 180 weekend implies, they will arrive headed in one direction and will leave in another. They could come home changed forever!

ironing for jesus? part two

2009-03-05T16:05:00.003-05:00

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

So you're working on a project and you are putting your heart and soul into it. You have a great attitude, while striving for excellence. The law of Murphy steps in and everything falls apart. The efforts of your work don't appear so excellent now. And by the looks on the faces of those around you, they ain't too happy about it.

It is difficult to please others, because sometimes your best isn't enough. But your best is always good enough for God, even when it is mediocre in the eyes of man. When you strive to please God instead of man, you will never be disappointed in the response. His grace is much more abundant and satisfying than the praises of man.

ironing for jesus? part one

2009-03-04T16:21:00.005-05:00

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

This scripture caught my attention recently and it has caused me to take a close look at my motives and attitude as I go about my day. My mother-in-law gave me a cookbook a long time ago and inside the cover she wrote a short note that said "Always cook with love." Since then, not one day has passed that I have cooked for my family without love in my heart. Now... sometimes I get frustrated because I can't think of anything to cook and there are times when my cooking isn't all that great. But I can honestly say that I have "always cooked with love".

Too bad my mother-in-law didn't give me a new iron with a note saying "Always iron with love." Because I always iron with hate and a bad attitude! I usually set up the ironing board in my bedroom and it takes me a week or more of starting and stopping to get a stack of clothes ironed. I am convinced that ironing is of the devil.

Is it difficult for you to find enthusiasm in the tasks that you just don't like? At home? At your job? Of course there will be times when we work at "whatever" with ALL our heart, and the results aren't ideal. But that's where grace comes in. Stay tuned...

free stuff

2009-03-03T21:31:00.004-05:00

Bruster's will be giving away free single scoop waffle cones this Saturday, March 7. The only catch is that in order to claim your free cone, you must be wearing your pajamas. One free cone per person. On our fake "snow" day this week, I took the kids to Bruster's for ice cream and I got the Graham Central Station and I have been thinking about it ever since. Yep, I'll be wearing my pajamas around town for some free Bruster's this Saturday. See you there?

things that make you go @#!*

2009-03-02T10:46:00.005-05:00

A 15 year old boy in Los Angeles is trying to get a proclamation passed that would make the first week in March NO CUSSING WEEK in Los Angeles County. He is hoping that this will ignite cuss-free campaigns across the nation and worldwide. What caught my attention when I read this story in our local newspaper was that it was under the heading "Odd News". I don't think it is odd, I think it is cool that this kid is wanting people to be more respectful. And by the way, I am not implying that I am completely innocent in this manner. When my heart is ugly, ugliness has been known to leak out on occasion.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

no line on the horizon

2009-03-01T21:33:00.004-05:00

I wonder how many worship leaders are anticipating the release of U2's twelfth album ,"No Line on the Horizon", on March 3. Churches that program mainstream music in their services have oftentimes counted on U2 to bring some goods. After glancing at the titles of the songs on the upcoming CD, I am anticipating some thought-provoking songs about love, hope, and redemption that can be brought into a worship environment.

truenorth up north

2009-02-28T10:29:00.004-05:00

So I posted the wrong article from this weekend's Decatur newspaper. This is the one I really meant to share:

A new stage: Forsyth's TrueNorth Church brings worship to movie theater

By SHEILA SMITH - FORSYTH - Pastor Steve Davis sat inside the large theater in Hickory Point Cinemas.

He wasn't there to watch a blockbuster movie on the giant screen. Instead, the pastor from North Augusta, S.C., was making sure everything was in place to launch his new church, TrueNorth, inside the theater.

The first public worship service will begin at 9:33 a.m. Sunday.

"My wife and I recognized the need for the style of church that we created - one that is seeker-friendly, not as many barriers with clothes and stained glass windows, and have an environment for people that was easy to come into," said Davis, 44, who launched his nondenominational church inside a South Carolina high school in 2004.

He started out with a handful of couples and has since seen the church grow to 600 members. He opened a second TrueNorth church campus in Augusta, Ga.

Instead of the traditional church building and hymns, you'll hear secular music playing at the beginning of worship, such as "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi or "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles, Davis said.

TrueNorth Church in Forsyth will be Davis' third launch but the first in a theater.

Renting space at theaters is a growing trend nationwide.

One major chain, National CineMedia, which manages 1,400 theaters nationwide, said it rents space to about 200 churches.

"These are multimillion dollar buildings, and it's great for the churches because of the low cost," said Barry Brown, director of worship services for National CineMedia.

Brown observed that most theaters sit empty on Sunday mornings, and he said there's an increase every year in the number of churches renting them.

Carmike Cinemas, which owns Hickory Point Cinemas in Forsyth and Strand 10 Cinemas in Decatur, also has been in the business of renting space to churches.

Last November, the Rev. B.K. Smith started Harvest Bible Chapel at the Strand 10 Cinemas.

That first Sunday service brought out 150 people to the movie theater, Smith said, and since then, an average of 110 people have come to worship.

"I didn't know what to expect, but now people know we are there. One lady came up to me and said she felt safe coming to the theater. She told me how she felt uncomfortable going inside a church," he said.

Smith said it's not about a building but winning souls and bringing the unchurched to God.

"If you are an unbeliever and never went to a church, it's like you need to know some secret handshake, but we get rid of all that. Now what used to be unbelievers are coming and inviting their unbeliever friends."

TrueNorth's Davis said he found that offering a different church setting tended to draw in more of the unchurched.

Because his church sites are portable, with no debt or mortgage payments, there is flexibility to open up more sites in the near future.

National CineMedia's Brown called this the multisite movement, with some churches choosing to be in multiple locations across the country.

Davis grew up in Mount Zion, and he finally has the opportunity to open up a church in his home state.

His sermons will be recorded and, through a digital stream, downloaded on the Internet and played on the big screen at the Forsyth theater.

His brother, Shane Davis, will be leading the worship service, which includes a live praise band.

Shane Davis, 38, is the former youth pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

He admitted he is pumped and excited about using the Hickory Point theater to serve God.

"I will be the pastor of this church, doing all the pastoral duties on site. And Steve will teach and bring the message," he said.

Both brothers agree it's not about where a person worships but who they worship.

"Jesus said you come to worship me in spirit and truth. And the theater becomes our sanctuary, it becomes a place where God's people come together, and as we worship him, his spirit presides," Steve Davis said.

"It's a beautiful thing."

a pain in my neck

2009-02-27T14:48:00.004-05:00

So I survived my thyroid biopsy today. During the procedure, as the doctor punctured my neck with a needle three times, I found a spot on the ceiling and focused on it. I tried to think of something to take my mind off the needle and my neck, but all I could think of were the vampires from the Twilight series.

My discharge papers indicated the following instructions. I added my own interpretations:

1. Rest quietly for the remainder of the day
Translation: I must take a very loooong nap.

2. DO NOT operate appliances.
Translation: I must not do any cooking, laundry, or vacuuming the floors. I must order take-out.

3. DO NOT make any legal decisions today.
Translation: I should not respond when someone yells "MOM! They pushed me!"

4. You may resume your normal diet after the procedure.
Translation: I must drink milkshakes all day long. No fruits or vegetables allowed.

Maybe biopsies aren't so bad after all.

philippians 4:6-7

2009-02-26T21:37:00.003-05:00

On Friday morning I will be having a biopsy on a "thing" on my thyroid gland. My doctor wants to find out if this "thing" is a good "thing" or a bad "thing". I am definitely not looking forward to having a needle-stabbing in my neck. But surprisingly I am not very nervous at all about the procedure or the outcome. Maybe because my Googling has taught me that the odds are on my side even if this "thing" is bad. I think my peace has come mostly from the prayers of my friends and family. I know that someone, somewhere, has prayed specifically that I would have "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding". I just know it. That can be the only explanation why I'm not freaking out over this like I normally would.

Have you ever had an experience when you could actually feel prayers on your behalf? It's better than any anxiety pill on the market.

got my shimmy on

2009-02-25T16:53:00.004-05:00

I tried something new this morning. Although I had a sneak peek at belly dancing during a women's retreat this past weekend, an hour-long Belly Rok class was a whole different story. The instructor, Nanani, makes belly dancing look so easy and sensual. I make it look awkward. Just when I thought I was getting the hang of it, I caught a glimpse of myself in the wall-length mirror and realized I had a long way to go. But just like everything else, practice makes perfect! I will not give up on it because it is a great hips and abs workout...and the coin skirts are just too darn cute!

i dare ya

2009-02-24T20:01:00.005-05:00

Not only am I blogging for 40 consecutive days, Alan and I are also reading the Love Dare devotional guide for married couples. We are being challenged for 40 days with a daily "dare" that is scripture-based. For us it is a marriage reinforcement, for others it could be the tool that puts their troubled marriage back on track.

The Love Dare book was birthed out of the movie Fireproof, which we watched with our journey team a couple of weeks ago and is the subject of our group study for six weeks. I was pleasantly surprised that I actually liked the movie. It had a great storyline with some surprising twists. My heart went out to the husband (Kirk Cameron) as he decided to stop fighting WITH his wife and to fight FOR her. He decided to do things for her that went against his human desire. But it wasn't until he accepted Christ in the midst of the struggle that he had what it took to win her back.

If you're looking for a movie to put in your Blockbuster or Netflix queue, go ahead and add Fireproof. I dare ya! Make it a date night. You might need some tissue to go with that popcorn, but in the end isn't your marriage worth it?

40 days of blogging

2009-02-23T09:52:00.002-05:00

I have totally ignored my blog for quite some time. I appreciate the comments I have received from friends telling me to get back on the blogging wagon. Besides being super-busy, another thing that has distracted me from writing and reading other blogs is Facebook. If I have the urge to say something, I can just throw out a one-line status update instead of taking the time to blog. But I have missed it big time! That is why I have decided to start a 40 Days of Blogging spree. Thanks to Alan Jones for giving me the idea. I am going to post at least once each day for 40 days. I don't like making commitments like this, but I see it as a challenge. There is no telling what is going to come out of this. But I hope it will open my eyes back up to the stories and thoughts God puts in front of me each day!

Hang on for the ride! 39 days left!

junie b. jones is "a hoot i tell you!"

2009-01-28T09:56:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is to read with Matthew at bedtime. He has become especially interested in the Junie B. Jones series, of which we have the complete 27 book set since we have been through this with Allison already. These books have been enormously popular with many 5-8 year olds and their teachers.

The series by Barbara Park chronicles Junie B's experiences as a kindergartner and a first-grader. Since the books are written in first person, the grammar reflects that of a typical six year old. She uses words improperly and invents her own words like grumpity and smuggy. She sometimes thinks out of the box, which gets her into trouble. Junie B. always gets reprimanded, so she doesn't get away with her mischievous acts. No, she doesn't talk like the Queen of England and yes, she makes mistakes. But she is real and kids and parents can relate to her.

There has been a lot of criticism about the Junie B. series because of the grammar and behavior. But the writing is so genius that it could be a teaching point for a parent and child. We have used some of her situations to have meaningful, lighthearted discussions with Matthew about what Junie B. could have done differently....but that's only after we have stopped laughing out loud!

Alan and I read these books with Matthew because of the entertainment value, the lessons that can be taught, the quality time with our son, and because we just can't wait to see what happens next!

I wish Barbara Park would hurry up and release the next book. It has been so long that Junie B. is probably in middle school by now. Until then, we will start reading Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime. I wonder who her secret admirer will be?

mom jeans?

2009-01-27T16:51:00.002-05:00

Stories are leaking from the fashion industry that Mom jeans are making a comeback. I am a mother of three and unless I absolutely have to, I refuse to wear Mom jeans. Even though I think I wore them before I was a mom. What is Jessica Simpson thinking? Daisy Duke would be very disappointed!

Check out this SNL video spoof about Mom jeans...

things that make you go hmmm

2009-01-21T09:38:00.005-05:00

It was the late 80's/early 90's and we were rockin' Olan Mills studio. You gotta love those matching herringbone necklaces!

Check out these other Olan Mills treasures that I found on the 'net. I can't take credit for any of this:

You’d think Pearle Vision would throw in another two pairs for free.

Bobbi isn’t the first waitress to fall for her manager, but she and Dale both got fired from Shoney’s.

Olan Mills backdrop #4: Bucolic Meadow with Split Rail Fence. And is that an animal carcass behind her?

Thoughtful Lance. Mirthful Lance. Two sides of a delightful coin.

That guy wore a tie for nothing!

The Library might be more believable if the shelves weren't sloping downhill!

OK...where's your picture? You know you have one!

notable quotables...the series

2009-01-16T10:18:00.003-05:00

Alan: I love sad movies.

Matthew: Simon Birch is a sad movie.

Alan: Yes, Simon Birch is a terribly good sad movie.

I don't enjoy sad movies. I can deal with sentimental movies, just not the tear-jearking ones. I get tired of pretending that something is in my eye. We watched the movie Stepmom as a family once and I couldn't hide my sniffling anymore, so I just blurted out "I NEED A TISSUE!" Everyone was shocked to find out that "Mom's crying?"

If you like sad movies, I would love to know why. Maybe you can convince me to take my kids to see Marley and Me.

unbalancing act

2009-01-05T08:09:00.002-05:00

So Santa gave our family a Wii Fit for Christmas. And about three days later, I finally got my turn at it. I had to take a preliminary Body Test as a benchmark for my weight and BMI. I passed with flying colors. It wasn't long after I began the training module that the Wii Fit told me that I was "unbalanced." It said that the balance test was obviously not my forte and then suggested that "you probably find yourself tripping when you walk".

Oh no you didn't!

Well that made me go after it harder. I repeated every 'unbalanced' activity until I scored in the top three. Then over the next few days, I went to a yogalates class at the Family Y, got on the treadmill and took my kids skating so that I could work on my balance. According to the Wii Fit, my center of balance has improved and sometimes it even calls me a Fitness Enthusiast!

See...I told ya!

Now I feel silly trying to prove to a computer that I am a balanced person. I'm just glad the Wii Fit didn't see me get out of my car yesterday with my just-bought Starbucks drink and drop the whole thing in the church parking lot.

So maybe I am a little unbalanced.

hello 2009!

2008-12-31T11:04:00.003-05:00

I began packing up Christmas 2008 this morning and realized how much I cherish every ornament on our family tree and the moments and people that they represent. I wondered...what will my family look like next year? What does 2009 have in store for us? All I can do is step into the new year with hope and confidence that no matter what lies ahead, our family (and yours) will be blessed beyond belief.

things that make you go hmmm

2008-12-11T14:56:00.003-05:00

A friend told me I should put this Christmas gift idea on my blog. I guess my blog has a reputation of being random, so this random idea fits.

I am not going to try to figure out why someone would want this. It's a Hug Me Pillow. You can check it out for yourself here.

I like snuggling, but this creeps me out!

fuel a soul

2008-12-08T09:03:00.003-05:00

How often do you compliment people or give positive feedback? Probably not often enough. I know it is something I need to work on. Sometimes I have the thought but I don't always verbalize it. This is becoming more of a priority for me especially after yesterday as I witnessed the aftermath of two guy friends of mine who had received compliments that bolstered them to a higher level of feeling valued.

Guy #1 is a musician in our band and I overheard him say that when people positively compliment his music, it makes him feel good about what he is doing. As a result, his soul was fueled.

Guy #2 is one of the few MALE workers in Journeyland, our preschool ministry. Apparently a family had sent an email to church leadership, complimenting Guy#2 and his gift for working with children and the positive impact he has had on their child. He hesitated to repeat this story because he didn't want to come across as having a 'big head'. But it made him feel good about what he is doing. And guess what? It was fuel for his soul.

I wonder why people are so hesitant these days to give a compliment to others, even if it is second hand information. I believe one reason is because of their own insecurities. Or maybe they feel as though they are feeding an ego instead of fueling a soul. We are not responsible for what people do with the compliments we give them. We should give them away freely with the expectation that our words are helping build them up.

During this season of giving, why not give away the gift of kind words. I would like to present a challenge to us all: make an effort to give away three compliments every day this week. Be sincere. Be specific. Be intentional. See how many souls you can fuel.

teddy got baptized

2008-12-07T20:41:00.003-05:00

This is Teddy. We affectionately refer to him as Teardown Teddy because he has helped tear down equipment on Sunday mornings for several years at TrueNorth Church. Teddy is an incredible testimony and important part of TNC. Teddy was baptized this morning.

Did I mention that Teddy gets around in a wheelchair because he has no legs?

It struck me this morning what a powerful testimony Teddy could be to all of us. A man with no legs, who lends his arms at church to the best of his ability, while people with arms AND legs walk in and out without lifting a finger. Teddy also invites his friends who are far from God to church. Teddy gets it. He loves Jesus. And he wanted everyone to know it today.

notable quotables...a new series

2008-12-06T21:33:00.004-05:00

Allison: Mom, I'm bored.

Me: You could be studying for the SAT.

Allison: Mom, I'm twelve. I won't take it for four more years!

Me: Well it's never too early to get started!

happy thanksmas!

2008-11-26T21:33:00.003-05:00

It is a little confusing at our house this year during the Thanksgiving season because we have already decorated for Christmas. I had to bring a little Thanksgiving to this tree by adding Matthew's indian feather cap to the top until it is replaced with a paper star for Christmas. We have made fun of people like us before. I feel as though we have broken a very sacred rule of etiquette by decorating so early. But we will be busy the next two weekends, so we decided to go ahead and enjoy the decor a little longer this year.

We don't know whether to say Happy Thanksgiving or Merry Christmas. So we will just say Happy Thanksmas for now!

things that make you go hmmm

2008-11-21T15:29:00.003-05:00

A Christmas gift idea for those who have everything...

i needed a good laugh

2008-11-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

trust

2008-11-17T16:09:00.007-05:00

Jay Knotts did some breaking down of Psalm 23 this past Sunday at TrueNorth Church during the I AM series. "The Lord is my shepherd" translates in my simple mind as "The Lord is my leader."

I have had a blog post brewing in my mind for awhile, but never seemed to make sense out of it until focusing on this particular verse in Psalm. So here it goes:

Recently, our family (ten of us...including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) went on a trip to San Antonio, Texas. We utilized many forms of transportation during this trip. We took a car to Atlanta, shuttle bus to the airport, flew to Texas, and shuttle-bussed to the hotel. While in San Antonio, we took the public transit, rental cars, and boat rides. All ten of us. We were constantly counting heads and re-counting to make sure we were all together (I'm flashbacking to Home Alone in my mind now). As we were rushing through the airport on our return home , the ten of us were headed toward the baggage claim, and I was watching my seven year old son, Matthew. Considering all the modes of transportation that we had experienced on our trip, I realized that he stayed with the pack and followed every move we made. He never questioned if we were at the right gate. When we turned left, he never said we should turn right. He watched us and knew what to do at every moment. He completely trusted his leaders to take him where he needed to go. And he arrived at his destination without a glitch.

Are you a leader? Say yes. Everyone is a leader of something. But are you a trusted leader?

Do you have a leader? Nod your head. Everyone is lead by someone. But do you trust your leader?

Psalm 23 tells us that as our leader, the Lord will never lead us astray. He is not going to tell us to go east while he goes west. He leads with authority and provides security. We can have complete trust that he is taking us in the right direction.

In your circles of influence, how can you become more trusted and return that trust to others?

name this sheep

2008-11-14T15:32:00.012-05:00

We will have a special guest appearance at TrueNorth Church - North Augusta this Sunday. Jay Knotts will be speaking and may be asking for some help from this little fella that I picked up for him from our friends at Just Beds. Ever since I brought him to my house for the weekend, he has made himself right at home. Considering we are a family who names our cats Kitty, and Kitty Kitty, and Kitty Kitty Kitty, we have no business naming this sheep. Would you help us out and leave a comment here so that we can give this sheep a unique name?

All buckled up for the ride home!

He loves Starbucks coffee in the mornings.

Some Wii action with Matthew.

He can be quite the troublemaker.

He has been complaining that he gets NO privacy.

Networking on Facebook.

He couldn't go to sleep, so I told him to try 'counting people'.

Be on the lookout for him this Sunday. Hopefully he will have a name by then!

i don't do scary

2008-10-31T21:31:00.003-04:00

Halloween has never been one of my favorite times of the year. Probably because I'm not big on surprises or scary things. Like haunted houses. You know...the kind you don't really see anymore. The old abandoned houses that were once transformed into your worst nightmare. The kind where you had to stand outside in the freezing cold forever, pay a small admission price, and be chased out by a chainsaw-wielding maniac three minutes later. The last time I was chased out by a chainsaw, I fell face first into the grass. The guy actually put down the chainsaw and helped me up. Thanks, Chainsaw Man. Then he cranked it back up and chased me to my car. You probably heard me screaming. And that wasn't too long ago!

I don't like scary movies either. I grew up in the days of The Exorcist, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Stephen King's stuff and I watched it all. So, no thank you. I like being able to sleep with my eyes shut instead of open at night.

What I do like is the excitement of helping my kids decide on a costume and watching it come to life. I love seeing them run their little legs off across the neighborhood yards with their cousins to get another piece of candy to add to their already too-full bag. I enjoy eating chili and cornbread on Halloween night with my family. I like pumpkins and mums and candy apples.

I just don't do scary.

where have i been?

2008-10-26T20:38:00.003-04:00

Last weekend....with Alan's family in San Antonio.

This weekend....with my family in Blackshear.

i heart barnes and noble

2008-10-15T08:11:00.004-04:00

Matthew and I went to the mall last night because the boy needs jeans. His knees keep busting through his pants. Being a girl and growing up with a bunch of girls, I don't understand how this happens. One minute the pants are fine, the next minute...there's a knee coming through. But this is not the point of my post.

As we were leaving the mall and circling the mall property, there was a huge glow that lit up the sky, pointing straight to heaven. There was lots of excitement and movement around the area. I thought maybe Jesus had come back. But no, it was the next best thing....Barnes and Noble had finally opened up at the mall.

I suddenly realized how URGENT it was that I go inside IMMEDIATELY and get a book that Allison needed. As Matthew and I entered the store and were greeted by people welcoming us to the 'preview party', I thought I heard a choir of angels singing. But actually it was a couple of guys on acoustic guitars, playing Nirvana's About a Girl. Clifford the Big Red Dog and Hurbee the Clown were in the children's area. Workers were offering me fresh baked chocolate chunk cookies. Story time for kids. Books galore. People everywhere. The smell of coffee. More books. More music. Somebody please lock me inside this place for a night!

get smooshed

2008-10-07T16:18:00.003-04:00

I got smooshed today.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I had my first official "now-that-you-are-40-you-have-to-do-this-every-year" mammogram. For my male coworkers who had to adjust our meetings around my appointment, now you know where I went. And if you are embarrassed now, you can go here.

I have a good friend who just turned 40 as well and she said she was scared to get a mammogram. Heck no, not me. If there is something wrong with me, I want to know now so I can get started on a treatment plan.

The exam was not really bad at all. It wasn't as dramatic as some women make it out to be. There was no pain involved, just awkwardness. The worst parts were the random poses and exposed flesh during the procedure. The technician was happy and smiling when I left, so I hope that's a good sign (or maybe she was laughing). Anyway, I'll find out my fate in a few days.

If you are a woman over 40, please don't waste another minute.... go get smooshed! Your future depends on it.

And don't forget to take your sense of humor with you!

addition + subtraction = balance

2008-09-27T10:46:00.007-04:00

At TrueNorth Church recently, Steve spoke about the importance of balance in our lives. When we ADD something of value to our schedules, we should SUBTRACT something else in order to maintain balance. In these days of exorbitant gas prices, which have ADDED to our household expenses, have you found that financial SUBTRACTIONS have become necessary?

Moneysaving Mom is a website where women share their secrets of cutting grocery bills and stretching their dollars. It is an incredible resource for those who want to see SUBTRACTIONS at the bottom of their shopping receipts. I once thought I was a savvy shopper until I encountered the women who contribute to the Moneysaving Mom blog. They are strategic with reading advertisements, clipping coupons, and finding great deals. Sometimes they get something for nothing and other times they actually MAKE money! Check out the blog for creative ways to cut corners since it won't happen at the gas pump!

journey vs. destination

2008-09-24T09:41:00.003-04:00

I was with a group of people last week and we were sharing memories of our favorite vacations. The best memories I have of family vacations when I was growing up was not the places we went, but how we got there.

My family of five covered the southeast from Tennessee to Florida in a Ford Cobra van. Our two-toned tan and brown '70s van had it going on:

Middle bucket seats that swiveled around toward the back.
A mini refrigerator with a MARBLE top.
A bench seat in the back which converted into a bed.
Side windows with tie-back curtains.
And most important...a Georgia Bulldog tire cover and a Georgia fight song horn that was unbelievably obnoxious.

Some of my favorite memories are of my sisters and I sleeping in our pajamas in the van bed until it was time to stop for breakfast. I remember a few years of taking the training potty for my youngest sister instead of making so many pit stops for her. I remember the games, the songs we made up, the laughing, the fun, and the fighting! I remember that we rarely had a hotel reservation. It was a family decision as we rode around until we found something with vacancy at a reasonable price that had an awesome pool.

But don't ask me about Carowinds or Disneyworld or Daytona or The Grand Ole Opry, because I don't remember much. I've seen the pictures...and that's about it.

Sometimes the journey is more memorable than arriving at the destination. We miss out on so much because we keep asking the question "are we there yet?". What do you think? Maybe the journey IS the destination.

which leader are you?

2008-09-17T08:44:00.002-04:00

Found this on a blog that I stalk periodically. Interesting comparison between LeaderMan and Servant Leader (I condensed this a little for the sake of space).

Which one are you??

LeaderMan: Wants a platform on which to say something

Servant Leader: Has something to say

———–

LeaderMan: Wants you to know he’s a Leader

Servant Leader: You’re not sure he knows he’s a leader

———–

LeaderMan: Loves the idea of the Gospel, and the idea of The Church

Servant Leader: Loves God and the actual individual people God brings across his path

———–

LeaderMan: A great speaker, but self-described as, “Not really a people person.”

Servant Leader: Makes himself a people person

———–

LeaderMan: Gets together with you to talk about his vision

Servant Leader: Just gets together with you

———–

LeaderMan: Wants the right people on the bus

Servant Leader: Wants to find the right bus for you, and sit next to you on it

———–

LeaderMan: If it’s worth doing, it worth doing with excellence

Servant Leader: Not exactly sure how to even calculate “worth doing”

———–

LeaderMan: Talks about confronting one another in love

Servant Leader: Actually confronts you in love

———–

LeaderMan: Leads because of official position

Servant Leader: Leads in spite of position

———–

LeaderMan: Deep down, threatened by other Leaders

Servant Leader: Has nothing to lose

need more margin

2008-09-15T09:02:00.004-04:00

I am a person who always gets in a hurry at the last minute. I am usually breaking my neck to get places because I don't leave enough margin in my schedule for getting somewhere EARLY. You can count on me being right on time or a few minutes late. I want to do better and I am working on that!

When I am in a hurry, the law of Murphy always steps in an reminds me to slow down. Recently I was on my way to a meeting and rushed in to Walmart to quickly grab a few things, hoping not to end up in a conversation with anyone. Item number one was easy and the coast was clear with item number two. But it was that gallon of milk in the far back corner of the store that would be my challenge. As soon as I rounded the corner, there she was...the coworker from my previous job that I had not seen in about five years. I knew that I would surely be late for my meeting and I would have some explaining to do. I decided to slow down and spend a few minutes reconnecting with her.

Relationship:1 Timeliness: 0

I don't want to continue dodging people because I missed the mark on my time management. I want to be available and accessible to people. It is the only way to truly cultivate relationships.

i have missed my brain

2008-09-10T16:03:00.003-04:00

Wow! I almost forgot the password to my blog since I haven't posted in three weeks. I figured if I kept the Chick-fil-a post up long enough, they might consider giving me some more free chicken.

No such luck.

The reason I haven't posted is not because I don't have anything to say. It is because I have too much to say. It is a busy time of the year and a lot is going on around me. When a woman's brain is overloaded, I often use a computer illustration to explain what is happening in our heads:

Each idea or thought is like a "window" that is opened up on our brain's desktop. Lots and lots of windows. Some are minimized while others are maximized. Sometimes we get pop-ups that mess up any attempt at organizing these brain windows.

Today was one of those wonderful days that I could close out some windows completely!

I have missed my brain!

u luv chikn yes u do

2008-08-28T22:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Football season!

Chick-fil-a is scorin' a touchdown on Labor Day, Sept.1, by givin' away free 3-pack Chick-n-strips and Chick-fil-a sauce. All ya gotta do is wear football or collegiate logo gear and visit your local Chick-fil-a any time after 10:30am.

I luv the new Chick-fil-a sauce so much I would drink it if I could.

See u Monday....I'll be the one in the orange shirt!

http://www.cheerforchicken.com/

prayers of a child

2008-08-27T08:30:00.005-04:00

Tuesday I received a text message from Kacie about being evacuated from her classroom at Clemson. Then I received a more detailed phone call from her about the tornado warning that sent the students to designated areas. As I heard the warning sirens in the background, I wanted her home so we could hide in the closet together. Instead she was in a library basement two hours away from me.

Matthew overheard my end of the conversation with Kacie and when I got off the phone he said, "Mom, I made up a prayer for Kacie and I hope it comes true."

A tornado did touch down on campus, resulting in minor damage and no injuries. Could the prayers of a seven year old little brother cause God to turn that tornado away?

Absolutely.

I'm going to let my friend Matt take over here. Check out his blog post about how prayer changes things.

just because

2008-08-25T10:58:00.003-04:00

"Mom, there were a lot of people crying tonight".... Allison

TrueNorth Church had a combined communion(Facedown) and baptism(Dunk'd) service last night to commemorate our 4-year anniversary. It was a great night of celebration and remembrance and crying. There were tears of joy, tears of brokenness, and tears of compassion. Even I, who have been affectionately referred to as The Tin Woman, had tears in my eyes as our pastor choked up while baptizing his youngest son.

I love my church and the environment that has been created where broken people can bring their tears to the cross in hopes of restoration and healing.

And the fact that people feel freedom to cry just because.

right or wrong

2008-08-21T12:26:00.006-04:00

Last Friday, we moved Kacie back to Clemson to begin her sophomore year in the Promiseland. We had to stop by a storage facility in Clemson we had previously rented to store some of her furniture and belongings. As I returned the lock and key to the office, Mr. McMuscle Shirt gave me back my ten dollar security deposit. I asked him if he had two fives. As he rolled his eyes and pulled out his fat wad of money, this is what he said to me:

"I am SO glad I am not married."

Rude. All I asked for was two fives.

Since I had just hugged my daughter goodbye ten minutes earlier , trying NOT to cry a river this time, it was not a good time for Mr. McMuscle Shirt to treat me this way. I had two choices at this point: (a) do the right thing or (b) do the wrong thing. I was already an emotional wreck and I really wanted to do (b) and go off on this guy. But I knew it would make Jesus look bad, so I decided to suck it up and do (a). So I said to him:

"You must be having a bad day".

Yes, he had. Mr. McMuscle Shirt's attitude changed. He softened up and tried to make up for his rude remark. It was a pleasant ending that could have ended up badly.

Isn't it sometimes difficult to do the right thing when it is so easy to do the wrong thing? I have done a lot of wrong things and made poor choices in my lifetime. I want to spend the rest of my life doing the right thing because I want to make Jesus look good.

team player

2008-08-13T08:27:00.005-04:00

I have never watched the Olympics as much as I have this year. Maybe it is because our family is intimately involved in competitive swimming due to Matthew and Alan's participation. For whatever reason, it has been fun for our whole family to watch together. And it has been a much needed distraction from the upcoming political election...ugh.

We are enjoying watching superstar Michael Phelps. We study his strokes, his turns, his strategy... his face. One of the few times I have seen him smile is when his RELAY TEAM wins an event. He is serious and stoic in the individual events, but he goes NUTS for his team! He is like a little kid on the sidelines, cheering his teammates on to victory.

Isn't victory a lot sweeter when you get to share it with your favorite people?

my apartment on wheels

2008-08-06T18:50:00.003-04:00

My 2001 Honda Odyssey turned 100,000 miles this morning. That is a lot of driving back and forth on the North Augusta conveyor belt known as Five Notch Road. I have often referred to my van as "my apartment on wheels" because of the large amount of time I spend in it.

Alan has done his part in taking care of the maintenance and upkeep on the van. I cannot say that I have done my part. There is a big red Gatorade stain in the trunk, Matchbox cars all over the floor, scratches on the exterior where I hit some bricks and a big scratch down the back panel where I tried to take out my parents' sprinkler head. But I have no idea how the dent in the back got there....that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

This van has toted a lot of groceries, lots of children, and has never stranded me. Coming from someone who said they would never drive a minivan....here's to another 100,000 miles!

greater things have yet to come

2008-08-04T08:27:00.005-04:00

Yesterday at TrueNorth Church, we said goodbye to our friends Walt and Betsy Tanner. Walt has been our student pastor for Element Student Ministries and will be moving to Fountain Inn, SC to plant Capstone Church. Walt spoke on compassion yesterday and it was the BEST message I have ever heard from him. I think Walt and Betsy will do just fine in Fountain Inn.

Another incredible part of yesterday's service was a THANK YOU video created by the Element staff. Walt has done a great job empowering and building his leaders. This is evident in the words spoken by Wesley and Brandon on the video. Stay tuned....they may let me post some footage later.

I have spent a lot of time with Walt through Element and other areas of TNC ... and I have my own THANK YOU as we say "see you later".

- THANK YOU for tapping my shoulder and asking me to lead a fuel cell and chaperone events. It has been very rewarding for me to develop a relationship with the students and hopefully help impact their lives.

- THANK YOU for letting ME tap YOUR shoulder as we volunteered our time together in the middle school canteen at lunch. Fun times...and another way to connect with the students.

- THANK YOU for sharing your creative mind with us and challenging us to dream BIG!

- My BIGGEST THANK YOU is for teaching my daughter Allison how to spend time in the Word. Since you taught the SOAP method, she reads her Bible every day and writes in her journal. This is priceless and makes me one happy parent.

North Augusta has become a better place because of Walt and Betsy.
Fountain Inn will become a better place because of Walt and Betsy.

We miss you already!

facebook has wrinkles?

2008-07-28T08:19:00.004-04:00

Yo Facebookers:

It seems that you are becoming offended by some "older" people signing up for a Facebook account. My guess is that they do not want to embarrass you or stalk you...they simply want to network with their friends. So freaking out on your part won't be necessary.

I am also considering crossing the generational gap and creating my own Facebook page. I don't care how old you are, if you want to be my 'friend', please feel free to limit my access to your page. No big deal. Just don't 'poke' me, because I'm not sure what that means.

HOWEVER, if MY parents' generation starts signing up for Facebook, it might look like this:

Peace out,
Laura

summertime

2008-07-19T16:31:00.001-04:00

Summertime = Watermelon + Knife + Salt shaker

consumption

2008-07-15T08:10:00.005-04:00

Did you know that 2 million plastic beverage bottles are consumed every five minutes in the US?

It is easy to comprehend the number, but not what it actually LOOKS like. The picture below is a representation of 2 million bottles by multiplying the picture above.

Every five minutes. Unbelievable, isn't it?

For more visual representations of the over-consumption of Americans, check out the blog site of artist Chris Jordan.

not gonna do it

2008-07-14T19:46:00.002-04:00

First there was Eight is Enough in the 70s/80s:
Now, there is Jon and Kate Plus Eight:
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I will not get addicted to another show with eight kids.
I won't do it.

rain, rain...

2008-07-14T12:53:00.004-04:00

...don't go away!

Thank you God for the rain you have sent this summer. We have missed it! Not so much the thunder and lightning, but we'll take it!

second saturday on thursday

2008-07-11T16:15:00.005-04:00

So God called my bluff this week after I wrote this post about the homeless. The timing of this opportunity could not be a coincidence. Was I ready to roll up my sleeves?

Our student ministry, Element, just returned from a mission trip to Columbia, SC (Go Camp). Their service did not end there. They came home with the idea of making bag lunches for the homeless and distributing them through downtown Augusta. The kids wanted to make an impact in our community and have a personal encounter with those less fortunate. After reading my blog post, student pastor Walt Tanner asked me if I wanted to help. How could I say no?

We had a total of 22 people, including my eleven and seven year olds, making lunches and walking the streets of Augusta. Since this project was student-lead, they made all the decisions. I didn't have to tell them what to do, they told ME what to do.

I am so proud of our Element youth! We are growing an awesome group of leaders who definitely have hearts for serving.

how NOT to invest and invite

2008-07-08T16:47:00.003-04:00

Conversation between Matthew and some swim buddies from an opposing team, while waiting for their event at a recent swim meet:

Matthew: What church do y'all go to?

The boys: We don't go to church.

Matthew: WHAT???? Y'ALL DON'T GO TO CHURCH!!!???

Oh boy....

more mamarazzi

2008-07-08T16:34:00.003-04:00

My son definitely inherited his dad's swim gene. It looks like swimming will be the sport he is best at and loves doing. He just finished his first year on our local swim team which is part of the CSRA Swim League. And last night he was acknowledged as Most Valuable Swimmer in his age group. It has been so much fun watching him tear up those swimming pools this summer!

Moms have bragging rights, don't they?

under the overpass

2008-07-06T22:14:00.003-04:00

Just finished another book while on vacation this week. Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski is a true story about two Christian middle-class college students who felt called to purposely live on the streets as homeless men and put their faith to the test. The author and his companion Sam traveled to five major cities during a five month period with nothing but two guitars and two backpacks. The details of their journey are heartbreaking...and disgusting.

In their desperate search for food or a place to sleep, Mike and Sam were treated badly or ignored. Many times they were told to "move along". And for the majority of the time, guess who treated them worse?

Christians. Churches. Those who should be sharing Jesus' invitation of "come you who are weary". Rescue missions and a few individuals did the best they could to help, but many churches offered nothing but a closed door.

I have traveled to a few major cities (San Francisco, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.) where it was hard to ignore the homeless. They were screaming and dirty and I had to literally step over them. My heart broke for them, but I was scared and looked away, pretending they weren't there. I was ashamed of myself.

It makes me wonder who can be more disgusting...street people or church people?

"We hear a Christian assure someone that he will 'pray over' his problem, knowing full well that he intends to use prayer as a substitute for service. It is much easier to pray that a poor friend's needs may be supplied than to supply them". A.W. Tozer, Of God and Men.

buckle

2008-06-26T21:42:00.003-04:00

So the rumors are true...my favorite online store is coming to Augusta Mall. Buckle opens up on July 17. And for additional cool points, it is located directly across from Starbucks.

seven

2008-06-25T14:15:00.005-04:00

My baby turned seven years old today.

I am putty in his hands.

the family y...part two

2008-06-23T11:49:00.004-04:00

I took my first Pilates class at the Family Y last week and I think it will be one of my favorite forms of exercise. My goal is long and lean muscles and NO SWEATING. The less I sweat, the happier I am. Before I took the class I did not know what people meant when they referred to core muscles. I was introduced to mine as they were screaming at me for a couple of days after the class.

The hour long class concluded with the instructor turning off the overhead light and turning on a small lamp in the room. Soft music was playing as we rested on our mats in the dark for about five minutes. I am a person who likes to be efficient with my time, so I closed my eyes and prayed.

It was nice.

And I bet I wasn't the only one.

the family y...part one

2008-06-22T13:30:00.003-04:00

Laura: Alan, I'm thinking about joining the new Family Y.

Alan: You don't want to try Gold's Gym?

Laura: Isn't that a meat market?

Alan: Isn't the Y?

Laura: No...that's why it is called the FAMILY Y!

free chikin biskit

2008-06-19T14:12:00.002-04:00

Chick-fil-a in North Augusta is giving away a FREE Chicken Biscuit to all customers from 6:30am until 10:30am tomorrow, Friday, June 20. No coupon necessary.

Go git u one.

done!

2008-06-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

I have always wondered how the Disneyworld powers-that-be convince some college kid to wear a heavy Eyeore costume while posing for pictures with bratty little kids in 200 degree weather in Florida. How do you make that attractive? Maybe by using some of the techniques like those from a book I just finished reading.

"Influencer" was not a fast-reading book for me...I would read a section, then re-read it to make sure I understood what I just read. But I'm glad I stuck it out because there were some great messages throughout the book. These are good!

1. People will attempt to change their behavior if (1) they believe it will be worth it (2) they can do what is required.

2. Make the Undesirable desirable. Make an activity an issue of personal significance.

3. When people are able to meet their personal standards, they feel validated and fulfilled.

4. The instant you stop trying to impose your agenda on others, you eliminate the fight for control.

5. Smart leaders accomplish great results when they replace dictates with dialogue.

6. It is wrong to assume that when people don't change, it's because they don't WANT to change.

7. Telling people to hunker down doesn't improve performance.

8. Opinion leaders are those who are most admired and connected to others. They aren't seen as using their knowledge to manipulate or harm, but to help. They rub shoulders with those who look up to them.

9. Make the Undiscussable discussable. Create an environment where formal and informal leaders encourage vital behaviors and skillfully confront negative behaviors. We should never accept the argument that it is wrong to talk openly and publicly about a problem.

10. Reward small improvements in behavior along the way. Don't wait until people achieve phenomenal results. Apparently people hand out praise as if it were being rationed, and usually only for outstanding work.

11. Watch coaches as they speak about the importance of teamwork and then celebrate individual accomplishment. Kids quickly learn that it's the score that counts, not the assist, and it turns many of them into selfish prima donnas.

12. In many companies, the only way to get fired is to get caught in a raging violation of ethics or political faux pas. If you aren't willing to go to the mat when people violate a core value (such as giving their best effort) , that value loses its moral force in the organization.

13. Make the Invisible visible. Search for subtle features from the environment that are silently driving you and others to misbehave.

14. Physical proximity affects our behaviors and relationships. If you want to predict who doesn't trust or get along with whom in a company, take out a tape measure. Distance keeps people from routinely interacting, often leading to animosity and loss of influence...and loss of informal contact where casual conversation oftentimes turns into a shared task.

**Those were the highlights with many, many case studies included throughout the book. Which of the above statements stood out in your mind...the one that made you say "Amen!".

I would like to know.

one prayer

2008-06-17T11:05:00.004-04:00

Matthew is at Vacation Bible School at his cousin's church this week. As I was walking him to his class on the first day, I saw many TrueNorth families in the hallways. Our church does not offer VBS, so the TNC kids are scattered around different churches in our area for the summer program. I have to admit that the question entered my mind: Will my child be accepted here because we are from "over there"? It has been encouraging to see that we have been greeted with open arms and smiling faces. Is it safe for us all to believe that the old mentality of Us vs. Them is beginning to disappear in the church as a whole?

TNC has joined over 1400 other churches worldwide to participate in the same sermon series entitled "One Prayer". Each week for four weeks, a speaker will give their response to the question "If God would answer one prayer for the church at large, what would you ask?"

The heartbeat behind the One Prayer focus is to unite the church and the people in them. We may have our different styles of worship but the common thread is One Lord and One Faith. I'm excited about this series and hoping that the church will continue to impact the world by standing together "so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:6)

goldfish breath

2008-06-16T07:57:00.004-04:00

I was trying to have a conversation with Walt, our soon-to-be church planter, yesterday at church. And since the music was loud, I had to yell in his face. I apologized for my coffee breath (even though it was Dunkin' Donuts French Vanilla). He said not to worry, it's Goldfish breath that knocks him out.

Say who?

Apparently those cute little unassuming Goldfish crackers we offer on Sunday mornings do a little number on your breath. Maybe that's why the bowls of peppermints at Guest Services can never stay full!

Now ya know.

collision at my front door

2008-06-10T13:58:00.007-04:00

This is what happens when you fly toward your own reflection in the window...

well-oiled machine

2008-06-10T09:49:00.004-04:00

Matthew is on a swim team this summer and we experienced our first full-blown swim meet last week. Every square inch of the pool deck was occupied by somebody's feet. It was hot and it was crowded.

But it ran like a well-oiled machine.

- Everyone received an event sheet by email in advance, stating the exact time of each swimmer's event and what stroke was expected.

- Many parent volunteers are necessary to fill positions of timer, shepherd, runner, concessions, and so on. All positions were filled and no one skipped a beat.

With the swim team leadership providing good communication of expectations, I am watching closely to decide which role I can fulfill as a future parent volunteer.

Our team won the meet that night. Matthew swam three events and received ribbons for each. Check them out (with my added comments of course)!

things that make you go hmmm

2008-06-09T08:33:00.002-04:00

It's amazing what ocean water can do for a person's hair!

warning!

2008-06-04T20:08:00.004-04:00

Awards day programs, graduations, class parties.....beware of the Mamarazzi!!

mornin'

2008-06-03T09:24:00.002-04:00

I've been wanting to throw out all my random coffee mugs and replace them with a matching set. Instead I bought another random one this past weekend ($2.99 clearance, Kirklands). I couldn't help it.

"Drinking Coffee and Slacking Off are all part of what I do".

But not really. It just makes me smile.

everybody has a story

2008-06-02T10:20:00.001-04:00

Around 40 people made a public profession that Jesus is their Lord and Savior last night in front of a crowd of hundreds at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. This evening reminded me that everybody has a story. And sometimes it takes many years to realize that God is in those stories. We don't always see it at the time.

My friend Mike has more pics here. There is a story in each picture. What's your story?

tgif

2008-05-30T08:21:00.002-04:00

I love Fridays. Mainly because Alan is off work and we get to hang out together. And because sometimes I get to sleep in a little while he packs the kids' lunches, makes pancakes or waffles, fixes my coffee, and gets the kids out the door.

Friday night is usually family night. We all go out to dinner and end up at Walmart or Target afterward. We can be spotted at Blockbuster on Friday nights too.

Yep...I'm pretty spoiled today. And I have the best husband ever.

sad news

2008-05-29T11:44:00.004-04:00

More sad news in the community of Christian music.

On the heels of the recent Steven Curtis Chapman tragedy, Nicol Sponberg's (from Selah) 10 week old son died in his sleep last night. Nicol's brother's infant daughter also died a few short hours after birth about 7 weeks ago.

It makes me sick to my stomach.

Nicol led worship at our very first Chicks retreat at TrueNorth Church. It was during a very difficult time in the life our church as we had recently experienced our own similar tragedies within our church family. Nicol was a great blessing to us and we can return the blessing by praying hard for these families.

bargain time

2008-05-29T10:22:00.002-04:00

99 cent regular-size milkshakes, all flavors...for a limited time!!!!

i'm just saying

2008-05-28T22:23:00.005-04:00

"So are you trying to tell me I need to lose weight?"
"I'm just saying..."

What do you say to smooth over a comment you just made in a conversation that just might have offended someone? Or if you think might have just gotten in someone's grill but didn't mean to? How do you get in the last word when you're ready for the conversation to be over?

"I'm just saying..."

Your voice then trails off and it's almost as if you can actually hear the dot dot dots at the end. And then you never really finish saying what you were trying to say.

It's not like it gets on my nerves or anything, because I do it too. I'm just saying...

g-burg

2008-05-27T08:06:00.008-04:00

Just got back from a long Memorial Day weekend vacation in the Smoky Mountains. What happened in Gatlinburg doesn't always stay in Gatlinburg:

1. We drove up late Thursday night and Alan was getting a little sleepy on the drive. So I gave him one of my Ipod earphones and we played Name that Tune to pass the time. And of course he guessed every Van Halen song in about three notes .

2. Have you ever noticed how easy it is for kids to make friends? The first day my kids got in the pool, they made friends with the other kids faster than I could get my book opened up and settled in my chair. Kids are social and uninhibited. And then they grow up to be adults.

3. The Gaither Family Fest was at the Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg this past weekend. We got stuck in traffic until 11pm as the concert-goers swarmed out of the building, proudly displaying their Gaither concert t-shirts and baseball caps. As we people watched, I told Alan that "this was their Van Halen."

4. Allison and I like to invent words. I made up a new word this weekend. At least I think it's new:
vanagan (n) : a family minivan that is extremely overused...again and again.
Ex: Hey, kids! Go get in the vanagan (van again)!

5. There are no words to describe the downtown Gatlinburg scene at 11pm. Maybe what happens in Gatlinburg SHOULD stay in Gatlinburg.

note to self

2008-05-20T15:03:00.009-04:00

Note to self:

When you are with a group of friends, talking and what-not, DO NOT stop mid-sentence and frantically ask, "Has anyone seen my sunglasses?!!!!" Because...one of your friends will gladly make you feel like an idiot by telling you that your glasses are 'on top of your head'.

And they will never, ever let you live it down.

things that make you go hmmm

2008-05-15T09:22:00.005-04:00

I saw the Geico Caveman commercial last night and was thinking he looked a lot like Barry Gibb. What do you think?