“Awesome, driving, anointed worship. . .” is how our Student Pastor, Anthony Potts a.k.a. “Pottsy” described the experience that our youth group could look forward to as we made our way to YEC 2007 (Youth Evangelism Conference) in Nashville, TN this past weekend. We were not disappointed.

I have fond memories of YEC back in my High School days, but the current crop of Christian worship leaders and bands is much better in my opinion. We heard Charlie Hall and Barlow Girl in two different sessions at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The 25 or so students as well as us chaperons definitely had a “Real Encounter” (the theme of this year’s YEC) with Christ. One of our youth accepted Christ as his savior. That made it worth all the lack of sleep and inconveniences of tagging along with the younger generation for two days! (more…)

I hope you know The One who is the real meaning of Christmas.  If not, then that is the most important preparation you can make.  Forget the commercial aspect of Christmas if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus.  Contact me if you would like to find out more.

Having said that I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  This is a special one for us since we have a three year old in the house.  We do believe in Santa Claus around here!

We’ve had a magical couple of days since I have taken vacation days to supplement the regular holiday days off.  Amy, Savannah and I have just enjoyed each other’s company along with some shopping, baking cookies and wrapping gifts.  Savannah is VERY aware of how Christmas “works” now.  Her favorite movie is Elf with Will Ferrell.  I think she watched at least most of it three times yesterday.  I’m a little bit tired of it but there are a couple of scenes that are funny. . .I don’t care who you are!

I have big plans for the rest of my time off.  Planning for 2007 is high on my list.  I’m happy but not thrilled with my personal growth in 2006.  Considering I didn’t HAVE a personal growth plan this time last year I guess I can’t complain.

All the best from our family to yours!

Brett Weaver

P.S. Don’t forget to start 2007 with a plan.

John 17

Jesus Christ prayed for ME individually and He prayed for YOU too. As He was facing His brutal crucifixion which would provide the bridge into an everlasting life for mankind he prayed for us.

Wow. I get chills each time I really dwell on this passage.
I just ran across an excellent commentary on this chapter from John. Here’s a highlight:

By the love of the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, we must revisit this prayer often and consider the nature of our faith in Christ; our hope for eternal life; and the love of God from which Spirit and Truth find their meaning in us. -Don Forss

Click Here to read the rest of the article.

I’m very thankful that I know Jesus as my Saviour. It is my prayer that you do too. Contact me if you would like more information on how to have the peace that only comes through a relationship with Christ.

When I was in the fifth grade, the Gideons came to my school and gave me a little red New Testament Bible.  I always cherished that copy of God’s Word and admired the men who gave of their time to visit my school.

That is why I was honored to be invited to the Gideons. Today I have come full circle.  I participated in my second scripture distribution and we distributed scriptures to local fifth graders.  Each and every one (forty-five in all at the school I personally visited) gladly accepted a red Testament.  Please pray that the doors to our schools stay open to this ministry.

Learn more about the Gideons here.

As Becky fumbled to shut off the annoying alarm clock that had disturbed what little sleep she got last night, the full force of grief hit her again. What would she do now? Her husband had been severly beaten in a robery attempt just a few days before and now lay in critical condition in the hospital.

It seemed as if the whole world was crashing down around her. At least this recent crisis took her mind off some of the worries about her mother who had been admitted to a nursing home a year earlier.

Shaking off the intense urge to stay in bed Becky readied herself for her 8 am class at Columbia State and headed out. She knew it would be difficult to stay focused on her studies, but she pressed on. (more…)