Ok, I may have just become a Kris Allen fan. I really liked his version of Heartless. If you missed it here it is!!!!
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Author: dgould77
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James 1
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” v. 22-25 (NLT)
When I first started reading the Bible at the age of 18 James was the place I started. I think I picked it because it was short and I wanted to say that I had read a book in the Bible. The Bible can be intimidating, especially if you are not a good reader or don’t like to read. Those usually go hand in hand. Well it did for me. But I still remember the first time I read these verses. They were so convicting, but encouraging at the same time. You see I was guilty of hearing and knowing a little bit about the Bible, but I didn’t live out or reflect the things I had heard or learned. (this is still a challenge today) But the secret to the Life that God wants us to live is found in the pages of the Bible, His Word. When we read, or hear them they should move us to a different place in our thoughts and actions. What we truly believe will be seen in the everyday life we live. My prayer today is that I would practice the things I read and hear, so I can live the life God desires me to live. One filled with adventure, challenges, and victories!
Today, will you ask God to help you to apply the things you have heard and read so you can live the life He has created for you. If you aren’t or haven’t read or listend to the words written in the Bible, I want to encourage you to grab a Bible, and start reading one chapter a day. Highlight the things that speak to you and commit those to memory and action.
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Twitter & FaceBook have wounded my blog, and life is busy!!!
I must admit that I haven’t been posting many blogs lately other than some devotionals or thoughts on American Idol. There have been a couple of reasons for this.
1.) Life has become so busy – In March Stephanie switched jobs and moved from working the front desk at Grace to working at Grace Christian Preschool at the church. She made the switch for a couple of reasons, the big one was to allow me to be in the office more, which you would think would make work easier . . . but it hasn’t. It seems that there is always more to do. However, I have enjoyed the time to have random lunches with staff, students, and other leaders form area churches.
2.) Twitter and FaceBook – I must admit, I was a little hesitant in getting twitter. At first, I thought it was unrealistic to let people know every time i was going to the boys room. But, twitter has become so much more than what I expected. I am not the best at it, but now I find myself checking twitter more than reading blogs. Here is why:
- It’s short and to the point.
- I can see several people from one page.
- It interfaces with FaceBook.
- I get more dialogue through Twitter and FaceBook than my blog
These four things have caused me to blog less and twit more. Yes it is cool to see my loyal blog readership increase, but this new concept of micro blogging has really become addicting, In fact, I have had way more interaction with people that follow my twitter or are friends on FaceBook, than I did having dialogue with people on the blog.
So with this being said, I want to encourage you with this, if you don’t know what Twitter is, click this link to see my profile http://twitter.com/dgould77 – If you have FaceBook and can txt from your phone, think again about joining twitter, you would probably really enjoy it.
3.) Apathy – I’ll admit it, I have become apathetic in writing new things. I have several idea’s for new post but just lack the drive to sit down and type the details. Please keep in mind that I don’t know how to type! (yes, I still hunt and peck, but I sure have become fast at it over the years.) It’s hard to justify coming home late and then telling the world about my day at the expense of spending time with my family. Not perfect, but it is really something close to my heart, and something I have been trying to work on.
So, I said all of that just to say this . . . I will continue to blog, but for the fastest or most up-to-date info on whats going on in the Gould household, follow me on Twitter or catch me on FaceBook. It’s much easier for me to post a thought, pic, or statement from my phone in 140 characters or less than to get the laptop out to write a new post at the end of the day!
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Hebrews 12
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” v.1 (NLT)
The Christian life involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run with endurance, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at circumstances surrounding us. We should be running for Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep Him in sight.
Today, lets keep our eyes on Jesus, and surrender every circumstance and decision to Him.
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Hebrews 11
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.” v 1-2 (NLT)
What or who do you put your faith in? When things are going good, who do you thank? When things aren’t going good, where do you turn? These are just a few questions to get you thinking. Who or what you are put your faith in is important because it will define how you live and what you believe. Faith is more than a pleasant day dream of a perfect world. In fact, faith isn’t always easy and sometimes it is questioned and challenged. I have found these times to be scary, but in this process God tends to teach me the most about His love, His provision, and His promises. He also gives me the strength I need to stand in Faith that He is still in control even though things aren’t going the way I want them to go.
Today, who or what are you putting your faith in? For me, I am trusting Jesus with the details of my life and standing in Faith that God will do what He says He will do. To be honest, sometimes that’s easier to say than to do, but everyday I pray for God to give me the strength I need to stand in Faith!
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Hebrews 10:19-39
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” V 35-36 (NLT)
The Bible gives us a clear choice between two life directions. Because life often forks of in two directions, you must take the higher road, even though it looks more difficult and treacherous. The road gets steep in places. The climb takes a toll on your energy. It gets lonely. Not many many on it, but more than you imagined, and some because of your example. Sometimes itt gets slippery because the devil blows ice on the narrow passages. Despite its dangers, the higher road is bound for the peak, and you’ll make it – God has a lifeline around you. When you are tempted to falter in your faith or turn back from following Christ, keep focused on what he has done for you and what he offers in the Future . . . then keep climbing.
Today, which road will you choose to go down? Lets take the high road even if it may seem more difficult!
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American Idol – Final Five
Excited about American Idol again this week. Kinda nervous to be honest. I thought I had the my predictions in concrete until I saw Allison go to the bottom three. So here it is, this is how I think American Idol will play out:
# 5 – Matt Giraud – I think he had a good week last week and I like him, but feel America will send him home at #5.
#4 – Kris Allen – Great singer, but the judges haven’t hyped him as much as the other 3. However, t can’t done, but I would be surprised if he goes past #4 based on him not getting the extra plugs.
#3 – Allison Iraheta – I really thought she would be in the top two, but last week when I saw her go to the bottom 3 it made me question. I think she can sing and i am sure no matter what happens in the finals she will be heard on the radio.
#2 Danny Gokey – Here is who I picked at the beginning as my favorite. I really thought he was the guy to beat until a couple of weeks ago when he sang great but didn’t stand out like weeks before. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if he won or went home at #3. I’ve heard the talk that the judges don’t want another David and David final.
#1 Adam Lambert – Axel Rose sound alike, mister bringing back the late 80’s hair band front man. I really do think he is going to be hard to beat because of his talent.
What do you think? Do you agree with my prediction? Why or Why not? How do you think the show will go down? I would love to hear your thoughts!
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Titus 3
“But—’When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.’ 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” v. 5-8 (NLT)
This is another big BUT that changes how we live. The fact that God, through Jesus, would step out of Heaven to provide away for us to have a relationship with Him still blows me away. But God chose to provide for me not based on my good works or my own righteousness, but by what Christ did on the cross on my behalf. This means I can never be good enough for God to earn Gods forgiveness or love! But it also means that I can never be bad enough to keep God from loving me.
Now don’t think that gives us permission to do whatever we want and just ask God to forgive us. One day we will be held accountable for the things we have done, both good and bad. But, because of Gods generosity toward us, we should be living life in a different way, trying to learn and become more like Jesus everyday.
Today, think about the difference God has made in your life. Thank Him for stepping in and changing you from the inside out and providing a way for you to have a relationship with Him.
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The Pulse – April Week 4
This Weekend Announcements
SURVIVOR HAS BEGUN
Here are the Scores after Week 1:
6th Grade – 3,350 points
7th Grade – 1,350 points
8th Grade – 3,100 points
9th Grade – 1,200 points
10th Grade – 500 points
11th & 12th Grade – 600 pointsRemember you only get points for checking in and turning in your stuff before the weekend Worship Service. Please make sure you sign in to help you grade gain the points they need to win and be the Soul Survivor.
Here is whats going down
Let’s face it, being a Christian isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it’s very difficult. In this series, we are going to talk about how we can be Survivors in this thing called “The Christian Life”. Here is what we will talk about each week:
Week 1 – The Battle Week 4 – Hanging on to your Head
Week 2 – Staying on Your Feet Week 5 – Battling with your Sword
Week 3 – Fireproof Faith Week 6 – Battling with your MouthHere are the details:
- This is a battle of the Grades in which each of the students in small group lead the charge for their Grade.
- Each Grade will compete for points that are awarded at the Weekend Worship Service. Points are awarded through attendance, bringing visitors, and donating canned goods. The final challenge consists of each team competing in CRUD WAR.
POINT SYSTEM
- Personal Attendance Points – 100 points each time you are at the Service
- Visitor Attendance Points – 200 points for each visitor you bring every time they attend the Service! (yes, if they come more than once, that’s 200 points each time the attend for your team)
- Canned Goods – 50 points awarded for each canned good you bring to Service
- Game Points – 500 points will be awarded to the representative from your team that wins the game each week.
- CRUD WAR – all of the points above apply to CRUD WAR with these two additional point values added
- Participation Points – 100 points given to each student participant in each game
- Leader Participation Points – 200 points given to each adult participant in the game
- Each team needs to wear their team color for CRUD WAR.
We will keep track of points and update the Survivor Wall each week with the new scores. We will announce the Survivor Winners at the Weekend Worship Service on May 31st. Make sure you plan to attend and invite others to participate . . . It’s going to be dirty, but life changing!Team Colors for CRUD WAR
6th grade team – Orange 9th grade team – Red
7th grade team – Blue 10th grade team – Pink
8th grade team – Green 11th & 12th grade team – Purple
WILD WEEK MANDATORY MEETING
If you missed it, that means we don’t have your paperwork. If you haven’t already heard from us please contact us to make sure we get all your forms in on time.GALVESTON MISSION TRIP – We are not going to Mexico
Happens June 13th – 20th register online or at Seeds Book Store
Reg – $400 after May 17th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
Late – $425 after May 17th can only happen if space is available.SMALL GROUPS
Wednesdays 7-8:30pm for 6th- 10th grades
Sundays 7-8:30 for 11th – 12th gradesGalveston Mission Trip Update
Because of the conditions in Mexico, we have changed locations. We will go to Galveston instead and do the same thing there that we would have done in Mexico. Since the trip is right around the corner. We will hold an important Galveston Mission Trip meeting on May 17th. Here are the details:Galveston Mission Trip Meeting (Please Note the Change)
- Sunday, May 17th at 12:30 in the Student Center (for anyone interested in going)
Who Should Attend?
- Students wanting to go
- Parents wanting to go
- Volunteers wanting to go
- Parents of teenagers that want to go
At the meeting we will give info on what we will be doing the week we are there and answer questions that you may have!This was an awesome trip last year and God did an amazing work in us and through us. We are so excited to be a part of this new adventure this year and hope that you will join us!
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Jackson Update
Well the blog has been quiet for the last couple of days due to Jackson having another seizure. This one was scary in the sense that he stopped breathing and started changing colors. Because of this, we called 911 and the ambulance arrived 5 minutes later. This was much different from the 20 minute wait we had the last time we called 911 in November. They loaded Jackson up for the Hospital and after a short stay at Centennials ER, we were released with a prescription for Bronchitis and instructions to control his fever.
However, I have to say that we were really disappointed with the nurse that we had. This was the second time we have had her and both times we feel like we get poor care. Not that we are needy, but come on, at least a smile and show some friendliness. This isn’t to much to ask for is it? Or, how about turning off our beeping monitor. I don’t understand why they have it hooked up if when it goes off no-one even seems to check it! I know they heard it, we were right outside the nurses station. Anyhow, sorry for the rant, it only got worse later.
We were released at 1:00 am on Friday morning with no new answers. I had to ask the nurse to take his temperature before we left because Stephanie and I both thought Jackson felt warm. His temperature was normal and she said we could offset giving him Tylenol and Motrin every 2 hours. So we gave him a dose of Tylenol in the car on the way home.
When we got home his fever had gone back up to 101.4. We knew we were in the danger zone but could only wait it out until we could give him a dose of Motrin at 2:45ish. Well, we didn’t make it that far. Jackson had another seizure exactly like the first one that evening. This time we didn’t call 911. We waited out the seizure and I called Centennial to tell them what had just happen. As I was telling the lady on the phone I asked if we should come back in and she told me that she can’t make that decision for us or recommend that either. Basically she couldn’t give us any advice. She informed me that the doctor we had seen had already gone hoe for the night, and if we chose to come back in the new doctor would have to reevaluate him. I was shocked, mad, and disappointed that this is all the help they would offer.
So,we choose to stay home and watch Jackson like a hawk. In a short time we got his fever under control and then tried to get as much sleep as we could. Later Friday morning Jackson saw our Neurologist who has now given us liquid Valium to give him if he starts getting a fever. Everything seemed to be going good, until this morning.
As I was teaching during our MS Service, Jackson’s pager went off. Stephanie ran from the Student Center to Son City all to find that Jackson had a little fever. As a dad, I was stuck. I didn’t know what was going on with Jackson, and was in the middle of the talk. Needless to say my heart went to my stomach immediately. We stopped what we were doing, payed for Jackson and tried to continue with the lesson. I figured if it was serious someone would be coming soon to get me. About 5 minutes later I got a thumbs up from one of our volunteers who had gone down to check on the situation while I was teaching. Thankfully it was not an emergency! But definitely a day and weekend I will never forget.
I personally want to thank all the people that have loved on us, encouraged us, and prayer for us. We are so blessed to have each of you in our life and thank God daily for you. Every time we look at Jackson, we see the power of prayer, and we are reminded of how much people care and are willing to invest in out little family. So with that, I say thank you!!!!
