Changes To Our Podcast Feed

For those downloading our podcast, you will notice we have changed the format a little bit due to possible copy right infringement. Basically we do not want to upload music/songs on the web with out permission from the original artist. We are moving to add a summary and scripture portion in the description section of the Podcast page on the website which will also show up under "more info" after you download it in itunes. Thank you for our listeners in the cloud. Also, Thank you to all those who are supporting the OC.

Too Busy, Too Late

I feel like there is so much in my life that is not important that I make a priority. It is amazing how we can justify different aspects of our lives. What is important? Going to work is important. Dressing to impress is important. In order to dress to impress I have to buy nicer clothes right? So I need to spend money on newer, nicer clothes. Look at this, this shirt is wrinkle free, it cost more but this will save me time from ironing, yea? This one has scotch guard which is stain resistant but its cost more than all the others but if i drop food on it and it stains, then I will have to buy a whole new shirt so I can dress to impress. You can take this argument with exercise, eating right, and the cost we justify to make these things happen. Not to mention spending time with your family, reading your bible, going to church, reaching out to lost people, making time for a hobby so you don't get stressed out and then justify the cost for your down time. Too much is over kill, too little is not enough. So what do you do?

Its not every day that I accomplish such a long awaited task. I can now say that the Core Page has been updated. I cannot say that this will be the final layout but it is working for the here and now. Everyone can now download the Core Group Meetings in an MP3 format. You may either click on the file link and it will play in your browser or you may right click and save link as which will allow you to put the file on your computer. Some folks like to put their music on ipods and such and so you can now take Oasis with you.

Get Your Heart Right, Not Your Butt

As many of you may already know, Johnna and I began our premarital counseling this past Sunday. As part of our homework we took a spiritual gifts assessment. I scored second to the lowest in hospitality with a score of 3. To give you an idea how low that is, my highest score was 14 in another area. Its really funny that God arranged for this assessment to precede my hosting Oasis at my home this past Sunday. I believe God was preparing me for what was to come. By showing me my weakness, I was able to better prepare for being a host. I think its important to take a step back and look at where God has placed you and ask yourself, “What is God preparing me to do”? The lord may spend years preparing someone or even just a few days. I always think of Joseph and how God prepared his heart in such a way that he could forgive his brothers for selling him into bondage. So, what is god preparing you for?

Bad Days Gone Gone

Have you ever wondered how to climb out of a bad day? I often think about things I could do, that would help me to feel better when the gloom begins to fills my personal space. I may not have figured it out but I certainly came up with a good idea. Last week, I sent out an email to all the people who volunteered for OC’s first service project. In the email I asked for everyone to replay with a Woohoo if they received my email. Let me just say, there is nothing better than getting four days of emails all with the same subject line-Woohoo! The best part is, I could actually picture these people’s faces in my mind as though they were yelling it out loud. Thank you guys for your uplifting Woohoos. Hey, Wait, that sounds like a great name for a cereal. “Did you get enough Woohoos Joey?” “Heck yeah mom- Woohoo for Woohoo Puffs!” Hmm…What do you do with your left over cereal milk? (see poll)

Louie is the man!

Last week at our core meeting it was an awesome blessing to have Curt back with us. The informational meeting, I thought, went very well. At closing, it was my prayer that each one of us connect with a lost person. It has been said many times by our staff that we need to continually build relationships with “un”churched people. Johnna and I had an amazing opportunity to visit North Point Community Church in Alpharetta Georgia this past Sunday. I was hoping to see their preacher speak but for the current series, Louie Giglio was preaching. It was a sermon on God’s amazing grace. One part stood out in my mind. Louie spoke about how the Pharisees would frequently grumble and mumble on how Jesus associated with sinners and tax collectors. Luke 15:1-2 says, “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to him to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” I felt convicted to share this scripture with all of you reading this blog. Maybe I will see you out and about at one of greenwood’s many eating establishments this week. Oh, in technology news... don't really have any at the moment. Stay Tuned!

Who said it was going to be easy?

I know that my blog has been somewhat impersonal, I think I have steered clear of sharing my heart due to the possible consequences of criticism. I call it the blog jitters. Now that I have gotten over this small hurdle, let me proceed. I recently visited a church in Anderson, SC. While sitting in my seat I began to be amazed at how awesome this church was and how amazingly free I felt to be myself. I forgot that I was sitting in a church and felt as though I was at a Christian concert. I also felt envy wishing that I could belong to such an amazing Christ centered movement. Not 1 minute later I knew that I could never join this church. God has prepared the way for me to work in the Greenwood community, not Anderson. God also knows that I would never be happy just joining a church. I am the type of person that has to be on the construction team; I would never be content sitting on the sidelines. As far as tech news goes, we now have our router installed in the office with wireless internet access. I appreciate all of the support and encouragement. Please pray for Curt and his family as they sacrifice so much for this mission of reaching lost people.