Reflections

I've said it before and I'll say it again Monday is a good way to ruin a perfectly good weekend. What a good weekend, good weather, good message, good relaxation at times, and just an all around good weekend. Friday night got to go over to JOY FM once again to give away another pair of tix to the show this Friday, congrats Andy Burke on winning, had fun over there with Dan Lipps and Ruby. Saturday was pretty relaxing after helping the father in law and a buddy fix the kids swingset. Helped Tammy set up for the Saturday Night Service with the snacks even got a few cookies back but the kids seem to scarf them up. Sunday was good as well. The service was a little different with starting into the first song set right off the bat, then the second set not too long after and offering at the very end. It is always fun to mix things up once in a while.

Songs this week were pretty good, the only problem was when we started into Holiness I couldn't hear myself checked connections, volume on the guitar still nothing then saw the foot pedal volume was down, solved that but unfortuately it happened again for the second set. Mental note to self check pedal volume before playing. How Great Is Our God was cool once again and I kind of dug the All To You starting slow and then ripping into it. All For Love was good to pull out again, it has been awhile since we've done that and you can really rock up that chorus.
Got to talk to Tom McAuley agian after service, good to see him again he really helped me get going with my playing a few years back.

The message again and the whole series was AWESOME. Tammy and I a few years ago "tested" God on this and to this day are still being faithful with the first 10 percent going to tithing. I can say from experience that this works and God is faithful to his promises.

Challenge

I was driving into work this morning and during prayer time I was praying for this weekends services and that God would continue to lead people into our church and to lead people who need to hear this weeks message in as well. Which brought me to this thought, am I doing my part by inviting people each week? So I thought its time to challenge myself and I am extending this challenge to anyone who reads this and that is to 1- invite someone this week to your church, if your are shy or don't know if you can invite a co-worker, friend or whatnot try inviting a family member for practice. 2- pick someone out who needs Jesus once again friend, co-worker, family member and pray for that individual every day, not just in the morning or a night but all throughout the day just say a little prayer for them and watch God move. Just a couple of challenges for all of us, I hope you take me up on this. I saw a shirt this morining on the C28 clothing website that said "We have enough mouths in the church, we need more HANDS and FEET." Let me know how this goes for you and I will do the same.

Good times

I really like Wednesday night worship team practice. Even had a surprise visit from PK with words of encourgement which was cool. I almost had to drop Bryan though when he started to attack me with a pool stick as I was walking upstairs just minding my own business not bothering anyone, consider yourself lucky Vickery. The way we are doing it now is we run through the song than do it again and tweek it here and there. We are doing a couple of songs this week that we have not done for a while so that should be pretty cool. I'm bringing the ROCK on a few of them. We are doing How Great Is Our God so I know worship will be at full strength this week, that song really connects with people. Still getting more and more excited about the Apologetix show, I pray that someone or many someones have their lives affected by the show. This church is all about lives being changed and this is just another avenue for God to do His work.

Ever notice

Yesterday during a conversation here at work I noticed something. There were 3 of us having a conversation and I don't know who did it first but somebody rubbed their nose. Nothing out of the ordinary but then within seconds the other 2 are now rubbing their noses. It's like a yawn I think, if someone is talking to you and rubs their nose you rub yours it's just bound to happen. Not rubbing your nose is like trying to stop a sneeze you just can't do it. I know I found myself rubbing my nose with that whole is there a cliffhanger there, is there something on my nose, why are you rubbing your nose. Just one of those crazy things that I notice every once in a while.

What things do you notice that you in return do the same thing then it becomes a big game?

Apologetix show

Well the first christian rock show ever at FFC, to the best of my knowledge, is just a little over a week away. Ticket sales are starting to finally go, and the day is getting near. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet now is a good time. These guys will appeal to all ages, going back to some classic rock for the older generation, songs that are out now for the younger crowd, and even dare I say it a country song or two. They cover it all from rock to metal to rap to country. Very nice guys and talented as well. Looking forward to working with them on the 4th. It is my vision that this is only the beginning. My dream is to be able to bring all kinds of christian artists to the area, not just at FFC but to the community in general. My ulitmate goal is to have a big Saturday all day festival with about 7-10 bands for FREE. That would be cool. For now though it has been fun working on this show and I hope and pray that all goes smooth and it is a very enjoyable evening for all. Remember to listen to Solid Rock Friday Night again this Friday from 8-10 on 88.9 JOY FM for more ticket giveaways. Tell all your friends, neighbors, coworkers, enimies anyone you can about next Friday.

Weekend observations

What a great message this weekend and how cool was it to see so many people come forward to break the addictions. I know I have 2 people to help along the way of fighting addictions. God moves in such amazing ways and in a powerful way. I know that there are plenty more people who were at the services who didn't drop the addictions but I pray that God continues to work on them and that they do turn it all over to God.

From a playing standpoint Saturday still bugs me. I don't know if it was just me or something else but the music just seemed forced. It didn't flow like it should have and I don't know if it was me because I'm not used to playing with them or what but I appologize for my end.

Sunday was good, I felt more comfortable and really enjoyed playing. I was a little nervous with the chorus for Your Love O' Lord when I came in with the heavy distortion, I didn't know how people would react with going from mellow to heavy, went well though I think. Got quite a few comments that the music rocked and they enjoyed it. Give Us Clean Hands is just an awesome song, you could really feel His presence. After service as I was packing up I had a nice conversation with Kris' wife and daughter Shelby, what a cute little girl. I hope she got her push-up yesterday after her run.

Band practice

I always look forward to Wednesday night and band practice. If you would have told me a couple of years ago that I would actually be playing music with other people I would have given you the old "right" answer thinking this person is off of their rocker. But I enjoy practice no matter how bad it sounds or how many mistakes are made it always seems that it gets pulled together on Sunday. Last night was different, we took a new approach. We would work on a song than throw around some ideas of little changes like how about just drums and bass here, just the women singing there, come in with loud distortion there (my personal favorite) and just tweeking things. It took a little longer than normal but the end result is something that I think those of you who show up Sunday will enjoy. Alot of the songs fit with the message that Pastor Kris will be bringing and I know a few of the songs we are doing always goes over great.

We ended the evening with Ryan and I working on a song that is totally scripture based because its straight scripture. I had a little music thing I was working on and played for him, he put the meledy together and bam song started. Next week will work on it some more and then let you all hear not to long after that. Countdown is on til Sunday now.

Different song lyrics

Here is a few song lyrics from various songs that get me. Some of these I hope that someday we can use these during service.

First up Sanctus Real "The Face of Love" the little ending bit:

You are the face that changed the whole world
No one to lost for you to love
No one to low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the whole world
No one to lost for me to love
No one to low for me to serve
Oh let us be, let us be your face

Next up a line out of a Seventh Day Slumber song "Chris Letter"

Every ounce of blood meant something every drop He shed He shed for me


One of my new faves is Downhere's "A Better Way"

Its everything you promised, theres no greater love than this
From prophets until today, a man laying down his life for his friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, you gave everything
And I love You could not be said a better way

I could fill the page with stuff from Hillsong United but I just hit on one right now
"From the Inside Out"

Everlasting your light will shine when all else fails
Never ending your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise
From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out

I'll have more later and this is only the tip of the iceberg but what are some lyrics that hit home with you? Working on a list of songs to bring to the worship team of some new songs that could work good in the service, anyone have any suggestions as well?

Prayer time

The last few days have been one filled with prayers. Sunday I got online and saw that the chaplin for the racing series I worked for passed away from heart problems. Wayne was a big teddy bear of a guy who took time to pray with the drivers before each race and lead a chapel service every race day for the drivers, teams, families and officials. Him and his wife had a ministry like no other. Traveling alot of miles to different parts of the midwest, they live in Georgia, and doing by donations but having no complaints. Wayne has crossed the finish line of life and is now in a far better place. Please keep his wife Nancy and family in your prayers.

Last night I got a text message from a buddy who had a family member taken to the hospital for emergency surgery. Once again please keep his sister in your prayers for healing. And this morning got another call from another buddy about an aunt who is heading in for surgery this morning. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

Prayer is a powerful tool and very effective. I hope and PRAY that each of you have an active pray life, not just before bed or meals but at any point during the day, night, morning just anytime. Thanks for the prayers for these individuals. God is moving in a big way.

Boomin'

What a weekend. Great message again on Sunday, good meeting on Saturday with the M&O, and a great show last night to top the weekend off. The message and the meeting kind of went hand in hand in places and one thing I brought out of both of them is that our FOCUS shouldn't be on groups, flags, symbols, tradition, pictures that are moved, so on and so on but on Jesus Christ and reaching the lost at any cost. I think saving someones soul is much more important than a shelf that was taken down or hoops that you have to jump through for whatever reason. Let's keep our focus of to what church and being a christian is about.

The show last night was a great celebration for a weekend ender. Family Force 5 are as Taylor said big dorks but they rock. I don't think they are for everyone but the hearts of the band are definatly in the right place. Building 429 was kind of out of place but they led in worship. TFK all I got to say is "Throw up your rawkfist if your feeling this." TobyMac and the Diverse City band just brought the house down. Mixing old with new and even some old 70's stuff, great show. Toby did something that is missing in alot of shows, brought a bible out and spoke right out of John 1 starting at verse 5. Just a cool show and I'm glad I got to spend a little time with the Lil-Chick and she even got to meet Toby and he made her day by calling her sweetheart.

Watching these bands made me think, what would people think if some Sunday I just start jumping around throwing the guitar around and rocking out. That is what I like to see when I see someone playing but yet when I play its kind of stationary with no movement. Might have to try that some Sunday, PK be ready for some emails and letters. Then we will throw in the flashpots and smoke and lights and.....

Busy weekend

I am ready for a busy weekend. Tonight Tammy and Taylor have a girl scout lock-in while Tyson and I will be home in front of the tube watching the ATF Battlecry from Detroit. GOD TV will be showing the entire event both tonight starting at 7 and tomorrow from 10 am to 10 pm taking breaks for the lunch and dinner time. I'm excited to see Hillsong United, they are leading worship there this weekend, POD, Hawk Nelson and others plus good speakers and the best thing is seeing lives being changed. Tomorrow I have a retreat to go to which will be fun, not really knowing what to expect but I know God will open us up and soak in everything I can.

Sunday of course is church and I'm excited to hear PK's message after checking out his blog on what to expect. After seeing that blog and reading Perry Nobles yesterday I think it is important to get our focus where it needs to be............. JESUS CHRIST and how his life has changed ours. I know from experience that being up there playing during worship that sometimes I get caught up in "Wow there are alot of people here watching, I hope it sounds good, I hope they like loud, etc..." But what I need to focus on is as Perry put it THE AUDIENCE OF ONE, Jesus Christ. I find alot when I'm fixated on what others think is when I mess up the most but when I focus my attention and worship to Christ there is that connection.

Sunday night Taylor and I will meet up with J-Red and Ty and go see Toby Mac, Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429 and Family Force 5 at Anderson. Should be a good show, I love concerts. Then back to work hopefully putting all I learn and see this weekend into practice.

Compassion Sunday

April 22nd, which is a week from this Sunday is Compassion Sunday. You may be asking "What is Compassion Sunday?" It is for the organization Compassion International which is an organization that helps feed, cloth, educate and give health care to children in less fortunate countries. Tammy and I have sponsored a child now for around 2 years and its pretty cool. To know that we have a hand in impacting a childs life halfway around the world is mind blowing. Our child Teshale is from Ethiopia and will be 10 years old next month. We get a letter from him every couple of months and see how much he is progressing in school and in church. Who knows how many peoples lives in his village he will be able to touch with the message of Jesus Christ that he is hearing from Compassion.

Compassion Sunday is the day where they encourage churches across the country to get involved. We have some brochures on the information table at church so be sure and pick one up and check it out. For $32 a month he gets health care, food, education and most importantly sound biblical teaching. If you have any questions look Tammy or I up some Sunday and we'll try and help all we can. You can help impact not only the live of a child but a whole community as well. If you want more info look them up on the web at www.compassion.com.

Wrestling with.......

Do you ever wrestle with the thought that you might not be were God wants you to be then turn around and think well maybe I am. I have this situation pretty much daily. Where I work is the one that I wrestle with the most. On one hand I think that this is where God wants me because of all of the junk that goes on here, alot of lost people. Then the thought comes to me "Bad company corrupts good character" and I think I need to be somewhere more uplifting. It is a continuing battle that rages on and I know that one day that light switch inside my head will go off and it will be one of those "oh yeah" moments where everything just goes together. For now I'll just keep bouncing back and forth praying for a sign that is so obvious that even I can't miss it on where I should be. And yes I am not afraid to admit it I like pro wrestling. I don't always like the manner in which it is presented on TV with the scantly clad women and some of the images and personas that they have but it is entertaining sometimes. Plus there are getting to be more and more christians in that sport, guys like Sting, Shawn Micheals, the late Eddie Guererro, Chris Jericho, Ted DiBiase and many others. They even have a christian wrestling federation. Go ahead bash me for liking it, just don't let me find you around with a table handy. HAHA.

Roller coaster weekend

Here it is Tuesday and we have finally relaxed from one roller coaster of a weekend. A basketball coach named Jim Valvano once said something to the effect of everyday we should laugh, cry and think and it would be a full day. Well I've had 4 straight full days then. My brother and his family decided, and rightfully so, to make the trip up from Virgina Beach to spend some time here. They got up here Saturday night. Saturday was a long day just waiting for the travelers to arrive.

Sunday came and what a service, standing up there on the stage and seeing that place packed out was incredible. The alter time before the worship set was well needed and I thank everyone who came up there to pray with our family and support our family, you don't know how much that meant, all the hugs and words of encourgement. Then the message and altar call God was moving and I think He is still moving in some others. Go to grandmas for some traditional Easter food, Arby's meat tray, and fun with the family.

I felt led to edit alot of this post for various reasons. Sorry for any thing that was in here that offened or turned people off.

?

The past day and a half has been the longest day and a half in my life. Confusion, hurt, brokenness, and other feelings have come crepping in with an issue we are dealing with that came from so far out in left field, kind of hit like a ton of bricks. BUT I WILL NOT LET THE ENEMY WIN. During this time there are many opportunities for the devil to rear his ugly head and to further destroy what has just taken place but I won't let it. What has happened is a bad choice made but I have turned it over to God and pray that HIS WILL not mine be done. Prayers for the family are appriciated and I really see GOD moving in some people with their support.

One last thing. What does forever mean to you?

Looking for a new computer

Well it is finally time, time to start looking for a new computer. We've had ours for 7 or 8 years and have got our moneys worth out of it but there comes a time when you have to breakdown and get a new one. Last night was that night, Tammy was online checking blogs and trying to read comments and such and as usual the computer locked up. Don't you just love dial-up. So we go looking for a new one with the option of getting high speed internet hoping to buy and go home and hook up and surf the net faster than ever. Didn't happen. Guess we have to get another phone line just for that. Our budget just kept going up and up last night at Best Buy with all that we'd need. It's killing Tammy to have to spend money for it and I admire her for her financial sense that she has, I on the other hand am more of a who cares how much it costs we can't take the money with us when we die kind of thing.

Anyone have any computer suggestions for us. We want one that can handle the high speed internet, a digital camera, mp3 player, and cd burner. Looking for something that will last us another 7 or 8 years. On a side note so to speak technology is advancing daily and what is made today in some cases becomes obsolete the next, there is something bigger faster prettier and more economical each day it seems but there is one constant......God. Never changes, leaves you, forsakes you, nothing will ever come along that will make Him obsolete. Now we change but He never does always there waiting on our call, our cry, our worship-praise and our comittment. I am getting pumped for this weekends services and after reading Perry Noble's blog I say we all invite as many friends and family that we know of, pack the church out because I have this feeling that what Pastor Kris will be speaking on there are alot of people we know who need to hear this. Join me in praying for God to move in such an amazing way that all of our lives will never be the same.

April 3, 1974

If you were alive back then and living in the Farmland-Parker area you will know what I am talking about, of course the picture gives it away. This pic I found online is taken by Mick Deckman I believe and is coming out of Parker towards Farmland. I was 5 when this happened and I remember I had just gotten back from going up to the old Shell station at the corner of 1 and 32, don't look for it now its a gravel lot, to get mom a carton of Coke. Would you let a 5 year old today go a couple blocks from home to run an erand? My how times have changed. I got back and we went to the school to walk my brother home. Got home watching probably Match Game when they broke in with a tornado warning for Randolph County. Mom told us to grab the couch cushions and go to the tub and I remember thinking why? Then we looked out the front door and saw this huge spinning cloud, I had no idea what it was but it was coming towards us and Mom was getting antsy. Funny thing was my uncle who lived on State road 1 just a block in front of us came booking across the empty lot in front of our house with dog in hand, I don't think his feet ever came in contact with the ground.

Just stood there watching it and still wondering what was going on as it was heading straight for us when it turned north at 900W and took off that way. All the destruction was massive with stuff everywhere. School was cancelled for a few days and it took awhile to get things back to normal. There was a huge outbreak of tornados that day and one lady lost her life in the one we had. It was amazing that more people weren't seriously injured that day.

On a more positive note MLB started yesterday, I love spring, and got to enjoy a few games. Opening day was always the day I skipped school, Mom and Dad approved of it we could skip 1 day a year, and sat at home watching baseball. Of course we only had 1 maybe 2 games on TV but I didn't care. Now they are on daily with multiple options. I say we get a group up to go to Indy or Cincy and catch a game, who's in?

What an incredible service

This weekends service at FFC is one that will be remembered forever like the bridge crossing, the salvation service, the March 14th of a few years back. What an incredible God we serve. It feels good to drop the guilt and like Kris said take satan to the cross and show him where our guilt, shame, and condemnation is hanging and turn and watch him walk, no run away. Great stuff. I am so glad to have a pastor with such passion on seeing lives changed and our church growing not by numbers but by changed lives and testimonies. I think I'll download the service and listen to it again. Saturday nights was awesome and I wish I could have been there yesterday to see it again. Thank you God for giving us this message and may we use what we heard daily in all that the enemy will be bringing at us.