Sunday Can't get here quick enough

What a strange week this has been so many great " Moments"- You know I love moments- that sounds kind of girly I know but you get it right? Its about relationships with my wife, my Daughter Sarah at college, My daughter Maggie at home, old friends , new friends. new possibilities- they are just pieces that come together and form our lives.

Moments hurts sometimes- I have had that this week too.

I am excited about what God is already doing in my heart for this new series on the relationships closest to us-FAMILY- we all got em. I see with fresh eyes the monster difference He makes. it blows me away- I have come so far and have so far to go- just think of what could be. That's what I like best about hangin with God, He is all about hope and possibilities- with Him there are no limits. Even for my family- even when I can't see it, or even believe it....It can happen.. color me surprised. Can't wait to be together... Sunday can't come quick enough for me! Don't miss our.See ya there!

RL Family Camp 2007

What a great time! There is something about just getting away together, having some fun and eating a LOT of marshmallows. However, I think it is through the eyes of the kids that we see things the clearest. It is family camp- we as a church are a family. We all belong together, we all need each other, we are all unique and we fit together perfectly. I sat in my chair during the movie on Saturday night and simply thanked God for this wonderful place called Real Life. I am amazed at what God has done... but I am convinced that we are at the very beginning... the first steps of a great journey God has for us. Thanks to everyone for being such an awesome family to me.

Input

I had to Gas up my truck this week and I was trying to decide what to put in- I know Gasoline but what Grade? Regular? Premium? Super extreme? Should I use a name brand or just anything- just get the cheapest?

It made me think What goes in me? Food- thoughts- advice-.
I realized that everything has an effect. So i decided to try to pay attention to the input into my life.
I have been listening to Drive time devotionals on my ipod( you Can follow the link on the Real life homepage to listen with me. also I thought I would start sharing what books I am reading- now a disclaimer- I read a lot of books of all different styles but I don't always read the WHOLE book. I know that seems weird to some of you but...I'm weird. Right now I am reading "the Barbarian Way" by Erwin Raphael Mcmanus. The book is challenging me to unleash my faith- not play it safe,to live life out there on the edge, where faith is alive and vibrant.

Whats going in you? It's a good question.

Looking for whats Real and Finding Christ.
Jeff

ARE YOU READY FOR THE WIN?

Are you ready? Will you recognise the win when you get there? Seems simple enough doesn't it?

I think it really is simple, we just like to complicate things. In this life the WIN is simply being one with Christ.
It is life changing and it is amazing.

I was thinking the other day about how hard Jesus has fought to reach me. Everything he had to overcome to cut through my selfishness, my ignorance, my blindness to things of God? It didn't stop him a bit. He cut right though and found me. THAT'S THE WIN.

Cool isn't it?

I can't wait for Sunday

Jeff

Off to College

I am in Nampa taking Sarah to college for her sophomore year. It seems like I was just bringing her home from the hospital yesterday. Life moves so fast. Just two years ago we started Real Life. Time races by. College is all about possibilities, opportunities to stretch and grow. I think this year is a time of real growth for Real Life -in fact I KNOW IT!!!!!! Oh the Joys that are in store for us!!! God is going to be using each of you in ways that you could never have imagined!!! I will miss you on Sunday, it is hard to be away.

God is at work all the time.

Livin real in Idaho

Jeff

Boy's Camp

Having an amazing time at Boy's camp. At this place being a little crazy is normal. But in the midst of everything I see God deeply moving in the hearts of these young men. Who knows what God will do this week? I am just glad I get to be apart of it.

Livin real at camp

Jeff

God Is BIG

I love VBX. I love getting to play a cowboy. I love being a kid.
I love seeing the excitement that only children bring. I love seeing adults stretch themselves and allow God to use them.
I love seeing the awesome power of God's Word change lives.
I love seeing faithful people pray for no rain on Sunday and come ready to serve. God is BIG... He touches hearts. God is BIG... he overcomes doubts. God is BIG... He always exceeds my expectations.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this a BIG WEEK!
Thanks to every parent for the awesome privilege of being with your children.

God has BIG things in store for every one of those little lives... and for our lives too!

I guess Cowboy Carl will have to hang up his hat for another year.

I can't wait for Sunday!!!!!!!


God is real

Just Jeff

I know I am a big Kid at heart but I love VBX.... We have been working late into the night prepping. Different people have been coming and going, helping in all kinds of ways-( we can always use more help.) What I like the most is to see the excitement that people have about the week. They know something special is going to happen. And it will!!!!!
Every year I see in the faces of kids the excitement when they hear how much God loves them. Many kids will hear it this year for the first time.

Are you excited!!! Are you expecting God to do something amazing?

Don't miss the moment to invite friends and neighbors. Maybe you need to change your work hours this week to drive kids to VBX? Whatever the sacrifice, the reward will be extreme.
The count down is on... I can't wait. God is doing something great!

Cowboy Carl (A.K.A. Pastor Jeff)

Real Life is messy

How come when you order ribs they give you one of those wet wipe things but if you order a taco you are on your own?
Life is messy. Sometimes you can see it coming and other times it just ends up on your shirt. I think God is teaching me to not focus on the mess but on my reaction to the mess. Do I look to him to help or do I let my sticky mess get all over everything?
I am absolutely convinced that God can handle my mess.

I watched " Evan Almighty" with the family last night. One of the themes of the movie is that what God does - He does because he loves us. That's a powerful truth to remember when life lands on my shirt.

Livin Real
Jeff

Penny for your thoughts

So how is your thought life this week? It seems that I have had to put forth a little extra effort this week but it has been worth it. When I think about God and his goodness to me my eyes seem to open to all kinds of positive things- good friends-family- my dog Sadie- a great church that lives an honest life before each other- no games- man that is huge for me. I feel I can be real with everyone, I don't have to put on a happy face if my day bites. More importantly I am encouraged to draw close to God.

We are planning some stuff in the coming weeks so we can just be together- picnic June 24th. I know this is easier for some then others but please make the effort. You can be a real blessing to others as well as making new friends. We really are in this together.

Livin REAL 24/7/365

Jeff