The Connection in a Coffee Cup

The Birth of our son, Syler Kaden Staton

2011-01-11T21:25:00.003-05:00

Well, most of you know by now that on January 2, 2011 at 10:33pm Samantha and I welcomed in to the world our son, Syler Staton. He is truly a joy to both of us and we are thanking God for this great blessing. His birth, although we were expecting it, was definitely a surprise on January 2. Here is the breakdown of events...remember, Sam's due date was January 18!!!!

December 30 - Sam's doctor's appointment. In his expert opinion, she is no where close to being ready to deliver. In fact he thinks that she will go FULL TERM!! Meaning hello January 18!!! Which, leaves us a little frustrated, because we wanted him to be here NOW!!

January 1 - That Saturday night Samantha and I pray together. During our prayer time, Sam confesses that she is a little aggravated with God. She wanted Syler to be here by now, she's miserable, and ready for the next chapter in our life to begin. She doesn't know if she can make it to January 18, the pregnancy is really draining her. We pray for God's timing, his strength and patience for both us. Little do we know, God is probably laughing at the both of us, thinking, "just wait till the morning!!" God is good!!

January 2 - 7:15am Samantha jumps out of bed and screams, "MY WATER HAS BROKEN, STEVEN GET OUT OF BED!" I jump to my feet! We don't have a bag packed and nothing ready. Remember, the doctor said she was no where close to delivery. We throw a few things in a bag, let the dog out to pee, and hit the road to the hospital. We make it to the hospital in record time....while on the way I call the church and tell them, I will not be in today (it was Sunday!)

8:00am - we check in to the hospital, Sam is beginning her contractions. The nurse on duty says we are in for a long day!!
12:30pm - Sam receives her epidural.....I almost pass out. For me, the birthing part was a breeze, it was that epidural which gave me the hibbie jibbies!!
5:00pm - nurse comes in with some disturbing news. During Sam's contractions, Syler's heartbeat is dropping and its dropping pretty low. Plus, she is not progressing as well toward getting ready to give birth. Going to watch it for a while and make a decision on what to do. We might be looking at a c section. Although not the most horrible news, we both did not want Sam to go through this, and obviously the most important thing to both of us was Syler.
5:30pm - no improvement on the heartbeat of Syler during Sam's contractions, the nurse and doctor are definitely leaning toward to the c section. They are planning to monitor the progress for a little while longer to see if there is any improvement.
5:45pm - I get on the phone and call the parents and tell them to spread the word to start praying BIGTIME for Syler and Sam. We have friends at the hospital, we circle around Sam and start praying for her!!
6:30pm - The Doctor is amazed at how strong Syler's heartbeat has gotten during Sam's contractions!!! Coincidence.....I DON'T THINK SO!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!
7:30pm - Nurse comes in, still amazed at how strong Syler's heartbeat is now, and says in 30 minutes we are going to start pushing!!!
8:03pm - Samantha starts pushing!!
10:33pm - Samantha gives birth to SYLER STATON

Needless to say, January 2 was a roller coaster of emotions. God answered our prayers, and Syler was born healthy, strong, and without any complications. He has been here for 9 days now, and I can't imagine life without him. There is love in my heart for him that I had no idea was there. I truly stand amazed at how awesome our God is. Our God is greater.....our God is stronger....to Him be the glory!!

Friends

2010-12-06T15:37:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here with my good buddy Dave Moss at Images Photography. It's quite in Images photography these days, because there is snow on the ground, and no body likes to get out in the snow.

Dave always gives me a hard time about blogging. So, here is my comeback, from my comeback, from my comeback.

My goal over the next several weeks, is to blog about 3 times a week and keep everyone updated on the soon arrival of my son who will be called ______________________.

That's right, we don't have a name yet.

Tomorrow Samantha will be 34 weeks preggers!!! WOOOOO HOOOOO! Yep Yep, my boy will be here soon.

So friends, I will keep you updated on the soon arrival, God bless, drive safe, don't loiter, and we will keep you posted.

Jesus wants the rose!!

2010-03-31T14:43:00.003-04:00

Showed this clip Sunday Night in talking to our girls. We wrapped up our "I'm too sexy" series talking to our girls about being a Godly Woman. Love this clip, very powerful.

Monday Morning Reflections!

2010-03-22T10:29:00.002-04:00

For those of you who don't know, we have moved our big group meeting with The Connection from Wednesdays to Sunday afternoon 4:30-6:30pm. This gives us an extra hour in which we break up in to small groups and discuss the lesson. This allows for better retention, application, and hopefully better discipleship as the students are allowed to converse and talk about what they just learned. Here are a few highlights from last night at The Connection.

- Right off the bat, Rachel King did an AWESOME job stepping up and leading last night in worship. Truly awesome to have students who lead with an open and willing heart! Excellent job Rachel!
- Part or our new extended time includes an offering time. Teaching students to be generous. Devan Vandenbark provided some nice music to worship by as we gave our offering on his dulcimer!!
- This has been week three of our experiment on moving from Wednesday to Sunday and we have grown every Sunday in attendance!! YEAH!!!
- Teaching on Relationships right now and focused on the guys last night!
- Really hoping that our guys at The Connection will practice what we talked about.
- Pursuing Jesus FIRST!!
- Pursuing girls with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)!
- Thought the talk about FIGHTING was good!!
- Guys we need to FIGHT for purity and FIGHT for the spiritual aspect of our relationships.
- Made no bones about it last night, scripture says that Christians should not date unbelievers! 2 Corinthians 6:14
- Hoping that all our guys will identify with Jesus, in the way they talk, lead, and grow with him.
- Thinking that our groups after had some real good discussion and hopefully some of this stuff is sinking in!!
- Next week we wrap up Relationships (I'm too sexy) and start getting ready for our Disciple Now Weekend, April 9-10!! Really excited about Brian Burgess coming up and helping us lead that weekend.
- That's it, told you I was making a come back!!

I'm Making a Comeback!!

2010-03-09T22:42:00.002-05:00

If anyone is out there and still reading....I'm attempting a comeback. I've started stretching and doing some exercising so I won't pull a hammy!!

So, look for me in the next couple of days. I figure my year off is enough time to come up with some decent things to say.

Watch out, I'm coming back!!!

Quote of the Week!!

2009-04-27T13:57:00.003-04:00

Right now I'm reading Tony Morgan's book, Killing Cockroaches. So far I'm loving it. Very well written and lots of good nuggets throughout so far. However, the section on avoiding mediocrity really hit me. Listen to what he says in talking about his church Newspring:
"There are certainly some people who don't like the way we do ministry. Some are more vocal than others. It would be dishonest to say those comments don't hurt or at times cause anger. They do. But we learned long ago that to try to make everyone happy, you have to be comfortable with mediocrity. Its a place where there are few critics. Its also a place where few people become really passionate about ministry and their relationship with Christ."
DANG!! Hit me right between the eyes!!
I know at the heart of me I'm a people-pleaser. Its something I'm working on and working through. However, on the other side, I NEVER want to settle for mediocrity!! However, according to Tony if I'm trying to please everyone, that's what I'm gonna get. So, I've got to choose. Am I striving for excellence? If so, I'm gonna tick some people off. However, if I striving to please everyone, mediocrity is what I'm gonna get. Doing everything, but nothing great.

The Month of April at The Connection

2009-04-23T10:32:00.003-04:00

Here are some stats about what's happening at The Connection. This was our month of April so far:

April 1 - Song List: Blessed Be Your Name, For Who You Are, Here I am to Worship, Jesus Messiah. Went unplugged that night. Just acoustic guitar and bongo. Had the chairs set up in a horse shoe for a more intimate feel. Message: Talked mostly about the ministry, what it means to CONNECT people. Challenged students to reach the harvest that is around us. Attendance: 48 students

April 8 - Song List: Mighty is the Power of the Cross, Jesus Messiah, Amazing Love, Mighty to Save. Another acoustic night. Message: Focused on the cross that night. What the cross means and did for us. Scripture came from Colossians 1:15-23. Celebrated the Lord's Supper at the end to prepare us for the Easter weekend. Attendance: 53 students

April 15 - Song List: No One Like You, Sing Sing Sing, Son of God, Honestly. Band was back in full blast. Pretty much rocked the house that night. Message: Had guest speaker Ken Johnson, former NFL player for the Bengals, come and share. Did an excellent job challenging our students. They were very receptive to his story. Attendance: 52 students

April 22 - Song List: Undignified, Everything Glorious, Indescribable, Enough. Band did an excellent job on these. Message: Kicked off our series on "YOU ASKED FOR IT." Had students turn in questions on what they wanted to learn about over the next several weeks. Dealt with the question, 'Why should I offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt me?" Talked about Matthew 18:21-35. Showed Rob Bell's Nooma video Luggage that deals with forgiveness. Also, had students around round tables with a youth worker at each table. After the Nooma video we had a few questions dealing with the video to reinforce what was shown. Attendance: 54 students

Unleash Update!

2009-03-17T22:17:00.001-04:00

Unleash was freakin awesome!! Wow, I'm stretched beyond what I can comprehend. Feeling that God is going to explode on our church in an amazing way. Praying big time!!!

UNLEASH

2009-03-11T20:52:00.002-04:00

So PUMPED about tomorrow. Drove down to the big city of Greenville, SC today. Going to see brother Perry Noble at UNLEASH tomorrow. Expecting God to speak to me in a huge way these next couple of days. Also, stopping by Biltmore Baptist Friday morning on the way home. Looking forward to it.

More post later to come on Unleash!!

Oscar Predictions

2009-02-21T22:46:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the Academy Awards. I love awards shows, I don't know why. Actually anything but the Grammys. So, here are my predictions on the big ones for tomorrow night.

Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire this was an amazing movie. If you haven't seen this, go see it today. Great picture, great movie, what a rags to riches story for the 21st century. Plus, no major Hollywood stars, which I loved!!

Best Actor - Sean Penn, even though I can't really stand the guy!!

Best Actress - Kate Winslet, however it's between her and Meryl Streep. Here's the deal, Streep has been nominated 15 times and won twice, Winslet has been nominated 6 times and never won, so my vote goes for Winslet on this, she did give a great performance.

Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger - DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Supporting Actress - Marisa Tomei. Don't know much about the actresses in this category, but going with her, she seems to be the favorite.

Best Director - Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire. Again, can't say enough about the film. Amazing film and a Mr. Boyle is much deserving of the Oscar.

I'm tired!

2009-02-19T23:40:00.002-05:00

What a week. This past Wednesday night we started a new series at The Connection. We are "Bringing Sexy Back." Yes a relationship study talking about sex, dating, and all the other insanities that go along with that as a teenager. We kicked it off with 51 students present that night and had a blast!!!
Tonight I had the privilege of heading down to UC to preach for the Christian Ministries United. Great night of worship and the word. Preached from Galatians 3 and talked about faith, identity, promises, redemption, and the love of Christ. God moved in a good way, thank you Jesus!
So, needless to say I'm tired. Hitting the bed here and sleeping good tonight.

Acting Class!

2009-02-17T22:17:00.003-05:00

One of the things I wanted to do this year is stretch myself a little. Get out of my comfort zone and do something fun and "daring." So, I didn't go sky diving, or rafting down the Grand Canyon. I enrolled in Acting Classes!! Yes, Acting Classes!! I signed up with the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and for the last four weeks have been attending. I must say, I absolutely LOVE IT!! It's a blast. It's a seven week class and by now we are over halfway. I've got a great class, a great teacher, and I must say I'm learning a lot. The big thing at the end is that we have to do a two minute monologue. However, when you teach on a weekly basis it shouldn't bother me too much. I've picked a piece from a play entitled Phoenix. Don't ask me, I don't know anything about it, my teacher gave it to me. Its funny. But, anyway. Thought you might like to know where I've been on Monday nights for the past month!

Monday Mornings!

2009-02-16T10:06:00.003-05:00

I have a love hate relationship with Mondays. I hate Mondays because it comes right off the weekend. I have a tendency to sleep in on the weekends, get out of my routine, stay up late, have fun with the wife, so forth and so on. Plus, coming off a full day of church, most ministers take Mondays off. However, our pastor takes Monday therefore, I take Friday.

However, on the flip side I love Mondays because it is the beginning of the new week. Looking ahead and seeing all that you've got to do. Plus, I get the privilege of meeting with my mentor on Monday morning, 8am at McDonalds. Its a chance for him to pour in to me, teach me, give me some wisdom, that I can then hopefully impart on those that I work with. As a minister you give and give and give, and its important to find someone to give to you and pour in to you. Plus, it gives me an outlet of someone I can go to, and trust, and share my struggles, joys, heartaches, and triumphs. I'm thankful that I have this relationship.

This week we have lots going on. Wednesday we kick off a new series at The Connection. We are "Bringing Sexy Back" our relationships study. Thursday I am speaking at the Christian Ministries Union service down on the campus of UC. You can pray for me on that. Plus, in the midst of all this wonderful stuff Samantha's sister Suzanne is in town and will be with us this week. Lots going on, but good stuff none the less.

The Connection Update!

2009-02-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was another awesome day at The Connection. We bleached Kenda Moss' hair to illustrate what God wants to do with us on the inside. We wants to "makeover" our hearts and wash and cleanse us of our sins. It was effective and CRAZY!! Several students responded to the Gospel and accepted Christ. That never gets old. I love it when I see students get serious and do business with God. Pray for us as we follow up with these students and get them on the right track growing in their relationship with the Lord. Yeah God!!!

A Glimpse of the Future....

2009-02-06T21:08:00.001-05:00

Good stuff, saw this on another blog and thought it was well worth the post here at The Connection. Gives a good look at the direction we are going. Well worth you watching it.

Blogging Sabbatical is Over!!

2009-02-05T22:36:00.001-05:00

Well, its 2009 and if anyone is left checking the ole "Connection in a Coffee Cup" I'm coming out of my blogging sabbatical officially tomorrow. So check back for updates on how we are doing spiritually, financially, and physically. We'll tell you how The Connection is going. Plus give you updates on our new dog Cosmo!! Hey, worth checking out from time to time!!

NEW YEAR!!

2008-12-31T15:06:00.002-05:00

So, tomorrow starts a brand new year. 2009!! Lot's of hopes and dreams, time to set goals, get in shape, get out of debt, you name it. I'm looking forward to 2009. 2008 finished great. Great things going on at church, married life couldn't be better, so I'm excited to see what the new year brings.

As for me in my house, Steve Staton is focusing intently on three "allies." Let me explain. The three areas of my life that I really want to improve on are, financially, spiritually, and physically.

FINANCIALLY - I continue want to get out of debt. Samantha's car will be paid off in two months and that means no more car payments!!! We will never have another car payment as long as I live!! Also, to continue to tithe, be a good steward, save, give money away. I want to be clicking like no other financially in 2009!

SPIRITUALLY - God has called me to be the spiritual leader in my home. That is the most important thing I can do., to pray with my wife and to read scripture together. I want to lead better spiritually at home, at church, and in my personal life. In 2009 I want to grow closer to God like no other year.

PHYSICALLY - It's time for the washboard belly!! We joined a gym yesterday and worked out for the first time there today. The physical trainer asked me what I want to target. I said I want a body like a Greek God!! That's what I want!! So, in 2009 it's time to get in the best shape of my life.

Here are the three "allies" that we are focusing on at the Staton household in 2009. May God bless you and yours this new year!

Fantasy Football Champion

2008-12-30T11:01:00.002-05:00

Just a little bragging here. This was my first year to play fantasy football. I joined a league on ESPN. Yesterday I was crowned the champion of my league. Yes, thank you very much. For the season I finished 7-6, but when it came time for the tournament I was smoking!! I took down my opponent (my good friend Chance Whitherspoon) by a score of 262-221 in the so called fantasy super bowl of our league. My most productive player by far for the year was Deangelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers. He busted out 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns for me this year. So, there you have it. I love fantasy football. Can't wait for next year!!

This Post Kicked my Butt

2008-12-23T10:02:00.002-05:00

I don't know if some of you know Craig Groeschel. He is the lead pastor at LifeChurch.TV. An amazing leader, pastor, and author. I just recently finished his book entitled, IT. It was so good I bought a copy for my dad. Well, early part of December he shared a post on his blog entitled, Eight Signs of a Lukewarm Pastor. Very good post and I thought that I would list some of his comments here.

In ministry, I’ve had seasons of full blown passion for Christ and His Kingdom. At other times, my passion leaked and I was spiritually empty. Here are a few signs you might be a lukewarm pastor from my own life and experiences helping other pastors.

A lukewarm pastor:

Prays as much, or more, publicly than privately.
Is almost exclusively dependent on others’ sermons to preach than directly hearing from God.
Cares more about his church than The Church.
Preaches about evangelism but doesn’t practice evangelism privately.
Tolerates and rationalizes unconfessed sin.
Preaches for the approval of people rather than the approval of God.
Is overly sensitive to criticism.
Harbors bitterness and unforgiveness.
Reads the Bible to prepare sermons but not for personal devotion to God.
Is jealous or critical of someone else that God is blessing.

Some good ones there to think about and process over. Do I have any of these characteristics in my life? If so, God help me to move past the lukewarmness of my life, and have a passion for you!!

Monday Morning Hangover

2008-12-22T10:08:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here in my office this Monday morning, sipping some coffee, surfing the Internet, and trying to stay warm. My mind is still racing from all that has happened this past weekend. The holidays really have a way of taking it out of you! I'm tired, exhausted, and in about 3 hours Samantha and I will hop in the car and drive 7 hours to NC to spend the week with family. However, in the midst of the fog, the haze if you will, there is a burning sense of excitement that continues to fizzle deep in my soul.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of baptizing 10 students during our Sunday Morning worship celebration. That blows my mind!! 8 of those ten students come from homes that you would not classify as "Christian." So, picture this. I'm standing in the baptistery with these students. For each student we have their friends and family stand so that we can honor them for being here. Then, before we baptize them, we have the students testimony read. The testimony consists of sharing what there life was like before Christ, how God began to deal with their heart, how they accepted Christ, and how there life has changed since they became a Christian. Talk about PRIMETIME witnessing to their non Christian families!! I mean mom and dad are listening and seeing their son/daughter share what Christ has done in their life, and then seeing them baptized. What a service. The seeds that were planted yesterday, are too numerous to even begin to count.
God is doing an amazing work right now in our church and in our Youth ministry, and I want to soak up as much of it as I can.
Although, I'm completely pumped about yesterday, and I will celebrate that and remember that day for a long time to come, if not forever!! However, Ephesians 3:20 still comes to mind. That God will do "immeasurably more than we can ask or even imagine." I'm also reminded of the story of the farmer who scatters the seed and 25% fell among "good soil" and produced a harvest beyond, "his wildest dreams." These verses cause me to yes, celebrate the past, but OH MY GOSH continue to look toward the future! I can't wait for the day when I get to baptize 20 students in one service, no 30, wait "immeasurable more!!" let's go ahead and say 50!! Why not, it's not me doing it, it's GOD!! The God I serve has plans and a future that blows what I have planned out of the water!!

Christmas is Approaching Rapidly

2008-12-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

Can Christmas really be just 6 days away!! WOW!! Where does the time go? The Staton household is preparing for Christmas as normal. Actually, I guess you could say we are kind of weird. We haven't put up a Christmas tree in about 5 years now. Don't know why really, I guess neither one of us wants to go through the hassle of putting up the tree and then the dreaded part of taking it down. However, there is joy in our home this Christmas. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams.

So here is the challenge. I must celebrate Christmas, not just on Christmas day, but I need to remember to celebrate 365 days out of the year. Meaning, I can't forget, like I am prone to do so many times, that the reason we have a Christmas is because "God so loved the world, that he GAVE his only son." God so loved us, that he didn't want us to stay in or sinful, crappy nature, but he gave us his son (the first Christmas present!!) and said Merry Christmas!!

That deserves to be celebrated not just one month out of the year, not just one day out of the year, but EVERY DAY!! Celebrating the fact that because of Christmas, I am forgiven, God's spirit now lives in me, I have a home in heaven, and that through God's power that is at work in me, I can grow and change, and become all that God has called me and saved me to be!!

Thank you God for that wonderful Christmas present!! Help us to remember to celebrate Christmas not just this month, but daily!!

Three Things I Pray

2008-12-16T11:42:00.002-05:00

I read a book the other day and it talked about incorporating three ideas in your prayer life. I've been praying these three things for about a month now. It's scary, but I want these things to happen in my life.

GOD STRETCH ME - God wants to stretch us. He wants us to live by faith, to believe him. This means putting ourselves in new environments, experiencing new things, something different. When we become complacent, lazy, satisfied, comfortable, we lose our edge, we lose that something special of God. There is more in you that God wants to use and mold for his glory. Ask God to stretch you.

GOD RUIN ME - Ruin me in a good way. Let him break our hearts for the things that break his. Bill Hybels calls this "holy discontent." Allowing God to crush us with a burden. Like Isaiah, "woe to me, I am ruined." As a result of what happened to Isaiah, he would never be the same. He had experience God. The experience squashed him flat, squeezed out all his pride, emptied him of self-ambition. Now he was suitable for God's purpose, for the greatest fulfillment Isaiah could ever find. God ruin me for your glory, that it's all about YOU!!

GOD HEAL ME - To be healed we have to first admit that we are sick. Heal me of my addictions, whether that be addicted to pleasing people, perfection, technology, work, lust, pornography, etc. We all have things that we need God's touch in our lives to heal us. We need to be people who are healing and growing. To do that, we must admit our sickness and seek the great physician to heal us of our addictions and sickness. God, heal me.

These are three prayers that have taken an important part in my prayer life. I'm wondering, should they have a place in your life?

The Great Office War

2008-12-13T12:55:00.001-05:00

So for Christmas I'm buying Brother Danny, Dan P., Karen and me all NERF guns. I'm hoping that we can have some fun with these like in the video. If any one wants to jump in on this bring your NERF gun to the office on Thursday afternoons!!!

Let's get in on!!!!

Happiness is Contagious

2008-12-09T11:19:00.003-05:00

A recent study revealed that happiness is contagious!! Check it out HERE!!

So, when you walk in the room, light it up. SMILE!! Encourage someone today. After all this is suppose to be the most wonderful time of the year. It's funny to watch people when they drive. They have frowns on their face, they look miserable. Christians should be the happiest people on the Earth. We have a joy that's unspeakable, and I like it.

So do your part to spread Christmas cheer!! After all, unhappiness is contagious too!!

Day after Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T14:08:00.003-05:00

Man, God has truly blessed my life and I am so thankful for so many things.
- My Wife, what an awesome woman
- My family, we have a great family who loves and supports us
- Salvation, I'm thankful that he who knew know sin, became sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God
- Church, flippin awesome church and God is doing some great things
- Friends
- Health
- Home
- Starbucks
- Pecan Pie, had some sweet pie yesterday and leftovers are in the fridge!
- My future son and daughters
- USA
- The ability to go outside and breath in fresh air
- Tarheel basketball
- The chance to do what I do in youth ministry!

Man, the list could go on and on. God is AWESOME and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Twilight

2008-11-19T23:34:00.002-05:00

My wife, Samantha is a huge fan of the Twilight books. She has read them all, several times. She actually got me hooked on the books as well. I've read Twilight, New Moon, and over halfway through Eclipse. Yes, I know, I'm not a 13 years old girl. I'm a 30 year old man. However, I must say the books are good. We actually went to the release party of Breaking Dawn a couple of months ago. Yes, there was maybe 3 other guys at the release party at Barnes and Noble. However, you know that I am secure in my manhood.

So, all that to say. This Friday night Twilight hits theaters. We will be there, along with all the other teeny boppers to see Edward and Bella begin their forbidden romance. Oh my gosh, I'm such a dork!!

E-Night Update

2008-11-06T11:30:00.002-05:00

Last night was an amazing night here at The Connection. God is doing some incredible things in our midst and I feel so blessed to have a front row seat to what he is doing. As some of you know we have set aside the first Wednesday of the month to do a big evangelistic push. We call this E-night. Our students know about it and really get the word out to bring in students like crazy so that they can hear the gospel.

Last night for our E-night we got an old motorcycle that I was going to beat up to illustrate sin and how sin can leave our life scarred and broken. Then, share with the students that God wants to make us brand new. Not simply "fix us up" but to make us a new creation. When I said new creation, one of our youth workers came riding in on her harley (pretty sweet!!). We told the students you are either here (pointing to the busted up motorcycle) or you are here (pointing to the brand new harley). We said that if you were here tonight without Christ that's you (pointing to the busted up motorcycle) but you can leave this place tonight, knowing that you are going to heaven and leave a new creation like this (pointing to the harley).

We had a record attendance at The Connection of 63 students!! 16 of them raised their hand to accept Christ during the invitation and so far 9 have come to talk with me about their decision, stating that they did in fact give their heart to Jesus.

WOW!! There's nothing more to say than the fact that God is AWESOME!! Father, we beg you to keep your hand on our ministry and may you continue to bless us for your glory and honor!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T14:24:00.002-04:00

So, trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!!

Happy Halloween everyone and I hope you have a festive day today. Just think, tomorrow, November 1, radio stations will begin to play Christmas music. Where has the time gone.

To update everyone on the car situation. We got a phone call yesterday and found out that the beetle is not totaled. They drove it and tested it "extensively" and determined that there is no engine damage. Therefore, the beetle will be ready to be picked up on Thursday. Samantha and I have to figure out how we are going to get our rental car down to NC and our Bug back up to Ohio!

Praying that the next time we have a wreck we can actually total to the car. Is that a bad prayer??

Extra Long Weekend in NC

2008-10-26T10:20:00.002-04:00

This past weekend my lovely wife Samantha was honored by Gardner-Webb University (our Alma Marta) as a Distinguished Alumni. I'm pretty stinking proud of her. Part of the award consisted of her giving a distinguished alumni recital on Friday night and then she was honored during the homecoming game at halftime on Saturday followed by a banquet on Saturday night.

She drove down for all these festivities on Tuesday, I followed flying down on Thursday so I could stay for The Connection on Wednesday night. Well, on Wednesday night as Samantha was driving her 2000 Volkswagen Beetle home to the place that she was staying, she hit a pothole. Typical NC roads. Well the pothole must have rivaled the Grand Canyon, because she said that it rocked her car pretty good. What she didn't know was that it cracked her oil pan. Not know that at the time, she went on home, and in the morning drove back to Gardner-Webb to rehearse for the recital. Well, on Thursday afternoon she gets in her car to come meet the family for supper, the car is making a terrible noise. In short the oil pan is cracked, she drove it with no oil for a while, and we have no idea what else is wrong with the car.

So here is the skinny. We filed a claim with our insurance people, they can't get to it until Monday morning. The car was towed to a local body shop and they are going to take the car apart and look at it and tell us the bad news of Monday of what's wrong. So, needless to say we were suppose to be home on Saturday night and I'm typing this from my in-laws in NC on Sunday morning. How long will we be here, we are pretty much at the mercy of the mechanics.

PS if you read this, we are praying that they will total our car. Shout out a prayer for us would ya!!

A Lot at Stake!!

2008-10-12T16:38:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I returned from one of the best conferences I've ever been too. I went to Catalyst in Atlanta and heard from some of the top communicators in the country. Andy Stanley, Craig Groechel, Steven Furtick, Perry Noble, the list goes on and on. It fired me up to hear from these guys and what God is doing in their ministries. It also fired me up for what's going on here back home. I love our church and our ministry The Connection. I'm pumped about what God is doing and gonna do over the next while. That tells me that there is a lot at stake. There are souls hanging in the balance. There is a lot at stake when it comes to families, our church, our ministry, and for that matter our country. That means, I've got to be solid!!!! Solid in my walk with Christ, in my character, integrity, how I'm treating Samantha, the whole nine yards. Because there is a lot at stake, I don't want to make a mistake, and screw the whole thing up. That's why I'm taking extra time to put on the full armor of God and head out in to battle. If your a youth worker reading this, you do the same. Who knows what's gonna happen around the bend!!

Friday Mind Dump!

2008-10-03T12:08:00.002-04:00

It's Friday and I'm about to spend the day with my beautiful wife. I finally have a day-off, my first one since vacation. Here are a couple of things on my mind.

-Wednesday we kicked off our E-Night. These are the first Wed. of the month and we do some wild and crazy Evangelistic presentation. Our students know about it ahead of time and so they bring their friends like crazy to these events. Two days ago we waxed Dave Moss' back. I know, I know. But glory to God we saw 7 students respond in salvation. YEAH GOD!!!

- I watched the VP debate last night. I'm starting to think that we MAY be okay either way this thing shakes down on November 4. I thought both Palin and Biden did a fine job expressing their opinions. However, the debate did not change who I'm voting for. I'm still sticking to my guns on this one.

- I finished reading "The Shack." I bought a copy for all our Youth Workers at church and so far 4 have finished reading it. Stop what you're doing and GO BUY THAT BOOK!! It will change your life. I'm gonna do a post later on the book and how it stretched me.

- Now I'm reading "What got you here, won't get you there" Not as glamorous but talks about how to go to the next level.

- 5th Quarter last week went great. Got another one coming up soon!!

- Next week I'll be in Atlanta for Catalyst, Can't Wait!! Going to here some great teaching from some of the best communicators around the world. Going down with our Pastor and his wife, and Samantha. Should be fun!!

The Greatest Show on Earth!!

2008-09-25T21:09:00.003-04:00

Tonight begins the new season of The Office. I just watched the first part before the first commercial. So far, I give it an A+. I'm anxious to see what happens with Jim and Pam. What's the deal with Ryan. Is Toby really gone. And, what about Dwight and Angela. Oh my gosh!! I don't like the fact that Pam is going to New York. I smell trouble. Anyway, commercial is over and I'm so pumped that The Office is back!!!

Back From Vacation

2008-09-22T14:59:00.002-04:00

Samantha and I returned to the great state of Ohio Saturday night around 10:30pm. Our vacation has finally come to an end. Man, we had a wonderful time getting away, refreshing our souls, and just being together. Now it's back to the real world and tons of stuff going on. Our ministry has it's first big event of the school year, a 5th Quarter this Friday night. I am super pumped about that, hoping for tons of students to show up. Also, got some good things going on Wednesday Night. Not this Wednesday but next Wednesday (Oct. 1) we are waxing Dave Moss' back during The Connection. Crazy!! But going to preach the Gospel while we are waxing away. Hoping to get the word out and get some students who need to hear about Jesus there that Wednesday night. We are calling those E-Nights (Evangelism Nights) gonna see how they go.

Vacation Post #4

2008-09-17T04:12:00.002-04:00

Vacation has been wonderful, however it has jacked up my sleeping schedule. It's about 4:15am and I can't sleep. We've been sleeping late and staying up late, and right now, it's either all the sleep I'm getting or the sweet tea I'm drinking but I'm wide awake.
Last night we went to Barefoot Landing. It's a shopping place with tons of shops, restaurants, and show places. We had a big bucket of Crab at Joe's Crab Shack. Good stuff. Then that night we went to the Alabama Theater for a show. The show was great. They did a montage of music from oldies to gospel, country, and rock. They also had dancing and a sweet comedy act. Great night, plus we saw an alligator in the pond at Barefoot Landing.
Today we hit the pool and did some shopping at the mall.
Tomorrow we are hitting the beach again and then Putt Putt. You gotta love some Putt Putt at the beach.

Vacation Post #3

2008-09-13T22:39:00.002-04:00

I know on vacation your diet usually slips a little. Prior to vacation I was doing great. Abs diet all the way, no junk, just good stuff. So far on vacation I've drank pop, had ice cream 3 times, Starbucks several times, sweet tea, and tonight topped it off with 4 Krispy-Kreme doughnuts. Now, in my defense when we passed the Krispy-Kreme the "Hot Now" light was on. It is a SIN to pass a Krispy-Kreme and not go in when the "Hot Now" light is on. So, needless to say my stomach is growing and feeling pretty crazy these days on vacation.

Vacation Post #2

2008-09-11T20:00:00.002-04:00

So far we've had a great time on vacation. The last couple of days we've hit the beach, gone to Broadway at the Beach, visited several beach shops in Myrtle, and ate tons of ice cream, YUM. Right not I'm about to watch the civil forum at Columbia University between McCain and Obama. Let me come out and say I'm a huge Sarah Palin fan. I think she is absolutely awesome. After the forum I'm gonna see if I can talk Samantha into some more ice cream. Maybe Ben and Jerrys this time around.

Vacation Post #1

2008-09-09T10:34:00.002-04:00

Today is our first full day down here at the beach. Wow, it seemed like it took us forever to get here. Today we are hitting the ocean, pretty much all day. Its great to be on vacation. We have BIG SCREENS in our condo, plus cable. Two things we don't have at the house. Plus, a big king size bed. We are excited and ready to be refreshed. Now, off to the ride the waves in the ocean.

Fantasy Football!

2008-09-03T10:22:00.002-04:00

So, I've never done fantasy football before. I'm in a league on ESPN. Here is my starting line up for my first every fantasy football league. I'm pretty excited.

Starters:

QB - Donovan McNabb, Phi
RB - LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
RB - Willie Parker, Pit
RB/WR - Willis McGahee, Bal
WR - Torry Holt, StL
WR - Santana Moss, Was
TE - Jason Witten, Dal
D/ST - Bears D/ST, Chi
K - Josh Brown, StL

Bench:

Michael Turner, Atl RB
Dallas Clark, Ind TE
Julius Jones, Sea RB
DeAngelo Williams, Car RB
Kenny Watson, Cin RB
Eli Manning, NYG QB
Jerious Norwood, Atl RB

Great Labor Day Weekend!

2008-09-01T22:16:00.003-04:00

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day Weekend. We had a blast. We had some good friends up to visit from the great state of NC. They were actually youth in my student ministry at Double Springs Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. I had the privilege of doing one of their weddings back two years ago and get to do the other couple's wedding in April.

Saturday we hit Chipotle for lunch, Montgomery INN for supper, and Graeters for an evening snack. On Sunday we had Skyline for lunch and then in the evening went to Mt. Adams for Sushi and then to watch the big WEBN Labor Day fireworks which was by far the most amazing fireworks display I'd ever seen. Great Night!

It's so wonderful to see students who where once apart of a ministry that I was responsible for, continue to grow and to be amazing men and women of God. It's kind of like a nice little affirmation that what you do as a youth pastor does matter and that you can make a difference. All in all it was a great weekend, and we said that this would be a tradition on Labor Day weekend, that they would continue to come and visit.

Great Post!!

2008-08-29T18:21:00.002-04:00

I love to read other blogs. It's something that I do every day. You can look to the left and see that I usually keep up with Steven Furtick, Perry Noble, Tony Morgan and the others. Clayton King always has some good stuff on there. Well, the other day I was reading them and Steven had this post about sin which rocked my world. He said that one of the most devastating effects of sin is the way it strips away our confidence.

He said that it's impossible for a pastor to confidently lead his congregation to trust God for the unknown while he’s nursing known sin in his own life.

Many fathers are unable to fully lead their families to seek and worship God because they’re aware of their own hypocrisy…and it strips their confidence away layer by layer.

Unconfessed sin will chip away at your confidence until you find yourself backing down from Christ centered challenges, and settling into survival mode.Walking in purity activates a boldness that enables you to follow Jesus with a holy swagger.

Be pure…and be bold.

It's so important for us right now in The Connection to be pure and to be bold. God help us to stay pure and holy. Help us to say no to sin and yes to you God. Help us to be careful and to take precautions and to not let satan ruin what you want to do in and through us. God help us!!

1 John 3:21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

Excitement!

2008-08-26T20:03:00.002-04:00

I'm excited! I'm excited about our youth ministry here called The Connection. I'm excited to see what God is going to do over the next year with this young group and how we are going to impact our community with the gospel. I'm excited that we have awesome youth workers who love Jesus and love students. I'm excited that God has bigger plans than we have and is completely going to UNLEASH his presence and power on us. I'm excited that he is able to do immeasurably more than I could ask or even imagine, and I'm asking A LOT!! Bottom line, I'm excited!

Just a footnote!! I'm also excited that in 12 days I will be on vacation in Myrtle Beach with my beautiful wife.

The Abs Diet!!

2008-08-22T11:05:00.002-04:00

This is the first week in mine and Samantha's new diet, THE ABS DIET. So far so good. The first two days I was starving!!! However, I think that I have leveled out a little and am going to be okay. The diet requires you to eat 6 times a day. 3 meals and 3 snacks. I can get on board with that. However, in your 6 times of eating you are to incorporate 2 of the POWER 12 FOODS in your meal. You ask, what are the power 12 foods. Here you go.
1) Almonds and other nuts
2) Spinach and other leafy green vegies.
3) Beans and other legumes
4) Dairy (non/low-fat)
5) Oatmeal
6) Peanut Butter
7) Olive Oil
8) Whole Grain Bread and Cereal
9) Lean Meats (Chicken, Tuna, Steak)
10) Eggs
11) Extra Protein (whey powder)
12) Raspberries and other berries (blueberries are great)

So may day yesterday looked like this:
Breakfast - Whole grain cereal with blueberries and raspberries on top (1% Milk)
Mid Morning Snack - 2 ounces Almonds and Apple
Lunch - Turkey/Roastbeef Sandwhich on whole grain bread and raisins.
Afternoon Snack - Orange and Bannanna with two scoops peanut butter
Supper - Tuna, Carrots, Whole grain toast with peanut butter
Evening Snack - Strawberry Smoothing (non fat yogurt/peanut butter/frozen strawberries/whey protein powder/1% milk)

Drinking all water. No diet pops or sweet tea :-(

So, we will see how this goes, we are trying it for a week. Like I said, so far not so bad.

Saturday Night Random Thoughtss

2008-08-16T20:59:00.002-04:00

It's Saturday night and I'm getting ready for Sunday School in the morning and thought that I would let the world in on a couple of thoughts in my mind. Samantha is watching the movie "Stardust" with a friend.
1) I'm loving the Olympics. Michael Phelps is a STUD!! You've got to love that guy.
2) Today I spent with Hands and Feet Ministries. It's a ministry that Jacob Vandenbark (a student in our ministry) started to help out people with yard work. We had about 9 students help tackle a massive weed infested yard. Took us about 3 hours. After that we went back to the church for pizza and a guitar hero tournament. For the record I came in 4th.
3) Got a Youth Workers meeting tomorrow after church. Really looking forward to talking about the upcoming fall. I am pumped about our Youth Ministry right now!!!
4) 22 days until my vacation at Myrtle Beach. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5) Tomorrow Samantha and I are starting a new diet. The ABS diet. Lots of protein, I'll talk more about that in another post. For three weeks we are trying this out.

Personal Goals

2008-08-12T11:00:00.002-04:00

So in an effort to be more goal oriented last week I sat down and fleshed out some personal goals, as well as some goals for our college ministry and youth ministry. Here are my personal goals in my life for the next year.

1) Continue to develop my quiet time, journaling, and personal worship time with the Lord daily.
2) Read at least one book a month to help sharpen my mind and ministry skills.
3) Exercise three times a week.
4) Continue to live on a budget
5) Pray with Samantha and have family devotions.
6) Attend at least two conferences to help further my ministry development (catalyst, Y.S. Unleash)
7) Blog at least two times a week.
8) Continue mentor relationship with Ken (Monday mornings)
9) Get involved in some sort of activity where I can meet and mingle with people outside the church. (no offense church people, but I need to meet some unsaved people!!)
10) Be more organized and beef up on administrative skills as a minister (can I get an AMEN from my Youth Workers)!

Chicago College Retreat

2008-08-11T11:25:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a while, we had our mission trip last week and I was out of the office (more on that in a later post). I wanted to show you a couple of pictures from our college retreat that we had a couple of weeks ago in Chicago. We had a BLAST!! Chicago is pretty much an amazing city. Here is a group picture of us after eating at a Greek restaurant in Greek town. The other picture is Oprah's apartment, you may know her as her other name, the anti-Christ (Just kidding have a sense of humor!!!) She owns two floors in this apartment building in downtown, costing roughly around 16 million, is what the tour guide said!! Must be nice!

IHOP

2008-08-01T09:35:00.002-04:00

Look at me, two post in one week!! WOW!!

Had a good breakfast this morning. Samantha and I got up early for once and went to IHOP before she had to be at work this morning. Friday is my day off and she is now working at the GUESS Store in Cincinnati Mills.

I had the breakfast sampler, because I like a good sample in the morning. Two eggs over medium, hashbrowns, bacon (cooked extra crispy), ham, and two buttermilk pancakes. Washed down with coffee and chocolate milk. Samantha had biscuits and gravy. Nothing better than getting the metabolism kicked off in the morning than with some IHOP.

This afternoon we are hitting Kings Island. It's suppose to be 90 up here today and we are lounging by the wave pool.

Tonight we are hitting Barnes and Noble for the release party of the new book in the Twilight series. I think its called Breaking Dawn or something like that. I know Sam's excited!

My Retirement is over!!

2008-07-31T11:00:00.002-04:00

Just like Brett Farve "almost" retired from football, I almost retired from blogging. With the hectic day-to-day adventures of being a husband, minister, friend, colleague, and all other stuff you've noticed that my blogging has suffered. However, I've made a new commitment to blogging and the two of you that actually visit my site. Actually it's probably down to one person now (thank you Heather Gross)!! My commitment is to blog at least 2 times a week. That's right you've heard it (or read it) I'm committing to blog at least 2 times a week. That way I can get back up and going and keep those of you who care informed about my life, ministry, and all that is happening in the world of Steven.

Just a quick blurb. We are leaving Sunday afternoon to go to Kings Domain to help the staff there put on a summer camp for kids from inner-city Cincinnati. Should be a great week and we would covet your prayers. Plus, if you are thinking about it I'm filling the pulpit for Brother Danny this Sunday morning. Maybe shoot a prayer up for me when you are thinking about it.

Good to be back in the blogging world.

This Post is for Heather Gross who lives in Oklahoma!!

2008-06-09T11:40:00.003-04:00

So, as you may have noticed, if you are still out there checking my blog from time to time, that I haven't posted much over the past 2 months. Things have been pretty crazy for me lately and I haven't taken the time to keep my blog up to date. About two weeks ago, Heather Gross, friend of the family, yelled at me and told me to start posting again. So, Heather, here you go, here is an update on life in OH!!!

- Samantha's Opera is over. She was fantastic. Right now she has an exam today, one Wednesday and then her Graduate Recital on July 17 and she is finished!!! YEAH!!!!
- Wednesday Nights have been going good at The Connection. We've kind of hit a lull in attendance. I'm sure summer and all that's going on has stuff to do with that.
- Our College Ministry is going very well. We've been averaging around 8 college students on Wednesday night and around 12 on Sunday nights for our activities.
- This past weekend I did a wedding in NC. I am exhausted. Got in Sunday morning around 2:30am, with a full day of church on Sunday, Samantha kept me up Sunday night studying Song Literature for her exam today, I'm toast!!
- I'm ready for the beach!!!
- Next week we leave for Alive 08 - Christian music festival in Canal Fulton, OH. Should be fun, going to hear Louie Giglio, Tomlin, and Crowder, how can you go wrong!!
- The Office season finale was AWESOME! I can't wait to see next season.
- The AC in our house is out! Needless to say that's not good!
- Spent just over $700 to fix Samantha's car last week. Needed a fuel pump and other junk done to it. I hate that car!! It's been nothing but problems for us! I think I'm gonna buy a horse with gas prices the way they are!

The Japanese version of The Office

2008-05-19T15:04:00.001-04:00

You know I love "The Office!" I'm sad about the season finale last week. However, this really made me laugh!. Steve Carell was on SNL last Saturday. You gotta love some Steve!! Anyway, this made me laugh, if your an Office fan, you'll love it, if not, sorry!

Random Thoughts!?!?!?

2008-04-26T13:22:00.002-04:00

American Idol - The final two will be David Cook and David Archuleta. With David A. winning the competition but although Cook is way more talented. Is it me, or does Jason Castro need to go next?!?!
Church - The Connection has been going GREAT!! We had 5 first time visitors last Wednesday. I am really excited. If you looked at our ministry a year ago and compared it to today, it's a totally different ministry. That pumps me up and scares me a little bit.
The Office - The new episodes of The Office has been hilarious!! I love me some Michael Scott, you can't go wrong with that. However, I do wonder how many episodes are left this year. I hope they plan on cranking out some more.
Sports - Let's go ahead and say it, the Reds STINK!!
Quiet Time - I finished Galatians this week in my Q.T. I love chapters 5-6. Dealing with the sinful nature and the fruits of the spirit. Plus that challenge of reaping what you sow. Then, he tell us to not grow tired in doing what is good, but at the proper time we will reap a harvest. GOOD STUFF!
Samantha - We celebrated Samantha's Birthday last weekend. Teak for sushi and The Melting Pot for dessert. Plus some shopping and birthday gifts in between. She is completely absorbed with school right now. Finishing up this quarter, the Opera rehearsals for her show (May 16/18), Oral Exams on May 22, you can imagine. Keep both of us in your prayers. She is wonderful!!
Books - I have two chapters left in the book that I'm reading "Celebration of Disciplines" then I'm focusing on "Vintage Jesus" by Mark Driscoll. I've got three chapters already started in that one.
Weekend - going shopping for new clothes today. I've dropped some weight and things are big on me. I'm trying to work out, but the draw back to working out is that I am sore all the time now. It really hurts to walk sometimes!! I must be getting old!!

A Prophet Without Honor!

2008-04-17T15:17:00.003-04:00

I was reading in my quiet time the other day when I came across the section in Mark 6. Jesus had gone to his hometown and verse 5 stuck out at me. It says, "He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them." This intrigued me. How in the world could Jesus be restricted? I mean Jesus is Jesus, he can do whatever he wants. He's the man, the myth, the legend, come on. However, those words, "He could not do any miracles" glared out at me like crazy.
Then I read the next verse. Verse 6 states, "And he was amazed at their lack of faith." WOW!! Could it be that their lack of faith in Him, prevented Him from doing the miraculous? That hit me like a ton of bricks. I DO NOT want my lack of faith in God to prevent Him from doing the miraculous in my life. I've got to be faithful, obedient, and do my part and trust God to do what only He can do in my life, in others, in my ministry, future, and family.
I've got to have the faith that can move mountains (Mark 11) and the faith that is not placed in others or myself, but in the one who is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine.
How's your faith?

Back in Action

2008-04-12T12:14:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm back in the great state of OH. I got back Thursday afternoon. The revival went great. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. Couple of things on my mind:
- Samantha and I went to see Phantom of the Opera at Fairfield High School. They rocked it out!! Great Job and if you can find a ticket go see it!!
- I missed The Office return on Thursday Night. I might download it on I-Tunes, I heard it was good.
- Samantha is officially swamped with Opera stuff for La Boheme. I guess I will see her after the production in May.
- Joe Muhlberg rocked the house Wednesday night at The Connection. Way to go buddy, I'm proud of you.
- When will Kristy Lee Cook get kicked off American Idol, I mean come on, enough is enough.
- I'm excited to be back at church on Sunday, it feels like it's been forever.
Have a good weekend.

What a Night!!

2008-04-03T11:38:00.002-04:00

Last night was a good night, no it was a great night. We had a joint Wednesday Night service where everyone came in to the Sanctuary and the Youth led the service. I got to baptize two of our students, the Youth band rocked out in worship, I shared a brief sermon, and then we enjoyed the Lord's Supper.
I talked about how Christ's love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14) to move and act and to be the ambassadors (5:20) that he has called us to be. That we have been sent with this message of reconciliation (5:18-19) to all people.
It was a great night. I absolutely love baptizing students. Man that PUMPS ME UP!!!!
Well now I'm off to my next destination. I would ask that you would pray for me over the next couple of days. Tomorrow I head down to NC to preach a revival. I have that nervous anxious feeling that preachers get in their gut. Pray that God would do a work and that I would be freed to preach with authority and boldness. I hate leaving Samantha and The Connection (by the way Joe M. is teaching for me on Wednesday night, you know that's gonna rock!!). But I feel that this is what God is wanting me to do.
Thanks for your prayers!! I'll keep you updated on how the revival is going.

American Idol

2008-04-02T14:47:00.003-04:00

So, I'm loving this season of American Idol. Last night was good, you gotta love some Dolly Parton. So here is my prediction for the remainder of Idol.

Tonight's bottom three - Brooke, Kristy, Ramiele. (I think Kristy is going home tonight)

My Final Four Prediction for the Contest - Brooke, David A., David Cook, and Carly.

Final Two - David A and Carly

Winner of American Idol Season 7 - David Archuleta

Now that is to say that David will win, however, I don't think he is the most talented. From what I have seen, I'm thinking David Cook is probably the most talented. However, David Archuleta is connecting with the target audience of American Idol and will end up winning the whole thing.

I'M BACK!!

2008-04-01T15:50:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. If you are still out there and reading, THANK YOU!! I've been so stinking busy over the last three weeks and it doesn't look like it's going to get any easier over the next week.

In the last few weeks I've:

-went to one of the BEST conferences I've ever been to. Unleash was in Anderson, SC at Newspring Church. It was incredible. Pastor Perry Noble challenged us as leaders to step up to the plate in our relationship with God and using the church to redeem the world. I went with Jacob, Garrett, and Andrew from our Youth Ministry, and we hooked up with Less Jones down there in SC.

-Made it through Easter. I got the privilege of playing the part of Jesus in our Easter Cantata. To be honest, I didn't like it. Too much for me, especially on the crucifixion. I felt a tremendous amount of spiritual warfare during that time and may have even sunk into a mild depression. Samantha can give you details on that if you want.

-Had part two of our leadership retreat here at our church. Still, excellent stuff and God is doing some amazing things here at RHBC.

-Took our students down to Greeneville, TN for our Disciple Now Weekend. We actually just got back from that on Sunday. What a wonderful time. If you are looking for a great place to take your students check out The Oaks Retreat Center. It's a great place. We had a Focus Ministry Team of College Students come up from Gardner-Webb to lead the weekend. They did a wonderful job. A couple of our former students were on the team. I do have to give a shout out to them, thanks for the good weekend.

And it just doesn't stop, Friday I'm heading down to NC to preach a revival. I'm excited and can't wait to preach the word!!

Well, that's enough for now. I'll be posting more, you know I have some good stories from all these adventures!!

Another Great Story

2008-03-10T13:28:00.003-04:00

This past Monday night we began another session of Financial Peace University. It is the 13 week financial program by Dave Ramsey. I highly recommend it to any and everyone!! We offered this class in the fall last year and had great success. Wonderful stories came out of that class but none quite so sweet as this one.
There was a couple in our class named Pat and Victoria. They had never been to our church before but saw that we were offering this class called Financial Peace University. They had heard of Dave Ramsey and were interested in enrolling in our class. They asked if it would be okay for them to come even though they were not church members, we said of course. In fact half of the class was from our community, GOOD OUTREACH!!
As the weeks went by we invited our class to several things that our church was doing. For example, we have an annual Thanksgiving Meal at our church, we invited the class to come, hang out, eat some free food and enjoy the fellowship. To my surprise, Pat and Victoria came. Good Stuff!! They came and meet some of the church and seemed to enjoy it. They liked the church members that were in our class and they liked the church members that they meet at the Thanksgiving Meal. Two pluses!! So they decided to come on a Sunday morning, so far so good!! Their two sons enjoyed Sunday School, they enjoyed Sunday School, and they both enjoyed the service!! Things are moving along great!!
Finally, one night our Pastor and I decided to go out and visit them. Even though they had been coming to the Financial Peace class, I had no idea where they were spiritually. Even though the class is based on biblical teachings about money, we had no idea if they were Christians or not. So we went and what a visit we had!!
We found out Pat was raised Catholic, Catholic background, Catholic family. He had an idea about Christianity but from a strictly Catholic upbringing. Victoria was raised Catholic and actually went to a Catholic school. However, she said the most interesting thing. When she began to question her faith and ask her teacher certain questions, the teacher was mean and told her to stop questioning. The teacher simply would not answer her questions, told her not to doubt and just accept what he was teaching. This of course left a bad taste in her mouth and turned her off from church. Therefore, she decided to pursue her own religion which led her down a road, that eventually resulted in her practicing Buddhism. Which she was practicing now.
Needless to say, neither one of us was prepared for these responses. We spent about an hour with them, sharing the Gospel and explaining Christianity. They had a ton of questions and there was definitely a thirst from both of them. Almost like they were missing something they said!! There was a thirst to learn more about Jesus and Christianity, and ultimately the truth. We told them, if you seek after Jesus you will find him. We did not BEAT THEM OVER THE HEAD WITH THE BIBLE, simply we challenged them to read the Gospel of John and that God would reveal himself to them. It's great how God works.
About a month later, Pat and Victoria found Jesus!! They came forward and were saved, completely giving their lives over the Jesus Christ, the way the truth and the life. Yesterday they, along with their oldest son, were baptized!!
I'm amazed at how God works. Using a simple class like Financial Peace not only to make a difference financially in their lives, but ultimately an eternal difference in their lives. And also to see that if you seek after God, you will find Him. God did not give up on them, he continually pursued these two and continued to draw them to himself.
I'm hoping and praying we have more stories like this coming out of our class we have now!! Pray for our class!

The Connection Recap

2008-03-06T14:39:00.002-05:00

Last night was probably one of the most fun and hardest nights to preach at The Connection. We had set a goal that if we would break 40 students last night we would shave one of our students heads, Andrew Cantrell. So, I figured that we would have several visitors last night and wanted to take that opportunity to share the Gospel and maybe even give an invitation. So I worked the plan of salvation in to shaving Andrew's head. While I was shaving his head I would tell the story of sin and salvation.
Well, last night rolled around and the everything was clicking. The Band was great, rocking a little Crowder to start with, then Mighty to Save and How Awesome is the Lord Most High. Good Stuff, great job last night guys in the band.
Then it came time for the lesson. Andrew came up and took his seat front and center. I felt like Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of fleet street. I began to share the Gospel and how in the beginning things were great, that our relationship with God was solid and intact and close. Referencing Romans 5 - I talked about how sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and as a result of that separated us from a loving God. At that time, I took the clippers and shaved Andrew's head right down the middle!! It was GREAT!! Everyone loved it. Pictures were being taken. Thus, illustrating the separation. One side of his head we illustrated as us, sinful people. The other side representing God, holy and pure. Then we discussed how Jesus, through the cross bridged the gap between us and God. Thus, as it says in Colossians 2:13-14, forgave us all our sins, nailing them to the cross. I completely shaved one side of his head, the sinful side, illustrating how God has forgiven us of all our sins. Now, there is no need for a separation. We can have access to a holy God because of what Jesus did on the cross (Eph. 1:7). Therefore, I shaved the other side quoting 2 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come." Andrew at that time, completely bald was a new creation.
I challenged the students, some of them were not a new creation. They were still dead in their sins, when Jesus had come to make them alive in Him. We gave the invitation and 5 students gave their heart to Jesus. Overall it was probably one of the best and toughest nights to share. When I started I was scared to see how it was all going to turn out and even if it was going to fly. Praise be to God for using us, The Connection, last night to help bring new children into God's Kingdom.

Choices 2008

2008-03-04T14:44:00.003-05:00

So I exercised my constitutional right today and got out and voted in the Ohio primary. It was surprising when I rolled up to our precinct, nobody else was their to vote. The two people working the polls said that it had been slow today. Maybe it was the rain keeping everybody away!! I hope that if you are reading this and have not voted in Ohio, stop what you are doing and GO VOTE!! It is your right as an American citizen to take part and vote. So I cast my ballot and left. There are 141 delegates at stake in Ohio today.
Some say if Clinton wins in Ohio and Texas that the race for the nomination could go on for months. Others say that if she loses in Ohio and Texas that she will probably bow out of the race.
Most people who can do math with a calculator see that McCain has got it wrapped up for the Republicans.
The interesting thing in Ohio is that even though I'm registered Republican I can vote in the Democratic primary. I wonder if more people will vote in the Democratic primary just because it's a closer race than the Republican one? So who do you like, Obama, Hillary, McCain, or Huckabee? Either way, I'm hoping and praying for our nation that we are heading in the right direction. One things for sure, I'm sick and tired of all the ads on TV. I hate the mud slinging and attacks. Maybe now since the primary is over we can get some relief on the TV.

Weekend Recap

2008-03-03T10:36:00.002-05:00

Had a good date night Friday night with Samantha. We went to one of my favorite restaurants Smokey Bones. I love that cornbread!! From there we spent about an hour in Barnes and Noble. We love going in there and checking out the music and books (I know we sound like nerds!). From there we took in a movie over at Springdale. We saw Juno. We wanted to see what all the talk was about regarding the movie. Over all I give the movie an A. It was excellent. Go see it before it's through showing in the theaters. I laughed, cried, it was the feel good movie of the year, plus it's got a good message. It's also got the Indie feel to it, if your a movie buff you know what I mean.

Back in Fairfield

2008-02-26T17:00:00.002-05:00

Today we returned from the Evangelism Celebration at Cedarville University. It was a good two days, hanging out with Brother Danny (our pastor) and Dan (our worship pastor). We ate breakfast this morning at Crackle Barrel, which in my mind, you just can't go wrong.
My favorite Preacher for the two days was Ed Stetzer. Here are my notes from one of his sessions.

- Ephesians 3:10 - God has chosen the church to redeem the world.
- John 20
- We are sent - Jesus says as the father has sent me, I am sending you
- We are missional people and must engage our culture
- To all different kinds of people
- We are to go to ALL the nations, but must not forget about our own community
- With a Message
- It's all about a bloody cross and an empty tomb
- Must be biblically faithful, culturally relevant, counter culture communities of the cross
- Empowered by the Spirit
- Acts 1:6
- In North America 8 Churches close their doors and die every day
- Holy Spirit needs to change our hearts
- Jesus' heart broke for the city of Jerusalem, our hearts need to break for our communities.

Evangelism Celebration!!

2008-02-25T22:28:00.002-05:00

Blogging from the great University of Cedarville. I'm up here with Danny and Dan for the State Evangelism conference. So far we've heard 5 sermons on Evangelism. You may think, man that's a lot on evangelism, however its been AWESOME. They have challenged us to engage our culture with the gospel. We've heard from Caner, Stetzer, Pollock, and Geiger. All pretty much big wigs in the SBC. In a nut shell, we have been sent by God, to all different kinds of people, with a message, empowered by the spirit. Good Stuff!!

The Lord Blesses

2008-02-21T16:35:00.002-05:00

I was heading back to the church today from having lunch with my good buddy Dustin Prior when my phone rang. It was a Youth Pastor from Michigan, of all things. He had registered to go to the National Youth Ministry Conference with Doug Fields, which happens to be in Cincy this weekend. However, he is not going to be able to go, he just moved to a new church, his wife is pregnant, etc., and wanted to know if I wanted his ticket for the conference, for FREE!! That's a savings of $360!! I told him I would have to pray about it!! Then I said YES!! He said that he just started calling associations in our area and found our church. Called our church and Karen our secretay gave him my cell number and bam, he called me. So Friday during the day I'm hanging with Doug and the gang, then heading back down Saturday for the whole day. Can't wait to learn, grow, and be refreshed by the guys at Group and with Doug!

The Connection, Findley Market, and Unleash!

2008-02-21T10:52:00.002-05:00

So last weekend Samantha and I spend the weekend dowtown in a fancy hotel to celebrate Valentines Day. We went to the Rockbottom Brewery for supper on Friday (good place to eat). Saturday we got up, had breakfast at Brueggers Bagels and then walked around downtown. You know, Cincy is nice downtown. We went in some hat shop that was run by some Italians. Come to find out this hat shop has been there for 100 years and the guy running it has been running the shop for the past 57 years. He had pictures of famous people who had come in to buy hats, such as Bill Cosby, both President Bush's, baseball players, Pavaroti, and the list goes on. He actually had Pavorati music playing in the background, apparently the owner was good friends with him, maybe it was the Italian thing. I found a hat I wanted but it was $85. I'm saving up, it was sweet!!
Later that afternoon we went to Findley Market in Cincy. This is the second oldest open market in the U.S. This is where you buy fresch fruits and vegetables, meats, chicken, spices, cheese, you name it. It was pretty impresive and fun talking to all the vendors. We met the Colonel Spice Man who sells spices, Gibb's Cheese man who is the 3rd generation Cheese man in his family, a guy from Belgium who makes Belgium waffles there, some crazy people from Germany who sells Olive Oils, it was fun! We picked up some spices, cheese, had a Belgium waffle from the Belgium waffle guy, and we bought some fruit. All in all it was a great day!!
The Connection was good last night. 37 students present and Jacob did a good job on the lesson. I'm looking forward to brother Mulberg breaking it down next week.
So, I'm heading down to Anderson, SC for the Unleash Conference in March. I am super excited about the conference. Right now I've got a couple of my youth going with me. I'll give you more details as we get closer.

Couple of things on my mind!

2008-02-15T19:49:00.003-05:00

- Samantha and I are staying the night in the Westin, downtown Cincy to celebrate Valentines Day. I love my wife so much. We've been married now for 6 years, 6 months and 11 days. I love her more and more as the days go by. She is an amazing woman and I am thankful that she is my wife.
- I can't believe Josiah didn't make the top 24 on American Idol, that stinks.
- Last night on Survivor, I can't believe Chet didn't get voted off the Fans team. Mary sure didn't see that coming. I'm loving Survivor these days. Survivor China was great and I'm looking forward to this one. Go James!!
- The Carolina Tarheels are scaring me to death. Lawson needs to get better and get in the game. Since the loss to Duke, they beat Clemson in double overtime and then Virginia by one. That's too close to me.
- The Connection was good Wednesday night. I'm loving our crowd that's been coming out. It was also good to have Dave back for the Wacky Gametime!!
- I'm hoping we get some Presidential Candidates here in Cincy. Obama's wife was here today and so was Hiliary (however, it was a closed round table meeting). I'm wanting to go to a McCain rally or Huckabee, or even Obama for that matter. It will be interesting around here until March 4.
- I wonder if the movie Jumper is any good. Maybe we'll go see it tomorrow night.

Writer's Strike Over!!

2008-02-14T10:44:00.003-05:00

In case you haven't heard the writers strike is over!! Yeah, I can't wait for my show The Office to come back on the air. In case you are wondering when your're favorite TV show is coming back. Check it out here!!
Sadly for me, The Office is not coming back until April 10, with only 5-6 new shows.

Super Bowl Recap and Top 5 Commercials

2008-02-04T11:08:00.000-05:00

So, my Super Bowl prediction was not even close!! Oh Well!! Maybe next year, here it is, I'm going out on a limb and saying - Carolina Panthers 35, Cincinnati Bengals 27!! I know, that will never happen, but how awesome if it did. From my standpoint the game was pretty boring except for the first two drives in the first quarter and the last half of the fourth quarter. I do tip my hat to the Giants!! In the end, it seemed they wanted it more. Enough of that, here are my top 5 commercials from the evening.

5) E--Trade - "Baby" - When the baby was talking about the stock market and then threw up!! Good Stuff!!

4) Dorritos - "Mouse Trap" - Pretty hilarious when the big mouse came busting out of the wall and beat up the guy in the chair waiting on him to get caught in the trap. Good music in commercial too, you can't go wrong with "Habenero"

3) Pepsi - "Magnetic Attraction" - Good Stuff with Justin Timberlake getting dragged all over the place. Especially at the end when he get's knocked out with the car door. Good cameo with Tony Romo as well.

2) Diet Pepsi Max - "What is Love" - Wake up People!! I know this one may not be on your list but I liked it. Especially when they started playing the song "What is Love" and everyone started doing the head bob...even Joe Buck. Then at the end you had Chris Kattan making an appearance saying, "please stop it!" Reminded me of the times when SNL was actually funny.

1) Budweiser - "Beer Wagon Team" - I'm sorry, I've got to give them number one (no I am not endorsing beer, it was just a funny commercial!!) Any time you can combine the theme from Rocky, a horse in training, and a dog as the trainer, you've got a winning combination for a commercial. Good stuff, especially when the horse made the team the next year.

Halftime Show!

2008-02-03T20:09:00.000-05:00

It's half time at the Super Bowl. So far, not so much impressed. The Patriots have got to give Brady some protection. Right now the score is 7-3 Patriots, so I'm on par for my 27-10 finale, with the Patriots winning. So far, my favorite commercials have all been Bud Light comercials. Anyway, Tom Petty is on, I've got to go.

Super Bowl Prediction

2008-01-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Here you go, I'm putting my money on the Patriots.
Final score - Patriots 27, Giants 10
Super Bowl MVP - Tom Brady
History will be made Sunday!!

Weekend Leadership Retreat

2008-01-27T15:53:00.001-05:00

We had a Focused Living Leadership retreat this weekend at our church. It was a fantastic weekend, focusing on ourselves on our biblical purpose of individuals, what we value, and our vision for our lives. The premise of the weekend is that personal renewal precedes corporate renewal. It was good stuff.
The month of January has been packed. First, an amazing Mission Trip to Brazil. Followed by an incredible weekend in Gatlinburg with our Youth at Crossroads, then this weekend leadership retreat. My cup is truly running over. There is so much going on in my head right now it's hard to process everything.
So here is my first draft of my Biblical Purpose Statement. It's not official yet, I still need to tweak a few things (don't you just love the word tweak, you can do so much with it).
The Purpose of my life is to remain connected to Jesus, because apart from Him I can do nothing. To allow His power to work through me, helping me to love and serve others, ultimately bringing glory and honor to Him and making His name famous.

Crossroads Pic

2008-01-24T10:50:00.001-05:00

Here is our group picture from Crossroads last weekend. It was a great weekend. I was very impressed with our group and how they seemed to soak in every ounce of teaching and worship throughout the weekend. I always say this, but I love Crossroads. You always know you are going to get good preaching and teaching, incredible worship with Carl Cartee, and a ministry that you can trust your students to. There website is www.crossroadsworldwide.com if you would want to check them out.

Blogging From Gatlinburg!!

2008-01-18T19:37:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it to G-burg tonight. It's about 7:30 and we are getting ready for our first worship service tonight. I'm ready for some Carl Cartee and some good ole Clayton King preaching!! My room consists of 3 middle school boys, please pray for me this weekend. Give you updates later on!!

Final Reflections on Brazil

2008-01-17T16:21:00.000-05:00

Well, we are finally back in the states. We arrived Tuesday morning in Cincinnati and have been recovering from a wonderful week followed by a long flight home. Here are just a few of my reflections on the week.
-It's amazing how God works. At first I was not going on the trip because of financial reasons. I knew that I could not pay the $1500 to go, so I assumed that I would not be going. It's amazing what God can do when you take the "I" out of the equation. Instead of trusting myself for the money I trusted God, and guess what, He covered all $1500 to go. Isn't our God amazing. Trust Him!! Now because I trusted God, I have this wonderful life changing trip that I will never forget!
-I can't say this enough, but Brazilian people are the most loving and hospitable people you will ever meet. I remember several times where they would serve us, give us their seats, hug and kiss us, and accept us as one of their own. Amazing Fellowship there in Brazil.
-I remember the kids, all 278 of them, cheering for us, like we were rock stars, as we would come in the room to teach them about the Bible. How excited they would get during the story and how much fun it was to teach them about Jesus.
-I remember crying during the both Sunday services because I was overcome with emotion. Seeing the Brazilian people worship with such passion, I will never forget it. Even though I did not understand what they were singing, I knew that we were in the presence of God. And to know that our worship and fellowship transcended our nationality. That we were all worshipping our Great God.
-One of our translators, I called him Leroy, has a special place in my heart. He was with us the entire week. He is one of those genuine, authentic, nice guys. He also has a great servant's heart. He translated for me one night when I shared at a home Bible Study. He did a great job.
-I remember doing David Crowder "Undignified" for the kids, they went Crazy and Loved it.
-I remember preaching on Saturday Night with a dog right in the middle of the aisle. It was truly a joy to get to share, and an experience that I would like to have more of.
-The pastor of the church in Guapiacu is an incredible man. 70 years old and I think he has more energy than me. I has a great heart for the people of his city and is a go getter!! He is the ideal person to be leading that church right now.
-I've taken away so much from this trip that it's hard to put it down on paper. I'm continually blown away by how awesome and big our God is. That God is bigger than any box I've ever put him in. He bridges that gaps of age, race, nationality, gender, and others. I can develop a bond of love with people I only knew for a week because we have that connection through Christ. On Sunday at Rolling Hills we join together with millions of other people across the world in worship of our God. It's humbling to think about. That we/myself are just a small part in a big picture. But, when we join together with our fellow brothers and sisters like we did last week, much can be accomplished for the glory of God. God bless the people of Brazil.

P.S. - I was very happy to hear of all the people that checked out my blog while we were gone. Please continue to check it our for continual updates.

By the way, we leave tomorrow for Crossroads in Gatlinburg, TN. I can't wait to get in a van and drive 6 hours!!

Blogging from Brazil - Part 5

2008-01-12T22:07:00.001-05:00

The past two days have been great days. Yesterday morning we went to a place where monkeys live. We took bananas and fed them. It was pretty amazing, the monkeys would come up to you and take the banana right out of your hand. We are talking tons of monkeys surrounding us and wanting food. It was fun. The afternoon we went to a mall and did some shopping. I picked up several things for my lovely wife. That night we split up and went to two different house worship services. I shared at one of them and Debbie Shoupe shared at another. Both went very well.
Today we went to a small zoo here is Rio Preto. We saw Tigers, Lions, Snakes, you name it. It was fun and the beauty of Brazil is amazing. The zoo is set in a beautiful place with trees, flowers, and foilage. Great place. Tonight we went to the church that we had been working at in Guapiacu. We had a worship service, kind of celebration, celebrating us being there and the work that was accomplished this week. The place was packed out!! We sang, two of their members did a dance for us, the Rollins girls did a dance to "Testify to Love", they had one of their members sing and solo (during the solo a dog came in the church and laid down in the aisle. It was pretty funny, nobody tried to get the dog out, I guess they are used to that), and then I preached a challenge to the church. It was an awesome experience preaching to the church. Danny translated for me and I am thankful that he gave me that opportunity. It was quite the experience especially with the dog staring at me during the service. I'm not sure but I think the dog may have got saved.
After the service the church presented us with several gifts, showing their appreciation for us being there. I know I've said this over and over, but Brazilian people are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. We presented the church as well with some going away gifts and gave our translators for the week some presents as well. It was absolutely a wonderful day here in Brazil. Tomorrow we are going to church in the morning and then driving the 6 hour drive back to Sao Paulo. We are staying Sunday Night in Sao Paulo and then boarding the plane Monday night. Tomorrow I'm hoping to post my new reflections on Brazil. Enough for tonight.
Boa Noite

God Bless The Brazilian Steakhouse

2008-01-10T20:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you know about the way they do Steakhouses down here in Brazil. It is quite amazing and quite the experience. Tonight we went to Farroupilha, the local steakhouse here in Rio Preto. It opens at 7:30pm and we were the first ones in the door. The steakhouses here are set up where you sit down at the table, order your drink, go to the salad bar, and then the waiters begin to bring different cuts of meat to your table and ask you if you want that type of meat or not. You have a little coaster at your table with one side being red which means stop and the other side green which means bring on the meat. As long as you have the green showing, they will bring you meat ALL NIGHT LONG!! They have, and this is no exaggeration, 21 different cuts of meat that they bring by, along with fish, chicken, and pork. Tonight I had chicken, ham, rumpsteak, top sirloin, sirloin, tenderloin (which I got three servings of), skirt of tenderloin beef, prime rib, strip loin, and hump!! Oh my gosh, Jesus take me now, that was amazing!! Along with that I had, 3 cokes, little bit of salad, fries, potato chips, some kind of cheese thing, desert, and a cappucino!! Stick a fork in me, I was done!! This was some of the best beef I have ever put in my mouth. The service was great, the food good, and on Steven's scale of 1 to 10 my official score is a 13!! Tomorrow we are going to see monkeys, and I don't mean Dave!!

Blogging from Brazil - Part 4

2008-01-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

Another incredible day here in Brazil. This morning we met with the city legislature here in Guiciapu. We presented them with a Bible and a copy of The Purpose Driven Life in Portuguese of course. This afternoon we had another incredible time at VBS. Well over 200 kids again. They are all excited to see us and are all over us all the time. Dave and I are the Dynamic Duo when it comes to teaching. We make a good team and I love that guy!! I also love hanging out with these children. They are so much fun and full of life. It's really hard to explain but Brazilian people are some of the most loving and hospitable people you will ever meet. The VBS has been a huge success and we've all had a wonderful time.
Tonight we went back to the school in Guiciapu where we held the VBS for a parents night. We had a mini church service, the children performed their songs that they had worked on, Danny presented the gospel, Kenda gave her testimony, and then we did UNDIGNIFIED!!! That's right, we brought CROWDER to Brazil. The kids LOVED IT!! It was awesome to see these kids get undignified for Jesus. It was one of my highlights of the week.
The church that we have been working with to help us put on the VBS have been so wonderful and supportive. Again, I can't say this enough, Brazil has some of the most wonderful people. They have become very close to us in this short amount of time.
Boa Noite

Top Reflections on Brazil....So Far!

2008-01-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

1) The Roads are really bad here, every where we go it's bumpy, and for that matter street lanes are irrelevant, speed limits are a suggestion, and motorcycles can do whatever they want!
2) I like having floss in the bathroom, it helps when you've got something caught in the teeth
3) I've noticed that Brazilians like Americans but not George W. They think he started the war. However, they love Al Gore. They call him a hero for his work on Global Warming...interesting.....
4) The Food is Great..I've gained weight!
5) Brazilian women are beautiful (get you're head out of the gutter), Dave and I came to this conclusion. They are naturally beautiful women and they don't even wear makeup!
6) Dogs are everywhere!! There was even one in front of the Mayors office. I've never seen more dogs.
7) Brazilian TV is TERRIBLE - the acting, the lighting, recording, it all STINKS!
8) You can get on the roof of any building and nothing is ever locked
9) You can't flush toilet paper, it's like using sand paper. Napkins are pretty much made of plastic.
10) Every table at a restaurant has their very on toothpick container. It's nice if you like toothpicks like I do.

Blogging from Brazil - Part 3

2008-01-07T20:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our first day of VBS at the church in Guapiacu, right outside of Rio Preto where we are staying. The church is actually a church that Pastor Danny had planted when he was serving here in Brazil. We went early to do some canvassing of the area to advertise for our VBS. We are putting the VBS on at a school in the city. The city by no means is a slum city. I would call it a lower middle class area. Well, the pastor of the church that we are working with said to expect about 150 kids. We thought that was a little bit extravagant to expect that many kids to show up. Well, when we started at 2pm our count for the day was 230 kids, today we had 247. Yes, that is not a misprint, 230 kids yesterday, and 247 today. It is INCREDIBLE!! They said that had never seen a turn out like that before!! Dave Moss and I are in charge of teaching. We have one of the interpreters to interpret for us. Actually I handle the teaching and Dave is the comic relief in the room. The last two days we have had a blast!! Steph if you are reading this I did the Brazilian version of Baby Shark!! Yesterday we taught on Jesus calming the storm and today we did Jesus bringing back Lazuras from the dead. It's awesome to see the kids respond and get in to the lesson. GOD IS GOOD.
Last night we split up and went to two different home churches. I went to one with Danny and Brandi Shoupe. This is a chance for the members in the church to invite there nonchristian friends, family and neighbors out to hear the Gospel. We sing songs, share testimonies, do the evangel cube, and share a short message with the people. Last night I shared my testimony and brother Danny interpreted for me. It was really an amazing experience being able to share through an interpreter what God had done in my life, bringing me to the point of salvation. As Danny closed the service, which we had in the carport of one of the houses here, I began to get all emotional again. I'm like a blubbering baby!! There is just something about being in the presence of God, even if you can't understand what is being said. It's great to see how other people worship and are moved by the words of the Gospel. Brazilian people are so fun and laid back. After the service some of them tried to teach me what I assumed to be a Brazilian dance to some of their music. It was pretty funny to say the least. I am truly a white boy through and through.
This morning we went and met the Mayor of the city Guapiacu. He was very grateful. We presented him with a copy of The Purpose Driven Life and a Bible in Portuguese. We also prayed with him. Tonight we are going to two different house churches. I love it!!
Enoujgh for now, tonight I'm going to have a fun post on my impression of Brazil!
Boa Tarde!!

Blogging from Brazil - Part 2

2008-01-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a day. I'll have to keep this short. It is 1am and I am tired!! The day started with a traditional Brazilian breakfast consisting of fresh fruit and bread. From there we journeyed to the center of Sao Paulo to an open market called the Hippie Feira. This is an outdoor flea market consisting of several local vendors selling everything from Brazilian jewelry, crafts, art, pottery, clothes, and more. It was incredible walking around and seeing all the authentic Brazilian artifacts. What was cool was that you could bartar with the vendors. So, I kept close to atleast one of the Rollins and got me a few deals at the market. I can't say right now what I bought, I have to keep it a surprise for Samantha. However, I did purchase several things.
From there we hopped on the bus for a 6 hour bus ride to the city of Rio Preto. This is a city of about 350,000 people, considerable small from the 20 Sao Paulo. It is here that we will be doing the VBS. Tonight we went to a Brazilian Worship service. It's interesting the Brazilian evening service is the big one attended as opposed to the morning worship service.
The service lasted a little over 2 hours. This was the church that Danny and his family attended when they lived in this city for 3 years before moving to Sao Paulo. The pastor had him come up and share a few words. Even though the service was in Portuguese, it really moved me. During the singing, which they have a praise band, we started singing "Prince of Peace" in Portuguese then another song which I didn't know, but ended with "Your all I need." During that last song something came over me and I started crying like a baby. It was overwhelming to hear all these people singing at the top of their lungs and with passion. People around me were wiping their eyes. Quite moving.
From there we met the people. Great people here in Brazil. I love practice my Portuguese, and of course everybody else loves making fun of me.
We finished the night off at Bella Capri. This is a Brazilian Pizza place that you go too and they just start bringing Pizza left and right. We are talking different pizzas with some pretty crazy combinations. I ate till I was almost sick it was soo good.
That's enough for now, I'm sleepy and heading to bed. I'm rooming with Chris Rollins and he really wants to use the computer right now.
Good Night from Brazil,
tchau!!!

Blogging from Brazil - Part 1

2008-01-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well if your reading this, you know that we made it to Brazil. However, we did have some hiccups along the way. First of, our plane was delayed in D.C. So instead of leaving at 9:47pm we left right at Midnight. The flight was LONG to say the least. 9 hours and 45 minutes on a plane is about 9 hours too long. However, I did get to watch the movie "Ratatouie" and an episode of Hannah Montana. You can't go wrong with either.
We landed in Sau Paulo to some pouring rain at about 12:52 there time. We are staying tonight in a missionary house on the outskirts of Sau Paulo. It is a beautiful house with an outside pool. Tonight we went to a Brazilian Steakhouse called Buffalo Grill. One word ladies and gentlemen AWESOME!! That was an incredible experience. I had probably atleast 10 different types of meat, along with chicken, turkey and a Strawberry/Bananna Foster to top off the night!! Good Stuff!! They kept bringing meat left and right. For a meat lover, you would love it.
Tonight we are catching up on sleep and getting adjusted to the time zone and long flight. Tomorrow we are going to an outdoor market where we can find Brazilian pottery, crafts, jewelry, and other stuff just from Brazil. In the afternoon we are heading to the interior to a town that I can't spell, where we will be working with a church the rest of the week doing VBS. Unfortunately it's about a 7 hour bus ride.
Thanks for your prayers and I will post more later on.
God Bless,
Chow!!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T13:50:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everybody. I hope you had a wonderful New Years Holiday with friends and family. Samantha and I are back in OH. We had a wonderful time with family and friends down in NC. Hey, my New Year is starting off with a mission trip to Brazil. I've attached the photo of our Brazil team that is flying out on Friday. Pray for our team. For safety and just the privilege of sharing the gospel in Brazil. I am pumped about the trip and praying that God would completely rock my world during this time. I'll post more on that later. For now here is the pic and you can start praying for us.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T22:34:00.000-05:00

Well Merry Christmas everybody!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day spending it with friends and family. So far Samantha and I have had a wonderful time with our family. Last night we went by and spent some time with my Grandmother Proctor and then went by to see Samantha's Grandfather. Later that night Samantha sang at a Christmas Eve service at the church her mom is the pianist. She of course did a beautiful job and it was nice because both of our families went to the service. That night we spent Christmas Eve with my family. We opened presents and enjoyed being with each other.
Today we came over to Samantha's mom and dads and opened presents and went up to see Samantha's Grandmother. So far its been a wonderful time being with the family. But enough of the mushy stuff, here is the goods. For Christmas I've gotten: The Karate Kid Collection (All Four Karate Kid Movies), a Pants and a Dress Shirt with matching tie, Transformers, Spiderman 3, a commentary book, socks (what would Christmas be without getting socks), a Pavarotti CD (yes I asked for the CD, it's not Samantha's), the Steve Martin book Born Standing Up, a book on how to speak conversational Portuguese for our mission trip coming up, some weights, a shirt, a journal, and some Armani Cologne (Samantha Likes!!).
Well, that's enough for now!! Tomorrow we are heading off to do some day after Christmas Shopping. Thursday we are heading down to Myrtle Beach. I love vacation!!!

Movie Reviews: Alvin and the Chipmunks and National Treasure 2

2007-12-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Alvin and the Chipmunks:
The movie starts off good and goes down hill from there. From the Chipmunks point of view, they are cute, don't get me wrong. The movie starts off good with the Chipmunks singing Had a Bad Day, however, from there it really gets pretty cheesy!! The acting is terrible, let's just say I could have played a better Dave Seville! If you can get in to see the movie for free, go see it. However, don't waste your money for 82 minutes of the cheese fest 2007!!
Steve's Grade - C-

National Treasure:
This is probably the best Holiday Movie I've seen. You have action, romance, suspense, humor, and a great mystery storyline. The acting is great, you can't go wrong with Nicholas Cage (unless you watch The Wicker Man). Definitely worth your $9.00. It lives up to the first one and then some. Plus, I love the set up for the next one at the end. So, for all you treasurer hunters out there, go see it, you will be ready to go find your own treasure after you get done.
Steve's Grade - A

Party Finale!

2007-12-21T23:10:00.001-05:00

So, the party was great. I'm still here at Dave and Kenda's fixing to sign off for the night. We ended the night with over the mountain. And a little guitar hero. If anyone is out there looking for a last minute Christmas present for me, I want a PS3 with Guitar Hero. That game ROCKS MY SOCKS OFF!!

Christmas Party Update

2007-12-21T21:25:00.000-05:00

Just finished Secret Santa, or Yankee Swap (for all you Office people). Samantha scored $5 and a video of our Cantata The Gift. I came away with a $5 gift card to Starbucks. You know who's going to get my gift card!!

Christmas Party!!

2007-12-21T19:32:00.000-05:00

So, I'm at Dave and Kenda's right now for our Christmas party. It's going to be a great night of presents, guitar hero, pizza, and more. The one thing I've noticed is that we have so many girls in our youth ministry now. Maybe that's because we have a drop dead sexy Youth Pastor!! Maybe not! Thanks Dave and Kenda for what will be an awesome night of yule tide cheer. Have for those of you who read this, Sunday morning at Rolling Hills an incredible singer will give us her version of O Holy Night!! Be there or be square. Merry Christmas everyone!

The Connection Update

2007-12-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

Over the past 4 weeks we have been discussing the issue of friends on Wednesday nights. Our theme statement has been, "Your friends will determine the direction and quality of your life." Our verse during this study has been Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise will grow wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Last night our students saw these two statements brought to life in the testimony of Chris Telger. Chris Telger was a member of our church who passed away last year at this time at the age of 28 from complications of years from using drugs. His mom and dad came last night and shared his testimony with our students and told how Chris started down this road of alcohol and drugs by beginning to hang out with the wrong crowd. It would later lead him down a road that claimed his life. He did at the end experience a time where he was clean, but had wasted 12 years of his life to drugs. After becoming clean, Chris so desperately wanted to share his testimony and impress upon students the importance of staying away from drugs and alcohol and chosing their friends wisely.
It was very heartfelt and sincere. Lots of tears were shed last night, but it was good for our students to hear that this stuff is for real. That it does matter who you let influence you, and just when you think it won't happen to you, you are more prone to fall than at any other time.
So, students if you are reading. Take a lesson from Chris Telger. Don't let his testimony end in vain. Learn from it, apply it, and use it to live a life that honors God.
Thank you Vern and Laura for sharing last night. It was a night we won't forget.

Movie Review - "I am Legend"

2007-12-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I went to see the new Will Smith movie, I am Legend. Over all I really enjoyed it. The year is 2012, and Robert (played by Will Smith) is the last fully human resident in New York—perhaps in the world. Nearly everyone else was killed three years earlier by a horrific mutation of what was supposed to be a cure for cancer. Those who didn't die outright turned into hairless, hungry monsters—light-loathing, zombified, vampiric creatures that hunt anything that moves. Robert insists that he can and will find of cure for the mutation that has taken place and ruined humanity, thus the movie proceeds with Roberts ins and outs of living in NYC by himself and his quest to find a cure.

I may be biased, because I'm a big Will Smith fan, but I thought he did a great job. The profanity throughout the movie was kept to about 3 words, there was violence, and no sexual content throughout the movie. It was just a good ole action flick, with some classic Will Smith!!

Steve's Grade - A-

O Holy Night

2007-12-17T09:57:00.001-05:00

I can't take credit for the idea of posting this video on my blog. I saw it on some of my friends blog, but man what a performance and what a song. "Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angels voices!" "Christ is the Lord, praise his name forevermore!" Good stuff. My parents are actually going to see these guys in concert in Charlotte. Enjoy the music and the video.

The Christmas Mood

2007-12-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

If your like me you have some trouble getting in to the Christmas mood. It seems every year that Christmas come sooner and sooner. It's almost like we don't even get through Thanksgiving before the radio stations are playing Christmas music and all of sudden you have The Charlie Brown Christmas show coming on TV. Plus, Samantha and I don't put up a Christmas tree. I know you're probably thinking that we are the Grinch, but we go to NC for Christmas. So it really doesn't make sense for us to put up a tree for Christmas, if we are not going to be here. So, you can imagine that it's a little tough to get in the good ole Christmas spirit.

I was in my car the other day listening to The Dave Ramsey Show and they went to commercial. So I hit the seek button on my radio to find something else to listen to while they were in commercial. It landed on a radio station that was playing I'll be home for Christmas, however Josh Groban was signing it. By the end of the song, I had tears in my eyes (call me a sissy, I don't care!). It was the best version of the song, I had ever heard. I went that day to Wal-Mart and bought it. The CD, entitled, Noel, has been a blessing so far this Christmas season. It will definitely help to brighten your Christmas season. It has classics from What Child is This, The First Noel, all the way to Ava Maria. Plus, some fun Christmas songs. I love it.

So there is my shameless plug. If your struggling this Christmas, go get you some Josh Groban!! It will definitely brighten up your holiday season!!

Family Pictures

2007-12-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

I love Images Photography here in Fairfield. Great people, with a great heart, plus the owners are some of my good friends. Samantha and I went to get some pictures done back in October. You can see the one of us to the right over there, Dave the photographer got tired of seeing the other picture of us there. Don't we look like a happily married couple??

Here is my wife's head shot. I'm going to say it, my wife is completely sexy!! I married way over my head. Just look at her, no you stop looking. She needed some head shots for all the competitions that she does.

Here is me! This is what I feel sometimes in Ministry. You other ministers out there feel my pain. Especially when I see students with so much potential waste it on worthless things of this world. It makes me want to scream!!! But all kidding aside, I wanted to do something crazy. This satisfied my craving.

Thanks Dave for a great session. I love you man, even though you won't hug me at work!!

Great Weekend in TN!!

2007-12-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

Had a great time hanging out with some super cool students from Calvary Baptist Church this weekend in Greenville, TN. The Youth Retreat went great. Had a wonderful time teaching and hanging out at one of the nicest lodges I've ever been at. It overlooked the beautiful mountains in the Pisgah National Forrest. The first night we looked at a Picture of Maturity form 1 Thess. 4, then we talked about ourselves as God's Original Masterpiece, Friday Night we lowered the boom on holding each other accountable in the Youth Ministry, and this morning we challenged them to set the example for others to see in regards to speech, life, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy). I really enjoyed this opportunity however, I am absolutely exhausted!! A big shout out to my good friend Tiger Brooks. I love you man, thanks for thinking of me, and I'm praying for you!

Youth Retreat

2007-11-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

So, I'm leaving in about 30 minutes for the great state of TN. I ask for you to pray for the weekend. I will be leading a session tonight, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday Morning. My good friend Tiger Brooks asked me to come down to lead his Youth Retreat. He's going to give me a little money toward my Brazil trip for all my troubles. So far I'm thinking we are going to talk about what it means to be an original masterpiece in one session, acceptance in another, and how to encourage each other in the youth ministry on Sunday morning. That means I really don't know what to talk about tonight. However, that's okay, I got about a 6 hour drive for the Lord to speak to me. So, thanks for your prayers and I will see you when I get back.

Back in the Saddle!

2007-11-27T11:20:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was a great time. Samantha's family came up and we just had some good quality family time. Family is good stuff. But now we are ready to get cranked back up and head to Christmas!! We start a new series this Wednesday called "Homies and Peeps" talking about friendships and how your friends can determine the direction and quality of your life. I'm leading a Youth Retreat down in TN this weekend for a friend of mine, so that is exciting and you can pray for me over the weekend. Small Groups at The Connection kick off Sunday Night and will run for about 4 weeks. We've got Christmas parties galore happening all over our church, which reminds me we need to do a Christmas party sometime for The Connection. I'm leaving on a jet plane in January for Brazil for 10 days, then turning around and going to the Crossroads Winter Conference from January 18-21. So lots to be excited about and to get involved with. I'm just going to come out and say it: I'm pumped about Brazil. I'm praying that I will never be the same after this trip. That God would completely blow me away with his presence and what he is going to teach me through this trip. Enough for now, I've got to do some praying!

Happy Early Thanksgiving!!

2007-11-20T10:29:00.000-05:00

I wanted to give a shout out and wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving. Samantha's mom, dad, and brother arrived late last night and will be with us to celebrate the holiday. Therefore, I will be spending time with them and not have a chance to do much blogging over the next couple of days. So consider this me wishing you Happy Thanksgiving. Take some time to reflect about the goodness and blessings of God. We truly are a blessed people. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with friends and family. God bless you!!

My First Fish!!

2007-11-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

This picture is for Dave Moss. Look at the fish I caught!! This is probably the first fish I've caught in 20 years! A couple of weekends ago I went camping with a couple of our youth guys. We had a camp fire, did some hiking, fishing, and played a couple of mean games of capture the flag. We caugh about 5 fish (me, Joe, and Jacob). After that Jacob filleted them and then we fried those babies up!! YUM!! Fun weekend, but just wanted to show off my fish! Oh by the way, Jacob's a pretty good teacher when it comes to fishin!

My B-Day!!

2007-11-09T17:10:00.000-05:00

Today I turned the big 29!! I know for some of you out there 29 is no big deal. You passed that a LONG time ago. However, birthdays kind of freak me out. I guess I have this phobia of growing old. I told Samantha that next year when I turn 30 not to talk to me for a week, it's going to be tough! I guess as the years go by, I figure one of these days I am going to have to grow up and figure out what I want to do with my life. I mean I'm 29 years old, married for 6 years, no kids, 1 cat, I own two cars and I have a mortgage.

As I was thinking about the last 29 years, I thought about the trek that brought me and Samantha from NC to OH. How God has taken care of us. I started thinking about the spiritual mile markers in my life. From when I accepted Jesus as Savior at 7, to my first Youth Pastor Mark Smith and how he made such a huge impact on my life. Then when I surrendered to the ministy at age 18 at a youth camp in TN. My marriage, my first church, the move to OH, are all spiritual mile markers in my life where God showed up in my life and I was never the same.

I want to keep making memories and mile markers. I don't simply want to exist and let time go by. I want to be proactive in my life. I don't want the years to slip by like sand through an hour glass. I want to cherish the years that I have, and make the most of them. I don't want to get older, I want to get better with time. I want to get smarter and wiser. I want to surrender more of life to the leadership of God. I want to daily grow closer to God.

In 29 years God has truly blessed me with a wonderful family, friends, a great church to serve, a drop dead sexy wife, and of course I'm not too bad looking.

Here's to 29 more!!

State Convention Update

2007-11-08T22:25:00.001-05:00

So, today was day two of the convention. I have to say, this Ohio Baptist Convention really rocked my world. Ohio Baptist really know how to worship and bring it when it comes to preaching. I heard from several people over the last two days. Several from the national southern Baptist convention and also several from our state convention. Tonight we heard from Henry Blackaby. You can't go wrong with the man that wrote Experiencing God. He challenged us to be people of prayer, to be indwelled with the Holy Spirit, and to use God's power through us to transform our churches and people around us. To go and reach the nations one person at a time, and he challenged us to live a life that reflects the change that has taken place in us as a result of our salvation. I'll tell you this is the first time I've heard Blackaby speak. He is a humble man, didn't raise his voice much, but man he spoke the truth with boldness. Overall its been GOOD STUFF. I just might have to make the Ohio State Convention and annual event!

State Convention

2007-11-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

So, brother Danny and I are here in Cleveland, OH for the next two days. We are checking out the State Convention of Ohio. I'm excited to rub shoulders with some of Ohio's finest baptist!! However, I am said that I am missing The Connection tonight. My prayers are with you guys tonight!! Rock On!
More updates from Cleveland later on, I'm off to the first session.

The Rest of My Life!

2007-11-01T11:33:00.000-04:00

The more I think about my life the more I realize there is so much I have to learn. Yes, there is stuff I have to learn about the future, ministry, other people, of course I want to learn more about God, and all that stuff. But also there is so much I have to learn about myself. Sometimes I stop and wonder, who am I? What do I like? What do I want to do with my life? Do you ever do that? There are so many times I default to other people for the things I like and want to do. I look at the expectations placed on me as a minister, friend, husband and immediately default to them and what they need and want. Now that's not bad to a certain extent by no means, but there comes a time when the work that a person does, needs to be on his/herself.
There was a quote that I shared with our students during our series on sex and dating. It's by Les Parrott and the more I think about it and talk to people I see the truth in this statement. He states, "If you attempt to build intimacy with a person before you've done the hard work of becoming a whole and healthy person, every relationship will be an attempt to complete the hole in your heart and the lack of what you don't have. That relationship will end in disaster."
As I try to continue to build intimacy with my wife, as I attempt to grow deeper in friendships and with my family, the one common denominator in these relationships is me. How am I doing with being Steven? Am I a whole and healthy person? Am I continuing to see myself the way God sees me? Am I getting to the bottom of who the real Steven Staton is? Do I even really want to know who the real Steven Staton is? Because what if I do find out and I don't like what I find.
Have you ever noticed people who always have noise around them? They always have the radio blasting, or the TV on, or their iPod with them. Are you one of those people? One of the reasons people have all this "noise" around them and all this external stimulus is because they are terrified of silence. The stillness. The present. If you stop and rest in the quiet, you will have to listen to what is going on inside of you. And that can be frightening.
So let's try something together. Are you ready? We are working together to become the whole and healthy people that God wants us to be, to find out who we really are. Let's do this exercise together. I'm reading a book by Rob Bell and he offered the following exercise. I'm going to trust that you will do this.
Ask yourself the following questions and write down whatever comes to mind. Get rid of the edit button. No one's going to read this. You'll throw it away afterward. Maybe. But seriously try this, write them down. When I did this, I was pretty astonished by what I found out about Steven.

What is frustrating you right now?
What are you angry about?
No, don't go to the next one, go back. Listen. Reflect. Be honest. Give yourself time. The other stuff will be there when you get done. Take this serious.
What are you scared of?
What are you dreading?
What are you anxious about?
What concerns you?
What is stressing you out right now, the smallest thing that you don't want to write down because it seems so dumb but it actually is stressing you?
What are you looking forward to?
Today, tomorrow, this year?

It's amazing how many people do this exercise and discover that there are all sorts of things right below the surface that they weren't aware of. It can be scary to learn about yourself, to learn about all the stuff that's brewing on the inside that we have missed. But until we come to terms with who we are, we will never be all that God wants us to be. Now, if your married or with someone, how about sharing your list with them. Could you do that?
God bless us on our journey.
I hope this helped someone like it helped me.

Movie Review - "Dan in Real Life"

2007-10-29T16:52:00.000-04:00

"Dan in Real Life" is about a widower (Steve Carell) who is raising his three daughters. What's funny though is that Dan is an advice columnist for his local newspaper. He gives most advice about parenting and runs into plenty of trouble throughout the movie as a son, brother, and dad.

So the family has a big get together at their family cabin up in Rhode Island, that's where everything goes down for Dan. He meets a girl who he really likes who just so happens to be dating his brother. Thus, the comedy begins.

Overall the movie is very good and funny. Steve does a very good job and you definitely find yourself pulling for him at the end of the movie. What's great is that there are several lessons to be learned from the movie. Dan and his girls live and learn in the context of their large, loving and loyal family. There are several times I found myself laughing out loud. The cast was great except for Dane Cook (not a big fan). The PG-13 rating does not come any where close to pushing the content envelope that other PG-13 movies do. All three of the big ones, language, sex, and violence were kept to a minimum or nothing at all.

I recommend the movie. It's a good family friendly comedy. Plus, I just love Steve Carell!

Steve's Grade - B+