Sunday Night Mind Dump...

* We growing like gangbusters in all 3 Worship Celebrations!

* First service felt different to me today. Maybe it was starting a video in Espanol and having your sermon notes blow off the table! :>) All in all - great day with lots of worship and engegement!

* My girl's basketball team lost the championship Saturday. We were undefeated and actually beat the team that beat us 3 times this season. We went into over time and they beat us with a last second shot. Do you know how hard it was to look into the crying eyes of 8 little girls who, like the Patriots, were in pursuit of seasonal perfection? Killer! The other coach and his family and three girls from the team came to newhope today. How cool is that?

* Leaving on a Pastoral/Staff Team retreat tomorrow at 3 pm. I love our team and will go to bat for them any day of the week.

* I can't wait for the new building. I know it is not about the building but I am starting to feel it for the people. It is really becoming a space issue. As I said in church this morning - thanks for your patience. (11 months and counting)

* Have you watched the new movie titled, "Amazing Grace"? Do yourself a favor and check it out.

* The Durham Newspaper ran another article on newhope. You can check it out here.

* Praise God for our new Executive Director of Operations. Her name is Fran Helpingstine and she starts tomorrow with our retreat.

* Pastor Matt and Ashley are having twins! I think it runs in the water around here. :>)

* Speaking of kiddos - Joshua Hunter is now entering my favorite stage. To me, there is nothing like that 2 - 4 year old stage. He is no longer a baby or even a toddler, but becoming a boy (AKA - a little man :>) He is far too cute and therefore gets away with too much.

* There are a lot of people left to reach for Jesus. As I rode to church this morning, I found my heart breaking at the fact that the streets are far too calm on Sunday mornings. Why? BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE LOST WITHOUT JESUS AND NOT ATTENDING CHURCH.

* Nena (Our exchange student) thinks she wants to stay another year and go to school full time in America. She has become such a part of our family and we would love for that to work out.

* Did you watch the Clemson vs. UNC basketball game tonight? WOW! UNC won in double overtime.

* If you missed church this morning, read Matthew 14:13 - 21. Sometimes I really wish I lived during Jesus' day. Can you imagine what it must have been like to see such miracles first hand?!

* On Wednesday, our pastoral/staff team will end up near Charlotte at an incredible Ropes Course. Can't wait!

* I am tired - typical Sunday evening with my body in desperate need of sleep but my mind still cranking!

*Did you know it costs our government two cents to make one penny? Go figure. I think it is time to retire the copper coin.

* The racial diversity in our church keeps growing and growing. Father, I ask you to keep growing our church family so that it fully represents your created order. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

* Good night...