Thinking Missionally

This is what I resonate with tonight.

Play-doh as Spiritual Formation

New Hope kids did a couple really cool things during the gatherings this weekend.

Each of our Son City kids created with play-doh. The creations were then put on a tray and kids had the opportunity to guess what each one was. Sometimes it was obvious, sometimes not. Then each child had the opportunity to share about their created project. Noone knows more about a creation than the creator.

The kids experienced hands on how meaningful the connection is between creator and creation. We cannot truly know who we are without being connected to the One who loving created us.

The kids also had the chance to see an image of freedom in Christ as they released a group of live butterflies into the sky. Jeanne beautifully led the conversation that helped kids understand that is is Jesus who transforms us into beauty. Through Jesus we become who we are created to be.

Thanks to Jeanne and the rest of the Children's Ministry team for helping our kids find themselves in Jesus.

Hey, if you don't have any responsibilities on Friday evening, join other New Hopers for a movie night beginning at 7pm.

There will be popcorn, candy, and pop, friendly people - everything you need for a great time.

The movie is rated PG-13 and is based on a true story. There will be things that you agree with, things you disagree with. In the end; hopefully, you will feel inspired about your own place in this world.

If you have young kids, a movie will be shown upstairs for them.

Join us for a good time! Thanks to the Byrdy Small Group for hosting the evening.

Light of the World

This past weekend we lit our candles to express that we want to partner with Jesus in what he is doing in the world.

During the Saturday night gathering, I watched a man help a woman light her candle. The woman was short and couldn't see just how to tip her candle to allow the wick to light. That beautiful image has stayed in my brain all week. That's what we do for each other. Through trusting God, using the gifts he's given us and making ourselves available, we help others light their flame.

Wonderful words this past weekend. "We are not the light ourselves, we point others to Jesus, the light of the world."

How is that playing out in your 24-7-365 this week?

I see heaven through my dad

Knowing how to face life honestly is one of the most beautiful things I have learned from my dad. He has the ability to face whatever circumstances life throws at him with the most honest, God-honoring perspective. Some would say he is a pie in the sky optimist. But if you live closely to him, you know that he struggles just like anyone else in the world. The difference is that he takes all his honest, sometimes gut-wrenching feelings and circumstances to God first - he writes, he prays, he seeks. And he doesn't stop until God leads. That optimism you see is an utter dependence on the Creator of the Universe.

I love my dad. And I appreciate the aspects of heaven he has taught me.

Thanks, Dad, for being you and for sharing yourself with me and so many others.

Learning Through Friendship

You know more than I, and I learn from you. I know more than someone else, and they learn from me. We are not meant to walk alone.

I had the privilege of meeting with my small group tonight. These people are growing in Christ and I benefit by learning what I do not yet know.

They have a way of reminding me of who I am. We talk to God and listen to God together.

Thanks for letting me be a part! You are a blessing to me!

Baptism & the Family of God

I saw Shane Winston at the Fair on Monday. I can’t explain it, and it seems kind of goofy, but there is a new connection that exists after being at New Hope’s Baptism together on Sunday. He was dunked, I clapped and celebrated with him. Christ has made us brother and sister.

If you were part of the baptism gathering last weekend, you know what I’m talking about. It was beautiful. It was unifying. I LOVE being a part of a community like ours. We’re doing the dunking thing again during the weekend of October 13/14 – let us know if you want to do it.



This morning I’ve been thinking about people around the globe. I read a press release about Hurricane Felix and have begun to pray for our brothers and sisters who are TODAY experiencing the devastation.

See the words of Eliezel Soto, “to see at one time how insignificant we are in the face of the power of God’s creation fills me with humility, but at the same time, to see the power of God as He protects and cares for us is something that fills me with joy and love for Him.”

God is our God. Circumstances don’t change who he is. Circumstances give us the opportunity to understand Him at a deeper level.

God, we trust you. Teach us to trust you.

To those of you that are struggling TODAY (whether you are in the U.S. or Nicaragua), please know that there is a Great God who loves you supremely and a community of believers who supports you fully.