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Ten Years

 Today, we celebrate something special to our family. Today, TEN years ago we became members of Harvest Church. I wanted to say a little about it for those of you that maybe are on the fence about church or joining a church.  Ray nor I was raised in church and we both wanted that for our family. But there's where the problem started. I wanted a different kind of church to go to. We had visited several churches and even stayed at a couple churches for periods of time, but in the end they weren't the right fit for us. Nothing I wanted to hitch my wagon to. The boys and I visited Harvest, I knew that first visit this is where I wanted to hang around a little longer to see if this could be the church for us. I had been struggling with after salvation, what next? Ya, know what? That was exactly what the Preacher's message was that very Sunday I decided to show up. Long story, kinda shorter, haha.. We ended up going to Harvest for a little over two years, before we became members...
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Hope

  Hope is the ultimate form of resistance. I'm not sure who to give credit to for the wonderful quote. Doesn't it activate and bubble up inside your entire being when you read a quote like this? 
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He Sees You

 God makes purpose from our pasts, even in the hard, bad, ugly, and even in death. He gives us new chapters of new books. The pain was not from God, but he will use it. He will turn it to help for another one of his dear children. You are not done. You are seen. You are heard. You are valued. You are His. Don't throw in the towel. It's not over. The race is not finished. Don't give up now. One more turn, one more hill, Look, can you see it? It's the finish line. Finish hard, finish strong. Finish. Don't look behind you, don't look beside you, focus, focus on me. Don't retreat, don't shrink back, you are anointed to prevail. I'm in the front, I'm with you, I'm guiding you. Grab my hand, child. I see you. You matter.  Possess it. It's yours. It's your inheritance. Your victory is certain.
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This is the truth

  There's this quote that has been going around for years now that says, "this is my story, this is my truth". I get it. It makes you feel better being able to share your side of a story or an event. It may help to being you some sort of closure. It may clear your name from some of the people still talking about "what happened". But the truth of the matter is your story is not all truth. I know, that sounds harsh. But the truth is, we have this funny little thing called perspective. And our perspective is formed and changed by our life experiences. Somewhere along the way, our perspectives change and evolve or stay in that constant fight or flight mode. Your story will always be your story. But the truth will be somewhere in between two versions.  
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Has God Given You Something To Say?

Has God given you something to say to the culture or the church that is not popular? It's tempting when you're scrolling thru social media, reading all the trendy, uplifting posts, and seeing their thousands of followers...it's tempting to dull the sword and dampen the flame. A nd go the more traveled and popular route. But God has not called us to be a VOICE and speak HIS WORDS to a wicked generation that desperately needs it to shy away and not fulfil the call. Don't ever be ashamed of His words. His Words may not always be "cool" right now, but His Words contain life and healing and redemption. His Words ultimately cost Him everything. and they will cost you as well. But His Words also GAVE mankind EVERYTHING. Everything pertaining to life and godliness. Wouldn't it be amazing if just one person came to you and said it's because of what you said that made me turn to Jesus? So fan the flame. Sharpen that sword.  Speak His Words. Frequently. Boldy. Au...
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The Garden

  The garden laid dormant all winter. Here she is now dressed and ready for her splendor. She will be arrayed in greens, golds, reds, and purple. With bursts of yellows, orange, blue and crimson too. Her time is coming. Her season of resting and waiting is coming to an end. Her season is upon her. The garden is a magical place. She tells us all kinds of the Earth's secrets, if we'll just linger and listen. She speaks of a Creator who so loving and faithful, so creative too. Who else could make the flowers? Only the One True. Soon her bounty will be upon us for so many to enjoy. The bounty does not come without sacrifice. Tending her tendrils is also a secret she'll share. Work is not just work when you see and enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Get outside. Get in the sun. Put your hands in the dirt. Plant something. Enjoy it's growth. Enjoy your stretching and growth too.  We planted only a fraction of the garden last weekend but still it stirs hope! Enjoy friends!
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Restore - Part 1

  Restore Part 1     Jeremiah 33:1-8 1. Moreover, the word of the lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,  2. Thus saith the Lord the maker of thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name; 3. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not, 4. For thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword.  5. They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with dead bodies of men, whom I have slain un mine anger and in my fury  and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city. 6. Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. 7. And I will cause the captivity of Israel to return, and will build ...
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