Deurty

On Monday I turn 34. I am well and truly about to enter into my MID thirties. When my parents were this age I was 11 and in fifth grade. Wierd. On another note we (Vicki) is pregnant. If you think of it - please pray for a healthy complete pregnancy. We have had two miscarriages since we've started this journey of having kids and we are always cautiously optimistic. So - any ideas for names? We have a girl's name picked out, but we are looking for a boy name. I have my ideas, but they are not well liked by the wider social order of my life. So - what do you think? I debated on whether to tell you blog readers this information, because things might not go the distance, but I guess I'd rather have you know and pray. Thanks - that would be such a gift to our family. Speaking again this week about prayer and giving some basic ways and ideas on how to pray. Equipping stuff... Had a great time with other pastors yesterday at a prayer retreat. Prayed together, sang, t...

Had a great time with the Yates from Auckland, NZ. Great time of refreshment and encouragement for us and hopefully for them. I love all things international. I was always the kid making friends with the exchange student. I was always the guy making the outsider feel comfortable. I loved living in Australia. I loved going to New Zealand. The world is BIG and it is fun to see the BIG picture when we step out of our slice of life. Anyways - I realized again that I need to make international connects for my soul. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire has been great. The level of prayer in my own life has been impacted and we are hearing great stories from groups and people. Thanks be to God. We are now Podcasting messages. Search under: Watermark Podcast in the itunes directory. Late - sd

Went to Chicago yesterday with the Yates to show them around the big city life of America. Stopped in at Willow Creek to show them the big church life of America. Ate at Giordanos to let them experience the big eating life of America. Drove them in my mini-van to give them the big family man travel of America. My country tis of thee, Sweet land of pizza, sd ps -> INXS is dead to me. JD is a Hutchence wanna be. I live in the past with their amazing songs and I choose to blot out their future. So let it be written...so let it be done.

Mike and Michelle Yates from Auckland New Zealand are here. We have a partnership with their church, Shore Grace, and we are looking forward to seeing that partnership deepen and develop. Should be a fun week with them. It would be great to see the flying kiwi as well, but alas he is "called" to some chump religious work in Auckland. :) miss ya kiwi and family. Anyways - we have started our "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" conversation series. I shared today about prayer of rebellion against the way things are. We need to clean up some loose ends for the gatherings, but otherwise things are going smoothly. I just am realizing more and more that I do not know most of the people who are apart of Watermark. New faces. Times they are a changing...but keep the core! Keep the values! The Lions got utterly destroyed today. AHHHHHH! I hate the Lions - how they wooo you into believing that this could be the year - only to squash it like a grape. Joey bites. The defense...

"Prayer cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars and symposiums. It has to be born out of a whole environment of felt need. If I say, 'I ought to pray,' I will soon run out of motivation and quit; the flesh is too strong. I have to be driven to pray." Jim Cymbala from "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire." As a church we need to have more than 'need.' We need desperation. We need dependence. We must be driven. If I pray and ask for these things - will I receive them through experiences that scare and shake me from my middle class stupor? God give me courage to even pray. This past week's gathering was a lot of fun and was a great kick off for the elements of our life together, but I still find myself thinking about the prior week's gathering and the message of involvement in our local community. LOVE INC and other great local ministries shared and we took time to chat about Hurrican Katrina. I want to be involved with Jesus' work a...

Speaking at a young adult retreat in Allegan for Kentwood Community Church. Looking forward to it, but can't believe I'm doing it before our big launch kick off Sunday. Not the smartest move, but it should be a recharge in its own way. Please take a second to pray that God would speak through me and energize me and give me clarity of thought and that the message would find a home within people. Speaking about Sharing our lives and our faith. If you aren't the praying type then just say - good luck sucker! :) Gotta jet. Autumn is doing great in school and I am looking forward to the fall season of ministry, but not the weather. I usually love the fall season (hence naming my daughter after it) but this year I need to have summer around longer!!!!! Rock star INXS update and opinion: TY - Glad they wiped that stupid grin off his face and made him cry (he always looks like he is going to.) The speach at the end had me mystified. (get it? INXS song?) JORDIS - an early f...

Some guys from Watermark headed down to Mississippi to help with hurricane relief through "World Hope." You can keep updated on what is going on through their blog: "His Hands and Feet." His Hands and Feet Pray, give, go - to help others live. Deurty