Deurty

I stopped in at "Watermark Church" here in Tampa. I came across them a year ago online. If you are interested in checking them out go to: Watermark, Tampa A couple of weeks ago I taught on Ephesians and mentioned that "Walls come down "in" Christ." I had a sense of that truth coming to life. Here I am located twenty driving hours south of home and I can join brothers and sisters in Jesus to worship God. That was a special moment. Their worship pastor was very friendly and he writes original music and worship songs for each week and/or series. You can listen to these online. The Body of Jesus Christ is a WE thang. :) We are having a great time and enjoying ourselves at the pool for hours on end. Looking forward to listening to Steve Thompson - formally known as "The Gooch" - on the way home to Michigan and his 'Gladiator' feeling message. Had burgers and hot dogs last night on the grill... mmmm summer. sd

We are getting closer to that magic moment when we climb into our mini-van and head south to Tampa, Florida. I love the drive down as much as I love the time in Florida. Looking over the country side. Stopping in quirky truck stops selling things I would never expect. Living on a steady diet of Maccas. (as my aussie friends call it) Going up and over the mountains. Drinking caffeine laced drinks to stay alert. (is that drug use?) Putting my sandals on, stopping at a Florida welcome area to buy oranges, and enjoying the smell of our van after a day and a half of driving... It is coming and I am hoping and praying that we'll have a safe, relaxing, refreshing, patience filled, joyful and story filled experience. Clark Griswald is my hero, sd

I am going on a men's retreat tomorrow and Saturday. I don't know if we are going to dance around a fire or beat drums, but that would be kinda cool. The ultimate men's retreat would have a showing of Gladiator and Braveheart. It would also let us shoot guns and make our own beer. This isn't going to be one of those kind of men's retreat, but I'm looking forward to hanging out with the fellas. I did hear that there will be a dodge ball tourney. A shot to the face in dodge ball rocks! sd

no words necessary. sd

Quick poll - What are you afraid of? I am studying "fear" and I'd love to get your thoughts... Thanks for sharing your fears. Here is my biggest fear: heights How about you - scaredy cat? Fear itself! sd

I enjoy listening to various podcasts. I would like to get your take on the best podcasts in different categories. For example: You probably might say that the "Marked Podcast" - Watermark's weekly podcast is your favorite local church podcast... (I chose that so you didn't have to mention it again.) :) So - how about you? If you are subscribed to any podcasts let us know what ones are good and what category would you put it under... As my dad says, "You gotta learn." sd

I've joked about this before, but it is interesting to find that you're a walking guilt trip. I've walked through the store a number of times and have seen people who are a part of our church community or used to be. I am excited to see them. I really love seeing people at the store and catching up. For me - these moments outside of the Sunday morning experiences are what it is all about. I ask them a question. I make eye contact. I lean forward and show interest. But, they seem paralyzed to discuss their plans and answer my questions because they are weighed down by a confession they have to make. "We haven't been to church in a while. We've been sick.. We've had family over... We're worn out from work... The weather has been bad..." It is as if my genuine interest and desire to connect with them has been set aside and I move from being a person, a friend, a faith family member, a human being - to becoming a walking guilt trip. I am ...