Blog for the Week of October 3, 2010

My dearly loved PEPpers and far flung family and friends,

A few days ago I drove over to the Andrew Jackson State Park to scout out the lay of the land in preparation for our annual church picnic.  It worked out that Sonja, Lee and David Lee were able to go with me.  We had a wonderful couple of hours as we romped around on the property and then stopped for lunch.  Because I had stayed with my eating disciplines all week I allowed myself a little indulgence – a wonderful cheeseburger and French fries (fried very crispy).

As I sat there introducing David Lee to crispy French fries and ketchup and enjoying the company of my dearly loved wife and son I thought to myself, “This is a Matthew 6:33 Moment.”

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  I haven’t always gotten it right, but over the years I have intentionally said “No” to more and more things that would compete with God’s rule in my life.  I could walk you through the times when I have struggled with persuasive temptations – the things the kingdoms of this world say matter.  But with each passing year (and another one passed this week for me!), I have truly learned that if I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that He will add “all these things” to my life.  And this past Friday as I sat there with family enjoying a great cheeseburger and reflecting on the last couple of hours I couldn’t help but say to my Father God, “You’ve done it again!  You’ve added the things that really, really matter to my life.”

My dear friends, I have learned that we can trust Him.  Sometimes doing things God’s way doesn’t make sense and it can be a little scary, but at the end of the day…without fail…if you will be willing to subtract those things that compete with His will in your life, He will add.  And it will always be those things that really matter and bring the most fulfillment, peace and joy.   

IMPORTANT DATES & ISSUES:

Heritage Sunday, October 3, 2010 – get there EARLY and come expecting a great day!

• Music artist, Jason Crabb will be with us in our 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.
• Lunch from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Andrew Jackson State Park
• Worship service at 2:00 p.m. at the amphitheater (Communion will be served.)
• Games and family time following the service – ‘til the park closes.

October 10 & 17, 2010 – Shepherding Group training from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested in being a part of this ministry please contact my office this week (Monday – Thursday) \ 803.547.2629, ext. 30

October 31, 2010 – Firm Foundations begins / Evening service – our annual Harvest Festival

November 13, 2010 – Annual Mission’s Banquet

November 14, 2010- Annual Mission’s service

December 3-5, 2010 – Annual Fine Arts Christmas Production

December 11, 2010 – Annual Christmas Banquet, special guest Aaron Wilburn

December 12, 2010 – Special guest Aaron Wilburn in service

January 19, 2011 – Day 1 of 40-days

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Trio Restaurant

 This is a little different from my usual resource, but I thought I’d mention this nice little restaurant.  Sonja and I have eaten there a few times over the years but it had been a while and when Sonja took me there for my birthday this week I was reminded of just how good it was.  It makes a good “date night” restaurant with fair prices, excellent choices and great tasting food.

• Trio Restaurant
• 10709 McMullen Creek Parkway
  Charlotte, North Carolina 28226

  Phone: (704) 541-8000  |  Fax: (704) 541-1082

AFFIRMATIONS OF THE WEEK:

1. I am an encourager = choosing to look at people through lens of grace and circumstances through eyes of faith.
2. I am flexible = willing to learn and change 
3. I am focused = doing what I was born to do with sustained effort
4. I am forging = willing to take action and risk in faith
5. I am generous = willing to give beyond what is required or expected without expecting anything in return
6. I am goal driven = living my life intentionally in pursuit of achieving the goals of Jesus Christ
7. I am a good-finder = refusing to be negative or to focus on the dark side of life but rather seeing the good in people and in the circumstances around me

 LIFE IN “KEMPSVILLE”:

Life in Kempsville has been fast-paced and full but also fulfilling this week.  As I mentioned earlier, I celebrated another birthday this week (#54) and I am extremely grateful to God for life and for the growing number of life-long friends that God is giving me.  Thanks to all of you for the many cards, emails, Facebook “wall messages”, texts, calls and gifts.  Wow, on the day of my birth, most of the ways I was contacted this year did not even exist!

As of October 1, 2010, if God lets me live to age 80 I have 9490 days left (give a leap-year or two).  Hopefully He will even let me live beyond that, but if God were to choose to take me today, through I’d hate to say goodbye to my family, church family and many friends, I’d have no complaints.  God has been better to me than I deserve and I give Him all the glory and reconfirm my desire to serve him faithfully all the days He gives me on this earth.

Patiently progressing with great joy,

david l. kemp