Simple Stuff : By - Jeff Eberhard

Down Turn #2

2012-01-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

Interesting that I'm hearing more and more people say that our Economy is starting to rebound. That the Recession is in our rear view mirrors.

Hmmm.

Have you looked at who those people are? More Importantly "What" they will lose if the Economy doesn't make a Turn for the better? Will they have the Greatest to Lose if we aren't on the the Road to Recovery?

History dictates that with every Major down turn. We simply don't just go back on the correct course and go up. Its a staggered Growth Rate with minor corrections along the way. As of yet the 2ND Correction hasn't come. But History suggests that it will and soon.

Our Country isn't on the road to prosperity that some believe were on. What were on is the road to a 2ND Dip in the Market. But hopefully not as Major as the 1st Economic Collapse we all endured.

A Fine Dish Of....

2012-01-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

Can it!!

Really seriously , were going to can it!! As a parent to 5 heathens (jk ,5 good kids). There isn't a day that goes by , or better yet hour. That we don't consider our parenting techniques. What works and what we desperately need to forget!!

The best and what we believe Tobe the most effective parenting technique is.........

Lead by example. Act and do as you would want them. Heavens knows we have 10 little eyeballs following our every move. So what we are doing / saying will have great effect on who they will become.

From the Simple things of when your daughter gets to order off the adult menu because shes no longer 11. To giving the extra change back that was mistakenly given to you at the grocery store.

Another way is being careful with our hard earned cash. Giving them the tools to Budget there $$ and understanding Savings and Giving back to the Church.

The Fun thing were doing this Summer is expanding our Garden. With the new addition of Growing Tomatoes , Green Beans and picked Peaches. We plan to start canning Vegetables and some fruit for jelly. With hope of teaching them something new and saving the $$ we would of spent in the store.

Where's The Bottom?

2011-10-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

Flip This House....just not today.

Over the past 10years we have flipped close to 20 homes. In that time period theres been success and failures. Thank Goodness most went well.

The Past 3 years during The Recession i have continued to Flip. But when i took a moment and looked back at homes we flipped just a short time before the #s were staggering!! Seeing houses we flipped just 1year prior drop in value drastically.

Over the last couple months I've still been on the hunt for more property. But being extremely careful on acquiring it for the correct price is more necessary then ever.

So if your in the market for a new home. Be careful and do your home work. Short Sales may take months to work out , but the value is definitely there. Also foreclosures provide a better opportunity as well. Use a skilled Realtor that can locate these opportunities.

Lastly, is the bottom here?

No , no its not. But taking advantage of Sellers (Short Sales,4closure) might help in the this current economic down turn when Buying.

Ugly

2011-10-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last Friday at Group....

Our Starter question for Friday nights Group was to give your description of "Ugly".

Hmm.. I took a few minutes to think about and here's my answer.

Lying , deceitfulness , betrayal & fake (not being yourself).

The last "not being yourself" is in reference to people always trying Tobe something your not. To never be afraid Tobe you . People will appreciate you more because of it!!

I truly believe that's how/why i fell in love with my wife (that and shes sexxy)!!

I'm not saying to never shut up and always sticking your foot in your mouth by saying to much. But to not be afraid to share your thoughts and internalize everything.

If were always worried about others perception will never follow our own direction.

2010

2010-12-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

As 2010 comes to a close.............

For the most part i believe were happy with the way 2010 has turned out!! From the Family to Work all has seemingly fell into place nicely. Seems as though after you turn 40 you start to realize that you aren't indestructible anymore. Things tend to take longer to heal and my focus has completely started to shift.

Where having the Sweet Ride was once important. Now seeing the kids grow as Caring , hard working and God fearing individuals becomes 1st importance! Seeing their success / failures over daily issues become important.

Finally... In 2010 we didn't move. No major family catastrophes. Managed to get my wife pregnant with our 5th child... ;) No idea how that Happened!!!

Watched my 2 oldest fight on who was going to Pray in the presence of a stranger"proud Dad moment"!!!

Heres to 2011!! Hope and Pray for Good Health and Happiness to All!!!

Failure

2010-09-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Like Death and Taxes , we should expect failure in our lives. Is it always welcome?? Not at all , but it is expected.

Abe Lincoln was a Political Failure. He had attempted runs for Political Office many times but the outcome was always the same. That is until he ran for President of The United States and Won!!

Lincoln shows us a good example Tobe learned from our failures in life , and how we deal with them. Not every attempt will be dealt with a successful outcome , but having perseverance to not give up.

Children can become anxious about failing. They'll work hard at avoiding School Work - because they so afraid of failing they wont even try. Life can be difficult at times and deal us many struggles , but by letting Fear creep in and halt us from trying because were afraid of failure shouldn't be an option..........

1611

2010-09-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

The year 1611 saw the publication of the most popular English Bible ever! The authorized Version , better known as the King James Version(named for the King of England).

James didn't like the Geneva Bible, the most popular Bible at that time. He also saw that England's Bible (the Bishops Bible) wasn't ever going Tobe popular. He appointed 54 Scholars in 1607 to revise the Bishops Bible. Making sure they played close attention to the Greek and Hebrew original details.

The work went on till 1611 when it was finished....

Decision of Faith

2010-09-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

We all will follow some sort of example during our adolescence years. Whether our parents examples of handling pressure , clothing choices , sporting activities to the way we treat others. But more importantly we usually follow choices of Faith.

Not all ways in which we follow their lead are all correct.

My parents encouraged a relationship w-Jesus and lived by His teachings. As kids we followed parental examples , but as we grew up we learned of multiple choices in Religion.

During my teenage years and early 20's its fair to say following a higher power wasn't on my priority list (would of meant being accountable).

But as i matured and decided to investigate my Faith i came a upon the same conclusion.

I had read on Mormons , Jehovah Witness , Muslim , Buddah & Christianity etc.

Being a lover of History i found the reading easier then anticipated. From reading the History of different Religions to the Religions them selves one thing was apparent. Jesus was always mention in all of them.

Its a Fact that there is no other piece of History is so widely documented the Jesus Christ Life!!

If Jesus wasn't the Savior , why would others follow him knowing death could be the result?? Why wouldn't there have been just as many accounts denouncing his Miracles as there were celebrating them? Jesus Christ life is so well documented that when even other information shows up from being hidden away it re verifies facts of his Legacy.

Auction Day

2010-07-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Started out this morning with a Busy morning!!

Got going w-a 2.5mile jog , then off to the Auction. This will be our 1st time at Ritchie Bros Auction in Morris. They mainly sell Heavy Equipment but this Months Sale has a good number of P/U's available.

We attended the Sale and had OK luck. Picked up 2 Trucks (but hoped for many more). They had everything from Scooters to Dozers to Pick Ups & ambulances....A pretty unique assortment of things.

The Weekends Tournament went very well!! Sooo proud of my kids for giving there all!! Kenzi came home with 3 2ND Place Trophies & Geno a 3rd , 2ND & 4Th. Geno always gets pretty worked up before he has to Kumite (fight 4 points). Once he gets past the 1st 1 he starts to relax and settles in.

Gotta run....I understand its only Tuesday , but wow I'm ready for Friday!!

Busy Weekend

2010-07-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Time sure does seem to go by faster and faster!! With Baby#5 now in the oven and my oldest getting closer to becoming a Teenager...Yikes!!

This weekend will be staying active again. We have a Karate Tournament again this Saturday , hopefully wont take up the whole day. Then the plan is taking the wife out for Dinner w-friends on Saturday night!!! Gotta love Alberto's in Ottawa!!! Probably one of my absolute favorite Italian Restaurants in the area!!!

Sunday is Church in the morning (w-our friends Baptizing/dedicating there baby).. Then meetings in the afternoon. Sprinkle that with a Little wrestling and Basketball with my boys and all will be good!!

Liar Loans

2010-02-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

When lending practices change so drastically what else can we expect??
Today's Rant ;/

...Liar Loans...

Definition - A category of Mortgages known as low-documentation or NO documentation Loans.
So lets get this correct. On your mortgage application when you have to turn in proof of income you don't have to???? Yep! No wonder we had so many Loans go into default because people fraudulently got into home loans with no PROOF of income!!

What about Mortgages with no $$ down?? How in the world does this make sense? When you have never learned to save money in your life and you get a Loan with no $ down?? What happens when trouble hits and you need cash for repairs or being off work?

Welcome To Group

2010-02-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

After doing my daily devotional i started to think about what it takes to have an effective Small Group.

1) Tobe a Blessing to someone. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the coaching of my Spiritual Mentor. Be a Leader who convenes with about 10 people at a time and pours myself into their lives. Helping them on their walk as Christ Followers.

2) Having a Leader (Coach) to talk to and relate the goings on in the Group.

3) Picking someone from the beginning to mentor as a Group Leader that can assist you. Also provides the opportunity to split off when the Group becomes to large.

4) Use an Open Chair Policy. To serve as a reminder on those whom we need to invite to Group.

5) Realize that sometimes Less is More. Some of the Best Small Group Leaders aren't extremely well versed in the Bible. New Comers may tend to feel more comfortable to talk in an environment where everyone who's participating isn't a Biblical Scholar.

6) Not being afraid of that "uncomfortable silence" during Group sometimes. We don't need to fill Evey void with dialogue.

7) Set times to start and end. Should you be comfortable in continuing later , always give others the opportunity to leave when the time is up. Many couples have small children or other appointments and respecting their needs will go along way.

8) Lastly always convey "Whats Said In Group , Stays In Group"

Hey Hey Hey

2010-02-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

2010 is officially in full swing.

Will 2010 be different then 2009 and all the lay offs and corporation cut backs in spending....Will we be in the black and no longer in the red? Will the Cubbies actually Win a Playoff Game again???

Probably the biggest question looming will be dealing with the extra poundage i gained over 2009!!! Not sure how it happened , sorta just jumped on me and didn't have any intentions on leaving....

The scale has tipped over 247 pounds for the 1st time in my adult life. Not a pleasant thought....

Starting last week I've begun a refocusing process on my life. Not just the extra weight , but every aspect. My Goal will be to get back to healthy eating and making an effort to be more positive and helpful to others. While also trying be a Great Husband and Father to my children.

So...No more Hey Hey Hey ....lets Hope!!

Volleyball 2010

2010-01-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well its not Softball Season......But will take it anyway!!

Starting this Saturday our 2010 Volleyball Season gets under way. There will be 24 Teams competing this year with a Tournament at the end of the Season. This year will have 5 Teams competing in the League. All should prove to be decently competitive.

Mine and Nicks Team looks like it should be pretty nice this year. We have a good mix of players with past experience and some 1st timers. Should be great getting to know some new faces and playing with some old Friends!!

Merry Christmas to Me!!

2009-12-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

Spoiled...Yep

My Christmas present was delivered Wednesday. I'm nervous and excited all in one!!

A New Honda TRX700XX 4 wheeler. Is the largest sport quad Honda has ever produced!! Its SICK!!

10 Tips Obama Should'nt Take

2009-12-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! What timing on this Golf Digest Magazine getting released at News Stands!!

Merry ??

2009-11-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Next Up!

2009-11-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just Finished another house project and oh what an out come!

This one was on the market for 1 year and 2months before we purchased the property. It was in complete disrepair. However it surprised me that it was on the Market so long with out a contract put on it. From the moment we looked at it we quickly understood the potential it had. Some of the work had been done and then stopped in the middle of.

We had an accepted offer quickly and closed within a few short weeks. The home had Great Bones "structurally sound" but needed everything completed. The home took just under 5 weeks to complete start to finish and turned out BEAUTIFUL!!

Big thanks to our guys for their hard work and completing in such a timely manner!!

We listed the House last Friday and within 5 days had 2 offers on the home!!
*Selling cars pays the bills.
*Financing cars provides retirement.
*Fixing up dilapidated properties...is just plain FUN!

Success

2009-11-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

Ramifications of not pushing your abilities...

Maintaining status quot may at one time been considered good enough. But to be successful in any endeavor in life means sometimes you need to change direction and refocus. Focus on making what ever your trying to accomplish be your absolute Best you have!!

Giving a half hearted effort and you'll achieve 1/2 the results.

Duplication is the Biggest form of flattery. When someone is doing something that works well , don't be afraid to try and understand where they have been successful. Analyze there efforts and see where you can best implement there ideas.

Yes i know I'm definitely not perfect on this either. I have a lot to learn in life and in Business. But i also understand what it means to be a success. Stepping outside the box to better understand a situation on how to make a things work isn't easy but it does work!

Getting angry for lack of results isn't going to solve anything. Understanding where you've failed and correcting them will better serve your time.

Government & The People

2009-09-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Politically speaking don't we all feel this way sometimes???

What Were You Thinking?

2009-09-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Orange Dream

2009-09-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning with orange on my mind. Not oranges you eat but the color of a 2010 Chevy SS Camaro w-black or white stripes shooting down the hood!! With over 400 horse power and a 6 speed to boot! That makes it hard to sleep at night!!!

Sometimes i find it extremely difficult on findig balance between saving for tommorow and living for today....

Wasnt Sure

2009-08-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

An argument is what i heard. While sitting in my back office the sound of anger came from the outside. I ventured up front to investigate the problem and asked the store Mgr. Rich what was going on and who were the 2 men outside arguing and deeply angry?

One of them was a customer he said (which i didn't recognize in his state of mind) and have known him since he was 5 years old (now 21)and coming into our store playing with his action figures.

I asked what was up?? I came to find out a day earlier was at his friends home when his ex-girlfriend came over and started problems. He asked her to leave and was not becoming a good situation (very heated and verbal exchanges).

She finally left his friends home ....but later her new boyfriend returned and without warning SHOT his friend and was gone ...........

He rushed him to the Hospital in very serious condition...He died later that night...

Why?

I sit here and look at my son i brought to work today. Originally getting protective because i heard serious arguing(then tears) coming from outside..Now i sit in prayer and thanking God for all my Blessings and healing in a friends heart .....

Dont Believe The Hype

2009-08-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

In the Great Depression the Stock Market sank 90%. Since March 08" the Market dropped over 50% and since the beginning of this year we have had some huge up ticks in the Markets.

But be fair warned...

We also had a Large Up Tick directly after the Great Depression and proceeded to come back down afterwards. There is no justification for the positive movements that have occurred so far except for the thought things had to improve and couldn't stay on there current course.

The Housing Market has been rebounding , with prices having dropped up to 20-50% in some markets. Why wouldn't they start looking attractive to buyers?But with the current number of potential Foreclosures still to come , there will no shortage of cheap properties. Ask someone trying to sell a home in these current conditions and how its going (or if they have to give it away). If its cheap , its selling. If its average in price...Good Luck...

Why would someone buy new when you can get a Bigger and Better Used home for the same you would spend on building?

We liquidated our Investment accounts (IRA,401K, Stocks Accts.)months ago and have no desire to jump in to these current economic conditions.

Do i think the end is near??

No....

With our Government spending money at a never heard of pace (increasing deficit by over 3 Trillion in just 6 months) and estimated to increase over 6 Trillion more in the coming year.
Were spending more and making less. Unemployment has been soaring with no stable footing in sight.

This road will be long and difficult and our Economy will Not rebound anytime in the near future as our Government Officials are saying...

Be prudent and save those dollars , if its not a necessity don't buy it!

Verse of importance

2009-08-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron , so one man sharpens another".

Not only do i need to just read my Bible , i also need to walk with other Christians to keep me sharp (accountable and on course).....

Garden of Gethsemane

2009-08-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 26 : 36-50

Jesus while walking through the Garden of Gethsemane told his disciples to stay watch while he went and prayed. Jesus new the time was near and his soul was over whelmed with sorrow...

During this time of prayer he came back to find them asleep while he had asked them to stay watch , he asked Peter could you not even stay awake for one hour ??

It was under these olive trees that Jesus was singled out with a kiss from Judas , and then arrested and later beat and crucified on the cross to die...

Looking at some photographs from the Garden of Gethsemane , the roots of these giant olive trees may date from the time of Christ or before. That just floors me to think that the tree that Jesus prayed under and the roots he knelt on could be the same ones there today ....

How incredibly close might you feel to our Lord to have prayed on the same ground as he...

Not who's leading you but who are you leading ?

2009-08-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Next time before we criticize or complain about those whom are leading us in our Faith and ask God who are we Leading to a life in Christ ??

Not what you can do for me but what i can do for you...

No more what about me...

Start today and make a difference , challenge your self to make a difference in someone elses life and just maybe you'll find the vindication you have so often searched for...

Getting It.....

2009-08-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Growing up in a Christian home with incredible parents to follow an example by its no wonder that continuing my walk was so easy(thanks mom & dad)......

Yes and No .Yes we should believe what our parents tell us but no we shouldn't just take someones word for something and declare it Truth. I believe their comes a time in everyones life where we make a choice to investigate our Faith. Not just believe what everyone tells us but to make a concerted effort to investigate all the facts and make a decision based on those facts.

When i decided to do the research and make a choice i may of not have stuck with being a Catholic but i did make the decision to continue to have Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior(being a Christian).

Might i say that though ,while growing up we had some incredible inspirational leaders in our Catholic Church (Father Ross and Father Bob) that had great impact on many decisions i made in my life , they really understood how to make things relevant to everyone(thanks guys).

Now i find myself attending a non denominational Christian Church (New Community Christian Church in Morris) and between my children and my wife we really enjoy it there ! We also realize that Church isn't just on Sundays but everyday during the week , serving others , Bible Studies , out reach and trying to have a Christ like attitude in everything we do.

About Me

2009-07-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

* My Church doesn't call me when i don't attend for 2 or 3 weeks..

* I just moved and nobody came and helped us.

* I'm feeling down today and nobody cares enough to talk to me , even though they have been there for me many , many times before.

* My kids weren't picked for the lead Part in the Kids program.

* Nobody ever thanks me when i serve.

* The music is to loud.

* Nobody is ever there for me.

Not to get on a rant....

But since when is it about me??? Church attendance/participation has never been suppose to be about me(ourselves)... It's about serving others and most importantly our God!! Not what can be done for us but what we can do as Christians to serve our Father in Heaven and others.

No Church is ever perfect and expectations sometimes are off the charts. Not only on the Teachers that serve every Sunday to those who sing in the choir and serve the snacks. Most importantly the unfair expectations put on our Pastors who have Literally given their entire existence to honor God with everything they do and say!!

So before we cry what about me and how this or that has failed you....Take a look deep inside and see if we have failed the Church and our Father in Heaven by not serving our God with our actions , words and a servants heart.

Is it a humble heart with Gods Grace in it that leads our actions or is it selfish desires that sometimes get the best of us.....

CarbonHill Tournament

2009-06-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

OK ...

So a friend gets a Team together and we decide to play in the Carbon Hill Home Coming Tournament. With a little reluctance me and a few others decide to join. Not because we don't enjoy softball , but because most of these Teams playing have been together for a decent amount of time and are also use to the pitching style.

We competed well but after all is said we lost our 2nd Game last night. I can deal with losing but not when myself and our teammates didn't play as well as were capable of playing. I know hitting with an unlimited arc can be a real change (pitches coming in 20feet in the air & thinking no way is that a strike and it is).

Thanks guys for letting us be part of your Team , we enjoyed the fellowship and getting the chance to witness to others.

Pools and Summer

2009-06-24T12:07:00.001-07:00

When i saw this Picture i about died !!!! Just had to share.....LOL

Head West

2009-06-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Not exactly......
But we did take the Kidz and their friend Grace to Hanks Farm in Ottawa !! Hanks Farm is located just off the 1st Ottawa exit on the west side of the road. It's a pretty cool place that has some unusual gifts for sale in their Curious Goods Store.

The KidZ really enjoy seeing the animals that are roaming around on the property. The favorites are the Peacocks & Chickens........ I think they enjoyed the Peacocks the best just because of the horrific sounds they make !!

Geno led the way into the Store to browse around. But upon steam rolling into the back of the store (where they sell and rent costumes) as quick as he ran in was as quick as he proceeded back out!! There was a Scary looking Costume on display and just about gave him a heart attack (dad just about fell over laughing) :) !!

If Baseball Were In Heaven

2009-06-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

A former manager of the New York Yankees once told about a dream he had in which he died and went to heaven. There he was ordered to organize and manage a ball team.
He said he was overwhelmed by all the available talent - Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Rube Waddell, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and many other superstars.
Just then the phone rang. It was Satan calling to challenge the heavenly team to a game. "But you haven't got a chance of winning," said the manager. "You see I got all the great ball players up here."
Satan explained, "Oh, I know that. But I've got all the umpires!"

Author unknown....

The WatchTower Society

2009-06-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Watchtower Society was begun By: Charles T. Russell . Russell didn't like how the Bible taught on Hell and eternal judgement or the teaching of the trinity. He didn't believe it was rational and lacked understanding of it.

He began developing his own theology which began what he called studies in scripture.Then later in 1879 he published the Watchtower Magazine. Whenever it was convenient he changed translations of the King James Bible to reflect what he thought should of been said to back up his beliefs.

" He wasn't a Greek Scholar and lacked any of the proper translation knowledge to correct the translations already written (which was proven)."

Later in 1884 he incorporated in Pennsylvania to The Watch Tower. In 1909 he moved the head quarters to Brooklyn New York , where it is today.

False prophesies -

Russell originally cited that Christ would return in 1874...& didn't

When Christ hadn't shown up he changed the return date to 1914....But this date to came and went. Not to be 2nd guessed he redefined the 2nd coming of Christ and said he had shown up but as a ghost and helped him set up his organization.........Hmmmmmm

In 1942 the Watch Tower was taken over by Nathan Knorr. Nathan not wanting to be out done began to prophesie that in 1975 Armageddon would occur and would be the end of society as we know it today...........Last time i checked Armageddon hadn't happened in 1975 and many of the followers of Jehovah's Witness left in 1975-76 (over a million).

Fast Facts -

* They believe only the organization can interpret the Bible (their Bible was revised to meet their needs and beliefs as they saw fit)

* That Jesus is the Michael the Archangel

* They don't believe in the trinity

* That Heaven is only for 144,000 people and the rest will be Heaven on Earth
(Originally they believed only 144,000 would get into Heaven but when their numbers surpassed it they changed again to so the rest would be Heaven on Earth......)

* The promise of Heaven to all believers

* All earthly governments are controlled by the Devil.

* The Holy Spirit is only available to select Jehovah's Witnesses

* That Hell is simply the grave

* Jesus was a Good Guy but not our Savior

* Even in the case of an emergency, it is not permissible to sustain life with transfused blood

Jehovah's Witness leaders for over 100 years have claimed to be God's only living "prophet" on the face of the earth (WHAT ???). However, if one looks at their record, the documented evidence proves they are what Jesus described as "false prophets!" Most Jehovah's Witneses have no clue about the true history of their organization. Remember what Jesus said: "And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many." (Mat 24:11)

For other information goto this Web Site set up by former Jehovas Witnesses.

http://www.watchthetower.com/

Softball Begins

2009-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Upon getting ready for the start of this years Softball Season we had alot of questions to be answered.

#1 We lost one of our Great Coaches (and a great player & friend)

#2 Our sign up sheets were bursting with new people wanting to play(around 80 people playing)

#3 Being able to separate all the Teams , and making each competitive & FUN

We started with our annual draft with all the Coaches (except Candi & Russ who just came on board) at one of Morris finest dining establishments ........McDonald's !!!

Everything went smoothly with the Draft and going over our new rules and importance of letting everyone play on your Team.

Everyone enjoys winning....But only if winning means we get to see all of our players enjoy playing time.

This year we have 3 new Coaches stepping up on our 4 Teams.

* Team Blue - Candi & Russ Toler / Wayne Bockhol

* Team Orange - Keith Murphy

* Team Red - Ace Roe

And finally..............

Please keep the family & friends of Jake Peterson in your Prayers . Jake use to attend New Community ( played ball here) and came to know Christ here. Jake past away 2 weeks ago last Friday. His daughter is only 3 years old and will miss her daddy very much.................

Sports Ministry in my humble opinion is one of the best tools to reach the lost and get people connected in the Church......................

In His Service

Memorial Day

2009-05-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Why Sports Ministry

2009-04-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Why Sports Ministry? Because sports and recreation offer the church unique tools to accomplish the following tasks:

* A means of forming friendships and building relationships
* A means of promoting "body life" (internal church fellowship)
* Facilitates life-style and proclamational evangelism
* Creates a bridge to the lost in the community . . . even to the resistant
* A means of helping someone grow in his or her faith . . . a tool for discipleship within the sporting environment
* A door of service for those who are not involved in ministry to the body
* A means of "closing the back door" through small group discipleship and accountability
* A ministry servant to the other ministries of the church (Children, Youth, Adult, Singles, Seniors, etc.)
* A ministry that contributes to leadership training
* A means of building "stepping stones" from the field/gym to the worship center

Tournament Time

2009-04-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend is our culmination event for this seasons volleyball league.

Will be playing a double elimination tournament with games being played up to 21 and using the same rally scoring (win by 2).

The Tournament starts at 11am this Saturday at the Coal City Middle School "off Carbon Hill Rd." and will be played in both gymnasiums.

Team #1 Teal (Springers) will start play @ 11:30am in the Large Gym

Team #2 Orange (Bishops) will start play @ 12:30pm in the Large Gym

Team #3 Maroon (Marks) will start play @ 11am in the Small Gym

Team #4 Blue (Eberhards) will start play @ 12pm in the Large Gym

Congratulations to Team 3 for your 1st Place for the Season trophy and Team 2 for your 2ND Place trophy for the Season ! Nice job coaches for keeping everything positive and being incredible examples and representing New Community Church !!

Putting on the Brakes

2009-04-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

That's corrects you heard it here 1st !!

The other day in a conversation with a friend of mine it was said what a free spirt my son Luchiano is. Free Spirt ..Hmm i thought about that for longer then a fleeting moment.

The more i pondered it the more i agreed with the comment.

But then a realization came to me , was i a free Spirt ? Was he like me or his Mother that way ?

It really started to bother me. I look back and both me and Jamie were very free Spirts growing up , so when (and more importantly WHY) did that change ?

Now when i think what type of person I've become it really hit home. Did we lose our Free Spirt Attitudes? Some had to leave and I'll chalk up to just growing up but all of it ??

If it's not structured and organized i really don't want any part of it. Whether its work or play or even friendships i find myself being completely turned off by others with a lack of discipline or any situation that has lacking for organization or strong structure.

And honestly that saddens me.

So today forward me and my better half are making a concerted effort on making some subtle changes in our daily lives.

1) Learn to appreciate others for the way they are

2) It's OK to be more spontaneous and enjoy the moment

3) Don't let things bother us and learn to let them go

4) Everything we do doesn't have to be structured and organized

Happy Easter

2009-04-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Eggs , candy , bunnies & dress up mean Easter right ?

Not exactly but they have become synonymous with Christs Resurrection and part of the celebration of the Easter Holiday.

Some 2000 years ago our Savior Jesus Christ was brutally beat and hung on a cross and crucified.

What happened next can only be described a miracle and the basis for today's Christian Faith.

Jesus rose from the dead on the 3rd Day and is now at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.

This information has been documented many , many times over. And if there were questions on the truth of it there would been an extreme amount of written evidence claiming false claims on Christs Resurrection. Wouldn't there have been as many counter claims against this as there were for witnessing it ?

I like to think so. The New Testament was written roughly 40-90 years after Christs death on the cross , and during that time Christs Resurrection was the talk of the day. If these were false claims wouldn't there have been an uprising against false preachings ?

Well there isn't and this for me attributes a large portion for my Christian Faith.

For God Loved the World so much he gave his only son to die for our Sins so that we may be forgiven and have eternal life.

God Bless & Happy Easter !

Tough Times

2009-03-10T09:28:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken outside the Holiday Inn Joliet , they were handing out Job Applications for 125 Fork lift driver jobs with Central Foods. They estimated as many as 5000 would be applying for these positions.

Anyone who's breathing can see the economy in the United States has definitely changed. From prosperity to the highest unemployment rate in 20 years (and climbing). Pointing fingers wont give resolution to the problems at hand.

When i think back to 9/11/01 .........

It amazes me that our economy didn't tank at that time. With stock markets dropping and uncertainty about our protection at home now in question.

My family has made the decision to take a proactive approach to these uncertain times upon us. Between being more careful on out going cash and vacations being put on hold. We also changed our 401K around (otherwise known as a 201k now) . With Stock Markets still with no bottom in sight we changed our allocation of funds to all go into a Money Market Fund and no new cash to be invested into Stocks or Bonds etc.

Protesting The Church

2009-03-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this article written

By: Kevin Hendricks from "Church Marketing Sucks.Com".

Church Business is messy when dealing with real life issues that effect others lives. Whether on Prop. 8 or as simple as encouraging others to step up and lead. Everyone has an opinion and an idea on Church boundaries of areas we do and don't belong and right and wrongs.

My favorite quote "If your Church doesn't have any problems then your probably not changing lives". Author unknown

Protesting the Church -

A couple weeks ago more than 1,000 people marched in front of Rick Warren's Saddleback Church to protest his support of Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that banned gay marriage. I'm not interested in talking about Prop 8, gay marriage or Rick Warren (this is Church Marketing Sucks, not Church Politics Sucks). I want to talk about protesting the church.

When I heard that news report I had two contradictory reactions:
Churches should act in such a loving, honest and humble manner that no one ever wants to protest us.
Churches should act in such an outrageous, radical, counter-cultural manner than someone is always protesting us.
Of course life is more complicated than those kind of blanket statements. But I think there might be something to those reactions.

No Protesting On one hand, as Christians we're supposed to be full of love. Jesus had his share of detractors, but he engaged them and loved them. That doesn't mean we roll over on our convictions, but it does mean we should find a way to disagree well. It means we have to find a way to truly love the people we disagree with. And that love should be disarming. If we can engage our critics with that kind of love and grace we should leave them with little reason to protest us.

Protesters outside your church are a sign than you're not communicating or at the very least not connecting well enough. If you really love your enemies you should be able to reach those protesters.

Always Protesting On the other hand, as Christians we're told the world is going to hate us. No matter how much we love them, people aren't going to understand, they're going to get mad, and they'll protest us. And if we're taking a stand on the issues that truly matter, we're going to make a few people mad (and if we really do it right, some of those people will be inside the church). Jesus certainly made people angry. And this shouldn't be limited to the usual hot-button cultural issues (which really obscure my point). What if people were protesting your church because of all the homeless people hanging out? Or because you preached about Jesus dying for Osama Bin Laden?

Protesters outside your church are a sign that you've got convictions. You won't be able to reach those protesters (they wouldn't listen anyway), but that stand will send a powerful message to others who can be reached.

Let's Get Real It's never that simple, but it is interesting to consider the ramifications of a protest outside your church and how you respond (either way). For a more practical approach and some lessons in public relations, check out the story of Mars Hill Church in Seattle and how controversial pastor Mark Driscoll defused a protest.

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at December 2, 2008 6:07 AM

Jesus loved people better than any of us ever will and they crucified Him.

It's Time To Dive In

2009-02-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

New Community Church has paired up with the Christian Fellowship League to bring Sports related activities to the Church body & non Church body.

Some of those include Volleyball & Softball.

We have a strong desire to take the next step in our Sports Ministry Programs by offering more variety of activities to participate in (golf , soccer , basketball , bowling , hunting). With this in mind , Leaders are needed to step up.

Our Sports Ministry Program has really grown over the past few years. For instance in Volleyball for the first time we fielded 4 Teams with over 35 people involved. Softball has between 35-45 participants involved over the past few years as well.

Over the past few years i have personally witnessed others start coming to Church (and accept Jesus as their Savior) because of getting involved in Sports Related activities. Someone once told me i wouldn't be caught dead walking through those doors into Church.

Now they come every Sunday.

Breast Cancer

2009-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me from Candi Toler a friend of our family. She is a very passionate and driven indvidual. I thought i would pass this on if anyone was intersted in getting involved with financial support or walking with her.

Thanks

Jeff

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Avon Breast Cancer Walk is scheduled for June 6-7 this year in Chicago. I want to do it. Most of you know (or are related to) my aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Although she is not the first person in my family or the first person I've known to be diagnosed, she is the closest person in my life for me to truly understand the effects of this disease. In Dec. 2005, I found a lump in my breast that later was removed. It wasn't cancer but I remember the sheer fear of thinking it possibly was. I can't fathom what my aunt is experiencing and I hope I don't ever have to, but I want to walk for her and everyone else who's life has been affected by breast cancer.

Now I've never done this before so I'm still researching. But I want to extend the invitation to any and all who would be willing to help. I hope to form a team but at the very least I will need to raise money. If anyone is interested or know of anyone please contact me. There are some meetings coming up VERY soon that we (for those that will walk) will need to attend. The closest one is in Plainfield so that's not too bad. Again, just let me know.

Thank You,
Candi
815-405-9555

Biggest Loser Week 3 Results

2009-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

“Biggest Loser”
Top Loser‘s For Week 3
_____________________________________________________________
1) Paul Funk 2.28%
2) Shelli Mahnke 2.25%
3) Carrie Funk 2.08%
4) Mike Lanahan 1.33%
5) Donna Ragain 1.24%
6) Barb Spelde 1.18%
7) David Funk 1.17%
8) Todd Crose 1.15%
9) Wayne Bockhol 1.13%
10) Lori Ritter 1.17%
11) Jeff Eberhard .79%
12) Kevin Yandell .54%
13) Mark Bishop .51%
14) Jamie Eberhard .48%
15) Michelle Nettles .45%
16) Kevin Murphy .43%
17) Jeannie Lefevers .28%
18) Debbie Scuteri .15%
19) Shane Mahnke 0%
20) Tony Hollis 0%
21) Luanne Nash 0%
22) Mitzi Anderson 0%
23) Tim Blair No weigh
24) Brandy Blair No weigh
25) Lisa Wren No weigh
26) Eric Toler No weigh
27) Michaela Gretencord No weigh
28) Kathryn Vint No weigh
29) Katie Easton No weigh

Team Standings : For Week 3
1st Orange Team with 1.18% weight loss
2nd Green Team with 1.05% weight loss
3rd Red Team with .69% weigh loss
4th Blue Team with .39% weight loss

Week #2 Results

2009-02-09T14:12:00.001-08:00

“Biggest Loser”
Top Loser‘s For Week 2
_____________________________________________________________
1) Jeff Eberhard 2.8%
2) Donna Ragain 2.48%
3) Jamie Eberhard 2.09%
4) Kevin Murphy 2.01%
5) Mike Lanahan 1.81% > Tied
6) Tim Blair 1.81% > Tied
7) Barb Spelde 1.65%
8) Kevin Yandell 1.54%
9) Todd Crose 1.46%
10) Debbie Scuteri 1.45%
11) Brandy Blair 1.39%
12) Shane Mahnke 1.3%
13) Lisa Wren 1.15%
14) Paul Funk 1.1%
15) Eric Toler 1.07%
16) Michaela Gretencord 1.02%
17) David Funk .97%
18) Lori Ritter .62%
19) Kathryn Vint .60%
20) Tony Hollis .56%
21) Luanne Nash .37%
22) Mark Bishop .25%
23) Mitzi Anderson 0%
24) Wayne Bockhol 0%
25) Carrie Funk 0%
26) Jeannie Lefevers 0%
27) Katie Easton No Weigh In
28) Shelli Mahnke 1st Weigh In
29) Michelle Nettles No Weigh In

Team Standings :
1st Place Tie !! Red Team & Orange Team 1.08% Loss
2nd Place Blue Team 1% Loss
3rd Place Green Team .88% Loss

15 Days

2009-01-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

15 Days till Pitchers and Catchers Report for Spring Training !

Loser

2009-01-08T12:54:00.001-08:00

Need a little incentive to keep you New Year’s resolution?

Maybe you just want to work on that beach body.

Or maybe you know that you need to take better care of that body God has loaned to you.

Here is your chance.

Biggest Loser 2009
New Community Christian Church
Starting Jan. 25th through April 5
Cost $20 a person

Sign Up at Guest Services Table by Sunday January 18th. Everyone will be divided up into Teams.
1st weigh in will be Jan. 25th in Kevin's office (Between 1st and 2ND Service) and continue there every week until April 5. Lorrie Toler will serve as our weigh-in monitor and she promises not to divulge any secrets. Prizes will be awarded to the Top Team Weight Loss
& Top overall Male and Female weight LOSERS !

Gunnar

2008-12-29T07:35:00.000-08:00

Gunnar Jeffrey Eberhard

Born December 20Th at 11:34AM ,Weighing in at 7Lbs 0 ounces

This picture was taken when was 2 days old at St. Joe's Hospital in Joliet. Everything went smooth and he has all 10 fingers and 10 toes (as you can see). At one point in my life i thought 1 child was plenty enough for us. But seeing God's handy work in this little guy makes the choice difficult to say no more.

I ended up taken off 10 days from work to be home with the kids, and then help around the house when they came home. I'll tell you this , being home and cleaning , doing the laundry and running (and sometimes chasing) the kids around is TUFF WORK !

To go back to work today i can definitely say is easier then tackling all the different jobs at home. Being home is difficult work , and is nothing easy about it. I have a new found respect for all the Moms (or Dads) who stay at home with the kids.

Anyway all is good in the Eberhard house. As i was leaving for work i asked Jamie are u sure your going to be OK? Life with 4 little ones is definitely trying at times ...

Early Christmas Gift ?

2008-12-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Looks as though will be getting an early Christmas gift at the Eberhard household. Jamie goes back into the doctor on Friday morning (if not in labor already) with the understanding that Dr. Mark Kijek will be inducing her later on that day.

Were not sure what time will be going(St. Joes in Joliet) in but one thing is for certain , figuring out what to do with 1 kid was easy but finding homes for 3? A little more difficult and time consuming. I personally am so excited to see my new babies 10 toes and 10 fingers i could scream!

It's true after we had Makenzi i was good(or so i thought) with having 1 child. But God (and my wife) had other plans. With this child being number four i cant say for sure I'm done yet. With God's help this delivery will go smooth and Daddy can start smoothing Mommy over for kid #5!

Give Thanks

2008-11-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving coming closer a few things come to mind.

1) I must resist the temptation to shop on Thanksgiving. More and more stores are beginning their sales on Thanksgiving day instead of waiting until the day after. Really, what is more important, saving a few dollars or spending Thanksgiving with your family?

2) Thanksgiving is a time to express thanks and gratitude for everyone that has touched our life. It is time to be with your family and to serve others. It is important to remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving and not let it get lost in the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas season.

3) Most importantly to Thank God for all our blessings , and remembering to forgive those who have sinned against us.

Watch the Signs

2008-10-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

I hope my friends didn't see me !

Success

2008-10-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

A Great Beginning-

This Thursday saw the beginning of a new chapter in Financial awareness. Crown Financial Ministries (co-founded by Larry Burkett) are the pioneers of Christian based Financial Education. Larry began as Christian Financial Concepts in early 1976. Howard founded Crown Ministries in 1985.

These to pioneers became friends and later merged as Crown Financial Ministries. They have literally changed the lives of millions by providing systems to reach true financial freedom.

Would you like to experience a life transformation , reduced stress ? Have you longed for the day of living debt free?

Financial freedom is possible.

Financial Class

2008-10-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

Coming October 30Th :

To New Community Church
Managing Finances God's Way
7 Weeks of Powerful information
Lessons by renowned experts

Did you know there are over 2,350 verses in the Bible about money?
Did you know that nearly half of Jesus’ parables are about possessions?
The Bible is packed with wise counsel about your financial life. In fact, Jesus had more to say about money than about heaven and hell combined.

Co-developed with Purpose Driven Ministries and Pastor Rick Warren, this seven-week, video-based, small group study, provides another option for studying biblical financial management in a personal or small group setting.

You will hear from five renowned experts on the following topics –
- The Big Picture by Rick Warren-
- Dedicate It All to God by Chip Ingram
- Plan Your Spending by Ron Blue
- Giving as an Act of Worship by Chip Ingram
- Saving and Investing by Ron Blue
- God’s Solution to Debt by Howard Dayton
- Enjoy What God Has Given You by Chuck Bentley

VOTE

2008-10-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

All for 1 and 1 for all.

Remember that catchy saying the 3 Musketeers used to say? When they were about to head out on some incredible journey or conquest. They huddled together and all made the decision to fight as one and be there for one another.

I like to believe we all have a little Musketeer in us. Wanting to fight for whats good and fighting injustices. Faith and Hope in each other and knowing together we could make a difference.

As Super Tuesday comes near , we are all given the opportunity to make a difference. Voting is a privilege that should be taken seriously. It's the one chance we all get to throw are hands in and unite together and let our voices be heard!

Wisconsin Dells

2008-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

September road trip to the Dells.

We decided to high tail it out of town and enjoy an opportunity to connect with our children by having fun! One of our stops was the Wisconsin Deer Park in Wisc. Dells. You get a chance to hand feed a variety of animals , that are remarkably tame.

The Kidz thought dad was crazy when i put a cracker in my mouth and fed one of the deer!

Other then the deer park i believe the favorite activity was going to Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty.

They serve you family style and the homemade donuts were among the most popular items served.

Expectations Of a Church

2008-10-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

What are your expectations of your Church?

What are things you expect from Church?

Why does your community need a proactive Church?

Where does the Church fail?

Where do we fail the Church?

These are questions that i hear and sometimes ask myself . So i thought why not ask others and see their response and expectation(or lack of). Many of us grew up in the Church and then strayed away to one day make the decision to come back.

Some of us never were brought up to have Faith in a Higher power and unsure about Christians and Faith in general.

Let me know your thoughts.

I Just Dont Know...........

2008-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dad- I'm getting really tired of all this nonsense! My Stocks are tanking. My house is worth CRUD , and these are my only two choices for President??????

Thank God I'm Cute and my diaper is empty !!

Happy Birthday Jamie

2008-10-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yep it's true Grandma (my wife)had her Birthday yesterday!

The kids wanted to take mom out on her special day and I'll be brutally honest i really am not a Birthday party kind of person.

But having a meal with family and celebrating Jamies special day was actually a nice time had by all.

I suppose it didnt hurt having a table of incredible Italian food! Maybe it's the fact of reminding us all were now another year older that gets to me?

The KidZ picked up a rustic wood rocking chair(that they helped me polyurethane) and bamboo wind chimes as gifts for the occasion.

So once again Happy B-Day my Dear!

Filled With Holes

2008-10-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

2008 is now in the home stretch and 09" is coming into our vision. Have i accomplished all that i wanted or needed to over the past year?

My first thought , sometimes i feel like I'm just plugging holes....Find an issue and attempt to resolve it or at least make it better then when i came upon it. Not exactly fully applying myself to the particular problem but making it hold up for now.

My goal as 2008 comes to a close will be to finish with more resolve on problems i come across. Not be satisfied with myself (or others)plugging the holes and raise my expectations of focusing in and expecting better.

Whether at work or home and even Church. People around us are led by are vision and expectations we set forth. When were not clear and concise with expectations on tasks being tackled or a vision being casted the outcome will remain the same (filled with holes).

Fire Proof

2008-09-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

In Theaters September 26Th & worth the addmission !
From the Producers of Facing The Giants-

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighters adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband.

Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks.

As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment:

"The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' new found faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

Welcome Jake & Melissa and Son Cameron

2008-09-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

After a long and tenuous search we are excited to welcome our new full-time Youth Pastor to New Community Church!

Jacob & his wife Melissa and their son Cameron will be joining the New Community family!

Jakes been married to Melissa since 2004 and son Cameron will be 2 come January. He attended Lincoln Christian College and received his B.A. Degree in General Ministry.

Since graduating in 03" was an intern with 1st Christian Church here in Morris / And with Community Christian out of Naperville. From 2005-2008 Jake led the Youth of Plano Christian Church while implementing a Sunday night Ministry program for Jr. high/high school.

We are all very excited about this addition to our Church Family!

Prospering In A Down Economy

2008-09-19T10:52:00.001-07:00

How to prosper in a declining economy.

Newscasts report daily that our economy is on a downward trend. People are losing their homes, highly-paid executives are losing their positions and having to settle for lower-paying jobs, food and energy costs continue to increase, and the list goes on.

While these facts are true, what we are experiencing is not new. In Jeremiah 29, the “weeping prophet” predicted long-term captivity. Israel would endure 70 years of hard labor before they would be allowed to return to their homeland. Let’s all hope and pray that our current economic downturn won’t last that long!

We have compiled a list of things you can do to survive or thrive in our current economy.
Learn to be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-9).

1)Pay your bills faithfully. Making your payments on or before the due date is a positive testimony to your creditors and a good example to your family/neighbors.
2)Prioritize your debt, making sure you don’t compromise your home or your transportation.
3)Negotiate with creditors as needed. Be proactive. Seek a meeting with them to make payment arrangements rather than waiting until you miss payments and they come looking for you.
4)Downsize if it puts you in a better cash position.
5)Pay extra whenever you can to accelerate payoff dates.
6)Have a garage sale to generate extra cash to pay down debt or to increase savings.
7)Work your way through the Crown Money Map.
8)Capitalize on your most valuable assets, your family.
9)Learn to garden, use fresh vegetables and fruit when in season, try a new recipe.
10)Cancel cable/satellite. Instead, read a book, play a table game, or share coffee with friends.
11)Explore bartering to save on outgoing expenses.

“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it” (Proverbs 22:3).

Crown Financial Ministries®, founded in 1976, is an interdenominational ministry dedicated to equipping people around the world to learn, apply, and teach biblical financial principles.

Financial Blunders

2008-09-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well it looks as though the *%#! has hit the fan !

Between our recent down turn in the stock market. To the collapsing of major players in the financial sector. The market hasn't seen this big of losses since 911 and hopefully not equally to that of the Great Depression.

Now is the time for a pro-active approach concerning your finances. Not only with looking at where your funds are allocated but also how were spending every day dollars. What are the items we can cut back on (that aren't a necessity)?

In the automobile industry we are beginning to see the complete collapse of our American auto makers. At no point in time have they seen such enormous losses in sales and revenues. Even Toyota and Honda have down sales from prior year. The only major automaker with sizable gains was Hyundai (double digit over 07).

In an effort to help keep money available the Fed has pumped 180Billion into the Banking sector and attempting to pass another 700 Billion to cut off a major recession.

So be extra frugal on those hard earned green backs! Were in for a rough ride that wont be over soon.

Financial Peace

2008-09-15T09:20:00.001-07:00

Coming soon to New Community Church in Morris IL.

Financial Peace University runs for 13 weeks and meets 1 time a week.

(Quoted from Dave Ramsey Web Site)
The average family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 in the first 91 days of Financial Peace University.

This is a life-changing program that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money and empowers you with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace!

Over 650,000 families have already benefited from this life-changing program that:

Teaches financial responsibility with easy Baby Steps
Helps eliminate debt using the Debt Snowball
Offers accountability and continued support
Trains participants to spend every dollar on paper with the zero-based budget planner
Empowers people struggling with financial hardships by establishing a plan to take control of their money

I'll be sure to inform everyone over the next week or two of begenning dates and times.

Great Commission

2008-08-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Great Commission - "And not the salesmen type"

A Personal Instruction The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible.

First, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples.

Second, it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth.

The Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Every day i usually have some time to reflect and today my soul searching included what am i doing to bring others into a life with Jesus ? I feel confident I've done some but honestly i still struggle with evangelism and not being intimidated in talking to others about God.

There's also a fine line to not cross , learning how to plant the seed and not be to over the top.

What has being a Christian meant to myself and my family? Accepting Jesus into your life is rewarding and fills all the voids that were left empty. It gives you the instruction book of life to give you all the guidance that we all desire.

So why wouldn't i want someone else to have this?

Everyone needs a Savior and everyone needs forgiveness and guidance.

A Great Day

2008-08-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Softball Tournament Aug. 9TH 2008

New Community Christian Church
Red Team

Front row left to right:
Karla Springer , Joanne Eberhard , Angie Springer , Sara Martin , Allie Lardi
2ND Row :
Pete Eberhard , Coach Jeff Eberhard , Coach Wayne Bockhol , Kevin Murphy & Brett Lardi
Back Row:
Jackie Mark , Eric Toler , Ted Springer , Russ Toler , Craig Mark , Joe Martin & Andy Stoltz
Not pictured : Derrick Wren , Dan Thompson , Brian Depung , Lynn Eberhard , Amy Eberhard , Kate Carey , Mike Carey & Randy White

A Proud day even in the face of adversity !

This past weekend was the culmination event for our softball season. A very long day of softball , fellowship and good jabbing from your teammates !! I'm proud today that both our Church Teams performed well on and off the field even when things became a little sticky we stayed the course !!

Our Black Team coached by Chris Lewis & Dan "Grandpa" Burgess took home top prize (1ST Place) !! They played extremely well together and was great fun had by all .

The Red Team coached by myself and Wayne Bockhol slid into 3rd place !
Playing this Season has been an extreme joy. I've been blessed with an opportunity to get to know so many great people on both teams and from other Churchs across 3 counties . It saddens me to know we wont play again till next season , or at least until volleyball starts up !! :}

Thanks and God Bless

Picnic N The Park

2008-08-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Work hard and play hard.....

Fun ...Fun...Fun...

Sunday the 17TH @ 3PM

Burgers (meat and meatless) and Hot Dogs ,chips and drinks will be provided. Bring a dish to pass and enjoy the afternoon !!

There is tons of play ground equipment for the children, music ,2 Pavilions and will be bringing out our inflatable ARC for the Kids !

Also being made available to us will be the Baseball diamond & basketball court. So don't forget to bring your gloves and bats !!

Thanks to Vinny and Kathryn Vint who set us up at the Mazon Park !

Why go to Church ?

2008-07-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Why go to Church?????

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it। If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!
Why Go To Church?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday।
'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons। But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this॥ They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!' When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!
Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

Author Unknown....

Thoughts

2008-07-02T10:25:00.001-07:00

First and foremost I'm not a writer. But i do enjoy speaking my mind .

After much thought i decided to start Blogging again. My thoughts may not be the most interesting , but expressing them is rewarding spiritually and personally.

I'm Back

2008-07-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

Not completely , but after the next week or two will be up and running again !!