Six Men and a Truck

On Friday we cleaned up and cleaned out. On Saturday we moved in. Three wonderful friends from church came to help Jay along with Two Men and a Truck. We couldn't have done it without them! Since my mom has a bum knee, my dad recently had hernia surgery from moving sofa sleepers by himself, I'm pregnant, and my grandma is...well, a grandma, the four of us weren't a whole lot of help! We did carry small items and boxes down from upstairs and carried loads of random items over in our cars though. So we weren't completely useless! Pat (Jay's mom) helped out by taking care of Lula on Friday and Saturday.

It was a long day, but it made me happy to hear the guys joking around and laughing at each other while moving heavy objects from upstairs. I thoroughly appreciate the relationship we have with the people at our church and how everyone there is always so willing to help out with cheerful hearts. Even through sweat and hours of physical labor, they stayed til the end and never grumbled or complained. Thanks, guys! (I can't imagine they'll ever be reading my blog, but wanted to send some thanks out anyway!)

All the "extra" stuff that didn't make it into boxes. Why do we have so much stuff???
Jay was planning to just rent a truck and move everything himself, but I encouraged him to hire Two Men and a Truck. I think he realized what a good idea it was when they handled that wretchedly heavy piano all by themselves! It was worth every penny just for that!
Poor Mollie was going crazy at our other house with all the activity. So Jay brought her to the new house...where she didn't do much better. I finally put her in the basement to keep her out of the way. She doesn't know how to go up stairs. So this was a good spot for her.
Grandma kept saying, "I wish people would work around here. I'm getting sick of doing all the work." But this was the typical picture as she was saying this! (She was joking of course. She's rather spunky!)


Ummm...we were supervising.

A Great Run

On behalf of all who participated in the Forum we want to thank you for a wonderful run. We learned much about following the Lord's lead and doing ministry and as a result CCC will be putting its efforts in other areas. The Forum as we know it on Sunday evening will discontinue. The Forum Band will continue to play at other venues and at CCC. Thank you for your support.

Just a little something I read...

To those of you still reading our blog over winter break...

I started reading I Peter the other day, and a verse stood out to me that I had seemingly overlooked before. "These [trials] have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory & honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." v.7


It just puts things into perspective by comparing something that is so highly valued in this world to a faith that is strong in the Lord. This gives us hope when we face trials--they come only to strengthen your faith in Christ so you'll be prepared when He comes back for us. When you look at it in that light, all of the day to day trials you face don't seem so bad. These trials only shape us to be more like Him, and keep our eyes on eternity.

Q & A

Come ready with your questions this Sunday evening as we will have another of the Q & A sessions. No topic is off the board.

Concert and Getting Dunktized

The Autumn Film did a wonderful job in their concert. What a delight it was to deal with musicians who didn't project any diva spirit and brought it from the heart and with excellence. I heard folks comment that they loved the music and thoughtful lyrics. Of course the Forum band also did a wonderful job. I think I have a new favorite song in "You Won't Relent." Nick and Jil knock it dead on that one and my heart just soars everytime I hear it. Very powerful lyrics.

You won't relent until you have it all
My heart is yours

I'll set you as a seal, upon my heart
as a seal upon my arm
for there is a love, that is as strong as death
jealousy demanding as the grave
and many waters, cannot quench this love
My heart is yours

The baptism on the hill is one of the coolest venues for baptism I have ever seen. Perhaps a baptism in an ocean might beat it, but I love everyone gathering around standing on the hill. What a delight to witness young and old following Christ in baptism. Way to go Dalton, Isaac and Bill! I heard one small boy had commented to his mother afterwards that he saw people get "dunktized." I love it!

Guest worship leader at the Forum

We are blessed to have guest worship leader Steve Hammond and his team with us at the Forum this week. Adam Nelson plays drums with Steve and will also be leading us on Sunday evening. Don't miss it!

Forum Oct. 5, 2008

I thought Jay's message on how to discern the will of God was very insightful. I love the no-nonsense approach that makes the truth of the message much more palatable. Check out the below post for some of the meat of the message.

The music from the Forum Band keeps getting better. I don't know how, but it does. I hate to even mention such a thing because it is unfair to have our expectations so high every time they play. However, it is the sincerity and heart and passion of the group that makes them unique from other worship bands. I am moved to worship and I am moved to worship freely and openly. Thanks to all in the group for your hard work. If you know of places that might appreciate them playing be sure to pass along the information to Jil.

Jay's Message on Will of God

The Forum Band @ First E-Free

This morning, The Forum Band was fortunate enough to lead worship at a local church, First Evangelical Free. We had a wonderful time of worship & fellowship with the people there. I think it's such a wonderful thing to be able to get together with fellow Christians in the community and worship the same awesome God. What a blessing! Thanks to First E-Free for having us!

Great Start

What a great start to the new season of the Forum last night. I could listen to the Forum band all day. The new songs were very good, but what I appreciate the most is the heart of everyone who participates. It is also nice to have our own resident Skinny Improv MC. Jeremiah does a great job of setting the tone for the evening. My heart was moved to hear Anna share her passion for Christ. As she leaves us to serve elsewhere let's remember to pray for her. Can't wait for September 21.

September 7th Forum

September 7th at 6:00 PM will be the first Forum for the new semester at the CCC facility. There will be no Forum Sunday, August 31 because of the holiday weekend.

24-Hour Prayer

My spirit feels revived this week after spending some time at the 24-hour prayer room at CCC. The event has been a good impetus for me to consider my own prayer habits and ratchet up the quality of my time with God. I appreciate the various ways Anna Pollock and her friends from Emmaus set up the room with different stations to promote prayer about various personal needs and issues around the world. There is still time to participate as the event ends Friday. Come by at any time to be a part. The picture was taken in the early morning as I arrived to join others for prayer.

Forum CD's Are Here!

After much work and anticipation the Forum Band CD's are here. They will be available in packs of five for $10. The idea is to take the CD's and get the word out to friends about the Forum by giving them a free CD. If anyone would like to buy large blocks of CD's to give to various campus ministries/venues such at Campus Crusade at MSU or Potter's House, Evangel, or to the Mudhouse or Rendezvous Coffee Houses let us know. We have CD stands for such places to give the CD's out for free. $100 would provide 50 CD's for these locations and would be a great start. All funds collected will cover the production costs of the CD and support the Forum. A big thank you goes out to all those who have already given toward this project to make it happen.

Forum Dates for Fall

Below are the dates for the Forum for Fall 2008. We are stoked for a great season of worship and community.

Sunday, September 7

Sunday, September 21

Sunday, October 5

Sunday, October 19

Wednesday, October 29, Autumn Film Concert

Sunday, November 9

Sunday, November 23

Sunday, December 7

No Forum this Sunday

Don't forget the first Sunday in August the Forum will not meet. We will gear up with the full band once the new semester kicks in. I saw Brannon tonight in concert and he did an amazing job. His song writing is exceptional.

Daniel and Culture

I enjoyed the discussion this past Sunday about how to engage the culture. We talked about how it was that Daniel could stand with such conviction without retreating from the culture or be jerky and self-righteous. Loved those banana-splits. The whole crew went go-karting afterward. Great time!

Missing You

I have certainly missed being at the Forum. I have heard wonderful things about Jay and Nick leading the Forum while I was gone. What a blessing to have such quality folks who lead. Thank you guys for your thoughtful and loving leadership. We will resume at the Short home July 13.