Thoughts from the weekend:

Michigan State is in the "sweet 16"! Good for them. I still don't see them getting past Kansas and their two speedy guards. My heart says, "go Spartans" but my head still thinks that Kansas, Pittsburg, North Carolina and Connecticut will be in the final four.

Busy, busy weekend...but good.

Saturday, we had a great time of prayer at our Saturday morning prayer time. Rick Malendar shared how his company received a 7 million dollar contract, which as you know, during these difficult economic times is a miracle!

We rejoice with you Rick.

I shared on the subject of purpose. What is our true purpose in life?

Here are some bullet points:

- our purpose in life has eternal meaning and not just temporary meaning
- we are to live for the line and not the dot
- life is not circular life is linear
- my greatest fear is not failure but at suceeding at something that doesn't matter
- the question is not: are you busy? But are you busy doing the right things?
- the building process is about people. People coming to know God. People receiving deliverance from their hurts, wounds and fear. People being healing.
- the stewardship campaign is not just about money but about building people. It's not just about raising dollars but raising disciples
- where your treasure is - that's where your heart is also.
- whatever I give to - that's what I draw close to.
- when I give to God - I draw close to God.
- we are to use our treasure in view of eternity.

Larry and Marie Anich gave a great testimony of how they were faithful in hearing the tug of the Holy Spirit and responding. Marie received some money, they gave it to the relocation program and God not only blessed them back with the same amount of money, but more in return!

Carrie Holgate shared (and then prayed for the future of our church) a word that God gave her concerning our relocation process and the future of our church. She read Haggai 2:1-9.

Listen to the words of the prophet:

1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:

2 "Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them,

3 'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing?

4 But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD. 'Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the LORD Almighty.

5 'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'

6 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.

7 I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty.

8 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty.

9 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."

Carrie shared with us that while our history at Stone Church is rich and power packed, God's word to us is that "the glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house."

Wow....great words....I am going to hang on to that promise - how about you?

Had a great elders meeting on Saturday. Good group of guys....

Debbie and I had lunch with Kathy Konrath yesterday...we had a wonderful time.
Also...we had dinner with Mickey and Jessie Insalco on Saturday.

One thing I know: we have a group of wonderful, godly people in our church!

We love you!