Britt Nicole Concert

So my wife's new favorite singer is probably Britt Nicole now since seeing her live at Riverfest in Clarksville, which that is usually how it works when you see an artist perform live (and do amazing job).  I also enjoyed the concert, and it was awsome to see Britt doing God's work with the obvious talents he has given her; it was inspiring. She could choose to sing professionally without God being the focus, but she recognizes that she needs him, and him allowing her to do his work by singing/performing (something you can see she truly loves).

Jamie (my wife) had put this song on her Facebook page, and I really think its a perfect song about our heart for the Lord. Her song "I want to set the world on fire", is a prayer from us to God, to use us for his kingdom, beautiful song with meaningful lyrics

"Set The World On Fire"I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

[CHORUS]
I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father's hands

[CHORUS]

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There's nothing I can't do
Nothing I can't do

I'm gonna set the world on fire
Set the world on fire

Esther

The book of Esther is really intriguing, seeing that God isn't mentioned throughout the whole book.  Yet, by reading the story it is evident that he was present. We went over the book in our journey through the whole Bible on Wed. night church. I couldn't help but think of my daughter's Veggie Tales movie on story of Esther.  Actually, through the movie I came to know that Mordecai was actually Esther's cousin, not her uncle. 

In Esther's story though we see God blessing a poor Jewish girl and her becoming Queen of Persia, and then using her to save his people once again, and make his name great.  You also see how God is with Esther, and how he works in her life. I like what our pastor pointed out that Esther said.  When she messaging Mordecai back in forth (not via text, email, skype) but an actual messenger, Mordecai had responded to her that the people would be liberated and delivered with or without her, and doesn't she think she was put into such a position for a time like this.  Then Esther responded to have the Jews pray and fast for her, and she would go to the King, and she said "If I perish, I perish."

That's the way it should be.  His will before ours, and if we perish, we perish.

Confessing to your Spouse

I recently set in the car with my wife and poured out my sins and just confessed how disgusting and weak my flesh is and expressed my inner self to her.  No, I wasn't trying to make her run for the hills, but yes, I was very scared.  Only God knows the inner me and my struggles and how weak my flesh is, but I understand in marriage we are one, and my sins were affecting her just as much as myself. She was upset but she seemed to appreciate that I loved her and I wanted God to be center of our relationship and I know that I needed to be open and honest with her and ask for her forgiveness just as I asked God.  She proceeded to confide in me her struggles and it just opened up a great conversation. When God is at the center of our relationship we can't fail each other, we grow closer, we appreciate each other more and we receive the blessings of God in our marriage.  I didn't know my wife's struggles and I never asked here where she was at with the Lord, this isn't God's plan for marriage.  Thank you Lord for your plan of marriage and for my beautiful wife that you have given to me to merge together as one heart seeking your kingdom above all things.

"Who is called"

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit,"

This verse is part of God's Great Commission to us followers, & when reading it, it makes me think.  God didn't say some of you go, or only those who feel called to go, which would mean that not everyone is to go.  It just says to go.  So why isn't everyone feeling called? What is being called?  Maybe the calling is where to serve or to go.

Do you feel the calling, or are you called to something specific?

"Love Me Anyway"

"I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas' kiss
But You love me anyway"

snipet from "Love me Anyway"- by Sidewalk Prophets

Something from my wallet

Instruct me Oh God, to be more like you
Teach me my Lord, to know your truth
Gather me in your majestic ways
Show me your path of righteousness

For I want to be more like you
For I want my hands to do your works
For I want to dance to your praise
and be humbled by your face

Develope in me, a love for your people
Touch my heart for your missions
Help me stay true to your words
Guide my path
And know my journey

Make therefore a place for me
For i will be your servant here on earth

I wrote those words couple months before going to Brazil, kept them hidden in my wallet.

Casting Lots

(study on casting lots)

Casting Lots is mentioned 70x in the Old Testament and 7x in the New Testament.

What is it?

I'm not sure, it could be any kind of game of chance; from flipping some type of coin, to rolling dice, to game of sticks/straws, or something completely different that we are not aware of.  Fact is we don't know the exact process.  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cast+lots (link to various definitions of casting lots)

Casting Lots in the Old Testament (lets look at several verses)

In Numbers we find the 12 tribes getting their inheritance of land, and choosing it by lot.

Numbers 26:55, 33:54, 34:13, 36:2

In Joshua 18: 6-10, Joshua said to go survey the land and write a description of it in 7 portions, then he said he would cast lots and determine who gets what. (sean's summarized version of verses)

In 1 Chronicles 25:8-9, they cast lots for there duties, young and old, teachers as well as pupil.

1 Chronicles 26:13-14, they cast lots for each gate, concerning the Levitical Gatekeepers.

In Jonah 1:7, the sailors cast lots to find out who was the cause of the Lords wrath and the trouble they were in, and low and behold the lot fell on Jonah.

In Matthew 27:35, we find the Roman solders casting lots over Jesus clothes.

So we get to the Question, Do we as Christians need to Cast Lots?

In Acts 1:26, the disciples proposed 2 people to take Judas Iscariot's place among the 12 after praying together, and then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was numbered with the 12.

So the disciples who started the first church, and are the first example of Christians cast lots to replace Judas, it ha to be a legit practice for discernment. Maybe a holy stricken game of chance. When making important decisions in our life, what do we have to turn to for guidance. Should we cast lots?  We know we are to pray, as did the disciples before they cast lots to replace Judas.  Yet, we look exactly after vs 26, we have the start of Acts 2 (the Pentecost), where Jesus/God gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell among them.  I think that's the key!  The Holy Spirit is God dwelling in our hearts, it's his gift of guidance and discernment, power and wisdom, and love.  I don't personally cast lots for any decision I make, I know I can pray to God, seek out wise Christian counsel, and trust in the Spirit to guide me in the right direction.  Theres really no need for me to cast lots. The believers received the Holy Spirit that day, and never gain did they have to cast lots for they had the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:10-12

¹⁰ For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. ¹¹ For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so    the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.

"Tonight"

This week song comes from the infamous, never aging Toby Mac

"Tonight"- Toby Mac ft. John Cooper (of Skillet)





Click Link for Lyrics http://www.tobymac.com/lyrics/tonight/

Follow

Book to Read

Title:  How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life

Author: Dr. Gregory Frizzell

Its a great tool for any believer from new to old saint.  I needed to pray, I wanted to be a prayer warrior, I didn't know where to begin.  This book is amazing, how it describes why prayer is so  important, how it is fundamental to our relationship with Christ, and the foundations of prayer.  This book will help you develop a much needed time alone communicating with God. I want to purposely thank my Pastor for introducing it to me. (thanks Nick) I would recommend this book to all, don't settle for a lacking prayer life, spend that quality time with God, and if you were like me, use this tool to guide you to a place where you are having that closet time of prayer with the Father.

Golf with Friends

Yesterday, I got to play 13 holes of golf with couple buddies (Mike and Rudy) from church, and man we were blessed with a great day.  Low and behold the storm that was supposed to hit turned into a slight drizzle and really the temperature was fairly cool throughout the afternoon. Though we lost a slew of golf balls, we had a great time encouraging each other and just enjoying each others company and the game itself.

Throughout my time out there, I kept thinking of how God has blessed me with the opportunity to have golf as my outlet, my stress relief, my place to go and forget about other things and focus on where im at this very moment- with a ball and a club and seeking the pin. When I play by myself sometimes I have the alone time to just talk to God and meditate on him and just witness his wonders through being on the course.  Its very rejuvenating, and you can spend alot of time with God on the course.

Also like in yesterday you can fellowship with others while playing.  Its always nice to have someone playing with you and golf is a sport where you can really play and have deep conversations at the same time.

I guess I just wanted to express my thanks and praise to the Lord for everything he has blessed me with and in particular right now his blessing of golf- being a positive in my life.

"Feel it in Your Heart"

Song of the week (that has been stuck inside my head)


              Feel it in your Heart- by Abandon

For lyrics click the link
http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/lyricsdetail.php?lyrics_id=67567

Luke 9:23-24

²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

If I/you want to truly follow Christ, then I have to die to my old self, and become new again with him. You cannot be the same person, you are a slave to Jesus Christ.  In John 3 verse 20 we have a simple but accurate explanation.  ³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease."

Then we are to take up our cross, and that's fine.  We love wearing our cross necklace, or our cross decals on our vehicles, heck I have it tattooed on my back.  The cross is our symbol of Jesus taking on God's wrath in our place. Guess what...........that hadn't happened yet when Jesus told his disciples those verses.  The cross to them was a example of gruesome torture and death.  So Jesus was saying to them/us that we are to accept being tortured and demised and possible death?  Then he says if we are to not accept those terms and live our lives they way we want to, without him, than we are to miss out on life we have in him.  We have the option to give up our life that we cherish here and give our everything to him.  We are giving up things maybe we have tried to achieve for ourselves, maybe goals, or blessings that come our way.  BUT- we will receive his spirit, and his blessings and his heavenly treasures that we cant even imagine.  God is BIG and his blessings or beyond our understanding...it takes Faith, it takes totally reliance on him, lets deny ourselves, and be one with Christ, lets take our cross, face dangers of this world, knowing that the power of God upholds us, lets loose this life on earth and gain eternal life with him....that's like trading in 30 min episode of Growing Pains and gaining a never ending season disc of Eternal Life.

Small Groups

This last week our Sunday School class was able to separate and the girls met one night and the boys the following night.  The idea was to have some transparent talk and vision for our class and such.  For those who came I would say they agree on that time being very helpful. The fact is that we as Christians are called to fellowship together and in Sunday School the format is more geared towards teaching a lesson and there is for open talk. In Acts 2: 42-47, (http://niv.scripturetext.com/acts/2-42.htm) it gives us an description of the early followers being together. They devoted themselves to reading the word together, they ate and praised and met together, and had all things in common, and God multiplied their numbers.  Isn't that a great sign of the early church!

As Chrisitans we need accountability and transparent talks with other Christians. I can speak for guys in saying that we are a prideful flesh that fears rejection and embarrassment.  We just don't talk to anybody about our deep struggles.  We have things in our lives, that we think man I'm supposed to be a Christian I probably the only one that deals with this stuff.  THAT IS TOTALLY A LIE FROM SATAN!  See I have felt that way before, have had impurities in my life that I struggle with and I would think I cant tell anybody this, its to personal, its to embarrassing, people will think I'm sick. Whether its struggling with pornography, lying, greed, foul language, etc. these things are struggles of the flesh. and guess what.....other Christians struggle with the same thing. The truth is you need somebody to talk to for accountability. You need a brother/sister in Christ to be able to call you and ask how things are going, or be willing to answer his/her phone and listen when you need to talk.  Someone to tell you that though you fall into the traps of those sins, the conviction you feel is because of your salvation. In Issiah 42:3, 3 A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice. In those traps we fall in Satan will try to come in and question our salvation, but we hold fast to verses like this. You also need someone to be honest with you, Ex. if you struggle with pornography sites- maybe you need to have them blocked and give someone else (spouse/parent) the password, or if you get around with some friends and you cant help but fall back into those conversations and words that you know dont bring gory to God and are down right foul....maybe you need to not hang with those friends.

I honestly believe small groups is the foundation of the church.  It was the foundation of the early church in Acts, and if we as Christians radically change they way we view getting together in small groups and we open up and have those transparent talks and accountability, then start reading the word together, and being prayer warriors, and putting funds together to help anyone in our group in need. Do you not think God will see that and bless that group, and that it would begin to multiply just as the early church did.

I Am Second

I stumbled across these series of videos about a year ago on Youtube, and from the first to the last, I loved everything about them. The videos show different athletes, coaches, or just important people in general giving their own personal testimonies of how God came into, changed, and continues to influence their lives for the better. They knew that with these clips that they'd be able to reach out to fans, believers or non-believers and encourage them to walk with the Lord.

For me, they really challenge me to realize that no matter who you are, a big time athlete or just a normal everyday person, that you have to put God first. There are many times in our lives where we're so consumed with our jobs, school, friends, or just anything, that we put God aside and focus on our other concerns. When really, we should always put God first because when you do that, everything else will fall into place. The videos also encourage me to just testify and give my testimony to anyone willing to listen, because no matter where you're from or what your story is, there will always be someone you can connect with who wants to listen and hopefully wants to learn more about the good news.

The video I'm attaching is of Josh Hamilton, outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Out of all the videos this is the one that spoke to me the most. It just shows that no matter what you have gone through, once you put your trust in God, then you can conquer anything and everything. If you're interested in any of the other videos, just go to Youtube and type in I Am Second . They also have a website, iamsecond.com .

Pujols Family Foundation

I am a huge St Louis Cardinals fan, so naturally I like Albert Pujols, he is one of the greatest all-time in baseball and he is on my team, not just the Cardinals, but Albert and his wife Deidre are devoted followers of Christ. They have a foundation for kids with down syndrome and the are big supporters for that cause, but what definitely struck me was the witness they share on this website, please check it out!

http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/faith/

Be still and know

This past saturday our Sisterhood group at church had a ladies retreat, Seaside Escape. It was to be an inhouse event since it was on relationship building and getting in small groups and actually talking about our doubts, fears and just fun little things about ourselves. To see it all come together was amazing! It turned out so well!

"Be still and know that I am God!"- Psalm 46:10

When was the last time any of us were really, truly still? What does it takes for you to "be still"?

-Well, if you're like me I have a toddler who is talking about everything under the sun at all times and running around like a chicken with her head cut off and she wants and needs her mommy to play with her during the day. She goes to sleep way late and wakes up with the sun! Also, I have a house that is my job to keep clean and straightened up as much as possible :) Used to I could get up when Sean does and when he leaves I could have my quiet time with the Lord but now that time is gone and it is much harder to find time to sit and "be still" and listen to the Lord.

Why would you say stillness and knowing God are linked together in the verse above?

-I think to know God is to be still and pray/talk with Him. You can't have a relationship with someone without talking to one another! That's the same way to have a relationship with the Lord, communication! We need to be in the Word often and pray to Him. Tell him what's bothering you or to help you work on things and to take your doubts and fears aways. Just tell Him you're giving it all to Him and He will gladly take it! Also, praise Him daily! Thank Him for your breath each morning and just for the little things and for the big things! Our God is an amazing and awesome God and He loves and longs to hear from His children!

- I've noticed how much I don't pay attention to things while I'm driving. I think we just need to go walking sometimes and clear our minds and just look at and watch ever little thing! Just to watch the sun rise or to set is an amazing, miraculous thing! When you see beautiful flowers or even little birds, God gave us those things to enjoy and to see how great, powerful, awesome and loving he is! We all live in this generation where it's all fast and "we want it now" but we need, myself included, to take the time to sit and be still and listen to what our Lord has to say!

- During the retreat, we had a time where we listened to a song, then to sounds of the ocean, then the song again, and were to be still, relax and to listen. Well, half way through the ocean sounds people started getting restless. The song was about 4 min and the ocean sounds were 8 min and then the 4 min again. 16 min! And we couldn't just sit there, be still, and relax! That just shows us, we need to learn to BE STILL and take the time to hear from our Father!

Be still, and know that He is God.

Be still, and know that He is holy.

Be still, oh restless soul of mine.

Bow, before the Prince of peace.

Let the noise and clamor cease.

Be still, and know that He is God.

Be still, and know that He is faithful.

Consider all that he has done.

Stand in awe, and be amazed,

And know that He

Will never change.

Be still.

Be still and know that he is God.

Be still, and know that He is God.

Be still and know that Hes is God.

Be still. Be speechless.

Be still, and know that He is God.

Be still, and know he is our Father.

Come rest your head

Upon His breast.

Listen to the rhythm of

His unfailing love,

Beating for his little ones,

Calling each of us to come.

Be still.

Be still.

-Steven Curtis Chapman

Hebrews 10:26-27

²⁶ If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

I wrote this long blog out talking about this passage but i decided to delete it and just say this verse hit me in church Sunday and kind of went along with what we had talked about some in Sunday School either this week or last.

Sometimes I feel that we have a huge misconception of sin, we try to make it more legalistic instead of a heart issue.

Please feel free to comment.........

"Listen to the Sound"

I have to say there are some songs that just get stuck in your head and you cant stop singing them randomly (while in the shower, working, driving, typing a blog on the computer).  Usually the song gets annoying or sometimes you never liked it in the first place, EXample: stay away from Bieber! Yet, this song has totally won me over, I love it.  It gets me pumped and still delivers a solid message. It makes me want to share God's word with others, powerfully and be confident in doing it.
It has a message for those who find themselves lost, who are in that place where no one possibly knows what kind of mess your in, and no one cares.  For those who think they are walking a path alone, that its just them to face the world on their own. "Listen to the Sound", "of hoping thats rising up!" HOPE- being the message that though in circumstances in life where we feel alone (been there myself), God is right there with us, he never leaves, and he loves you, and its a unconditional love that will never go away.
The song also talks to those who are struggling with God's plan for their life (which hits home for me also), "sometimes it takes the silence, to finally hear his plans." Just read a book about Prayer life and the foundations of prayer (worshiping and thanking god, cleansing, prayer for others, prayer for self, and meditation) To just listen and let God speak to you, it may not be literally(or in some cases it might be, ex. Moses :P), but how often to we just meditate on him. (or put down everything and take time to be silent and focus on God)
My favorite part of the song is near the end, ( I like to get real into like the singer, and whale out on it) but also I picture myself passionately telling everyone in those situations that "His grace is reaching for us, his grace is reaching out" God's Grace- His gift of Jesus dying on the cross in place for our sins, we didnt earn that gift, it was free, and only by grace our we forgiven. *The hook to this powerful verse is that we dont search for his grace, we dont reach out for it. We dont look for God or have to find him. He is there, and not only there, he is there waiting and reaching out his arms for you.  The all powerful God of the universe, who created all things (including you) is not only approachable but is reaching out with his free gift of grace for you.  He loves you and wants to spend forever with you in his saving grace.........."Listen to Sound"

Listen to it, like it, thank me for it later :P

Mission Trip to Palmeirias - Piaui, Brazil 2011

I was blessed with the opportunity to go on mission with 6 others from my church family to a small town in Piaui, Brazil.
(List of Group)- Pastor Nick Sandifer, Ryan Amerson, Matt Farthing, Gayle Rives, Jerry Stewart, Trey Upton, and myself.
Piaui is the poorest state of Brazil, and besides pictures and insight from Gayle who had been several times before, the rest of us didnt really know what to expect.
Upon leaving the church we embarked on our journey to Brazil, traveling in our church bus to Nashville, where we were met with a 3 hr delay, which though fruststrating we were reminded that this was going to be on God's time not ours. We also were able to listen to a folk ban from the Czech Republic (who knew), who decided to play while waiting to board.  We flew from Nashville to Miami ("me om mi", as I like to call it) on a 3-seat wide plane, that I was for sure wasnt our plane(to small).  From Miami, we flew overnight to Rio de Janiero, Brazil, which was a long flight without movies and add really bad plane food.
In Rio, we were able to drive through the city and go up to one of the new 7 wonders of the world, "The Christ Redeemer Statue." It was def worth the spiral drive up the hill going however fast (was in kilometers instead of miles per hr.) From the statue you could see all Rio and it was an amzing view, group agreed that a simple picture couldnt describe what you could see.  Also inside the statue was a small catholic church set up, where people could eneter in it.
Being in Rio was a great day, and great stress reliver from the fact that before we left we were at the luggage belt and was able to scrape up one of Trey's bags and nothing else (besides a slap in the face to Ryan, who showed great self-control and maturity).  So being able to get away and go up to the statue was nice.
We left Rio, and flew into Teresina late, where we were met by Jorio and his beautiful family. We were dropped off at the hotel were we would spend the night and eat breakfast at the night day before the long drive to Palmeirias.  On the plane ride and hotel we were practicing up on our Portugese, which if you ever had to learn a new language, you know its very difficult. Besides practicing Portugese, I personally was praying to God to be with me, and to strengthen me, and to use me this week for his glory. To be honest, I felt the call to go and tell those in Brazil but I also knew what I would gain spiritually from growing so I was praying for God reveal more of hiself to me. (is that right, idk but its honest) So we leave Teresina with Jorio and his son Jorio feihlio (Junior), and daughter Luanni? (not sure how to spell), and  our interpreteurs ( Jesuit? also not sure, sounds like "ja sa o" and Larissa "very sweet girl"), and driving, besides the main highway we are on, we started to see open country, kinda like drving on Kentucky interstates but with tropical trees and huts.
When we get to Palmeirias, we imediately go to the Igreja Baptista where we meet the pastor (juranje?, not sure on the spelling) and we go inside the church where they had made signs with messages on them written in for the most part very good english. Example "We been praying for your team", "Glad your here", etc. After being there for couple of mins. we are informed we were going straight to a school to talk to the kids. Me, being the person I am was like "cool I'm game", but there was some part of me that was nervous. At the school Nick spoke and introduced the team, I got introduced as a "banker" how boring, but also follower of Christ. I mention that though because it was in that moment that I knew for sure that banking wasn't the career choice for me.  We played with the kids and took alot of pictures with them, and we had a good tme.  The kids were like american kids- most are shy at first except the few outgoing ones.
After the school we went to our place we were staying which was kinda lke a Brazilian version of a bed in breakfast. (maybe) Gayle and Larissa went to a seperate house thats family was part of the church.  The houses are alot diffrent than american houses and most have some type on crushed metal/ or spikes on top o concrete walls around the house.  The bathrooms were tile floor with a sink -2 inches- toliet- 2 inches- shower (all the same floor).  Sometimes you had to kill bugs before using the restroom or taking a shower, also you have to throw toliet paper in the trash can in Brazil, because their sweage system doesnt break it down or somthing like that (somthing you never think about bothering you). It is equator weather where we were so it was sun up at 6 a.m. and sun down at 6 p.m.  It was crazy you would wake up and go outside to the (cleaner bathrooms, believe it or not) and you wouldnt be able to see anything until 10 mins later your eyes adapted.
With our group we decided to have soccer camps with the kids in the village/town.  Ryan being a soccer coach and Trey and Matt both soccer players and me being just incredabley talented in allsports (true self proclaimed fact :P), were going to use soccer to spread the gospel with the kids. We knew soccer was going to be a good draw to people, and us being white (most never seen white people) also working in our favor, we thought we see about 50-75 kids.  I honestly thought we see 100, but i didnt think when we pull up to this partially indoor soccer field that we would her chanting of kids like we pulled into the super bowl. I dont know the official count but it looked to be over 200 kids, and our idea of soccer drills went out the window.  We had them break into their teams (alot of them were already in a club team, some teams coaches were there) and from them they played against each other according to age groups, and also girls played girls.  Then every group got to play us (the americanos, which actaully we didnt do that bad). But through us not playing every game we were able to take this evangelistic soccer ball we had that represented the gospel story and use it to tell the gospel of Christ to the kids not playing at the time.
The Soccer Ball >
5 diffrent colors (gold, black, red, white, and green)
Gold- (royalty) represents God being Holy and perfect and him making his creation in his image
Black- (sin) represents us being sinners and allowing sin to but a barrier from us and God
Red- (blood of Christ) is God sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (everyones)
White-(purity) reps Jesus blood wiping clean our sins, and making a way for us through him to break down the barrier and follow him
Green- (growth) is our relationship with Christ "prayer, reading Bible, fellowship, and missions"
We also got to do Bible School with the young kids one morning until afternoon. We did puppets, nick did the story of Adam and Eve and Noah (2 seperate stories :P), we did arts and crafts, and recreation. You are really blessed when you are able to see kids in bible school, american or brazilian (they touch your heart).
We also went on home visits and to couple more schools. I was able to go with Trey and Jorio to couple houses were one family had the whole crew outisde in chairs ready for us. (these meetings were pre-arranged by the pastor, also sidenote: the pole in brazil are very welcoming to hear the gospel, like us being alowed in schools to share the gospel, which is somthing we dont have freedom to do in the states) We also shared with this lady who was lying in her bed with cancer and I got to use my background with cancer in my family and we got to pray with her.  In schools, I got to go bymyself with Jorio and share the gospel with the kids and show them futbul americano (american football) and that perhaps was the best part of my trip.  I got to go into classrooms and share about Jesus at school, and the kids interacted and I felt such a blessing, like my life has purpose. SIDENOTE: If you want to feel purpose in your life, do God's work! Period
I also got the opportunity to share the gospel on the radio to aprx 20,000, and through and interpreteur i experience my first stint on the radio (share God's messgae). It went so well that we sent Jerry to go back the next night and do it again.
Worship services every night.  They werent just at the church though, we had one on the street, in the town square, and on a place called goat hill (very dark place). Nick, Ryan, Jerry, and I got to preach and everyone gave thier testimony.  We sang Portuguese words (lol, songs in portgugese we didnt know), we danced, we read scripture, we prayed, we greeted, and we truly met God wherever we were at.  At worship service i truly let lo, and just worship God, and I came to the realization that if I can sing Portugese words and dance to stuff i dont know then how could i worship at home when I know the words and the songs we sing. Dont sing to be noticed Sean, sing to God, just worship, dont worry about anyone looking at you, just you and God.
We really developed relationships with the people down there and left a piece of our heart down there with the people. Ryan and I were able to entertain people down there with our random outgoing behaivor. We were able to sing Vanilla Ice for them and I must say it went well, also taught them shake-n-bake, which im sure will be a huge hit in Palmeirias for years.
I am really thankful to those who gave financially and also those who prayed for me and my team. Together i think we planted seed that I know the Lord will take care of.
I do ask you to continue to pray for the Igreja Baptista in Palmeirias, and the pastor/his family
also pray for the people we were in contact with
In specific I ask that you pray for kid name Wallace who really touched my heart, he was someone that I would search for wherever we went and his face would light up when he could be around us, he truly understood what we were saying even though he couldnt say English words

God blessed me thru this trip, and I cant wait to go again