Just Between You, Me, & God 11/19/2012

I picked a bad time to start a diet.  This is not the best time of year to start a diet with Thanksgiving this week and Christmas and all the trimmings right behind it.  My timing has not always been the best.  This is a time of reflection and giving God thanks for all He has done for us in the past year.  Growing up, Thanksgiving was generally just our immediate family.  I don’t remember any trips over the river or through the woods to Grandmother’s house.  With three boys sitting around the table a two legged turkey was a little inadequate.   Somehow a wing just doesn’t balance out with a turkey leg.  The best dishes and silver ware would come out and there was more food than even three growing boys and their Dad could put away in one meal.  Everything was homemade, nothing came from the freezer or out of the microwave (nonexistent at that time, yes there were phones and electricity and indoor plumbing).  After I got married and we had kids we would make those trips from Houston to Atlanta, Texas for a big family gathering.  Everyone would get up Thanksgiving morning and check the “chores list” to find out what they were supposed to do.  Bo would deep fry a turkey and have a pork loin smoking on the grill.  Nana and the girls would be busy in the kitchen making a huge tub of the best ever dressing and all the fixings to go with it.  The guys made last minute runs to the store and discussed the games that would be on that day and sneaked taste anywhere they could.  When it was all said and done the blessing was offered, usually with tears of appreciation, and the stuffing began, and I’m not talking about the turkey.  If you went away hungry it was your own fault.  After the meal was done, the living room looked like a battle field with bodies lying everywhere and moans and groans reflecting the pain of overeating.  The guys dozed while the games blared on the TV and the girls would take a walk to work off the meal.  No one could understand how they could eat that much but by the time the evening rolled around we were at it again.  This year I will once again reflect on God’s amazing grace in my life.  He has given me a 5 year experience with Living Hope Fellowship that just a few years before I could have never imagined.  He took a broken vessel, remolded it, and used it to pour out His Gospel to others who were broken.  God truly does use the weak to prove his strength.  Lord I give you thanks for reminding me that I am nothing without you and that you believe that I can do anything that you want me too.  Not to me, but to you goes the glory this year.  Pastor Dean

Artist Interview: Lawanda "Precious" Jones

In Austin, Texas, there are many worthy causes,, amazing praise groups, and no shortage of fine musicians. I recently had the privilege of interviewing one of them, Lawanda "Precious" Jones, from Pflugerville.

1. Tell us a little about your musical style. Who is your musical inspiration?

These types of questions are always so funny to me, because I never really know how to answer them.  I write a little of everything.  I grew up listening to blues, Motown, r&b, rap, jazz, country, classical, rock, and even opera.  So, I find myself listening to contemporary and alternative Christian & Gospel, urban Gospel including rap, and every once in a while blue grass Christian.  The people that stand out in my head that I listen to would be Lisa McClendon, Debra Killings, V. Rose, Canton Jones, Mr. Del, The Anointed Pace Sisters, The Arrows (a South African group), Flame, Mark Schultz, Salvador, Sheri Jones-Moffett, and Jennifer Strickland.  I know that is a mouthful, but I like music that is ministering not just praise and worship.  If I had to put myself in a box, then I would say that I am a lyrical urban gospel singer.  I enjoy the rhythms of gospel and write more lyrically like Christian music.

2. What led you to your ministry?

It had to be God, because I didn't choose my ministry from the beginning to sing for God.  I always wanted to be a doctor until I realized that you needed to be good with science.  My mom made me do choir in middle school.  From there, I wanted to be a choir director with a Doctorate Degree until God changed my path with becoming married and having children which interrupted my college education at the time.  I always wrote music, but I never thought or wanted to share it.  I basically kind of stumbled into realizing that I felt fulfilled when singing for God and it seemed to minister to people.  Since, I have been singing the songs that God has given me, God has shown me that others experience the same thing.  The songs were meant to help people through their transitions in life.  My ministry isn't so much about praise and worshipping God as it is about God is there to get people through their situations.  The music is ministering to people and that is praise and worship to God!


3. Tell us about your home church. What makes it awesome?

My family goes to Bridge Community Church in Pflugerville, TX.  It is a quaint little church with a lot of friendly and loving people who cares for their community.  The part we enjoy the most of BCC is when the pastor gives the Word, you know that it is the Word that God has put on his heart.  Our family needed a pastor that wasn't put on such a high pedestal that he couldn't share his testimonies of fear of the thoughts of man.  The pastor at BCC is a real man that goes through real situations and cares for people (not all in the church) who have real issues, and he is not scared to share his testimony with people.  I think that at the Bridge Community Church people have room to be themselves.

4. Having lived in the Austin/Pflugerville/Round Rock area before myself, I know what a fertile ground there is for ministry. How do you look for and find daily opportunities to "be the church?"

I knew that God had called me to minister, but a long time ago I would run from it.  I thought "ministering to people" amounted to those who called people out on their sins and told people that they were going to go to hell if they didn't change right now.  However, God had to teach me who I was and to embrace who He made me to be so that I could minister the way He wanted me to minister.  Well, I am capable of talking openly and lovingly to anyone.  People joke on me for being able to talk a lot and about nothing at all.  However, God has shown me that I am capable of making people comfortable in communicating with them; they drop their guards and tell me things that is on their minds and hearts.  God tends to give me opportunities like these often to minister to people of all forms.  People like neighbors, my children's friends and family, people I go to school with, people that are looked at as different, or even workers that come to serve my home.  I am more comfortable knowing that God calls me to minister to people in my everyday life through my conversations and my walk than being fiery and telling people all the things that they have done wrong.  There are times that He has me step out of my boundaries like lately going to my neighbors that I don't know and asking them if they want prayer.  In everything I do, I let God lead me through my time that I spend with Him, and if I don't hear Him, I will catch myself seizing an opportunity that I didn't even realize as one.  (Colossians 3: 23-24)


5. What is your favorite Scripture?

I don't have a great memory, so memorizing scriptures has been really hard for me to do.  I know the Word is hidden in my heart to be used at necessary times, but in my past, I have felt condemned because I have a hard time remembering word for word and the address of scriptures and other things as well.  I prayed to God one time about my memory, and the Holy Spirit led me to Luke 12:12 "For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say."  This scripture is one of the first scriptures that I have been able to remember no matter what time of day it is.  It gives me comfort if I begin to compare myself to others who seem "to know scriptures".  I may not know their relationship with God, but I do know my application of the Bible and my relationship with God.  He is my foundation!  And this scripture has been proven true for me in many situations that I have faced.

6. With whom do you identify most from the Bible?

Wow, getting personal... In the past, I have identified myself with the servant who received money from his master and buried it out of fear, but I believe that God has been dealing with the fear within me and transforming me into someone more like Joshua or Jonathon.  Someone who trusts God to be God and be willing to attack situations and not wait for them to attack me.  For example, I wrote songs for over ten years and never shared the music that God had given me out of fear of being rejected.  I still face those types of fears, but now I refuse to let those fears dictate what God is going to do in my life.

7. Android or iPhone (or something else)?

I have an Android, but I also have an iPod Touch that I like to use as well.  My favorite part of either is that I can have a bible on it.  Because of my Android/ iPod Touch and the encouragement from God, I have been able to read all the way through the bible this year!

8. What are your hobbies/interests outside of your ministry?

I like to swim, hang-out with friends, watch movies, travel, go on adventures with my family, and most of all TALK.  I still sing or hum no matter what I do.

9. Tell us about your family (spouse, children, pets, houseplants lol).

My husband's name is James.  We became high school sweethearts and married at a young age.  My husband loves to coach football and track, and I love music.  Together we now have five kids (17, 16, 12, 10, and 6 years old).  Each one of them are different as can be and keeps us on our feet.  They have interests from simply serving people to planning to be a top U.S.A. Track Olympian.   If that isn't enough, we have a Yorkie pup named Prince.

10. What empassions you in the world? That is to say, what causes/charities/social justice issues drive you?

There are causes and issues that drive me due to the things that I have observed in my lifetime.  For instance, I want to donate money towards the Epilepsy Foundation to help find cures or better medicine for people who have epilepsy.  My mom has it and it was a focal point in my life that introduced me to miracles for my family when I was growing up.  I know the stigmas that people have about it, and I would love to be a part of changing the stigmas to the point that people can be seen as people and not the medical issue.
My heart cries out for children and people that have been sexually abused.  I want to be able to support an organization that is willing to help children to see that they are worth more than what was done to them.  This sad situation tends to happen pretty often, but it is very hard trying to find an organization that serves this area in creative ways.
We believe we should be serving our homeless in whatever ways that we can.  That is a mission in itself!

11. Anything else you'd like us to know?

We love mission trips...near and far.  Everything that we do in state and out of state should be considered a mission trip.  My family and I have served the homeless, supported single parents, gave rides to those that walk, funded missionaries, supplied children for school, prayed for others, and so many other things.  We want to go on a mission trip out of the country as a family to serve children and families that are less fortunate like we have done here.  We have looked at going to Tanzania, Africa or El Salvador.  However, since we have such a big family, we have talked about going to Mexico, but don't know any ministry or organizations to help there.  I am sure in time, God will send us.

Why do I change my hair styles so often?
I like to change my hair styles.  After God set me free from fearing other people's thoughts of my appearance, I have been free to do my hair however I like to do it.  I have even had a blue streak in it.  My motto for my hair is... It's just hair, it will grow back.  The funny thing is, I have gotten to talk and pray with people of all ages that have approached me about my hair.  Who knows...maybe it is a ministry tool!  LOL

Why do I go by "Precious"?
When I was younger, I would go to the churches and want prayer from the big evangelists and pastors who were known as prophets.  Of course, I would be back towards the end of the line, and as they prayed the things the people that they prayed over were told big things like:  "You're going to be teacher that touches many children. You're going to be a known political body.  The Lord is going to bless you financially.  You will be a millionaire..."  When they would get to me the excitement would be so high.  They would place their hands on me and then immediately quite the room and look confusingly at me to say, "You're Precious" and walk away.  I remember being so angry, because I didn't get some BIG prophetic thing prayed over me.  It always happened.  When I was getting ready to graduate from high school, my Great Grandmother died, and I even received a golden necklace that was one of her necklaces that she wore all of the time.  By that time, I realized that God was calling me "Precious" like He called Abram Abraham.  Since then I have researched why He would call me that... To make it short, we look at Him as our treasure, but He really looks at us as His.  Even when we are dirty, He is willing to clean us up.  We are still worth much to Him because He knows everything about us.  Psalm 139 best explains how He created us, knows us, and sees our worth.

You can find Lawanda online ait her website, Facebook, and YouTube.

Election Day

LHF would like to say three things regarding the US Election Day:

1. Vote--"'Well then,' he said, 'give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.'” (Luke 20:25 NLT). While this Scripture is referring directly to taxes, it also applies to our vote, which is our contribution to our governing. Voting is not just a right and a priviledge; it is our duty as citizens to exercise our part in the process…to "hold up our end if the deal." We are a Republic, and our votes, both for officials and on law changes, is how we express our needs and desires. It is the "You're hired" call to new officials, the satisfactory review to those serving, and the "pink slip" to those not doing their jobs. Whichever party you prefer, get out and vote!

2. Pray--Whether your candidates win or not, pray for your leaders. Despite your feelings for them, they are the persons elected to make decisions on your behalf, so pray they are making the "right" ones--the safe ones, ones with our best interests in mind, ones that embrace freedom and build up our nation. "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." (Romans 13:1 NLT)

3. Show Respect--"Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king." (1 Peter 2:17 NLT) Few things are sadder than folks professing to follow Jesus disrespect, belittle, and degrade each other for having different opinions. Nasty accusations, insults, and bullying show a lack of respect, desperation, and inability to cope with something different, none of which speaks well of anyone, especially those who claim to follow Jesus, the embodiment of love, respect, and the Great Commission. You don't have to like your leaders, you don't have to agree with everyone. People often say "Respect is earned," and they are right in that full authoritative respect, the brand of respect that brings influence, is earned, but basic human respect should be given freely. Make the choice to do so.

Vote. Pray. Respect.

Lord, bless us this day, watch over us as we in the US cast our votes today to choose our next leaders. Be with us and protect us in the days to come, no matter the outcome. Amen.

Just Between You, Me, & God 11/5/2012

As a kid I loved going to Six Flags Over Texas. They had a great variety of rides, from things that went round and round and then the bottom fell out, to river rides where you never knew what was around the next bend, to roller coasters that went fast and slow and up and down while taking hair pin corners. There was also rides like the carousel that went around and around but nothing exciting ever happened or the Spelunker Cave that lazily floated along a relaxing stream in cool comfort with no surprises. I was thinking about my Christian walk over my lifetime the other day and couldn't help but notice the similarity at different times between that and the rides at an amusement park. There have been times when it seemed like I was in a whirl wind being swept around in circles and the ground was falling away from under my feet. That was when I felt far from God and there seemed to be no answer to my prayers and pleas. There were times of excitement when I couldn't wait to see what God was going to do next in my life. There are times when I seem to be struggling just to get up the hill and then God makes things move so quickly and change direction in an instant and you get so excited you can't catch your breath. Sometimes I feel kind of stuck, just going around and around in a circle, not making any real progress and I know that I need to spend more study time with God in His Word. Then there is always worship time when I feel so relaxed and open. It is a time of comfort, like being held by my Savior as I tell Him how much I love Him and appreciate everything He has done for me. No matter what is going on, how long it last, or how up or down I feel, I know that I am not alone and that whatever happens, it is God’s perfect will that counts and not my own finite expectations. Philippians 4:4-7 tells it like it should be, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What is your walk like and are you willing to let go and let God?
God bless, Dean Hanssen

Just Between You, Me, and God: 10-21-12

*We apologize that this was not published last week, when it was originally written, as we focuesed on posts about bullying.*

When I was in college all of the business courses I took would talk about how computers were going to revolutionize the work place, change the pace of things. There would be no need for mounds of paper work to do because it would all be done on the computer, no paper. In fact, they said that because of computers, in the future we would spend fewer hours at work and have more leisure time than we would know what to do with. I’ve got news for you guys, I’m in that future now and it doesn’t look like that. Microwaves were going to shorten our time in the kitchen but we get frustrated waiting two minutes or less while our food warms up (around the outside, it’s still cold in the middle). We are an unsatisfiable, complaining bunch of ungrateful consumers. Imagine just how long God has been putting up with us. He delivered Israel from Egypt by parting the Red Sea and then drowning those who would bring them back to slavery. He didn’t just send them on their way; He traveled with them day and night. He fed them, they complained, He made it where their clothes and shoes wouldn’t wear out, they complained, He brought them to the door of the promised land, showed them what He would give them, assured them of victory, and they complained. So, He let them walk around the desert for 40 years until the complainers were gone. When He sent His own Son to free them from sin, they complained and killed Him. When He rose from the grave and His followers picked up where He left off spreading the Good News of salvation, they complained and attacked and killed many of them. We are consumers of God’s mercy, grace, and loving forgiveness. And yet we are turning our backs on Him and His precepts like we were standing in the return line after Christmas saying, “That’s not what I wanted! The instructions are too hard to follow! It doesn’t fit my lifestyle, my wants, my needs!” Romans 2:5-8 warns us, “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” We would do good to start saying “America, bless God” as well as “God bless America.” Pastor Dean

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Ministries & Outreach Pastor for LHF.

One Mommy's Confession: Joy, Failure, and Forgiveness

This Sunday morning, during service, since there were few kids in class, we stayed in "big church" for Worship before going to our classroom for our lesson, which we sometimes do (we're a small church and can be flexible that way). As I stood with my daughter, who is five (for one more week), above the music, the Worship Team, the congregation, and my own hardly-tiny alto voice, I heard my daughter, clearly and distinctly, singing along to "Heart of Worship"...a song I didn't even realize she knew the words to. She sang it in her little slightly off-key childish soprano, and occasionally twirled on the spot with her hands up. 

Suddenly, I found myself moved on a level completely unconnected with the words to the song. I thought about this week, which had been chaotic and had held several disappointments and irritations for me. I thought of the rough mornings when I lost my temper getting ready for school, every time I raised my voice or said something unkind to my daughter (or to my spouse while she was present). I considered each time I reacted instead of acted out of love, and I was heartily ashamed. I found myself, though still singing the words to the song, crying out to God for forgiveness and thanking Him that despite it all, despite my failings and shortcomings as a parent and a person, that my daughter still knew God's Love and His Joy and still had a reason to sing about it, raise her hands, and dance.




I am so thankful that even when I fail, God has placed people like our church family and her school friends and teacher, and positive, Godly influence like our local radio station (KVNE Encouragement FM--which is probably where she learned the words to the song) around her, like backup warriors in the battleground, to guide her when I am a poor example. And I am thankful that like my daughter (who informed me this morning that I am "the best mommy in the world"), I have a God who forgives me every time I mess up.

Thank you, God, for giving me "the best daughter in the world."

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God 10/29/2012

TRICK OR TREAT!!! It’s that time of year already. In our neck of the woods (Northeast Texas) Halloween usually ushers in some of our first cooler weather, it signals the change from day light savings time, and marks the start of the Christmas selling season. I know the decorations have been up in some places since July but most people don’t really get serious about Christmas shopping until after Halloween. We usually buy enough candy for 200 kids and when we hit that number the porch light goes out and we go in even though there are still kids coming. What I enjoy are the little kids and the imagination that goes into their costumes. There are pirates and princesses, baseball players and ballerinas, ghost and gangsters, devils and dinosaurs. I know a lot of people get real legalistic and say that we’re supporting pagan holidays but for the kids it’s a chance to dress up and pretend to be someone they’re not, have some fun, see a lot of other neat costumes, and, oh yea, get some real good candy, if Dad doesn’t eat it all before they get home. As in watching TV, movies, video games, and other activities, it is the parent’s responsibility to teach their children through the experiences they are involved in. Every event is a teaching opportunity. As far as the mask go, why do adults get so upset about those. As adults, we change mask all day long, just ask your kids. If the phone rings while you’re upset with them, your voice changes dramatically as you pleasantly answer the phone. You’ve been in a foul mood all day but when you run into a friend at the store everything is great. You hate going to work in the morning but you’re not happy coming home either. You tell the pastor how much you enjoyed his sermon and complain about it all the way home. We teach our kids well. We tend to have a whole collection of mask and often wear ourselves out changing them all the time. It is a form of deception and lies but we had an expert teacher. 2 Cor. 11:14 tells us, “…Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Jesus describes Satan in John 8:44, “… When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is the father of lies.” So don’t just put on a happy face, change your attitude by taking on a new role model, Jesus Christ. No trick, just my treat, Pastor Dean.

Resources to inform Parents, Kids, and Teens About Bullying

October is National Anti-Bullying Month here in the US, and we will be spending this week posting about bullying and persecution. We hope that you will be blessed by what you read.

This week we have talked about bullying and persecution. Below are some resources that parents can use with their kids and teens.This is by no means a comprehensive list, but some resources that we have personally researched/viewed.

Children:

Bullying Prevention videos on EducationalTrainingVideos.com: there are several to look at and choose from. A good place to shop for videos and resources to use in a classroom or church.

The Berenstein Bears and the Bully: by Stan and Jan Berenstein, these classic characters are always loved by kids young and old. Sister Bear has to deal with a bully. The content is a little dated, but still relevant. My daughter enjoyed it immensely. This is a link to their page on Amazon.

Help Me to Be Good: Bullying by Joy Berry: Part of the Help Me to Be Good series, this book has a slightly moe modern approach, and urges children to be Christ-like in offering kindness to bullies, avoiding, and going to adults for help. This is a link to their entry on ChristianBook.com. 








Teens:

To Save a Life: This film appeals to teens because it is real, and although a faith-based film, it is a little gritty. A popular young man regrets the way he treated an old friend, sees his need to change, and through his belief in Jesus, becomes a new person and deals with the consequences of his actions. I have yet to meet a person who watched this that disliked it. NOT appropriate for young children, as it contains content about sex, drugs, drinking, and suicide. This is a link to the IMDB entry for this movie.

Cyberbully: An ABC Family production, this movie also strikes a chord with teens due to its open, real, and brutally honest portrayal of teen behavior. Emily Osment stars as Taylor Hillridge, a pretty but slightly awkward girl who becomes the subject of intense bullying, both online and in the halls at school. Some reviewrs have said it's a bit melodramatic, and that may be true, but I personally remember high school and remember girls very much like the antagonists in this film. This is the IMDB link. NOT apropriate for childre as it contains refereces to sex.




StopBullying.gov: US Government resources for teachers and parents of kids of all ages.

Again, this is not reotely a conclusive list. There are numerous books and video for all ages that talk about the subject. Please look online (Youtube is a great resource), and at your local library. Parents can also check with their local schools, which may have resources and can also share what they use with their students, as well as outline their anit-bullyig policies.

We hope that you have founnd something useful in what we posted this week. Please talk to your children and be active in their lives. Remember, YOU are their best earthly advocate. God Bless You.

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF.

Elementary School Bullying: "The Playground Bully"

October is National Anti-Bullying Month here in the US, and we will be spending this week posting about bullying and persecution. We hope that you will be blessed by what you read.

Many people today think of teenagers when they think of bullying, but the truth is it’s still a problem in the elementary schoolyard. The days of the "playground bully" exchanging a bloody nose for lunch money may seem dated, but haven't really disappeared; while money doesn't usually exchange hands, they still taunt the "weird kid" the "four-eyed kid," and the "fat kid." Despite the best efforts of a teacher/monitor/aide/coach/driver, there is no possible way to see and hear every single interaction between kids, especially in places like the playground, the gym, cafeteria, or school bus. While the motives have adjusted slightly with the times, there is still the very real possibility your child may be tormented by a bully.

My daughter, who is 5 and attending kindergarten, has already brought home stories of mean, bullying behavior from her classmates. Some has been directed at her (one of her classmates apparently has something to say about her wardrobe nearly every day), and some directed at her friends (one of her classmates went home with her braided hair full of dirt).

Here is a brief video where she talks about what to do when a bully is being mean:

Bottom line: a bully is rarely a bully for no reason; children are often bullies because they've been bullied. Talk to your children, find out as much of the whole story as possible, and if a problem persists, talk to your child’s teacher. Oftentimes, your child is not alone and other parents have done the same. Explain the steps you can take with your child: avoidance, forgiveness, kindness, alerting an adult. Enrolling your child in a class for self-defense, karate, etc. may make the child feel more confident, but always be sure your child understands fighting is the very last resort.

On Friday, we will post reviews and info about books and videos for your family that talk about bullying. One way I found information was to go to the public library and search for the keyword “bully.” I hope that you also find great info for your family.

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God

October is National Anti-Bullying Month here in the US, and we will be spending this week posting about bullying and persecution. We hope that you will be blessed by what you read.

What scares you? There are a lot of different phobias out there. Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders, they’re alright to look at, I just don’t want them crawling on me. Cibophobia is the fear of food, anybody that knows me knows that food has a fear of me; it’s just not safe when I’m around. Then there is social phobia, the fear of people. At first look this might seem kind of silly but for more and more people it is a very real and serious fear. Week after week we hear of more and more cases of bullying at school and in neighborhoods. Kids are scared to go to school, they get physically sick, and sadly, some even resort to suicide in order to avoid the fear of being bullied. I remember as a kid, walking across the playground while a couple of boys threw rocks at me. None hit me but I was praying for protection. Unfortunately, some bullies grow up and continue to bully, only we give it an adult name, we call abusing. Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse for adults is rising at as fast a pace as it is for children. It happens at home, at work, while shopping, and on the road. When I was a ministry leader with Celebrate Recovery we heard a lot of testimonies that dealt with people who grew up under the heavy hand of abuse and bullying from family or strangers and even friends. A common theme in most instances is that “hurt people, hurt people.” At first this may sound strange but people who themselves have been hurt or abused are more likely to hurt and abuse others. Those who have been bullied truly need help dealing with what they went through and encouragement to overcome but you don’t keep water from going over a cliff by building a dam at the bottom, you have to go upstream and stop the flow of water before it reaches the edge. We need to look at the root cause of what is causing the bully to act this way and then work on changing their situation. In Matthew 5:43- 48 Jesus instructs us, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Knowing that God loves us all is a starting point that needs to be pursued constantly on both sides of this dilemma. Praying for you all, Pastor Dean.

Special Guest Worship Leader at LHF 10/21/2012

Our Worship Leader, Gerald "Sal" Salzrulo, is a Reservist, and therefore spends one weekend per month continuing to serve our country. He has lined up a special guest Leader for LHF tomirrow, and here's a little about him, in his own words:

Hi, my name is Justin Ito. I grew up in Tokyo, Japan, as a missionary/pastor's kid. I have been a worship leader in my church since I was 15, and I have lead my youth group for 2 years. I came to Texas for the purpose of studying marketing at LeTourneau University, and I am enjoying every moment of it. My whole life has been centered around the salvation of the Japanese people, so being in the U.S. has been a challenge to find a new vision and a new calling for this season in my life. I believe that even though this is the Bible Belt, God is doing a new and good work here. I am excited to see what it is, and I am determined to be a part of it.

Just Between You, Me, & God 10-8-2012

"In fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." Well it is Columbus Day here. How many of you remember that little poem? Some of the first history lessons we learn in school are about Christopher Columbus. It has been a long time ago but I still remember that his voyage was intended to find a quicker route to the Indies in order to more easily obtain spices, textiles and other consumables. The fear of the day was that the world was flat and that if you sailed too far toward the horizon that you would fall off the face of the Earth. Since those early days of school I've done some research myself. I have a little excerpt from the journal of Christopher Columbus that I want to share with you. " Your Highnesses, as Catholic Christians, and princes who love and promote the holy Christian faith, and are enemies of the doctrine of Mahomet, and of all idolatry and heresy, determined to send me, Christopher Columbus, to the above-mentioned countries of India, to see the said princes, people, and territories, and to learn their disposition and the proper method of converting them to our holy faith; and furthermore directed that I should not proceed by land to the East, as is customary, but by a Westerly route, in which direction we have hitherto no certain evidence that any one has gone."
Sounds to me like his real purpose was to share and spread the Gospel with other countries. I would have to speculate that Columbus had also read or at least heard Isaiah 40:22 which begins, “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth…” (KJV). The NLT put it this way, “God sits above the circle of the earth…” The verse indicates that over 2000 years before Columbus set sail it was understood that the earth was a sphere. To a much larger extent today, we are being told and taught that we are not a Christian nation. On many points I would have to agree that we, as a nation, have tolerated many actions that do not follow the Word of God. In my message yesterday, from Matt. 16:13-17, we talked about Jesus’ question to Peter and to us, “Who do you say that I am?” We talked about how our actions often speak louder than our words in our response to the question. Let’s take it just a little farther. “Who do say that I am” in your marriage, in your business life, in your relationships with friends and relatives, in the raising of your children, in your civic duties, and in your commitment to your Church. Like Peter, we are quick to answer that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, but do your actions deny your declaration. In a politically correct and morally corrupt world can we still stand firm in our commitment to Christ? Yes! It will require that you study and accept God’s principles through His Word. It will require you to become active in living out the Gospel at work, at home, and in public. You will have to learn to stand up for Christ and stop supporting unchristian values and not lean on the Government and the ways of the world. You’ll have to be sure of your belief like Peter, and brave and committed like Christopher Columbus for the cause of advancing the Gospel. It can be done and you are the ones to do it. God bless you for all you do, Pastor Dean

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Outreach & Ministries Pastor for LHF. We apologize that this was published today rather than yesterday, but technology isn't always terribly cooperative. 

My Morning Coffee

I think if I wake up and don't have the money to buy my grande white chocolate macadamia nut frappecino
I may possibly not be passing any of my college classes. As a student with two jobs I have a quite busy schedule (especially when the Marine Corps sends out surprise study assignments). But for some reason, no matter how bad I feel at 0700 in the morning, everyday I always feel better after making my morning trip to the coffee shop.

In Matthew 6:11 Jesus states "give us this day our daily bread". (They didn't have coffee back then).

But I don't think Jesus was speaking literally here when he says this. Jesus is praying that God will give him his daily "wake up call" to open his eyes to the glory that he has awaken to. One important thing to note is that in order for Jesus to receive his daily bread he had to pray for it, which is one thing that is reflected into our life. We as Christians also have to pray for our daily bread in order to receive it.
Psalm 118:24 says "this is the day that The Lord has made; so rejoice and be glad in it". So ask yourself, how are you treating each day? Is it a blessing? Do you wake up excited, rejoicing, dancing, and overwhelmed with the glory of God? If not take some time out each day to pray for your daily bread (or coffee) and let God give you the "caffeine" boost you need to jump start your day.

Gerald D. Salzarulo is the Worship Leader and Youth Leader for LHF.

Welcome Aboard Sal!

Living Hope Fellowship is proud to introduce our new Worship Leader, Gerald "Sal" Salzarulo. We are really excited because this young man is a dedicated, passionate musician and leader. He is a student at LeToureau University in East Texas, a part of their Worship Arts Program (a new program, only in it's second year). He believe he has a powerful ministry ahead of him and are thrilled to be a part of it!

If you look on our website, you will find this on our front page:

Hi I'm Gerald D. Salzarulo (or just Sal for short). I grew up in a small town in far East Texas called Alto. I started playing the guitar at the age of 8 and started writing my own music and and singing at about 12. My initial ideas was to play country music but God had different plans, later leading me to be a worship leader and youth director. My junior year in high school I joined the Marine Corps with the MOS of 0651 Data Network Specialist. After completing my basic and mos courses I left 29 palms California to come back to small town east Texas and continue my pursuit of a career in music. I now attend LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas for a degree in Christian Worship Arts and currently act as the Worship leader for LHF! 

Not only is Sal taking over the Worship Leader duties for LHF, he will also be revamping and reviving our Youth Ministry, which we are equally (if not more) excited about. He will bring a fresh, youg perspective o ministering to the teens in our church and community, and we look forward to seeing his ministry bloom.

If you're in the area on a Sunday morning, come check out this guy's awesome talent and contagious zeal for ushering in the presence of God!

Watch below as Sal performs "God of Wonders" with a friend.

Just Between You, Me, & God 10/2/2012

"Be careful of what you ask for, because you just might get it." This is a statement that my Mom would use often when one of us three boys would wish for a circumstance to change in our lives, hopefully improving our situation. We've all wished for things to change from time to time like, I wish I was older (that's when I was young). That wish came true but now I can't go back. I wish I could play sports like that guy or sing like that girl or was as smart as that person or was as handsome or good looking as that one. Zig Zigler used to talk about wishing for other people’s talent. He would say, "What would you do with someone else's talent? The answer is, not a cotton pickin thing, if you're not already using the talent you've got." I wish I had more money. The famous multimillionaire John D. Rockefeller was once asked, "How much money is enough?" to which he replied, "Just a little more." It seems that we are never satisfied. God gave you the spouse that you asked for but now you tell Him, "That was OK God but, you know the one I really wanted is that one over there." I wish I was thinner, stronger, taller, shorter, and healthier; the list goes on and on. Here's another one I've heard a lot lately, "I wish Jesus would return." That's one we might want to think about a little more. Are you really ready for Jesus' return? Zephaniah tells us that we should be in repentance in Chapter 2: 1-3, "Gather together-yes, gather together, you shameless nation. Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord's anger begins. Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow His commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you-protect you from His anger on that day of destruction." (NLT). Jesus Himself tells us in Matt. 24:37-39, "When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes." I am afraid that many in the Church are going to be caught saying, "I wish I had kept His commands, I wish I had studied His Word so that I would have been prepared, I wish I had lived my life as Jesus instructed, I wish I would have given my life to Him before He took mine from me." Just like Adam and Eve, we have the choice to follow and obey or to do it our own way. If you don't want to get left behind then it's time you got on the boat. There is only one way out and that is through Jesus Christ. Accept Him as your Savior, believe in your heart that he is the one true Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins and that on the third day he arose from the grave to give those who believe everlasting life, and change your life today to give up your old ways because you have been reborn into a new Christian life of action, not just passively sitting by and waiting. Do this now and we will sit at His table together. Pastor Dean

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Outreach & Ministries Pastor for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God 9-27-2012

How many of you out there have a dog?  OK, quite a few.  I have a dog, his name is Buster and he is an Irish Setter.  He is currently laying at my feet, fast asleep.  Dogs are like kids, they can sleep just about anywhere and in any position.  They are one of God's great creations.  They are fiercely loyal, they are always glad to see you coming, and hate to see you go.  They love to play and bark and chase and do all of those things that God created them to do.  They can make a mess and have been known to tear up a thing or two, (the cover off of one of my study Bibles).  All in all we really love our dogs and they love us. It is pretty much an unconditional love that they have for us.  You can get mad and yell and they just wag their tales because all they hear is you calling their name.  You can lose them on a cross country trip and they will try their hardest to get back home, no matter how long it takes.  In this relationship, we are known as the Master.  We usually provide their food and shelter with an occasional treat or toy, and they provide companionship, or security, or enjoyment.  It's a pretty good relationship.  How's your relationship with God?  Could you learn a few things from your dog about what your relationship with your Master should be like.  Matthew 22:37 tells us, "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."  Are you always glad to see God?  Do you get excited, do you listen for His car coming up the street and do you wait at the door to welcome Him in.  A lot of us think that twice a year is sufficient, we'll have plenty of time to spend with Him when we get to heaven.  Listen to what Jesus says in John 10: 14-15, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the father-and I lay down my life for the sheep."  Your dog responds to your voice, you commands, because he knows you and he knows your voice.  If you don't have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ, how are you going to recognize His voice when He calls you.  That may be the dog catcher or Satan that your answering to because you haven't been around your master enough to know His voice.  Are we loyal to follow Him, are we committed to obey?  Let's try this, take everything that you brought with you into this world and put it in a pile over here.  Hmm, that looks like empty space to me.  Everything that you have or own is a gift from God and when you leave this Earth, you'll have to give it all back.  These are you treats, your provisions from your Master.  So let's face it, we even mess up from time to time and even runaway but our Master is forgiving and loving and wants to welcome us back.  Buster and I have a lot in common, although he has a lot more hair than I do.  He is loyal, he loves me unconditionally, he is always glad to see me and misses me when I'm gone.  In my relationship with God, I try to be loyal, I love Him for first loving me, I am glad to be in His presence and I realize just how much I need Him when I am away from Him.  Have you been away from your Master?  He's waiting for you to come on home.  Embrace Him and show Him that you love and respect Him and that you are willing to obey so that you may walk together from now on.  Good boy!  Pastor Dean 

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Outreach & Ministries Pastor for LHF. He truly loves his big lug of a dog. His prissy cat Molly also loves Buster. His Chihuahua mix Red...not so much.

Movie Review: Birdie & Bogey

Release Date: 2004

Directed by and starring Mike Norris (son of famous action star and karate champion Chuck Norris), Birdie and Bogey tells the story of a frustrated and disenchanted golf pro whose daughter has aspirations and dreams big enough for the both of them.

Danny “Bogey” O’Connor is a former golf champion working as a golf pro (golf instructor) for a country club. His daughter Birdie (played by Amanda Alch) is making a name for herself on the junior golf circuit, but wants her father to start playing competitively again. Danny is reluctant and seems to lack confidence in his ability to compete again. It is revealed that he was given the nickname “Bogey” for choking up and losing games with stupid mistakes (“bogey” is a golf term meaning “one stroke above par—the max number of strokes necessary per hole”). His wife has left, making him disillusioned and cynical. He is uninterested in love, faith, or risk, and has made providing for his daughter his only priority. Birdie, however, has other plans, and it is her faith that saves them all.

This movie is hardly blockbuster caliber, but is heartwarming, charming, and uplifting. Mike Norris portrays a man that is not really angry, but has a calm, defeated bitterness about him, and does a great job. Amanda Alch plays an upbeat, optimistic little girl with big dreams and true childlike faith, in God and in her father’s ability. Janine Turner plays a convincing and sweet love interest for Danny O’Connor, and Carey Scott turns in a fun performance as Birdie’s comedic but loving Uncle Lester, a pastor.

There is little in the way of special effects, and the story is somewhat predictable, with an unassuming soundtrack. The movie is definitely not “big budget,” but still rather enjoyable, especially for families with children. The characters are believable, though sometimes incomplete (such as Danny’s ex-wife Sheila, who shows up in one scene with little back story and no follow-up), and very likeable.

The movie unrolls Danny’s return to competitive golf, a family tragedy, and Danny’s path to faith in God. It’s simple, straightforward cinematics, inspiring story, and enjoyable performances by the cast make it a great family movie and, though overlooked in a world of Hollywood blockbusters, Sundance independent projects, and film noir, worth watching. And who are we to argue with Chuck Norris’s kid?

Find Birdie & Bogey on: IMDB       Facebook       Amazon

Mike Norris' I Am Gabriel on Facebook

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. She was not compensated in any way for the review of this film, though she does enjoy watching it with her daughter who loves it which is reward enough. her opinions are her own.

Interview with Modern Miracle

For those who aren't blessed enough to have heard of them (yet), Modern Miracle is a Christ-following, hard-rocking group of awesome hailing from the East Texas area (specifically, Carthage, Texas). I was lucky enough to score a little of their time for an interview, as follows:




1. When was Modern Miracle formed?

ModernMiracle was formed in 2004 by Anthony Lozano (Vocals) and Nathan Lenox (Drums);adding Max Morris (Guitar) Kagen Smith (Bass) & Cody Bowen (Vocals) toround out the original line up.  DavidStone was added on the guitar before recording the first album “Of Artists andPoets” in 2005.

2.  Whatis your favorite Scripture (as a group ad/or individually)?

Nathan:Jeremiah 29:11

3.  What is your favorite song that you perform?

Nathan:The Colossus Slumbers

Charity:Where Moth and Rust Destroy

Shawn:Sir Mircov

4.  Tellus your salvation story/stories.

Nathan:  I was raised in church so I don’t really havean “I come from drugs and alcohol” type of story.  As I’ve gotten older, I have started to realize, and it’s an ongoing process, the true meaning of being Christ-like andthe call we have as Christians.  Like Christ, we have to suffer for man-kind. Despite working with that guy you really don’t like… you still have to love him, and that may take some suffering you’re your part, but I believe that’s what we are called to do, and… everyone has that person who makes it difficult to love them, I know I can be difficult to love myself!

5.   Give us the lowdown—Who plays what, when did you sign with your label, the titles of your albums, etc.

Anthony:Guitar/Vocals

Charity:Vocals

Josh:Bass

Nathan:Drums/Vocals

Shawn:Piano/Synth/Vocals

Taylor:Guitar

In2005 we recorded and signed to Soma Records. We recorded our first album “Of Artists and Poets” and released it in May of that year.  After the album was done we did a few shows under the label but our relationship eventually just dissolved after losing Cody, Kagen, and Max just before the album released.  Charity, Heath, & Taylor stepped in to fill the open places within weeks.  They were formerly of the Harleton, TX based group Set Apart.  At that point things rocked along on and off until 2010 when we finally decided to get another album out and had our good friend Michael Martin come record us at Word Alive Outreach Ministries in Carthage, TX; which was our practice space at the time.  “From Abraham to Isaac” was also released in May of that year followed by a south east tour to Florida and back over the summer.  We signed temporarily with Death 2 Self records in 2011 and it has been a great affiliation but as it came closer to start recording, we really felt like the next project should be independent.  We are working on raising money to record our third album, “The Strong Man’s Rebuke” hopefully by the end of 2012.  We will be doing everything ourselves on this one, down to purchasing our own equipment and production… the whole works.  We have never been more excited about anything we have written than this album. “The Strong Man’s Rebuke” is a concept album, a story from start to finish.  Though each song has a stand alone message, together they tell the story of the Body of Christ rising up in these times of chaos. 

6.  Tell us about the funniest moment you’ve experienced while performing/traveling.

Nathan:Jean Shorts!

(That sounds interesting...)

7.  iPhone, Android, or other?

Nathan:Android

Charity: iPhone

Shawn: iPhone

Taylor:Android

The phone wars have begun lol.

8.  Whois YOUR favorite worship leader/band? What about them inspires you?

Nathan:We are all big fans of the band Emery and Flyleaf and the way they play secular shows and aren’t afraid to worship and speak the word of God from the stage.  Flyleaf closed their show, when Charity and I saw them with “Oh How He Loves” us.  It was phenomenal to see people worshiping a ta secular show and I truly think people were touched.  That’s what we want to do.

9.   What songs are on your personal playlist(s)?

Nathan:Right now I am listening to a pretty wide range of music like Ludo, the Decemberists, Shawn Mcdonald, Needtobreathe, Listener, Project 86, La Dispute, Brand New & Nickel Creek to name a few.

10.  Outside of music, what do you enjoy?

Nathan:Video Games, Comics, Impersonations, Art, Electronics & New technology

111.  Anything else you’d like us to know?

The Strong Man’s Rebuke.  That’s about it.  We are SO excited to get this recorded and distributed.  It will be available on itunes, amazon mp3, last fm, and a few others for your listening pleasure.  We may even do a live stream event the day of the release.  Hopefully, the plan is anyway, to have a companion comic book and a series of Youtube videos to help tell the story.  Hopefully be able to start recording in mid November.

Check out Modern Miracle online:

ReverbNation       YouTube        PureVolume

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. 

Book Review: Spark by Jason Jaggard

Photo from Waterbrook Multomah site

Publisher/Date: Waterbrook Multnomah/August 21 2012

Spark is a deceptively small book with a very large impact! At 206 pages, less than a third of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it does not seem a heavy read. The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” truly applies here. 

Jaggard has redefined terms that we as Christians have heard to the point of desensitization. “Faith”…”hope”…”love”…”risk”…”change”…words that we are all too familiar with become fresh and relevant in the context of today’s world and bring a message that is timeless. He defines a “spark” as a risk, small or large, that impacts our lives and those around us. He points out that “risk” is a very subjective term, and that what is a risk (in the sense of doing something different than our norm, a real change in our routines, habits, and outlook) for one person is not for another, and that every person can take a risk…create a “spark.”

The founder of Spark Good, Jaggard has created a small group model (which most Christians in today’s church are familiar with), in which Spark groups meet for five weeks. During those weeks, each member agrees to take one small risk per week for 4 of the weeks, and each week the group discusses the impact of the “sparks” created. There is no set curriculum or resources needed (though there is a short guide available) to begin or host a Spark Group.

Jaggard uses multiple anecdotes and stories from his own life and the stories of many others to illustrate his points. We see how small changes created big results, and get a real understanding of what a single “spark” can do.

The writing style is somewhat journalistic, with short paragraphs separated by double-spaced lines, very like a blog (or this review), with few to no long-running sentences. Some reviews I have read since finishing Spark have complained about this style, but personally, it appeals to me. It keeps ideas a bit more organized and concise.

One complaint I have read that I see (limited) merit in is that Jaggard tends to repeat himself often, and uses too many anecdotes and examples to illustrate his point. While I agree that some parts of the book were repetitive, I disagree that it is too much. I find that people absorb more if they hear it more than once. In a fiction piece, a theme or idea is repeated endlessly in example, metaphor, or statement, and while it is not often used in nonfiction writing, it isn’t unheard of, and in this book, I do not find it boring or overdone.

I myself am a risk-taker and have little qualms about trying new things or “thinking outside the box,” so I really identified with the premise of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spark, and am looking to start a Spark Group at Living Hope Fellowship. I think that anyone can benefit from what Jaggard has to say, and like to imagine what our world would look like if more of us created our own “sparks.”

Spark entry on Waterbrook Multonmah's site  


another bligger's review of Spark

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Director for LHF, and likes to kick out boxes' walls. Mrs. McGinnis received a review copy of this book at the Catalyst Dallas Leadership Conference, but not as part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program. Her opinions are her own.