Sunday, September 26, 2010

Happy Birthday RC3...

So today was the 3rd anniversary of our planted church here in Cincinnati. And let me just say that the service was AWESOME!!

God has just showed up in such power with this church that sometimes it is beyond my comprehension. This church started 3 years ago with maybe about 50 people (including children) and now, 3 years later, we have so many people that we need two services! And I've been told that nearly 90% of planted churches fail within the first couple of years. So God is definitely doing something here!

Today's service really rocked because we managed to fit everyone in the same room for one service. And God showed up big time! We celebrated our 3rd birthday and the worship was incredible. I literally had tears streaming down my face (you can ask anyone who sat around me) and I am in no way ashamed of that. In fact, I am really excited about what God is doing in our community.

We have been able to make an impact in our community, reaching out to folks in need and spreading the good news about Christ. But most importantly, we have been able to build relationships and share God's love with people in the community and we have seen probably over 100 people give their lives to Christ since the church started. Incredible!!

You can just see Him moving in our church and in our community. He has taken a group of ordinary people and He is making our lives extraordinary. And I am so thankful to be a part of it!!


Sunday, September 19, 2010

Buckeye Fever...

So I took my annual pilgrimage to Columbus yesterday to attend an Ohio State football game. For my alumni tickets this season, I drew the game versus Ohio University. Going in, I figured it would probably be a blowout, but stranger things have happened. I remember going to a game the Bucks played against OU in 2008 where they were trailing in the fourth quarter. I guess that's why they say, "that's why you play the game."

So this year, I also decided to invite my good friend Scott. He is a huge Buckeye fan, but he had never been to a game before. It's always extra special for me to invite someone who has never been to a game. I always enjoy seeing their reactions to the game day environment and experience. And I'm pretty sure that Scott had a great time! Scott has season tickets to the Bengals and he kept commenting how the Bengals games are nothing like a game day at The 'Shoe.

We had near-perfect weather for the game. It was mid-80's and sunny. A little warm, but there was a nice breeze. We arrived on campus early to attend the Skull Session and then just walked around and soaked in the game day atmosphere.

As for the game itself, calling it a one-sided affair would be a bit of an understatement. The Buckeyes took a 34-0 lead into half-time and were never threatened. They ended up winning 43-7 in a thoroughly dominating performance.

Terrelle Pryor finished the game 22 of 29 for 235 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. He also had 35 yards rushing and scored on a 13-yard TD run. At one point in the game, he completed 16 straight passes, which is a new OSU record. The old record of 12 straight was held by multiple players, with the last to do it being Craig Krenzel. While some see him as the Heisman favorite, Scott wasn't so sure. He noted that while Pryor had a good game based on the results, he made some questionable decisions (the 2 INTs) and also held onto the ball too long at times. He will need to improve for the Bucks to have a shot at the National Championship.

After the game, Scott and I went over to High Street for a La Bamba's burrito. It was delicious, as always. And we shared some great conversation on the car ride home.

All in all, a great way to spend a September Saturday afternoon.


Enjoy some more photos from the game!