Silas and Santa

It was just a year ago when we met our son in Russia for the first time. One year later, he meets Santa for the first time.

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, Carrie and I received our adoption referral for a little boy (Silas). Carrie wrote about this Christmas miracle on her blog today: http://oneal-itsasmallworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/one-year-ago-today.html

We can't believe it's been a year. All we know to do is praise God for giving us a son to raise and train. God is good!

Grandma's Braves Prediction

I joined my grandma for Thanksgiving Dinner at the nursing home. She's always been full of wisdom. She's also a huge Braves fan. SO, I asked her to predict how the Atlanta Braves would do in 2009. I hope she's right...

Christmas Brunch and "Choosing Christmas"

This Sunday at Peace, join us for Christmas Brunch at 10 a.m.

Also, I'm really excited about kicking-off a great message series called Choosing Christmas. In the Christmas story, the message of Christianity is clearly seen: God loves us so much that He sent His Son into the world to save whoever chooses to trust in Christ. Good news is good news once you choose to believe it. In this series, we're encouraged to celebrate the best news the world ever heard.

Come check us out this Sunday @ the YMCA in H'ville!

World Aids Day

Today (Dec 1) is World Aids Day. HERE is an article written by Mark Kelly from our church that offers some info about how you, your church, or your organization can help fight this horrible disease.

The Blessing Box

A lady in our church told me about this "Blessing Box" idea last week. It's a great idea if you're looking for ways to give back and make a difference this holiday season. Here's what you need to do if you're interested:

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THE BLESSING BOX CHALLENGE

Have a box or a bank ready and determine where you will give the money that will be in the box at the end of 24 days. This begins on December 1st .

Dec 1. One out of 5 children live in poverty lacking adequate clothing. Give 2 cents for each pair of socks or tights each child has.
Dec 2. Are you thankful for the gift of electricity? Give 2 cents for each light bulb in your house.
Dec 3. Most people in the world have never touched a computer. If there is one in your home, put in 50 cents, an extra 50 cents for a scanner and 50 cents for the printer.
Dec 4. Most of the world’s population lives beyond the reach of medical care. Give 10 cents for each box of band-aids in your house…an extra dime if they are not flesh colored.
Dec 5. Are you thankful you have a roof and doors to keep out the wind and rain? Give 10 cents for each exterior door your house has.
Dec 6. Are you thankful for all your clothes? Give a nickel for each closet in your house.
Dec 7. Are you glad you have indoor plumbing? Give 5 cents for every roll of TP in your house, counting all the stored away rolls.
Dec 8. To people in refugee camps, even a thin sliver of soap is precious. Give 5 cents for each bar your family has…A dime for each soap pump.
Dec 9. Do you walk to town to get a bucket of water for washing, drinking, bathing or cooking? Or are you blessed with faucets that bring precious water to you? Give 10 cents for each faucet you have and don’t forget the outside ones.
Dec 10. What a blessing to be able to see and have eye doctors to help us. Give 10 cents for each pair of glasses your family members wear.
Dec 11. Jesus loves the little children. Give thanks and a dollar for every child in your family and do a secret good deed for them today.
Dec 12. How would you like to live in your car as some families do? Give a dime for every vehicle in your family.
Dec 13. Epidemics often follow natural disasters. Give thanks if no one in your house has been too sick this month to go to work or school and donate 50 cents.
Dec 14. Did a cozy blanket cover you last night? Give a penny for every blanket in your house.
Dec 15. Was it cold enough to wear a coat today? Were you thankful for your coat? Give a penny for every coat, jacket or raincoat in your house.
Dec 16. In some countries of the world, most people can’t read. Are you thankful you can read? Put in a penny for every book in your home….(Yes, for most of us this is an expensive one)
Dec 17. By now you have received many Christmas cards from many loving friends and family members. Give a penny for each card and be thankful for God’s love.
Dec 18. Most people in the world cook over an open fire. Aren’t you glad your parents did not send your out to chop wood this morning? Give 5 cents for every burner on your stove and a nickel for every oven.
Dec 19. Aren’t you glad that you have people that love and think about you? Put in 10 cents for each gift under the tree that is for you.
Dec 20. Unfortunately this is the time of year in which many people suffer loss in house fires. Give 10 cents for every phone in your house in which you can dial 911 in case of emergency.
Dec 21. Many people in the world suffer excruciating pain from the lack of dental care. Have you ever been grateful for toothbrushes? Give 5 cents for every toothbrush in your house.
Dec 22. Many children in the world barely get one meal a day. How many did you have? Give thanks and five cents for each meal and 10 cents for each snack today.
Dec 23. “Give us this day our daily bread”. Thank God for feeding you today and give one penny for every slice of bread in your house.
Dec 24. Make a list of all the fruits and vegetables God created that you can name and put in a penny for each one on the list.

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Doing this "Blessing Box" is a win-win deal. Money will go to help people in need, and you get the joy of being a blessing to others. Our church is actually adopting some families for Christmas, so the money we collect will go to help those families who are hurting financially. If you'd like to participate with our church, please email us: info@PeaceCC.org.

Silas and Elmo

Thought I'd share a clip of my son playing with Elmo last week. Elmo sure is a tough little guy.

Providential Relationships

FIVE THINGS GOD USES TO GROW YOUR FAITH

Part 3: Providential Relationships

For Part 3 of our message series this Sunday, we're focusing on the providential relationships in our lives. I don't know about you, but sometimes I don't think about why God has put certain people in my life. But the truth is God has put neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members into our lives for two purposes:

(1) God wants to use others to help us grow in our faith.

AND

(2) God wants to use us to help others grow in their faith.


The questions I keep asking myself:

(1) Am I allowing God to use others in my life to grow my faith?

AND

(2) Am I allowing God to use me to grow the faith of others?


How would you answer these questions? Something to think about. But make no mistake. God wants to grow your faith, and He wants to use people in your life to make it happen. The people at your work, the people on your street, the people in your church, the people on your ball teams--they are not there by accident!

A Big Ol' "Thank You!"

A big 'ol "Thank You" to everyone who came out to the "Make a Difference Day Toy Drive." What a great day it was! Leaders from the Goodlettsville Help Center were so encouraged by the generous spirit of our community. Also, PCC is so grateful for the many sponsors who helped with this benefit event. Sponsors included Qdoba, Great Clips, First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville, Dunkin' Donuts, Southeast Venture, COI Foodservice, The Parent-Teacher Store, and the City of Goodlettsville. The Tennessean also ran a nice article on the day of the event. Thank you all for making a difference!

Here are some pictures from Saturday's event:

You can view more pictures on my Facebook page.

Official Press Release for the "Make a Difference Day Toy Drive"

Through toy drive, church encourages community to come together on “Make a Difference Day”

For Immediate Release

Goodlettsville, TN: October 25 is officially called “Make a Difference Day.” In an effort to bring the Goodlettsville community together to assist families in need, Peace Community Church(PCC) is organizing a benefit event for that day. On Saturday, October 25, PCC, along with corporate and organizational sponsors, is hosting a “Make a Difference Day Toy Drive.” There will be lots of food and plenty of games for kids. The event will be held on the parking lot of the Publix/Caldwell Square in Goodlettsville from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is free, but people are encouraged to bring a new toy for kids 15 years old and younger. All toys will go directly to the Goodlettsville Help Center, a relief organization committed to helping families in need. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

“This event will be fun for the whole community, and it will serve a great purpose on such a special day,” says Michael O’Neal, pastor of PCC. “Because of our country’s economic situation, there are families who are really hurting right now. This event is all about people coming together for a common cause.”

For more information on this “Make a Difference Day Toy Drive” and on how you or your local organization can make a difference through this event, please contact Michael O’Neal with Peace Community Church at Michael@PeaceCC.org or (615) 528-1321.

5 Things I've Been Learning

I spend time with two great friends every morning: my Bible and my prayer journal (see picture above). By the way, I love the picture of Big Ben on the front of my journal. I've been to London 3 times, and I'd like to go back soon and do some mission work there. Anybody want to go with me?

Anyway, for whatever it's worth, I thought I'd share at least 5 things God has been teaching me over the last few weeks...

(1) Love others. Serve others. That's why I'm on planet earth.

GALATIANS 5:13-14

13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

(2) Don't give up doing good. Keep doing what I know God wants me to do.

GALATIANS 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

(3) Everything and everybody (including me) are created for the purpose of knowing and treasuring Christ.

COLOSSIANS 1:16

All things have been created through Him and for Him.

(4) Be bold. Speak up for God. God is with me, even on days when it feels like very few others are with me.

d

JEREMIAH 1:7-8

"You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

(5) Work hard, but depend totally on God's power as I work.

COLOSSIANS 1:28-29

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
d

Maybe what I've been learning will prove encouraging to you. What truths or insights are you learning? I hope you'll write them down somewhere and maybe share them with others.

Pictures from New York

We just returned from NY early this morning. What a GREAT trip! Here are a few photos:

Having dinner with the pastor (in green shirt) of the church we're helping start...

Passing out water to the 700+ runners...

Passing out free dessert...

Briana and Mary, professional facepainters...

Trying on my "Bob the Tomato" outfit...

"Big Sunday" in New York

A group of us from PCC are heading to New York next week to help plant a church. I'm so excited about this trip. We're actually helping this new church launch its Grand Opening Celebration on September 28, and we're calling it "Big Sunday." Thanks to Cleve Persinger, http://www.thebigsunday.com/ is now live if you'd like to read more about it.

Also, please pray for us--that God would give us strength and that He would use us to make a difference in people's lives. I look forward to sharing stories and pictures!

Where Were You?

On that September day?

I was in a seminary class in Louisville, KY. Somebody sitting at the front of the class said something about a plane hitting a building in New York. That's all we knew...until class was over. We soon found out how bad it really was. As country singer Alan Jackson wrote, it was a day when "the world stopped turning."

Where were you on that September day? Let me encourage you to take a few moments and remember the families affected by 9/11. Pray for them. I was actually at a local high school this morning, and it was good that the principal stopped all school activities for a moment of silence.

Also, let me encourage you to take a few moments today and ponder just how short life is. Pray like David prayed in Psalm 39:4-5...

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”

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So enjoy the life God gives you. Trust God. Pursue Him. Love Him. Follow Him. And on this September day, pray that your friends and family will do the same.

Options for Writing Your "Letter to the Next President"

As part of this exciting new message series, Letters to the Next President, we are wanting to hear from you! If you had the opportunity to write a letter to our next President and you knew it would show up on his desk in the Oval Office, what would you say? What advice would you offer? What changes would you suggest?

If you'd like to write a letter to the next President, here are some options:

1. Email your letter to me: michael@peacecc.org.

2. Mail your letter to Peace Community Church: P.O. Box 392, Goodlettsville, TN, 37070.

3. Submit your letter online. Click here to begin writing your letter!

I promise that we will send these letters directly to the White House. Thank you for your participation!

To find out more about the "Letters to the Next President" message series, please visit http://www.letterstothenextpresident.com/.

Maybe Later?

I showed this clip several weeks ago at church, and everybody thought it was hilarious. It's my kind of humor--the truth communicated in a sarcastic way. The truth is that everybody is committed to something. Even if they don't appear to be committed, that just means they're committed to being non-committal. Well, just watch the video and laugh. Then ask yourself a serious question: Who and what am I really committed to?

Obama and McCain this Saturday Night

PRESUMED PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES MCCAIN AND OBAMA TO MAKE FIRST JOINT CAMPAIGN APPEARANCE ON AUGUST 16 AT SADDLEBACK CHURCH;
Pastor Rick Warren to Host Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion and Question Candidates on Faith and the Common Good

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, respective presumed Republican and Democratic presidential nominees, will end the primary season by making their first joint appearance of the 2008 campaign at Saddleback Church on Saturday, Aug.16 at the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion. Dr. Rick Warren, founding pastor of the 22,000-member Orange County, Calif. mega church and moderator for the event, made the announcement today upon confirmation by both campaigns.

"We’re honored that the candidates chose The Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion for their first joint appearance, an unprecedented opportunity for America to hear both men back-to-back on the same platform," Warren said. "This is a critical time for our nation and the American people deserve to hear both candidates speak from the heart – without interruption – in a civil and thoughtful format absent the partisan ‘gotcha’ questions that typically produce heat instead of light.

"The primaries proved that Americans care deeply about the faith, values, character and leadership convictions of candidates as much as they do about the issues. While I know both men as friends and they recognize I will be frank, but fair, they also know I will be raising questions in these four areas beyond what political reporters typically ask. This includes pressing issues that are bridging divides in our nation, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights."

Warren confirmed that, at the candidates’ request, this two-hour event from 5-7 p.m. (PDT) will be held in a non-debate format and open to all media. Both candidates also requested that questions be posed exclusively by Warren, instead of a panel or members of the audience. Each will converse separately with Warren for approximately one-hour, beginning with Sen. Obama as determined by a coin toss. This historic forum will be the only joint campaign event prior to each party’s national convention.

Check out the following websites for more info:
www.saddlebackcivilforum.com/index.html
http://www.rickwarrennews.com/

Is Skip Caray in Heaven?

As I work this afternoon on a few projects, I'm listening to the memorial service for Skip Caray, long-time broadcaster of the Atlanta Braves. I grew up listening and watching Skip, so I feel like I lost a family member. I know that sounds strange, but it's true.

As with any family member or friends, we want that assurance we will see them again in heaven. I would love to sit in a broadcast booth in heaven and call a game with Skip Caray one day, perhaps a Braves vs. Yankees game with guys like John Smoltz and Mickey Mantle on the field. And won't it be great to watch Smoltz and Mantle play without their shoulder or knees bothering them?!?!

So is Skip Caray in heaven? Clearly, he was a good broadcaster. His family testifies that he was a loving father and grandfather. He did a lot of charity work. But that doesn't answer my question, does it? Is Skip Caray in heaven? Of course, I don't really know the answer. I did not know Skip personally. I'm not the Judge. God's the Judge of human hearts. But I do know what the Bible says about how to get to heaven. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus also said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). In other words, a personal relationship with Jesus and a absolute commitment to following Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven/eternal life.

I can only hope that somebody shared the love of Christ with him, how Jesus came to pay the punishment for our sin. I can only hope that somebody shared the message of repentance with him, that we must turn from our sin and our selfish ways and surrender every area of our lives to Christ. I can only hope that he accepted God's grace and forgiveness. I can only hope that he did repent. I can only hope that what he did here on earth was evidence of a man who was committed to Christ and His church.

That's my hope for Skip. That's my hope for my family members. That's my hope for my friends and neighbors. Did Skip go to heaven when he died last Sunday? I don't know. Are you going to heaven if you die this week? I don't know, are you? I hope you do.

Good Morning America, Larry King

Music artist Steven Curtis Chapman will appear on both shows this week. Please watch, and invite others to watch. Should be powerful stuff...
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/TUNEIN03/80804043

Baptism Party!

Last night, we had a baptism party. What I love about baptisms is that they are a picture of the change God has made in people's lives. When a person is baptized, he/she is saying to the world: "I'm surrendering my life to Christ. There's no looking back. I'm done with living life my own way. I'm living life God's way from now on!" The Bible says in Romans 6:4 (NLT):

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Here are a few pictures from last night...

Family Ties

I ran across an article today that caught my attention. The article is based on a recent study done by The University of Virginia. The study's main point...

Men who attend religious services regularly are more likely to have happy and stable marriages, more likely to be involved with their children and less likely to divorce.

Here are a few statistics from the study:

• 70 percent of husbands "who attend church regularly report they are 'very happy' in their marriages," compared to "59 percent of husbands who rarely or never attend church."
• Men and women who attended religious services several times a month or more "were approximately 35 percent less likely to divorce between 1988 and 1993, compared to their married peers who rarely or never attended religious services."
• Fathers who attend church several times a month or more "devote at least two hours a week more in youth-related activities," "are significantly more likely to engage in one-on-one activities with their school-age children" and "are also at least 65 percent more likely to report praising and hugging their children very often" compared to fathers who don't any religious affiliation.
• Mothers "who attend church weekly or more are about half as likely to have a child outside of wedlock, compared to mothers who attend church less often or never."

What do we do with this research? How do we respond to this information? For me personally, I have experienced how church involvement has made my marriage and my relationships more healthy. Of course, let me also say that THE secret to a healthy, long-lasting marriage is not church attendance. THE secret is a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ changes the hearts of husbands and wives and families so that the focus of our hearts shifts to loving God and loving others. So that's THE secret. However, according to the recent research, "A" secret to a healthy marriage is a commitment to the local church.

A few questions to consider:

• How healthy is your marriage?
• Do you have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ?
• Are you involved in a local church?
• If not, why not? Don't you care about your marriage and your family?

Riding My Son to Sleep

Usually we rock our son to sleep, but Silas' mom (my lovely bride) is out of town tonight. So after I gave him a bath (about 8 p.m.), I put Silas in the car, and we went to go get me something to eat for supper. He seemed so tired, and I thought he would go to sleep pretty quickly. It took some time, however, so I decided to drive around Goodlettsville, TN for a little while. In fact, I decided to drive down my old neighborhood where I spent the first 10 years of my childhood. Surprisingly, the neighborhood and the house have not changed much since 1987.

While I was driving around, country radio played a recent Brad Paisley hit called "Letter to Me." It's a creative, unique, and thought-provoking song about a grown man in his 30s who imagines what he would tell himself if he could write a letter to himself at 17 years old. Follow me?

Anyway, it got me to thinking. I'm in my 30s. What if I could write a letter to myself at 17 years old? As an older Michael, what would I say to Michael O'Neal, the teenager? What do I wish I knew then that I know now? Here are a few things I'd say in a letter to that 17 year-old kid...

• Michael, first and foremost, surrender your life completely to Jesus Christ. Love God, treasure God, and make it your greatest ambition to know God more and more every day. Don't ever get over the amazing grace God gives to you. View yourself as Jesus Christ's slave.
• Michael, commit yourself to a church, especially as you go off to college. Don't view church as a social club or as an institution that exists to meet your needs. Instead, learn to love God's family, and learn to serve in God's family. Church is not about you! Church is about fulfilling God's purposes with other Christ-followers.
• Michael, pursue a life of holiness and purity. God uses holy and pure people.
• Michael, fall in love with the Word of God. It is true, trustworthy, and without error. Read it, read it, read it--daily! Why would you not want God to speak to you every day?!?!
• Michael, pray about everything. Don't wait until you're 21 until you realize that you can do absolutely nothing without Jesus Christ (John 15:5). Memorize and mediate on John 15:5 right now! (John 15:5 is a verse in the Bible that quotes Jesus: "Apart from me you can do nothing.")
• Michael, last (but certainly not least), make it your priority to focus on the greatest cause in the world: showing and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those who are not yet followers of Christ. If you fail to make this a priority, you will waste the next few years of your life. Don't waste your 20s! Don't waste your life!

Alright, that's my "letter to me." Who knew riding my son to sleep would lead to such serious reflection?!?!

Proud to Be an American

My little tribute to America and my 51 seconds of fame :)

"Judgmental"

"Judgmental" is just one of the terms that young people use to describe Christianity. Sadly, Christianity's reputation has taken a hit over the last few years. It seems that as though we're known more for being hypocritical, judgmental, anti-gay, and too political. The Barna Group has done some groundbreaking research recently that gives us a picture of what the next generation thinks about Christianity and why it matters. Check out these sobering stats:

PERCEPTIONS OF CHRISTIANITY AMONG 16-29 YEAR OLDS

• 91% of non-churchgoers believe Christianity is antihomosexual.
• 87% believe Christians are too judgmental.
• 85% believe Christians are hypocritical (saying one thing, doing another)
• 78% believe Christians are old-fashioned.
• 75% believe Christians are too involved in politics.

My hope is that Christ-followers in America will wake up and start engaging culture like they should, with love and compassion for ALL people. And if we really wake up, I guarantee that the world will take notice and those perceptions will change drastically. And perhaps 30 years from now, Christians and the church will be known more for love, service, holiness, and respect.

Over the next few Sunday mornings, we're going to talk about these negative perceptions and what it will take to change those perceptions. Hope to see you this Sunday!

"Reflections from a New Father"

Here is a link for an article that I wrote this week for our adoption agency, Children's Hope International: http://www.childrenshopeint.org/E-News/June08/email.htm

Happy Father's Day!

Date Night @ the Opry

On Tuesday night, Carrie (my wife) and I had our first date night since we brought our baby boy home. Carrie likes Carrie Underwood, so I bought her tickets to the Grand Ole Opry. The Oak Ridge Boys (my favorite group) also happened to be there. Thought I'd share a few pics...

Jesus' Wife

Did you know Jesus is married? A lot of people don't realize this, but the Bible refers to the church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-32; 2 Corinthians 11:2). This means that just like my wife and I go together, Jesus and His wife (the church, his followers) go together. You can't be committed to Christ and not be committed to His wife. If you're not involved in a local church, I think you have to question whether or not you're a Christian.

Because PCC has its first membership class coming up on June 22, I've been reading books and articles that talk about the importance of being a member of a local church. I'll just share a few that might make you think a little...

"The difference between being a church attender and a church member is commitment. Attenders are spectators from the sidelines; members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are contributors. Attenders want the benefits of a church without sharing the responsibility. They are like couples who want to live together without committing to a marriage." (from Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, pp. 136-37)

"The plain fact is, when we resist passion and commitment in our relationship with the church, everyone gets cheated out of God's best: You cheat yourself. You cheat a church community. You cheat your world." (from Joshua Harris, Stop Dating the Church, p. 18)

"We need to give up trying to live the Christian life on our own. We need individually to covenant together with others to follow Christ. Christians must stop being selfish in their understanding of the Christian life. The Christian life is not just about you..." (from Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, p. 138)

93 Days

There are 93 days left until Labor Day. That means you and I have 93 days to make our summer count. So how can we make the most of this summer? I would encourage you to go to the "From the Stool" section on www.PeaceCC.org and listen to my message from last Sunday called "Don't Waste Your Summer." I don't know about you, but I don't want to get to Labor Day and look back on my summer and scream out with regret, "I've wasted it!"

StevenCurtisChapman.com: Video Blog 14: Dishwashin Dad

My wife just told me about this video of Steven Curtis Chapman and his youngest daughter, Maria, doing the dishes together.

Please pray for the Chapman family.
NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

2 Tragic Accidents

Yesterday, there were 2 tragic accidents here in the Nashville area, one involving the adopted 5 year old of a famous music artist and one involving a precious toddler. Below are links to the stories.

http://www.wkrn.com/global/story.asp?s=8362975

http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=8360918&nav=menu5_2

The good news is that we can help simply by praying for these families. How do you pray for such unexplained, horrific tragedies? I'm not entirely sure, but I'm trying my best to find some direction. Right now, I'm just praying for God to comfort them. And I'm so glad that God "comforts us in all our troubles" (2 Corinthians 1:4).

A.R.K.

This morning, I tackled the question: What do you do when God is not answering your prayers? I came up with a little acronym that I believe is helpful: A.R.K. (Assess, Remind, Keep)

1. ASSESS your relationship with God.
Prayer is about a personal relationship with God. So the quality of your relationship with God determines the quality of your prayer life. The Bible says in James 5:16: The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

The word “righteous” is talking about a person who lives a life that is focused on Christ and follows His teachings. A righteous person is a person who has a healthy relationship with God. According to this verse, then, the prayers of such a person are effective.

If your relationship with God is unhealthy, then your prayers will not be very effective. So if God is not answering your prayers, you have to make sure your relationship with God is healthy.

2. REMIND yourself that God's timing is perfect.
Very rarely does our 14 month old want to go to bed. He wants to stay up and play. But we have to say, “No, not right now. It’s time for bed.” He cries and screams, but as his parents we think it’s best for him to be on some sort of schedule. And we think it’s best for him to sleep a little bit. He just doesn’t realize that’s what’s best for him.

In the same way, God knows what’s best for us. And when we pray, and He says, “No, not yet.” It’s a hard pill for us to swallow. We don’t take it very well. We’re not a patient people. And we’ve already assessed our relationship with God, and so we complain to God, “God, you and I are okay. There’s no unconfessed sin in my life. I’m committed to love and obey You. Why aren’t you answering my prayers?” And God just says, “No, not yet.” And sometimes it’s because God has a bigger and better plan, even if that plan doesn’t feel good.

3. KEEP praying--don't give up!
Jesus tells us: “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9-10).

For that direction you need with your career, God may not answer at first, but keep on asking, keep on praying. For that stronger marriage, God may not answer at first, but keep on asking, keep on praying. For that physical ailment that won’t go away, God may not take it away at first, but keep on asking, keep on praying. For that person who needs to experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, God may not change that person just yet, but keep on asking, keep on praying.

God is not bothered or irritated by our persistence. In fact, He loves it! He wants us to express our need for Him. After all, isn't that what prayer is all about?

Unanswered Prayers

Can you think of a time when God did not answer your prayers? Maybe you're dealing with unanswered prayers in your life right now. It’s so frustrating. It’s why some people give up on church or abandon God.

So what are the unanswered prayers in your life? You’ve prayed for the right job opportunity to come along, but it hasn’t come along. You’ve prayed for a relative or a friend to get well physically, but they’re still not well. You’ve prayed for a marriage to be healed, but it’s still not healed. You’ve prayed for a relationship to work out, but it still hasn’t worked out.

This subject is a very personal and tough topic for many of us. So what do you do when God doesn’t seem to be answering, when it seems like you’ve knocked 100 times, but God just ain’t coming to the door? It's not a question that's easily answered.

But this is the question that I will attempt to tackle this Sunday as we close our "Living on a Prayer" series. Hope to see you there!

2 Year Old Sings "The Lord's Prayer"

I talked about The Lord's Prayer this past Sunday. It's the most recognized prayer around the world. Even 2 year olds are singing it. You gotta watch this!

Thursday Mornings @ Chick-fil-A

I believe prayer has the potential to impact our lives like nothing else can. Most people believe in prayer, but sometimes we're too busy to pray. Of course, there's a simple solution: let's just schedule a time and pray!

SO, I thought I'd invite anybody and everybody to pray with me for the next 4 weeks @ the Rivergate Chick-fil-A on Thursday mornings from 6:30 to 7:00. All we're going to do is share prayer requests and pray. You can even grab a chicken biscuit if you'd like!

If you can make it and you live in the Nashville area, I encourage you to come. I know I need prayer, don't you? Again, it's just for 4 weeks on Thursday mornings. And please feel free to invite anybody and everybody who may be interested.

I hope to see you on Thursday!

I Love New York

4 of us from PCC went to New York this past Friday and Saturday. When I think of New York, I think of New York City, traffic, busy, etc. But we were in the Albany area, and that’s some pretty country. I just can’t believe I was 45 minutes from Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame) and did not go. I have a feeling I’ll be going back up there soon.

We are so excited after our trip up there! It was a huge success! I’m still spiritually high from this trip. We met with several church leaders up there to talk about how we could partner with them and their churches to meet the needs of the Albany area. Our goal was to encourage those church leaders, but I think we were more encouraged than they were. I love New York!

Our next step is to send some teams from PCC up there. We just want to show and share the love of Christ with the people of the great state of New York! Here’s a picture of us with one church pastor who is starting a church (Refuge Church) in beautiful Cobleskill, NY.

Livin' On a Prayer

We're about to start a new series that focuses on what I believe is the most important habit we can develop in life. And it has the potential to impact our lives like nothing else can. It has the potential to move us from the good/average/mediocre life and into a life that is great and purposeful in God’s eyes. It's called prayer. And we're calling the series "Livin' On a Prayer."

This series has nothing to do with Bon Jovi. We're going to look at what the Bible says about prayer. However, before the end of this series, I might just practice my Jon Bon Jovi impression and break it out. I haven't done this impression since 1994, but we'll "give it a shot."

Hope to see you this Sunday!

We are HOME!

We got back home late Saturday night. As you can imagine, life is a little hectic right now. But it's GOOD! We have been gone a long time (28 days), and we are so thankful to be back. We saw God answer prayer after prayer, so thank you for your prayers!

Now it's time to get back to work! I'm excited about wrapping up the "Snapshots of the Savior" series this coming Sunday. I hope to see you there!

I now leave you with a few more pictures from our first few days at home...

Meanwhile, back in Russia...

Well, we’re STILL in Russia! In 6 more days, however, we will be HOME—church, family, friends, good food, drinks with lots of ice, and Braves baseball!

This past Friday (April 4) was “Gotcha Day!” In adoption language, this day is the day when you go and pick up your child to live with you—permanently! It’s been a long journey of faith for me and Carrie. And we realize that this new season of life is the beginning of another faith journey for us. By the way, initiation into this season of life has been a blast. I’m changing a lot of diapers, playing a lot in the floor, sleeping a lot less, and I’m loving every minute of it!

God is so good, so I should not be shocked that He has put this baby boy into our family. It just so happens that I ran across these verses as I was reading my Bible a few days ago:

Father of the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy (Psalm 68:5-6, NLT).

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So as I sit here in my quiet hotel room on this Monday afternoon in Russia, I watch my new baby and my loving bride take a nap, and I am overwhelmed at what God has done for me. And I say a little prayer: “God, thank you for being so good. Help me not to take your blessings for granted. God, I don’t want to let a day go by that I don’t stop long enough to acknowledge all that You’ve done for me.”

Wherever you are right now, whatever you’re doing right now, just take one minute to thank God for what He’s done for you. After you take a minute, then you can look at a few pictures from our first few days with our child…

Just moments after we first “got” him…

My first time to feed him (or any baby)…

Feeding him before he went to bed that first night with us…

The little man and his tired papa taking a little snooze…

A picture from today before we left for the Baskin Robbins in Tver, Russia…

A picture from today at Baskin Robbins…

The Big Ol' Egg Drop 2008

Man, I wish I could've been there...The Easter Bunny still scares me. Thanks to Cleve Persinger for putting the video together! And thanks to all the volunteers for organizing this amazing benefit event!

Happy Easter from Russia!

My wife and I are spending another holiday in Russia. Just this past Christmas, I wrote in my blog about our visit to the orphanage on Christmas Day. And once again, we find ourselves in Russia—this time during Easter. It’s a snowy Easter morning here in Russia (although Russia celebrates Easter sometime in April). Here’s a picture from our hotel room this morning…

On this snowy Easter Sunday, I woke up and read my Bible, reflecting on what God has done for me. God sent his Son to die for me. Jesus came up out of that grave 3 days later, and He’s been changing lives ever since. He’s changed my life. And because adoption is on my mind, I cannot get over the fact that God has adopted me. The Bible says:

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. . . . He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:5, 7)

That’s good stuff! This process of adopting our little boy is bringing us great pleasure as we think about giving a child a loving family. As we continue this adoption process, I understand more and more how God feels when another person comes into His family.

That’s why God loves Easter. He loves it when people receive forgiveness and eternal life. He loves it when people choose to love and follow Him. As millions of people around the world flock to Easter services and hear about the hope found in a personal relationship with Christ, I’m praying that many more will be adopted into God’s family today.

Our Adoption Blog

Carrie and I are in Russia once again. This adoption journey has been long, but we hope we are nearing the end. We really do believe God is control. Here’s an encouraging verse that Carrie keeps mentioning:

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT)

We have our major court hearing on Monday, so please pray for us! If all goes well, we will bring our little baby home with us in just a few weeks. Please pray that we would continue to trust God. By the way, you can read updates on our adoption blog: http://www.oneal-itsasmallworld.blogspot.com/.

BigEggDrop.com

Check out BigEggDrop.com for more information about how Peace Community Church is working with others in the community to create a fun-filled event that will benefit families in need. Why not forward this website to anyone and everyone you know?!?!

Please beware of the "Egg Drop" game on the website. It is addicting!!

By the way, if you'd like to volunteer to help with this event, please email us: info@PeaceCC.org.

I'm 31 Today...

The older I get, birthdays aren't so much "happy" as they are "reflective." So today, I reflect on some lessons learned and on how I can make the most of my short time here on earth. I also reflect on God's amazing grace, how He's forgiven a selfish, rebellious kid (me) and given me a passion to pursue a growing relationship with Christ. God's still working on me! So on this birthday occasion, here is my prayer from Psalm 39:4-7--

4 "LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. 5 My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath. 6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."

Sweet Tea Award 2008

In Sunday's message, I talked about "balance." I titled the message "Sweet Tea" because isn't good sweet tea all about balance? You don't want it too strong or too weak. You don't want it too sweet. You want it just sweet enough. You want a little bit of lemon, but not too much lemon. It's all about balance.

In the same way, the Christian life (according to Jesus himself) is all about balance--balancing loving God and loving people (Matthew 22:36-40). The two are inseparable.

Feeding the Hungry

I'm so proud of our small group. We had an opportunity to feed supper to some homeless men this past Sunday night, and they jumped right at the opportunity. Here are a few pictures...taken AFTER we had already served the food...

TORNADO MIRACLE BABY FOUND : Election Day STORMS HIT SOUTH

There is hope in the midst of tragedy...Thanks to God's grace.

Tornado Hits Jackson, TN

Carrie and I just got home from a movie and learned about a terrible tornado that touched down in Carrie's hometown of Jackson, TN. It hit Union University where we, my sister, and all of Carrie's siblings went to college. As of right now, 3 students are still trapped in the dorms. It is a very scary situation!

Carrie's brother, Ben, is a sophomore at Union and fortunately moved off campus this semester! (There are students trapped in the dorm where he lived, and he said the windows were blown out in the room he lived in just 2 months ago.) Carrie just spoke with Ben, and he said it looks like a war zone at the campus. She also spoke with her brother, Jonathan, who works at the campus.

Fortunately he, his wife, and his little girl are okay since they were at home about 15 minutes away from the campus. Here is a link to the story: http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080205/NEWS01/80205041