Time for a break
Thanks to everyone who reads my blog on a regular basis. I am going to sign off for a few weeks. I leave on a mission trip this Saturday morning and will be doing a little blogging on our mission trip blog. Make sure to read it daily. You can find it HERE.
Following the mission trip, the Richard family will be getting away on a much needed vacation to Dale Hollow lake and then Cumberland Falls.
I am also in need of some time to evaluate life, friendships, ministry, family, calling and future. I critically need to spend some time with God and His Word instead of making sure I am blogging. Thanks for understanding and please keep me in prayer.
God bless
B. OUT!!
Following the mission trip, the Richard family will be getting away on a much needed vacation to Dale Hollow lake and then Cumberland Falls.
I am also in need of some time to evaluate life, friendships, ministry, family, calling and future. I critically need to spend some time with God and His Word instead of making sure I am blogging. Thanks for understanding and please keep me in prayer.
God bless
B. OUT!!
View Beyond The Pew and more
Okay so it is Wednesday night and I am writing about Sunday. Oh well, that is just my life. I have thought a lot about it and well Sunday was just okay. I mean, attendance was down some, offering was off budget, we had a couple new faces and the sermon was okay for a guy with his back out and pink eye. It was a "typical" Sunday OR WAS IT? Is there such a thing as just "okay" and "typical" when you are dealing with GOD and HIS CHURCH? No way!
It is not just about stats and tracking and the preacher. It is so much more. I mean, kids and adults were learning about Jesus. I received an e-mail from a member of LCC who said that what she heard Sunday in the sermon answered questions and gave healing to her life in ways that she had not ever experienced. People were hugging and sharing smiles everywhere in the building. The singing was spirit-filled and passionate. People came forward to pray. A lady came to our second service that I have not seen in like 20 years. I went to the Christian Academy with her son and they attended my home church in Goshen, Ohio. In fact, it was an AWESOME DAY in the house of the Lord. I love my church family at LCC!
Now for the more... I still have a really pink or I guess you could say RED eye. What is it? Will it ever go away? I don't know. Then there is my back. It is still sore, but getting better thanks to Dr. Hakes and American Family Chiropractic in Mason. If you need a Chiropractor, please check them out, they are awesome. Then, tuesday morning came. It was about 3:15 when I heard the hail stones hitting the roof. I opened the window to hear what sounded like a bus in our back yard. I went to the front door and on watched one of the worst storms we have had in years. It wasn't until the next morning that I saw what it really had done. Take a look at this
It fell right over Lauren's room while she slept. Thank God it only fell a short distance and it had a lot of branches that kept it from really smashing into the roof. In fact, we had NO damage. Thanks to Dan Ponchot for taking time to help me get it sawed up and cleaned up.
Now it is all about getting ready for our mission trip to work in Pearlington, Mississippi with IDES. Remember to check out THIS BLOG all next week.
B. OUT!!
MIRACLES DO HAPPEN
What an amazing closing program to our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! It was an amazing week and the exclamation point was placed on Thursday night. First of all, we had a full house as we met in the Worship Center before heading out to the back field for fun and games and food. Our kids and parents were challenged on Wednesday night toward an unheard of offering goal of $3600 to build a home for a needy family in Haiti. We had already "blown away" our goal of $1000 and were sitting at $1500+. We met our missionaries, prayed and began to sing our hearts out with "Fixin My Eyes on Him" and "Everlasting Love". Holly then headed toward the stage and handed me a piece of paper. WOW! It was a great closing night offering of $664!! That put us over $2000 and became the highest VBS week offering in the history of LCC. Once again I brought up the missionaries to praise the Lord with them and give them the opportunity to say thanks. However, even I was not prepared for what would happen next. One of the missionaries came over and whispered in my ear..."someone has promised the rest". WHAT? Did I hear Rosa correctly? Yes, I did! An anonymous donor promised over $1400 to bust through the $3600 mark! WOW! The place went NUTS! I began to cry, lots of people got slimmed and most importantly, a needy family in Haiti will have cement floors and walls and 2 rooms! GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME & ALL THE TIME...GOD IS GOOD!!!
The really cool part was that our VBS was one night shorter this year and we are in one of the toughest economies in years. Remember, God can do more than we can ever hope, dream or imagine!
I can't wait to see what he wants to do at church tomorrow!
B. OUT!!
The really cool part was that our VBS was one night shorter this year and we are in one of the toughest economies in years. Remember, God can do more than we can ever hope, dream or imagine!
I can't wait to see what he wants to do at church tomorrow!
B. OUT!!
A HUGE BLESSING
I am still in shock at our VBS offering tonight. It was "bill" or "paper money" night and boy did the kids respond! When it was all said and done, we had over $850 just tonight. That is amazing, that is GOD! In 4 nights we are sitting at $1600+ and our goal was only $1200. All the offering is going toward building a house for a family in Haiti. An entire house will cost around $3600 to build. Could we do it? Could God make it happen? Could we see another miraculous offering at the closing program tomorrow to put us WAY OVER THE TOP! After tonight, I believe anything is possible. Isn't it great to know that God move despite our economy!?!?! PRAISE THE LORD or as we say at VBS "Benny Swallowed the nail"
B. OUT!!
B. OUT!!
VBS CURSE?!?!
Last year my week of VBS ended a couple days early when I was struck with Shingles on Tuesday night. I ended up being sick and off my feet for over a week. It was a horrible memory in a otherwise great VBS week. I am happy to say that this year I do NOT have shingles, however, once again today I ended up at my family doctor's office...
Melony Erman asked me on Monday evening if I had done something to my eye. I told her I was just exhausted. Then I woke up this morning but only ONE EYE would open. The other one was "glued" shut. YUCK! I called my doctor and sure enough, I HAVE PINK EYE! The thought is that I most likely got it from my "pirate eye patch". UGhhhhhhh! Oh, I forgot to tell you that I also threw my back out on Monday morning and it is still out tonight. That allowed me an opportunity to see my chiropractor today and also will be there tomorrow.
Back to my title...Is VBS my curse? What a couple years? Ugggh. This may be my last one. Of course, I have said that many times.
While I have you here, let me just say that VBS has been amazing. Lots of kids (175 on Monday and 166 tonight). Great offering (we are above $700 as of tonight). There were 6 kids associated with our little street that went tonight, how cool is that? It has been amazing. Great theme, great workers, great snacks, great music, great missionaries and GREAT fun!!
B. OUT!!
Melony Erman asked me on Monday evening if I had done something to my eye. I told her I was just exhausted. Then I woke up this morning but only ONE EYE would open. The other one was "glued" shut. YUCK! I called my doctor and sure enough, I HAVE PINK EYE! The thought is that I most likely got it from my "pirate eye patch". UGhhhhhhh! Oh, I forgot to tell you that I also threw my back out on Monday morning and it is still out tonight. That allowed me an opportunity to see my chiropractor today and also will be there tomorrow.
Back to my title...Is VBS my curse? What a couple years? Ugggh. This may be my last one. Of course, I have said that many times.
While I have you here, let me just say that VBS has been amazing. Lots of kids (175 on Monday and 166 tonight). Great offering (we are above $700 as of tonight). There were 6 kids associated with our little street that went tonight, how cool is that? It has been amazing. Great theme, great workers, great snacks, great music, great missionaries and GREAT fun!!
B. OUT!!
View Beyond The Pew
Okay, so SUNDAY SIMPLY ROCKED! WOW! The stage was awesome (take a look at this). 
Thanks to Cathy Collett and Rosa Miller and anyone else who had anything to do with it! It is one of the best VBS backdrops I have ever seen!!! We had an awesome attendance for the middle of the summer and people were genuinely excited to be here. Don't be fooled, not everyone was happy. We are a church with real people so... there were folks who just found out they have a cancer battle to fight, folks who just lost a teenage daughter/sister/friend to Leukemia, folks who were waiting results of tests, folks who were struggling financially, folks who were sick and tired, folks who are battling depression, folks who really need a job... BUT, the Spirit and Power of God was really moving and it was evident in the faces of everyone walking through LCC! Thank you Jesus! People were hugging, praying and loving on one another. The message was well received and I have already heard about action as a result of the challenge given. GO GOD! We had another wonderful and faith-filled offering received. Chris and Emily Dorer came forward at the conclusion of 3rd service and joined the family here at LCC! WELCOME GUYS! Our NP-3 children's ministry had 30+ kids in the 11:15 hour alone. We had more new faces including my awesome neighbors Jennifer, Savannah and Cade! Our "Eden Exchange" garden table was full of vegetables from the Dotson garden and so many folks helped themselves (must be like it was in Acts 2). Jennifer and I were blessed to have Chris and Emily join us for lunch. What a great couple. God is going to use them in power here at LCC! I can't wait to see what he has in store for them and for US!
Sunday evening brought the first night of VBS! WOW! It was incredible. We broke first night records with 154 kids and 75 adults! I was soooo impressed by how well it was organized, how easily people pitched in and did whatever was needed and the best part was seeing so many new LCC folks getting involved. Thank you Holly and your entire crew for what promises to be a really BIG VBS! Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
B. OUT!!
Thanks to Cathy Collett and Rosa Miller and anyone else who had anything to do with it! It is one of the best VBS backdrops I have ever seen!!! We had an awesome attendance for the middle of the summer and people were genuinely excited to be here. Don't be fooled, not everyone was happy. We are a church with real people so... there were folks who just found out they have a cancer battle to fight, folks who just lost a teenage daughter/sister/friend to Leukemia, folks who were waiting results of tests, folks who were struggling financially, folks who were sick and tired, folks who are battling depression, folks who really need a job... BUT, the Spirit and Power of God was really moving and it was evident in the faces of everyone walking through LCC! Thank you Jesus! People were hugging, praying and loving on one another. The message was well received and I have already heard about action as a result of the challenge given. GO GOD! We had another wonderful and faith-filled offering received. Chris and Emily Dorer came forward at the conclusion of 3rd service and joined the family here at LCC! WELCOME GUYS! Our NP-3 children's ministry had 30+ kids in the 11:15 hour alone. We had more new faces including my awesome neighbors Jennifer, Savannah and Cade! Our "Eden Exchange" garden table was full of vegetables from the Dotson garden and so many folks helped themselves (must be like it was in Acts 2). Jennifer and I were blessed to have Chris and Emily join us for lunch. What a great couple. God is going to use them in power here at LCC! I can't wait to see what he has in store for them and for US!Sunday evening brought the first night of VBS! WOW! It was incredible. We broke first night records with 154 kids and 75 adults! I was soooo impressed by how well it was organized, how easily people pitched in and did whatever was needed and the best part was seeing so many new LCC folks getting involved. Thank you Holly and your entire crew for what promises to be a really BIG VBS! Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
B. OUT!!
LCC REDS
It is hard to live in Cincinnati and hear the same thing year after year... it begins with something like "the Bengals have a real chance this year" or "the reds really have a great team and may challenge everyone this year". Then fast forward to about mid season... "the Bengals have no hope and need to start thinking about next year." or "the Red's are finished, too far behind, and need to start building for the future. UGGHHHH! Enough is enough. Now, we add the LCC Men's Softball Team into that same scenario. Just 4 weeks ago we were above .500 and looking like we had a real chance this year. Now, after 3 losses just this week, we are in the basement and I AM SIMPLY TIRED! We have not just been loosing, we have been beat. UGGGHH! Does it really matter in life? NO! Does it really make a difference in the whole scheme of things, NO WAY!!!! So why post about it? I just needed to vent! I guess all I can say is Praise God for Vacation Bible School next week and NO SOFTBALL!!!
B. OUT!!
P.S. If you want to watch a real winning team, come out and cheer on our LCC women's team, they have only lost 2 games and really have started to play well together.
B. OUT!!
P.S. If you want to watch a real winning team, come out and cheer on our LCC women's team, they have only lost 2 games and really have started to play well together.
GREAT WEEKEND
What a great outreach down in Loveland on Friday night. Thanks to Darren & Geneva Myers and their team for organizing the event. Thanks to Holly Kern and her team for the awesome work on the float. Thanks to anyone else who helped in anyway whether you were able to be at the event or not. Way to go, LCC! YOU ROCK! We are still waiting to see if we won a prize for the float. About 30 of us walked the parade route handing out candy, eye patches and beads. It was a ton of fun. My kids had the best ride, a wagon pulled by daddy and then mommy. Following the parade, we gathered at Nisbet park to hand out free water, paint faces, lead some crafts and share the love of Christ. It was awesome to see so many people with LCC bottles of water. We ran out of water about 9:30 pm. The fireworks show was spectacular this year and almost worth the mile walk with Lauren asleep on my shoulder back to our car. Enjoy a few pics of the evening...
Saturday, we spent the afternoon at the Ponchots for the one day delay 4th of July party. It was a beautiful day and the food was incredible. Thanks Dan and Julie for your friendship and partnership in ministry. THE POOL LOOKED GREAT!
Sunday was one of those days. I sat down to listen to Jared sing our opening song "God bless America" when I looked down to see my pants split completely open. I knew I had to get up and welcome everyone and would have to do it with torn pants. See what I mean, "Holey Pants"...
Following the opening and prayer I went back to the office looking for ANYTHING to close my pants. Ugggghhhh, it was like a bad Saturday night dream. I could not find anything, about that time Dan Ponchot came in the door and handed me a pair of his pants that he had just happened to throw on the floor when he changed earlier that week. PRAISE THE LORD! They even matched my outfit. What a way to start the day. The rest of the morning was awesome. Great attendance, great offering, great response to the message and lots of new faces. God is so good to us. I can't wait to start our Dr. Seuss Theology Series this Sunday. Don't miss "Horton Hears A Who". See you then.
B. OUT!!
Crazy Week
Hey everyone! It is almost midnight on Wednesday and I am BEAT! We have been at the Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati all day Tuesday and today for the North American Christian Convention. Jennifer and I bought booth space for the Michala Riggle and her BEADING TO BEAT AUTISM ministry. We also volunteered to help out in a Welcome Center today. It has been exhausting, but also wonderful. We sold almost $400 worth of bracelets on opening night and then followed that up with nearly $900 today, PRAISE THE LORD! I truly believe that we may hit $1000 tomorrow. God is blessing her ministry and we are so blessed to be a part of it.
The NACC has been a real treat. I have networked and reunited with so many brothers and sisters in Christ. We have not had opportunity to take in a workshop, but were blessed in the worship session on Tuesday evening. If you have never attended the NACC, I would strongly encourage you to plan to be in Louisville next summer and join us there.
Before I sign off, I want to say a big many thank yous. First of all, to the Pachta family for taking our kids on Tuesday and treating them to a special day. Secondly, to my mom and dad for keeping the kids overnight on Tuesday. Thirdly, to Mike and Heidi Constable for being there for our kids this evening. Here are many more... I want to say thanks ahead of time to Kayla Rose for watching our kids on Thursday. Thanks also to everyone associated with LCC who have helped out in anyway at the NACC, it is so encouraging to see so many of our church family at the convention. I want to thank Lisa Poole for taking a week away from work and being here to assist with the Beading to beat autism booth. Thanks to Emlyn and Michala for making a couple trips from Louisville to Cincy and back. Thanks to my wonderful wife for helping out, supporting and being such a wonderful helpmate. Thanks to Dan Ponchot, Didi Back and the awesome youth at LCC for being such an great witness at the convention. Thanks to Alicia and Kurt for helping us out in our booth. Finally, thanks to my awesome staff and leadership at LCC who are filling in and giving me opportunity to be out of the office all week long.
Going to bed now. Will type following the NACC! To God be the Glory! Let's "live dangerously"
B. OUT!!
The NACC has been a real treat. I have networked and reunited with so many brothers and sisters in Christ. We have not had opportunity to take in a workshop, but were blessed in the worship session on Tuesday evening. If you have never attended the NACC, I would strongly encourage you to plan to be in Louisville next summer and join us there.
Before I sign off, I want to say a big many thank yous. First of all, to the Pachta family for taking our kids on Tuesday and treating them to a special day. Secondly, to my mom and dad for keeping the kids overnight on Tuesday. Thirdly, to Mike and Heidi Constable for being there for our kids this evening. Here are many more... I want to say thanks ahead of time to Kayla Rose for watching our kids on Thursday. Thanks also to everyone associated with LCC who have helped out in anyway at the NACC, it is so encouraging to see so many of our church family at the convention. I want to thank Lisa Poole for taking a week away from work and being here to assist with the Beading to beat autism booth. Thanks to Emlyn and Michala for making a couple trips from Louisville to Cincy and back. Thanks to my wonderful wife for helping out, supporting and being such a wonderful helpmate. Thanks to Dan Ponchot, Didi Back and the awesome youth at LCC for being such an great witness at the convention. Thanks to Alicia and Kurt for helping us out in our booth. Finally, thanks to my awesome staff and leadership at LCC who are filling in and giving me opportunity to be out of the office all week long.
Going to bed now. Will type following the NACC! To God be the Glory! Let's "live dangerously"
B. OUT!!
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