This is going to be a short post. Last night at LateNite we had the most intense worship that we've had in such a long time. The last song was Matt Adcox leading us in the the hook/chorus of "How He Loves Us" over and over. I can't explain what happened in that place. It was so incredibly amazing! Watch the video:
www.nashamed.blogspot.com
A Letter
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A letter from Jesus regarding Christmas
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are
taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this
celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have
been
blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the
day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE
ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town
in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just
get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity
scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need
for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them
all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a
holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees.
You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you
wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in
relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that
one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is
my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My
birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers
away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know,
they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on
the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him
that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up...
It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford
and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My
birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms
and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own
life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't
know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile;
it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls
the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm
smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry
Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop
shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day
they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--
especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have
never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in
your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will
they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some
food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other
charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and
loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret
that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that
you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and
do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out
the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball
is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those
whom you love and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
A True Blog Entry
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This is going to be a long one! lol
Ok, so two weeks ago, a friend of mine from Columbus, Ohio came to visit.
We have known each other for quite awhile now, and when I went back to Columbus the last time for the Celebration E.G. up there, she started attending. Well, she came down here for a week to visit me, and to check out Celebration in person.
Her first 3 days here, all we did was eat and go to movies. I told her that we have to do different things that she can't do in Columbus. Well, I think her first or second night here we went to the beach at night. That was neat. I'm still a little confused on what was running all over the ground chasing us LOL. So, the rest of the week, we attempted to camp on the beach (3am and still couldn't get the tent to go up), more movies, Jacksonville Zoo, and thanks to Justin and Allishia, we go to go to the fair and hang out on his parents yacht. It ended up being a good week.
More importantly, I think that her sitting in Midweek, Saturday Service and LateNite all in person, I think God really worked on her. Especially at LateNite. Overall, Courtney and I had a great time.
Then we drove back to Columbus. I dropped her off and stayed the night at Rish's, then went to Indy'ish to see my family. I had a great time there and got to see my step dad, whom has cancer. I also got to visit with my grandparents, sister, brother and his kids. I'm worried about my step dad, and also about my mom, because this is wearing her down.
And just so you all know, my mom said me and Johnna were supposed to look like we were trying to give him a kiss in this picture, but for some reason, it looks like I was smelling him LOL. No, he's not rotting ROFL
Then I go back to Columbus for the weekend. Talk to different friends and invite them all to Church on Sunday. I think we had like 25 Sunday, which was a good turn out. Plus, I got to see some old friends that I haven't got to see for awhile. I just hope and pray that they enjoyed it, was touched by the message, and continue to go. I really feel that if the E.G. grows enough, that Celebration may actually open up an campus up there which would probably live feed the services into there. I'm not sure what God has in store for the future, but I could totally see a Celebration movement in Columbus! It's already starting, actually. Thanks to Dax and Kelli!
So, I drive home Monday morning. Sunday afternoon before I went to bed I burnt a bunch of Praise and Worship cd's. I was determined to give those 12 hours of that drive to God and just embrace His presence. Well, it was a good ride. I think He had planned it like that, because I ended up with a total of 13 worship cd's, and I pulled up to my house having listened to each one with only one song left on the last cd. LOL. I truly couldn't have done it better even if I had tried to calculate the time and everything. Every cd, every song listened to once, pulled up to my house as the very last song on the very last cd was about to play. I'm totally amazed!
So, I realized something this week. And some of you may try to read into this, but please don't. Chances are great that it's not what you are thinking lol. But, as a single man, or as I'm sure a single woman also, if you are not dating, you may go through times of loneliness. We have all experienced that. Well, I haven't had that feeling in a really long time. Looking back, I think that it is because I fill that void with God and His will, which in return He shows me favor and blocks the pain of loneliness out of my heart. Well, I have also realized here recently that we (or at least for me) can open that back up. I think that we cause loneliness ourselves. I think that we act on actions, or pursue feelings, emotions or people that cracks our hearts open to loneliness. See, the week before I went up to Columbus, I think that I cracked my heart open, and I noticed that when I got to Columbus I started trying to get a hold of all the past girls that I had talked to. Thank God they were all busy or had boyfriends or engaged. I'm not sure if it was that night, or the next day or when, but I realized at that time I created the loneliness in myself, which at that point made me weak and was trying to fill the loneliness with a past "person" which may have resulted in more sin. Even though I did it to myself though, God helped me overcome it.
So, here is a question. I'm a promoter by nature, by heart. I love people, socializing and talking people into and out of things. I have been like this since I was probably in the womb. So, is there a line that you can cross when inviting someone to church? "come with me to church so you can be saved". ok, no one would probably come with that one. "come with me cause our pastor is crazier than i am and hes pretty funny too". that'll bring some. "man, you owe me cause i used to go to your crazy parties, so come to church one time cause you owe me". how about that one? "look, if you dont like church, then you definately need to come. my church is for people who cant stand church". and it could go on and on. but do you see what I'm saying? Is there a line to cross, or if the heart is in the right place, do you just keep inviting, no matter what gets people in the door?
How about this? My clothing line, "Not Ashamed". The purpose is to make a statement that you are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My secondary agenda is to help a timid Christian have an opportunity to stand up for Christ, and possibly give them an opportunity to witness to the lost. But, last night I had a conversation with a model that I helped get her start back when I had my record label. She is now in Hollywood and L.A. and also claims to be an athiest. So, I asked her half-jokingly to help me get my line out there, and she seemed receptive, but said she didn't want to be a hypocrite. So, I was like, well, just don't wear the shirts with Scriptures on them and let the Not Ashamed speak for itself. You're not ashamed of who you are or what you do, right? ...... ok, so my question is, is this wrong? I know what my purpose of "Not Ashamed" is, and everyone around me does. Including her. But, then I get into my sales mode, or promotions mode and say whatever it takes to get the other end to receive. Let me get some feedback!
God is good! I wish everyone could experience what's going on inside of me. I was telling Sissy the other day that I can't explain my feelings/emotions. Like, I don't have words for them. It's incredible. I mean, think about this. Us humans are born into sin. Born dirty, filthy and evil. Yet, we are God's favorite creation. We stand above everything else that He has created. He loves us all the same, even those of us or constantly turn our backs on Him and hurt Him. Can you say love? LOVE! I love Jesus!
I pray for everyone reading this that you have a great week, and that the Lord touch's you in some way!
-Chris
Also, my clothing line, "Not Ashamed" has just put up a blog. Feel free to check it out and follow at http://nashamed.blogspot.com
Ok, so two weeks ago, a friend of mine from Columbus, Ohio came to visit.
We have known each other for quite awhile now, and when I went back to Columbus the last time for the Celebration E.G. up there, she started attending. Well, she came down here for a week to visit me, and to check out Celebration in person.Her first 3 days here, all we did was eat and go to movies. I told her that we have to do different things that she can't do in Columbus. Well, I think her first or second night here we went to the beach at night. That was neat. I'm still a little confused on what was running all over the ground chasing us LOL. So, the rest of the week, we attempted to camp on the beach (3am and still couldn't get the tent to go up), more movies, Jacksonville Zoo, and thanks to Justin and Allishia, we go to go to the fair and hang out on his parents yacht. It ended up being a good week.
More importantly, I think that her sitting in Midweek, Saturday Service and LateNite all in person, I think God really worked on her. Especially at LateNite. Overall, Courtney and I had a great time.
Then we drove back to Columbus. I dropped her off and stayed the night at Rish's, then went to Indy'ish to see my family. I had a great time there and got to see my step dad, whom has cancer. I also got to visit with my grandparents, sister, brother and his kids. I'm worried about my step dad, and also about my mom, because this is wearing her down. And just so you all know, my mom said me and Johnna were supposed to look like we were trying to give him a kiss in this picture, but for some reason, it looks like I was smelling him LOL. No, he's not rotting ROFL
Then I go back to Columbus for the weekend. Talk to different friends and invite them all to Church on Sunday. I think we had like 25 Sunday, which was a good turn out. Plus, I got to see some old friends that I haven't got to see for awhile. I just hope and pray that they enjoyed it, was touched by the message, and continue to go. I really feel that if the E.G. grows enough, that Celebration may actually open up an campus up there which would probably live feed the services into there. I'm not sure what God has in store for the future, but I could totally see a Celebration movement in Columbus! It's already starting, actually. Thanks to Dax and Kelli!
So, I drive home Monday morning. Sunday afternoon before I went to bed I burnt a bunch of Praise and Worship cd's. I was determined to give those 12 hours of that drive to God and just embrace His presence. Well, it was a good ride. I think He had planned it like that, because I ended up with a total of 13 worship cd's, and I pulled up to my house having listened to each one with only one song left on the last cd. LOL. I truly couldn't have done it better even if I had tried to calculate the time and everything. Every cd, every song listened to once, pulled up to my house as the very last song on the very last cd was about to play. I'm totally amazed!
So, I realized something this week. And some of you may try to read into this, but please don't. Chances are great that it's not what you are thinking lol. But, as a single man, or as I'm sure a single woman also, if you are not dating, you may go through times of loneliness. We have all experienced that. Well, I haven't had that feeling in a really long time. Looking back, I think that it is because I fill that void with God and His will, which in return He shows me favor and blocks the pain of loneliness out of my heart. Well, I have also realized here recently that we (or at least for me) can open that back up. I think that we cause loneliness ourselves. I think that we act on actions, or pursue feelings, emotions or people that cracks our hearts open to loneliness. See, the week before I went up to Columbus, I think that I cracked my heart open, and I noticed that when I got to Columbus I started trying to get a hold of all the past girls that I had talked to. Thank God they were all busy or had boyfriends or engaged. I'm not sure if it was that night, or the next day or when, but I realized at that time I created the loneliness in myself, which at that point made me weak and was trying to fill the loneliness with a past "person" which may have resulted in more sin. Even though I did it to myself though, God helped me overcome it.
So, here is a question. I'm a promoter by nature, by heart. I love people, socializing and talking people into and out of things. I have been like this since I was probably in the womb. So, is there a line that you can cross when inviting someone to church? "come with me to church so you can be saved". ok, no one would probably come with that one. "come with me cause our pastor is crazier than i am and hes pretty funny too". that'll bring some. "man, you owe me cause i used to go to your crazy parties, so come to church one time cause you owe me". how about that one? "look, if you dont like church, then you definately need to come. my church is for people who cant stand church". and it could go on and on. but do you see what I'm saying? Is there a line to cross, or if the heart is in the right place, do you just keep inviting, no matter what gets people in the door?
How about this? My clothing line, "Not Ashamed". The purpose is to make a statement that you are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My secondary agenda is to help a timid Christian have an opportunity to stand up for Christ, and possibly give them an opportunity to witness to the lost. But, last night I had a conversation with a model that I helped get her start back when I had my record label. She is now in Hollywood and L.A. and also claims to be an athiest. So, I asked her half-jokingly to help me get my line out there, and she seemed receptive, but said she didn't want to be a hypocrite. So, I was like, well, just don't wear the shirts with Scriptures on them and let the Not Ashamed speak for itself. You're not ashamed of who you are or what you do, right? ...... ok, so my question is, is this wrong? I know what my purpose of "Not Ashamed" is, and everyone around me does. Including her. But, then I get into my sales mode, or promotions mode and say whatever it takes to get the other end to receive. Let me get some feedback!
God is good! I wish everyone could experience what's going on inside of me. I was telling Sissy the other day that I can't explain my feelings/emotions. Like, I don't have words for them. It's incredible. I mean, think about this. Us humans are born into sin. Born dirty, filthy and evil. Yet, we are God's favorite creation. We stand above everything else that He has created. He loves us all the same, even those of us or constantly turn our backs on Him and hurt Him. Can you say love? LOVE! I love Jesus!
I pray for everyone reading this that you have a great week, and that the Lord touch's you in some way!
-Chris
Also, my clothing line, "Not Ashamed" has just put up a blog. Feel free to check it out and follow at http://nashamed.blogspot.com
I'm Not Going There! plus, Blameless and Not Ashamed updates
Monday, October 26, 2009
Last weekend the Senior Pastor at my church (Pastor Stovall Weems) preached a sermon on relationships. We are in a series called "What's Your Status?". Well, the message was on guarding your heart. Everyone should watch it here, but He said something during that message that hit me incredibly hard. When tempted, or before tempation comes, just tell it "I'm not going there".
Let's be honest. My first thought was "Stovall, great concept, but I do a whole lot more than that and I still stumble". Well, this week when when temptations came about that usually cause me to stuble, I simply said "I'm not going there" and then prayed. I stumble ALOT (lol) so it was like an ongoing thing, but kept me praying. WOW this was such a great and powerful week!
Thursday night I was having a dream. In this dream I was in a situation that wasn't pleasing to the Lord. I stop in the middle of the situation, say "I'm not going there" and seriously get up and walk away. This was in my dream! I was shocked! Anyway, after talking to a friend, I realized that this was my spirit protecting EVEN MY DREAMS! I think it was also my spirit connected closer to God. Truly Amazing!
I feel that God may have me in a transition right now. I am excited!
So, also over the past week, God is showing me different people. Maybe I wasn't ready for it before, I don't know. I've done a lot of socializing this week with different people from church and what not, and it can be dissapointing to see the real side of people sometimes. Maybe God is showing me things to pray about.
On a different note.... If you know me personally, then you know that I'm a fairly social guy. I get along with most (sometimes a select few I totally let get under my skin lol) and I enjoy people. I have a problem though. Let me give you this example. I am with a group of people and they start trash talking a person that I know. Maybe saying that this person is fake, or lives a different life outside of church or what not. Well, even though I am cool with said person, I've caught myself starting to look at them differently.
First of all, when gossip arises when I'm around, I try to turn it around by either changing the subject, or turning that "gossip" into a possible positive scenerio. I don't like gossip and try to avoid it. I guess that it just bothers me that I catch myself letting it affect me. Good thing the Holy Spirit corrects my thoughts and reminds me that none of that matters and I am to TRY to love that person as Jesus loves me! Amen? oh yeah
Ok, I have tons more from this past week. Best spiritual week I've ever experienced! If I had it all in this entry, no one would be able to finish due to the length lol.
Have a great week, all!
-chris
Blameless Update:
Blameless has 5 new songs out that you can listen to at www.MySpace.com/BlamelessMusic Also, they are working on the artwork for the new EP and will be releasing that hopefully within a week or two.
Not Ashamed Update:
We are continually putting up a few of our designs, and we are still set to begin print maybe within a couple of weeks. We are very excited!
Let's be honest. My first thought was "Stovall, great concept, but I do a whole lot more than that and I still stumble". Well, this week when when temptations came about that usually cause me to stuble, I simply said "I'm not going there" and then prayed. I stumble ALOT (lol) so it was like an ongoing thing, but kept me praying. WOW this was such a great and powerful week!
Thursday night I was having a dream. In this dream I was in a situation that wasn't pleasing to the Lord. I stop in the middle of the situation, say "I'm not going there" and seriously get up and walk away. This was in my dream! I was shocked! Anyway, after talking to a friend, I realized that this was my spirit protecting EVEN MY DREAMS! I think it was also my spirit connected closer to God. Truly Amazing!
I feel that God may have me in a transition right now. I am excited!
So, also over the past week, God is showing me different people. Maybe I wasn't ready for it before, I don't know. I've done a lot of socializing this week with different people from church and what not, and it can be dissapointing to see the real side of people sometimes. Maybe God is showing me things to pray about.
On a different note.... If you know me personally, then you know that I'm a fairly social guy. I get along with most (sometimes a select few I totally let get under my skin lol) and I enjoy people. I have a problem though. Let me give you this example. I am with a group of people and they start trash talking a person that I know. Maybe saying that this person is fake, or lives a different life outside of church or what not. Well, even though I am cool with said person, I've caught myself starting to look at them differently.
First of all, when gossip arises when I'm around, I try to turn it around by either changing the subject, or turning that "gossip" into a possible positive scenerio. I don't like gossip and try to avoid it. I guess that it just bothers me that I catch myself letting it affect me. Good thing the Holy Spirit corrects my thoughts and reminds me that none of that matters and I am to TRY to love that person as Jesus loves me! Amen? oh yeah
Ok, I have tons more from this past week. Best spiritual week I've ever experienced! If I had it all in this entry, no one would be able to finish due to the length lol.
Have a great week, all!
-chris
Blameless Update:
Blameless has 5 new songs out that you can listen to at www.MySpace.com/BlamelessMusic Also, they are working on the artwork for the new EP and will be releasing that hopefully within a week or two.
Not Ashamed Update:
We are continually putting up a few of our designs, and we are still set to begin print maybe within a couple of weeks. We are very excited!
Bitter-Sweet
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I don't even know what to blog about this morning. It amazes me how our life is to be "Sweet" with God's blessings and grace and mercy and love. But, why do I choose to add that "Bitterness" into my life.
OK, thats it. I have no other thoughts or a solution for that. Prayer and continue to read. That's my only solution. It just frustrates me that I become so ignorant to let anxiety and anger and frustration overcome me from time to time.
On a light note......
Blameless has just uploaded their 5 new songs to their MySpace. Totally amazing! You have to check it out. No joke! www.MySpace.com/BlamelessMusic
Not Ashamed may be printing up their first shirts in as little as 2 weeks. It looks like they may start out with 4 designs. Very promising designs. The quality of the shirts themselves is the highes
t in the industry. The company that I found was by complete accident, and he was able to help us keep costs down. Talk about a blessing!
As of right now (this may change) it looks like we will have 1 mens shirt for $30, 1 men's shirt for $20 and 2 women's shirts for $18, but we may be able to even lower the cost of the women's shirts to $16! I personally feel that the designs are pretty hot. We are lookin at releasing a number of shirts every month. We are already designing for December and January which are looking phenominal!
I'm nervous, though. I'm nervous of people not liking them, or for me stepping away from the "message" that I really want to use this for. I guess that I'm scared of failure on all the different levels. I believe in the message, I believe in the designs and I believe in the quality of shirts that we are selecting.
But, overall I'm excited and happy. Just wanted to share my feelings LOL. Have an awesome day anyone reading this!
OK, thats it. I have no other thoughts or a solution for that. Prayer and continue to read. That's my only solution. It just frustrates me that I become so ignorant to let anxiety and anger and frustration overcome me from time to time.
On a light note......
Blameless has just uploaded their 5 new songs to their MySpace. Totally amazing! You have to check it out. No joke! www.MySpace.com/BlamelessMusic
Not Ashamed may be printing up their first shirts in as little as 2 weeks. It looks like they may start out with 4 designs. Very promising designs. The quality of the shirts themselves is the highes
t in the industry. The company that I found was by complete accident, and he was able to help us keep costs down. Talk about a blessing!As of right now (this may change) it looks like we will have 1 mens shirt for $30, 1 men's shirt for $20 and 2 women's shirts for $18, but we may be able to even lower the cost of the women's shirts to $16! I personally feel that the designs are pretty hot. We are lookin at releasing a number of shirts every month. We are already designing for December and January which are looking phenominal!
I'm nervous, though. I'm nervous of people not liking them, or for me stepping away from the "message" that I really want to use this for. I guess that I'm scared of failure on all the different levels. I believe in the message, I believe in the designs and I believe in the quality of shirts that we are selecting.
But, overall I'm excited and happy. Just wanted to share my feelings LOL. Have an awesome day anyone reading this!
A little annoyed this morning.. blameless and not ashamed updates
Thursday, October 1, 2009
I hate the fact that everytime I am doing well with my spiritual growth, I let something come in and knock me down. I'm not talking about being in depression or in a negative mood or anything. I just mean that I get this great momentum going, and WHAM! Something makes me stumble. I really need to better prepare myself for battle, I guess. All I can do is pick myself up and keep on ah groovin!
Blameless Update: The guys are doing well, and has a big surprise for everyone here REAL soon!
Not Ashamed Update: Clothing line is coming along. Made some new contacts and I think we've figured out the different print shops that we will use. We are trying to make sure to have great designs that are modern, very high quality garments, but able to keep the cost as low as possibly. Yes, people pay $200 for an Ed Hardy t-shirt or $86 for an Affliction t-shirt, but who is going to do that to a no-name? We are trying to keep the cost down under $20, and if we can (at least at first), I truly feel that we can get a lot of product out there.
Have a good day!
Blameless Update: The guys are doing well, and has a big surprise for everyone here REAL soon!
Not Ashamed Update: Clothing line is coming along. Made some new contacts and I think we've figured out the different print shops that we will use. We are trying to make sure to have great designs that are modern, very high quality garments, but able to keep the cost as low as possibly. Yes, people pay $200 for an Ed Hardy t-shirt or $86 for an Affliction t-shirt, but who is going to do that to a no-name? We are trying to keep the cost down under $20, and if we can (at least at first), I truly feel that we can get a lot of product out there.
Have a good day!
Women's Shirt Post 1 - updated 09/28
Sunday, September 27, 2009
www.nashamed.com - 4 Designs
I need everyone's feedback. Below are 2 designs for our women's t-shirt. Please give me any and all feedback... good or bad. It says "I am HIS Proverbs 31". you can fwd all info and feedback to info@nashamed.com Thank you all!!!!!!
First one is for a black shirt, and the second one is for a white shirt
I need everyone's feedback. Below are 2 designs for our women's t-shirt. Please give me any and all feedback... good or bad. It says "I am HIS Proverbs 31". you can fwd all info and feedback to info@nashamed.com Thank you all!!!!!!
First one is for a black shirt, and the second one is for a white shirt
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