Behind the Mundane…

On February 26, 2009, in Small Groups, by Mandy

I’m so happy that we’ve been able to start small groups at South Bay Church. I love the small group environment and being able to go deeper with other women. I started the group last Tues, but since everything at South Bay is new I wanted to wait and find out who would be coming before finalizing a topic/area of study for the next couple months. All week I’ve been praying and studying and praying some more, and I finally came across a study that I am REALLY excited about!

One of my biggest passions about ministry is seeing people live the dreams that God has created for them. I believe that God has a specific purpose and plan for each one of us and until we pursue that, we won’t be truly satisfied or fulfilled in life. With the help of Erwin McManus, we’re going through a study called, “Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment”.

Last night we started the introduction and this phrase really hit me.
” Right behind the mundane is the miraculous.” Erwin McManus

We probably don’t realize we’re in the middle of a “miraculous” moment when it’s happening, but only after we’ve been faithful and obedient with what often seems small and insignificant. This gives me hope when much of my time is spent saying “no” or “don’t touch” to Lily or teaching Cailyn to stay sitting down in her high chairs during mealtime. It often can feel mundane, but I know that this is what He’s called me to during this season of my life. You never know- there just may be a miracle on the other side!

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a Trillion dollars

On February 16, 2009, in Miscellany, by Mandy

All this talk about the economy lately has me thinking about money. Do you remember when a million dollars was unthinkable- for me it still is, but really, having a million dollars is pretty realistic these days. With hard work and determination, it’s a pretty attainable goal if that’s what your seeking for. Look at all the game shows out there where you could win a million dollars with a little wit and effort. Where I’m living in San Jose, CA, 1 million dollars will only buy you a normal size house (less than 3000 sq. ft). Many people around here make millions of dollars- maybe not the average Joe, but the average CEO definitely does.

When politicians stand up talking about money, the word millions and billions are thrown around loosely. Now, we are using the word trillion on a daily basis. What?!?! 1 Trillion dollars- what could possibly be done with 1 trillion dollars? I wonder how much of the poverty in the world could be changed if 1 trillion dollars of resources were given. Or sickness and disease, illiteracy and education. I’m sure it would be a better use of money than bailing out the big CEO’s or funding meaningless projects for those who already had their chance at millions.

The sad thing is we don’t have a trillion dollars, we’re just acting (or spending) like we do. It’s a pretty sad place for our country to be. A country founded on freedom is becoming enslaved to the debt of our future.
 

South Bay Church is Launched.

On February 9, 2009, in South Bay Church, by Mandy

Yesterday was the Grand Opening for South Bay Church and it was incredible! The band was great, the videos were excellent, & Andy communicated a great message from our first series titled, “Connected: Hardwired for Relationships”.

People were so excited to be there- you could feel the energy in the room. Filipe and I met a woman afterward who was a first time guest. She was walking home from working the night shift the night before and saw our signs in the parking lot. She ran home, grabbed her 5 kids, and brought them back for the service. She was so excited even though she had been working the entire night before and had no sleep. The best part of all- she was one who accepted Christ for the first time!

Here are some of the other highlights.
There were:
- 279 people in attendance!!! (Our goal was 200)
- 9 First time commitments to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ!
- 17 Re-commitments to God.
- 20 people indicated they would like to join a volunteer team
- 40 people desire to join a small group.

For me it feels like we’re just in the right place at the right time doing exactly what God desires. “Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” Ephesians 3:20 My prayer is that we are able to proclaim this verse each week of South Bay Church- that we never feel like we can do what only God can do. Now it’s refocus…only 6 days till the next service!

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