I MOVED

If you really want to read my blog

GO HERE!!!

It looks very similar... but different.

http://scottchatfield.blogspot.com

It explains it all.

I'm Back... Now What

So Sunday we left at 5 am for BIG STUF!  The first night and morning were amazing.  Brian (our new student pastor is connecting great with the kids... so... I left him with it.  I drove 7 1/2 hours again yesterday and got back last night.  here is what I left...

 

Pretty sweet!

I love camp.  It was hard to leave, but I had to get back to ensure that the technical world of Foothills Community Church was on schedule for our new opening.  

So I'm back, the new youth guy has taken over, and today is my first day as a Tech pastor... what do you do as a tech pastor?

Go here I guess!

Enjoy... but do some work.

Mixed feelings...

So tomorrow is a huge day in the life of our student ministry.  We leave for BIG STUF @ 5:00 AM.  Exciting, I know.

I love this camp.  They do an amazing job on preparing students to hear from God.  They set the stage for it (literally).  Each year they do something amazing on the stage and open up in a huge way.  I know this year will be no different.

This is the first year I will be going to camp without my wife (sad whimper goes here).  She and the kids are having an amazing time in Oklahoma right now.  They are on their way to see family and had an opportunity to stop and see one of Amy's high school friends.  I'm excited they have this opportunity... but I already miss them.

Can't wait for Big Stuf... not excited about the wake up time!

Pray for us and my family.

See ya on the flip side!

I can see you... in HD now!

We were in staff meeting this morning... I love staff meetings... no really I do!  We get to hear what each ministry is doing and how God is moving and blowing us away with the methods in which he does it. 

So any way, there we were talking, and a knock comes at the door, I'm told the AVT contractors need to see me.  These guys are in the middle of installing our new equipment and I had fears running through my head of what the issue could be. 

But the only issue they had was ... where do you want us to put your new HD cameras.  I bout nearly wet myself, I was so excited.  These guys set one up in my office for us to mess around

 with... holy cow I was zooming in on stuff all day long.  I loved it.

These things come equipped with everything!  If you don't run camera's at FCC you will want to now.  These toys are so cool.

But it reminds me God has done it without these things, and doesn't need them.  He is moving in the hearts of people and we should never think that we have arrived or need another computer or better camera to get his message across.  He just wants to use us.  (I know coming from a tech guy that is hard to swallow... just don't tell my executive pastor i wrote this) So grab the handles -  pan, tilt, zoom in and find where you can be used by God... he's given you the tools you need... you've had them all along.

But toys don't hurt!

And Down it goes...

Today was a great day.

We finished our church league softball tournament today.  I love playing sports... we were out there all day.  My kids got NASTY dirty... they loved it too!

Upon coming home we made them strip down and jump right into baths and showers.  While there I was reminded that one of the toilets in our house does not work.  It just happens to be the one in the master bathroom, which makes for an unhappy wife.

Our worship pastor used to be an plumber, and my intentions were to ask him to come and fix it. When I finally remembered to ask him... he said he just didn't have time to do it before they left town... but would talk me through the process.... 

Drawing me diagrams, talking about taking tanks off... holy cow I didn't know what I was getting into.  I don't mind trying new stuff and fixing stuff around the house, but admittedly I am more tech savvy than I am mechanical... 

BUT I DID IT! - It flushes and everything!   I CAN USE THE BATHROOM NOW!

I now... exciting isn't it.  Sometimes we just don't think we're the right person for the job, we expect someone else to step in and do it.  I'm not the best, the right fit, the look, the....  But God gives us everything we need for life and godliness.... try something new today... get your hands dirty, serve, be apart of team.  YOU CAN DO IT.

Ring, Ring...

So my 10th anniversary is coming up, my wife's birthday is coming very soon and she is leaving for Texas next week.  So hmmm what does she need before she leaves.

Well... I will say that my wife has been on this kick to lose weight as well.  She has now lost 30 lbs, and I'm super excited for her.  So like me she now has the problem that her jewelry does not fit, including her wedding band.

I was planning on getting her a ring for our 10th anniversary - so we've been looking at them (casually).  Tonight was a date night for us... it started with dinner and ended with a softball tournament (I know, how romantic).  

but in the middle we stopped in a jewelry store that was closing and started to look around. And there it was the ring she wanted... so when you see her - feel free to comment on the nice ring on her finger... for it will probably be another 10 years for this to happen again!

"It Is Finished"

Last night was my last night to teach the students as their student pastor.  I concluded my ministry here with a series called "2".  

It was the 2 most important things they needed to know.  I've always said that we're packing their bags... for one day they will leave and be on their own, out of the student ministry to do life.  So we're packing their bags and preparing them to do life on their own.

I decided to end it with the top 2 things to pack in their bags.  When I began to think about what that was, I was drawn to Matthew 22:33-39.  Here Jesus lays out the top two things to pack in your bags.   This isn't just for students, or for you... it was for me.

#1 Love God... with all of me

#2 Love People... with all of him

I hope that I've made a lasting impact on the lives of the students here, and I will continually pray for them that God will continue to bless the ministry here and change their lives.

Thank you God for allowing me an awesome opportunity  - you've truly changed my life through serving.

New things in life today

So I like trying new things... I'm not opposed to it.  Now there are some things that are not worth trying (you do have to be wise about this), but there are some things that are worth it.

Today I had a French Vanilla Slush at the Quickstop around the corner!

Oh my goodness it is Good Grab one of these today!

Ok... I also did something new today... I am now an AT&T user.  I have made the switch.

I'm setting myself up for an iphone 3G.  I just have to convince my wife it's what we NEED!

Try something new today!

What did you just say?

I love being around kids.  Maybe that's why I've enjoyed student ministry for the past 12 years.  I get to hear what they say and get blown away by what God teaches them, often in spite of me.  

I love going to BIG STUF camp and hearing how God is working on their life....

but best of all...

I love hearing what my kids say....

Last night my 2 yr old was sitting in the chair in my bedroom... while she should have been sleeping.  And just when I'm about to get on to her for not being in bed... she looks up at me with those big eyes and says "I wuv you, daddy!" - ok stay up all night, take the car,  do you need a credit card.... wow I love that.

My other daughter just as sweet... but bluntly honest. I was laying on the floor and she came over and put her hand on my stomach..."daddy, you have a big belly" - I guess she didn't read my blog about how much weight I've lost.  But she is all girl.  This morning before leaving the car, she had to take out her make-up case (fake) and put on make-up before getting out.  Guys wanting to date this girl will have their hands full.

My son can always blow me away with his thoughts and knowledge... This morning on the way to a VBS in our community he was quoting his memory verse over and over and over 

again

... cause he just didn't want not to know it.  My wife told me that when she picked him up he was brought out to the car by his teacher.  She asked if Stephen had already attended a VBS like this one.  Amy told her no...and she proceeded to tell her how amazed she was that he knew all the answers, and how deep his thought process was on all the questions they had asked.

He's a thinker, like his dad - maybe a pastor someday... that's between him and God!

I love my kids and learn from them daily.

Thanks God for blessing my life with my kids.

I Love My Wife

Went to a memorial service today.

It was one of those happy sad moments.

Before the service began, I had an opportunity to speak to the husband of the one that had just passed.  He said to me that he wanted me to make sure that I hugged my wife every moment of every day.

I could see the love and the loss in his eyes.

I love my wife!  I have not always lived it out the way that she deserved.... I have not always served here the way that love demands... and I have not always loved her the way that God has loved me and called me to give myself up for her.

But I love my wife.  She is the greatest part of my life here on earth.  God has to be #1 and she will always be #2.   I know what it means that the two shall become one... for I could never imagine life without her.

Thank you God for giving me the most awesome gift of life through your son... and blessing this life with the greatest part of me my wife.

I love my wife and will hug her as soon as I can.

Con"GRAD"ulations

I forgot to mention that I went to graduation this weekend. Congrats to all those who walked the stage and have finished this phase of life... I really hope your bags are packed for the road ahead.

Now normally Graduation is nothing to write home about... I mean I love the kids and I'm excited for them... but the hours of watching kids I don't know cross the stage really doesn't get me going.

But this year... we had a moment!

That's right a moment of relief and laughter... and no I'm not being mean... you have to know the kid -


Thanks for the laughter!

Congrats to all the Grads it been a great experience

Hidden Talent in the booth

So I've had a student running sound for us for the last two years in our student ministry.  He was a little slow getting connected, but has become a huge part of our ministry and tech team.  He is now serving in our main services as our Assistant Sound tech in our booth.

It's always been one of those things that has been evident to me... but not always easy to pull off... I need to do less and let others do more.  One of the things I've had a hard time letting go of ... and finding someone that could not just fill in but lead out in... was leading worship for the students.  

I didn't want to always be on stage... singing, doing announcements,and then teaching.  I've tried to find those to help take over some of these areas.  We've had a few come through that have tried it out... some stick... some don't.  But I've always taught and sang...

Last Tues. I couldn't be at band practice, the guy that was going to sing, couldn't... so the band was going to practice without a singer.... Wouldn't you know it... the guy in the booth, that has been behind the scenes for two years now, came out and practiced with the band.

I get a phone call... Can I sing? - I don't know... can you?

I told him I would have to hear him, and see how he did at leading from the stage before I would OK the move.... and WARREN did an amazing job...  he came out of the booth and took the stage and really led in worship.

Thanks Warren for doing a great job... the position is now yours!

Just reminds me that God has people with gifts and talents we just need to give them an opportunity to grow and shine!

BIG STUF

Ok... so we're less than three weeks away from leaving for Big Stuf!

Can you believe it... I can't.

Usually we go later in the summer, and going early on has me kinda messed up, things are coming much quicker than I really can handle it.  AHHHH!

I hope ya'll are ready to go.  Get your cloth

es washed, swim suit picked out, bags packed cause the bus is leaving on June 29th @ 5 am...  

This is going to be awesome... I got a sneak peek at the opening of Big Stuf  and it's going to be amazing!   I love this STUF!

Now I've really lost it!

Ok... so everyone around here has been asking me... Scott are you losing weight? or Scott how are you doing it?  like there is some magic pill that I've been hoarding to myself. 

Ok... here is the answer... yes I've lost weight.  About 65 lbs. now.   How have I done it... lets see.

I get up every morning and go to the gym for about an hour and lift and run.  I was playing basketball three times a week @ 5:45 am (which I plan on doing again now that it is summer and the kids don't have to go anywhere).  I stopped eating excessive amount of food, cut out all sugar drinks, and don't eat late at night.  It took about 8 months for anyone to really notice I was losing weight.... so there is  no magic or quick way to do it... you just have to sweat and get it done.

But this blog is not about me losing weight... I've lost something else... 

because of the weight coming off... my fingers have gotten smaller and so... my rings don't fit so well anymore.

I've lost my wedding ring 3 times!

Once at a basketball game - Amy and I had just mentioned needing to get our rings resized cause they were fitting loosely.  And five minutes later I was searching the basketball court for my ring.  I found it near an exit door.. wheww that was a close one.

#2 I was getting the girls dressed after their bath and noticed my ring was missing yet again.  I felt confident it was still in the bath tub... and it was... wheww  still got it.

#3 We took the family to the lake.  We were just swimming near the shore.  Again I had just mentioned to Amy the need to take my rings off... because they were a little loose.  My youngest daughter was on the shore crying for her daddy to come and get her... and then it happened.  As i paddled my way in I felt it go... my ring... slipping off my finger into the brown abyss which is the shoreline of lake Keowee.   My ring - gone for good.

It has been weird without a ring... I don't like it.   I have to get a new one!   This is driving me nuts.

I really hate losing stuff!

I Love Free Money

Ok... so maybe I should say unexpected money.  Cause I guess it's not really free.  Although those unexpected Birthday checks are always nice.

Anyway...

Have you gotten your stimulus check yet?  I haven't! -  I got an envelope from the IRS the other day and I thought finally it's here!  but nope... just telling me it was on it's way.  I've been waiting for this check.  Not because I need the money... just the security of having it.   Somehow there was some mix-up with the Govt.  I know hard to believe right.  We signed up for the direct deposit method... and were expecting this check over a month ago.  We actually planned a "get away" because the check was coming... and then it didn't come.  It was a huge bummer!

But today... I got a refund on some insurance that i didn't realize was coming... a blessing! It wasn't much... but when it comes and you're not expecting it... that is when you can smile and say.... Let's go out to diner!

I love it when you get an unexpected gift, surprise, encouraging word... it just makes my day.

Maybe you could be that or do that for someone today... see if it doesn't come back around to you.

and hopefully my stimulus check will be here soon!

School is almost out

Can you believe it... another year almost wrapped up.  Two more days of School and then it's all over with... then summer begins.

My son has been on a countdown for the last 3 weeks, he can hardly stand it.  You'd think he was graduating and moving out or something... but he's just in Kindergarten.   Oh well only 11 more years of that with him.

I'm stoked about the summer... Big Stuf will be here sooner than we know it... and that just excites me.  

I get to do something this weekend that I don't get a chance to do very often, but I love to do it every time I get an opportunity.  I'm preaching in the main services.  It's on a topic that just makes my heart explode.  Worship.

What a way to kick off the summer.... so kick back... finish strong... and let's enjoy the heat!

Kids are surprising!

We had our "End of School" night @ THRIVE last night.  It was fun, talked about EHUD and cutting the "fat" out of our lives so we can focus on following God without all the distractions.

After all the students were gone it was my wife and I and our 3 children remaining in the parking lot.  It's usually an ordeal to see who the kids are riding with home.  Last night they all choose to jump in my car with me.  We had the all buckled up - and then my son changes his mind and wants to ride home with mommy.

I was somewhat frustrated... we're already buckled we live less than 2 min from the church... just sit down and lets go!

But he jumped out and ran to his mothers vehicle and jumped in.

When I got home, my wife said that my son said the sweetest thing to her....

Mommy... I just didn't want you to be alone!

How sweet of my son... and how true for us.

We were created for relationships and we just don't want to be alone.

So today...take time to acknowledge your creator who loves you, wants to live in you, and doesn't want you to do life ALONE!

Wake Boarding

Ok... so I almost forgot.

I wake boarded for the first time on Monday... well I guess I should say I got up on a wakeboard for the first time.  It was nice... I didn't stay up long... but I was up.  I got up 3 times... was beginning to get the hang of it... when I had to return to shore and take the kids to the bathroom! 

Arghhh those kids and their tiny bladders!

Anyway... next time out... sure to be a wake boarding fool!

Thanks Dick for letting us use your boat!

Sorry not photographic evidence of this one.

I Lost My Job... and It's Exciting!

Ok... so yesterday I got the news... I lost my job, and it's been exciting to say the least!

Now before you start boo hooing... or calling the church office demanding to know what the deal is... or gossiping about what horrible thing I must have done to lose my job... 

All I really mean to say is...

We've hired a new student ministry pastor.   <: )

We heard yesterday that he was going to take the job, and we're really excited.  Not because we're moving out of student ministry, not because I will only have one title now (although it will be some relief), not because we've been looking for over a year and it seems like we've been so close so many times....

but because we've waited on God and found the "RIGHT" guy.  He's pumped and excited about being apart of this team and taking the student ministry to the next level and beyond.

That is why this is exciting... I feel like this guy will be able to do some amazing things with and for students and their families. 

He'll be here in a few weeks so just hang on for a little bit longer....

I'm not saying his name, cause I don't want it to get out - you never know who reads this stuff.

I want him to be able to make his exit at his current church on his terms.

So be praying for him and his wife - it's almost done! ... and then... it's just begun!

Obscure

So we're doing this series in our student ministry called "Obscure"... basically looking at people in the Bible that we may just skim over... but who have an amazing story.

Last Night one of our graduates, David Nichols, spoke on Mordecai.  He spoke of taking a stand for Christ even when it seems like everything is stacked against you... great job! 

But while David was in my office I was reading for my own spiritual growth.  I've been reading through the book of Judges, and I came across some passages, that normally I would skim over and move on.... you know.... this guy came in turned the people back to God, he died, the people went back to worshipping idols... over and over again... 

But as I was reading I was looking for that obscure story ... AND I FOUND IT...

I don't want to say to much - but I think this is the best story of all time.  

EHUD is the MAN!

Check it out read it, see if you can find the obscure story behind the man!

I've been on the weight loss kick... lost almost 65 lbs... and this story just shows me another reason I don't want to be "fat" anymore.

A FAT king, a left handed judge, and a toilet!   

This story rocks!

Enjoy

I almost got arrested... or so I'm told

Ok... so if you're reading this, you must be really bored and have gone through all of the other blogs, and just wanted to see if perhaps I had written something again... well today you are in luck... I'm writting again!

well at least for one night.

Ok... so the word is out a little so I can write about this and not feel to bad for giving some stuff away. Sunday we're starting a series called SHINE 2008... we're reaching out to the community around us.
Well one of the creative ideas was to show a video behind one of the songs that was going to be sung on Sun.

The video consists of scenes from around the city... so today I took off in my car and started videotaping the city in action. One of the scenes needed to be a school. My wife now works for one of the local schools, and I wanted to see her anyway, so I went to her school (which is going to one of the sites for our service project).
While there I just drove around the parking lot videotaping (being sure not to tape kids faces and such, cause I didn't think that was appropriate).

Upon departing the school and arriving at my next stop, I get a phone call from my wife... who informs me that she happened upon a conversation in the hall of her school... that was somewhat frantic.
The gentlemen talking asked her if she had seen a suspicous car in the parking lot... she said no... cause to her, my car is not suspicious. They told her not to be alarmed and steps were being taken....

Out of curiousity... she asked for the description of the car... when it matched mine... she informed them of my intent to video for church and community outreach purposes....

apparently their next step was to call the police and have them search the city for the car... that's right an APB on me!

Awesome!

Well only in thought.... I'm truly glad I wasn't arrested, that Greg didn't have to bail me out, and the video did get shot - and some good footage too!


See ya on Sunday, you can tell me if you think it was worth the trouble.

Smile - God is Good - All the time!

I can do it by myself...

I've heard those words so many times they ring in my ears now... 

I'll try and help my children tie their shoes, swing a bat, put a puzzle together, 

zip their jacket, buckle the seatbelt... you name it... I've heard the reply -

"I CAN DO IT MYSELF".

And I let them try, it's the only way they will learn. But there are so many things they are not ready to attempt yet.  But they think they are able to do it... by themselves.

I wonder where they get it?

Oh... I know... ME

I know I've done this a million times in my life, my marriage and my ministry... I'm good enough, talented enough, gifted enough (which actually means it's not me) ... to do it BY MYSELF.

And usually i can... to some degree.  Oh it'll get done - but is that really the way it was intended to look in the end, was that really how it was going to turn out, was that the maximum impact?

And today... here is what smacked me in the face this morning...

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."

Ok... so did you catch it?  Here is our life's goal summed up as Christ followers...I want to reach other people for Christ.  YES SIR.  Who wouldn't agree with that.  And we want them to become mature followers of Christ.. YEP.. That is why I work and struggle hard... YEP here all night, late hours, sacrifice... cause I have to get it done... i have to do it... I have to make it happen.

and we leave it there... or I do many times.  But the verse doesn't stop there in fact the most important line is next... DEPENDING ON... oops left that out... It's not me, I have to depend on, lean on, trust in someone else.  Yes I have to work hard and do my part... but there is something bigger happening here.   "depending on Christ's mighty power" - cause last time I checked he's more powerful than me.  

Now here is what is really cool... that power is at work within ME.

So don't do it BY YOURSELF... you'll have to work way harder, way longer, with less results than if we were just to depend on DAD to help out.

Scott

Oh Good... Oh No!

Well the last few days have had some exciting circumstances.  My Kids have been praying for snow since Christmas.  They assumed that since it was Christmas time that it would snow.  I mean half of the Christmas songs they would sing had to do with snow... so naturally they think Christmas has to have snow.

So they have been praying for snow for weeks.  Being the faith believing dad that I am, I've been trying to tell them that just because they pray for it doesn't mean that they are going to get it. And we don't always get snow... ya know, just trying to help God out...

But yesterday we got some cool news... Winter Mix was coming our way.  It was cool to hear my kids talk about the possibility of snow... and honestly I'm a little kid too... I love it when it snows.

So we heard of snow - and hear it was coming. 

That was the OH GOOD...

Now the OH NO!

So last night was to start a new series at THRIVE... our student ministry service.

Well we didn't want students driving here and then having to drive home in those conditions...

so we had to cancel the evening...

OH NO... how do you let 150 students know that there is no THRIVE?

Leave it up to text messages, emails, and small group leaders... and with much success - the word got out and the evening was ok...

OH GOOD - It works... connecting I mean... it's amazing how well word can spread.

Here is the cool part - students have an amazing ability to network and communicate... and so does God... he wants us to communicate, network, develop relationships - they are important to him.

So enjoy the snow... stay warm and stay in touch!

We'll see you next week!

I'm a sinner too!

Ok, 

incase you didn't know ... which you probably did... I'm a sinner too!

there now it's out in the open. At least I got that off my chest.

I said I was going to blog more... but I haven't.

You see I had some complications... some very unexpected complications.

There was this thing that hit me from out of nowhere it was called CHRISTMAS.

I didn't see it coming and well... I didn't blog during the Christmas holiday.

"well Christmas has been over for a few weeks now"... you say...

I know... then the most unexpected thing in the world happened - 

MY MAC CRASHED!

These things aren't supposed to do that... and it took me a good bit of time to format the HD and then reinstall all my programs and get to the point where things are running normal again.

Even though it crashed I still would rather have my mac than a PC.

So why do I tell you all of this... 

Well it's a new year and I though we'd start off the new year getting the air clean.

So when the unexpected comes your way this year - just remember we have a God that is ready to reformat the HD and start all over... a clean slate for you and for me, and the cool thing is we don't have to wait for a CRASH or the start of a new year, we can start over clean everyday.

Now that doesn't mean there won't be some complications and problems - cause I know that wiping my HD clean has caused me some heartache, but I got a CLEAN HD to start with.

So here is what I'm doing this new year.... I'm starting clean today... God wipe my HD clean and let me know you more.

Scott