Nags Head Church - 2011 from Nags Head Church on Vimeo.
Posts
Love Song: Where Are They Now?
3 years ago
Showing posts with label Your Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Your Stories. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Larry's Faith Story
Here's the full version of the clip that was shown on Sunday.
Larry - Full Interview from Nags Head Church on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Teaching Christian Stewardship to Your Kids
Recently two different young men, both fathers of young children, commented to me about my children. My kids are now all adults, married, and doing well, for which I thank God and their mother! These two men were noticing things about my children and the people they’ve become.
No family is perfect. All of us have our flaws. But as I reflected on their observations about my children and how they were reared, I thought about some of the values that we instilled in them. With so much emphasis today in the news being on debt, both personal and national, it behooves us as parents to do all we can by word and example to help our children not only appreciate money, but how to handle it.
When Nathan was twelve or so he was taken to the bank to open a savings account. He had begun to cut grass, and we knew that if he was going to keep from going through his earnings buying baseball cards, he needed some guidance. So, first he was taught that ten percent of his earnings were to be given back to God. That would leave him with 90%, and of that one half needed to be put into his savings account.
A couple of years later when his account had a balance of $1000, I took him to the bank to withdraw it. By now, he had purchased his own lawn mower and with a donated and rebuilt trailer and help from his parents with transportation, his business had branched out significantly. But, the miniscule interest rate he was earning in a passbook savings account wasn’t enough.
We set out to teach him something about being a good steward, sort of like Jesus parable on the talents in Matthew 25. Two of the servants wisely invested what their master had given them, saw their investments reap dividends and were rewarded. One, however, afraid to take a risk with his master’s money, foolishly buried it in the ground. As a result, what he had was taken away and given to the other servants. On top of that he was punished. Investing is for the future and Jesus gave it His implicit approval.
On his behalf I had done some shopping for CD rates at the local banks and found that a different bank than where he had his savings account offered the best rate. So, one day we drove to the bank and he withdrew $1000…cash money. I wanted him to hold $1000 of his own money in his hands for the 5 minutes it took to drive to the other bank. His eyes got big; especially when he began to think what he could do with that thousand. But he didn’t spend a penny of it. He invested it in certificates of deposit, with a substantially higher interest rate.
A year later, when it came time for the CDs to mature, we went back to the bank and once again he withdrew the $1000 plus interest, and after talking to the financial advisor at the bank, put his money into mutual funds. Fortunately for him, this was in the late 90’s and some of his funds were earning 20% interest and better!
He continued to put earnings into these accounts with the discipline he had been taught. And by the time he graduated from high school and set out to college his funds totaled more than $20,000! That’s a lot of dinero from cutting grass for an 18 year old. By the way, along the way he had purchased his own truck, a new, larger trailer, a riding mower, weed eater, blower…all the tools needed to grow his business…a business he continued through college.
The money he had earned, saved and invested, along with scholarships paid for his college expenses.
Our girls followed suit. They didn’t go into business for themselves, but both found summer employment early on in high school, and with their savings bought their own cars when they were ready to drive. Gail and I did not buy them. In fact, I remember teaching Rachel how to change the oil in her first car so she could save money.
What were some of the lessons they learned?
• If I want it I need to work for it. We believe a good, honest work ethic is both Christian and American. There were no entitlements in our house.
• When I purchase something with my hard earned money I’ll take better care of it. Ask Nathan sometime about learning the importance of having oil in your lawn mower engine.
• Do a little bit more than I’m expected to do by my boss or customers. Good service might result in greater reward. Bad service will result in loss.
• Everything I have is God’s. But I honor Him with a tithe.
• If I save and wisely invest, God’s money in my hands can grow and be useful in my future. You work hard for your money. Let some of it work for you.
• The more I have, the more I can give to God. That’s not hard to figure out, and should be motivation enough for the Christian to be a good steward.
Like most everyone else, I am naturally concerned about the direction of our economic system. Unless our society as a whole, not just our government, but our citizenry learns those same lessons, we’re sunk. We have recently witnessed in the UK what happens when a generation has not learned to work, save and invest, but instead depends on the government to meet its needs. A culture believing they are entitled to be cared for by others is in so many ways contrary to a Christian work ethic.
I believe that for the most part, how to handle money is passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, as parents we need to take the time to teach our children that money is not evil. Living for money is the cause of all kinds of evil. But at the same time, living without money because of wasteful spending or no plan for saving for emergencies or the future is being a poor manager of the master’s resources. Teach them to give generously to God. And let them see you practicing what you preach.
No family is perfect. All of us have our flaws. But as I reflected on their observations about my children and how they were reared, I thought about some of the values that we instilled in them. With so much emphasis today in the news being on debt, both personal and national, it behooves us as parents to do all we can by word and example to help our children not only appreciate money, but how to handle it.
When Nathan was twelve or so he was taken to the bank to open a savings account. He had begun to cut grass, and we knew that if he was going to keep from going through his earnings buying baseball cards, he needed some guidance. So, first he was taught that ten percent of his earnings were to be given back to God. That would leave him with 90%, and of that one half needed to be put into his savings account.
A couple of years later when his account had a balance of $1000, I took him to the bank to withdraw it. By now, he had purchased his own lawn mower and with a donated and rebuilt trailer and help from his parents with transportation, his business had branched out significantly. But, the miniscule interest rate he was earning in a passbook savings account wasn’t enough.
We set out to teach him something about being a good steward, sort of like Jesus parable on the talents in Matthew 25. Two of the servants wisely invested what their master had given them, saw their investments reap dividends and were rewarded. One, however, afraid to take a risk with his master’s money, foolishly buried it in the ground. As a result, what he had was taken away and given to the other servants. On top of that he was punished. Investing is for the future and Jesus gave it His implicit approval.
On his behalf I had done some shopping for CD rates at the local banks and found that a different bank than where he had his savings account offered the best rate. So, one day we drove to the bank and he withdrew $1000…cash money. I wanted him to hold $1000 of his own money in his hands for the 5 minutes it took to drive to the other bank. His eyes got big; especially when he began to think what he could do with that thousand. But he didn’t spend a penny of it. He invested it in certificates of deposit, with a substantially higher interest rate.
A year later, when it came time for the CDs to mature, we went back to the bank and once again he withdrew the $1000 plus interest, and after talking to the financial advisor at the bank, put his money into mutual funds. Fortunately for him, this was in the late 90’s and some of his funds were earning 20% interest and better!
He continued to put earnings into these accounts with the discipline he had been taught. And by the time he graduated from high school and set out to college his funds totaled more than $20,000! That’s a lot of dinero from cutting grass for an 18 year old. By the way, along the way he had purchased his own truck, a new, larger trailer, a riding mower, weed eater, blower…all the tools needed to grow his business…a business he continued through college.
The money he had earned, saved and invested, along with scholarships paid for his college expenses.
Our girls followed suit. They didn’t go into business for themselves, but both found summer employment early on in high school, and with their savings bought their own cars when they were ready to drive. Gail and I did not buy them. In fact, I remember teaching Rachel how to change the oil in her first car so she could save money.
What were some of the lessons they learned?
• If I want it I need to work for it. We believe a good, honest work ethic is both Christian and American. There were no entitlements in our house.
• When I purchase something with my hard earned money I’ll take better care of it. Ask Nathan sometime about learning the importance of having oil in your lawn mower engine.
• Do a little bit more than I’m expected to do by my boss or customers. Good service might result in greater reward. Bad service will result in loss.
• Everything I have is God’s. But I honor Him with a tithe.
• If I save and wisely invest, God’s money in my hands can grow and be useful in my future. You work hard for your money. Let some of it work for you.
• The more I have, the more I can give to God. That’s not hard to figure out, and should be motivation enough for the Christian to be a good steward.
Like most everyone else, I am naturally concerned about the direction of our economic system. Unless our society as a whole, not just our government, but our citizenry learns those same lessons, we’re sunk. We have recently witnessed in the UK what happens when a generation has not learned to work, save and invest, but instead depends on the government to meet its needs. A culture believing they are entitled to be cared for by others is in so many ways contrary to a Christian work ethic.
I believe that for the most part, how to handle money is passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, as parents we need to take the time to teach our children that money is not evil. Living for money is the cause of all kinds of evil. But at the same time, living without money because of wasteful spending or no plan for saving for emergencies or the future is being a poor manager of the master’s resources. Teach them to give generously to God. And let them see you practicing what you preach.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Proverbs Project
If you took the challenge and read through the book of Proverbs with a chapter a day in January, tell us about it.
- What are some things you learned?
- How did it impact your life?
- Would you do it again?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Your "Room @ the Inn" story
This week we're hosting local homeless folks at NHC, providing them a warm, safe place to sleep and 3 meals a day. We're helping "the least of these" in a sense.
If you're involved, whether providing a meal or spending a night, you'll likely have a story to tell about how God used this experience to grow and shape you into being more like Christ.
So, please, take a few moments and share that story with the rest of us by clicking "Comment".
God is at work!
If you're involved, whether providing a meal or spending a night, you'll likely have a story to tell about how God used this experience to grow and shape you into being more like Christ.
So, please, take a few moments and share that story with the rest of us by clicking "Comment".
God is at work!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 40! Share your story.
If you began the 40 Days on that Sunday so loooong ago, today is day 40.
Take a moment to share with the rest of us what God taught you about Himself, yourself and others when it comes to love.
Take a moment to share with the rest of us what God taught you about Himself, yourself and others when it comes to love.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Catch up on Paul and Brenda Lawler
Here's a great article in Virginia Living magazine that tells the story of friends and former NHCers Paul and Brenda Lawler and their Faith Farm. Great read!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Juan and Pam Johnson's story in today's Pilot
Juan and Pam and their six adopted children moved away from us last year. They were an integral and special part of our church and are missed by all of us who knew them.
Today they get to tell their story (see two posts below about telling your story) to hundreds of thousands - maybe more via the internet - in the Virginian-Pilot. And it was placed front page above the fold!
Here's the link to the story. You will find it a bit unnerving. Remember that this is the writer's interpretation of their story. To read their story as they tell it, read their blog, which is linked on the right of this page.
Today they get to tell their story (see two posts below about telling your story) to hundreds of thousands - maybe more via the internet - in the Virginian-Pilot. And it was placed front page above the fold!
Here's the link to the story. You will find it a bit unnerving. Remember that this is the writer's interpretation of their story. To read their story as they tell it, read their blog, which is linked on the right of this page.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Advent Conspiracy Stories
This is the place to share your stories of how you're involvement in Advent Conspiracy is changing the world!
If you are participating in the conspiracy, please let others know by leaving a comment here. Come back often to share your stories and read about what God is doing in the lives of others!
Also, visit the Advent Conspiracy Resource Page to download some excellent resources (like the one below) to help you begin this Christmas with worship!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Scott's Story and Baptism
Sunday I took a few minutes to share my brother Scott's story. So far one NHC partner has told me that she related to what I shared. But it might be better if you heard it from Scott.
If you are not sure that you have been reborn, why not make sure?
If you are not sure that you have been reborn, why not make sure?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Trunk or Treat Feedback
Trunk or Treat is a "bridging event" we do at NHC to build relationships with our community. TOT targets children and their families and over 700 family groups crossed this year's bridge.
If you served at Trunk or Treat what are some of your thoughts on the impact it made on our community, our church and on you?
If you served at Trunk or Treat what are some of your thoughts on the impact it made on our community, our church and on you?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Seth & Jeanna's Story
If you missed October's F1RST Wednesday, you missed hearing Seth & Jeanna share a powerful story about finances and family. Check it out, and don't miss the coming "It's A New Day" financial seminar!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Vacation
Taking time off is something I know I need to do, but struggle finding the time to do it. Seems there's never a good time. And when I get some time away it usually takes me about 3 days to start relaxing.
Last year I was invited to a reunion to be held in Lynchburg, VA with a lot of people I went to college with 35 or so years ago. It's amazing that we all remember we were here.
So, I'm in the 'burg. Staying at my brother and sister-in-laws for a couple nights until the shindig starts Thursday. 200 something are converging for a four day spread of reliving the thrilling days of yesteryear. I probably know at least half of them.
Back in the early to mid '70's we were all working together learning how to do youth ministry. Many continue in youth ministry and some in other forms of pastoring, etc., but most have found careers in other areas while still volunteering in their churches.
It will be a lot of fun, with a lot of laughs. Some tears as we remember our friends who have passed since our college days. Christ will no doubt be central to the entire affair, which means I'll come home challenged by the stories I hear from those who serve Him around the world.
And the best part about it is that I get to see the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!
What's the best part about your Sabbaths?
Rick
Last year I was invited to a reunion to be held in Lynchburg, VA with a lot of people I went to college with 35 or so years ago. It's amazing that we all remember we were here.
So, I'm in the 'burg. Staying at my brother and sister-in-laws for a couple nights until the shindig starts Thursday. 200 something are converging for a four day spread of reliving the thrilling days of yesteryear. I probably know at least half of them.
Back in the early to mid '70's we were all working together learning how to do youth ministry. Many continue in youth ministry and some in other forms of pastoring, etc., but most have found careers in other areas while still volunteering in their churches.
It will be a lot of fun, with a lot of laughs. Some tears as we remember our friends who have passed since our college days. Christ will no doubt be central to the entire affair, which means I'll come home challenged by the stories I hear from those who serve Him around the world.
And the best part about it is that I get to see the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!
What's the best part about your Sabbaths?
Rick
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Being a Compassion sponsor - Jay and Alicia
Alicia and I have been Compassion International sponsors for eight years. We started by sponsoring a young girl named Gracie from Tanzania and have enjoyed every bit of it. The experience is so much more personable than I expected. Through Gracie's letters and pictures, we have come to genuinely love her and her family, and we pray for her as if she were our own.
Compassion facilitates the relationship with efficiency and excellence. As an organization, Compassion does a great job. They have truly earned our respect and trust. The logistical aspects of being a sponsor have been simple and headache-free. Financially it's very inexpensive. Yet, it's so significant for Gracie
Being a Compassion sponsor has also helped us as we try to teach our daughter to think globally. It gives a more tangible example for her as she learns about other cultures. We've all learned a little Swahili in the process.
Asante,
Jay and Alicia
Compassion facilitates the relationship with efficiency and excellence. As an organization, Compassion does a great job. They have truly earned our respect and trust. The logistical aspects of being a sponsor have been simple and headache-free. Financially it's very inexpensive. Yet, it's so significant for Gracie
Being a Compassion sponsor has also helped us as we try to teach our daughter to think globally. It gives a more tangible example for her as she learns about other cultures. We've all learned a little Swahili in the process.
Asante,
Jay and Alicia
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Preaching your own funeral
What? Isn't that a bit morbid? Not for a Christian!
I encourage you to watch this video. It's the testimony of Coach Kay Yow, women's basketball coach at NC State. She died a couple of weeks ago of breast cancer. But before she died she had this video made of her sharing her faith story. It's very powerful.
Now, why couldn't you do the same? None of us knows when the Lord will call us home. But with today's technology we could all record our testimony just as Kay has done to be shared with those who gather to remember us.
If you would like to do this, let us know at info@nagsheadchurch.org. We'll make a quality video and put it on a DVD so you can speak God's love and grace after you're gone.
(After Coach Yow's testimony the videos continue with a news story and the video of her funeral.)
I encourage you to watch this video. It's the testimony of Coach Kay Yow, women's basketball coach at NC State. She died a couple of weeks ago of breast cancer. But before she died she had this video made of her sharing her faith story. It's very powerful.
Now, why couldn't you do the same? None of us knows when the Lord will call us home. But with today's technology we could all record our testimony just as Kay has done to be shared with those who gather to remember us.
If you would like to do this, let us know at info@nagsheadchurch.org. We'll make a quality video and put it on a DVD so you can speak God's love and grace after you're gone.
(After Coach Yow's testimony the videos continue with a news story and the video of her funeral.)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
News stories!
Today's Outer Banks Sentinel has a fantastic front page story on the Johnson family. Their blog is linked to the right. Their mission is inspiring!
And in Raleigh, on ABC channel 11 this report aired. It's the 4th that anchor/reporter Barbara Gibbs has done on Tricia, Gwyneth and Nathan.
And in Raleigh, on ABC channel 11 this report aired. It's the 4th that anchor/reporter Barbara Gibbs has done on Tricia, Gwyneth and Nathan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
