A Blast From The Past

We've got a little something special for this week's blog in honor of this past Sunday's Class of 2008 service. Many of you probably saw some dashing and distinguished young pictures from the staff during the first worship service. After many hours of grueling soul-searching we've (actually, that would be me) decided to post these pictures and a few comments for your edification and encouragement during this extremely hot month of June.

So, without further ado...

Our fearless and intrepid leader!

The craziest topspin this side of the Mississippi.


37 years and still going strong!


Napoleon D.?


Take two and call me in the morning...Ode Boyka!


I'm totally unashamed of the mullet and my shorts.


Ms. A. Poe


Tall, Dutch and Handsome


Nothing can stop my devastating bicycle kick.

I love my Andrea Bocelli ringtone.

Without me, staff lunches descend into total confusion.

His post-trib leanings and full NCSU allegiance give B the whole package.

Handling The “Grand Floridians” Of LIFE

Matt Rice
Church Plant Pastor

We recently went to Disney World ……with kids (Mollie and Andrew only), my brother-in-laws family, and Grammy and Papaw. What an experience. Notice I did not say vacation. We stayed at the Double Tree which accommodated our family – all 11 of us perfectly.

One day while out in the Magic Kingdom, we stopped by the Grand Floridian Resort. This place was pretty incredible. They have their own lake, they have pools with sand on the bottom, and incredible views of the Magic Kingdom only a ferry ride away. The “opportunities” at the Grand Floridian were limitless (or they seemed) and posh.

In life some of the best opportunities can be the worst distractions. In Nehemiah 6, Nehemiah was rebuilding the temple wall to restore worship in the city of Jerusalem. When those opposed to this task heard of his work they invited him to Ono, the “Grand Floridian” of the Day located on the Fertile Crescent. They did so to distract him from the task he was called of God to do.

Nehemiah was focused on his calling and task. He responded in verse 3 with one of the greatest statements, “I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.” Maybe in life you have had better opportunities come your way and can easily justify them with reasoning such as, “Its more money; It’s a bigger house; It will be better for the kids; It makes me happier.”

I want to encourage you to be focused on what God has called you to do (Micah 6:8) so that when the “Grand Floridians” come your way you are able to boldly and confidently say, “I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.”