Andy Outloud

New Series...

2009-01-17T14:57:00.005-05:00

We are starting a new series at Seacoast James Island Student Ministries. It is called "What Goes Around". It's all about Karma vs. Grace.

Do you find yourself viewing God as a God who works in the business of karma? Do you think, "God, if you will give me _____, then I'll do _____ better." or "God, you will never let me ______, because I have ________ in my past!"

Sometimes as Christians we think God rewards only those who are worthy of the reward, and punishes only those who are deserving of punishment. But we forget about GRACE!

"From the fullness of his grace, we have all recieved one blessing after another, for the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:16-17 NIV)

Come learn with us. See how God is a god of grace and mercy, and is always in the business of grace over karma.

Seacoast James Island (Check it out)

I am terrible...

2009-01-17T14:55:00.002-05:00

I keep up with people via email, text messaging, twitter, and follow others blogs...

But I can't seem to consistently keep MY blog up to date!

I don't know why!

Oh well, here is another attempt at starting to blog again.

AG

Chapped lips

2008-10-27T22:36:00.002-04:00

Today is a turning point in the year. it is the first day that I have chapped lips! That's right... I have cold, crusty, skin flaky lips. They hurt. And that makes me excited for the winter and the holidays. That's right chapped lips makes me excited about Christmas... I know, random... but it does.

I am enjoying blogging again... I don't know if anyone still reads my blogs since I took like a three month Hyades from it. But I will write anyway, even if I am talking to a virtual wall. Speaking to a wall... where did that phrase come from... I know what it implies, but really... do you think someone has actually talked to a wall? I've talked to a dog before, but that at least looked at me when I spoke. It was at least coherent that I was there... A wall... man, some people must get bored. Kinda like I am right now... most of you are probably saying that about me... "Man he is random and must be extremely bored..."

Actually I just got back from helping a buddy move and it is 10 something in the evening and I missed my evening time with Miranda which makes me extremely unhappy and most likely cranky in the morning. She is my fix. My evenings with her watching Chuck and Heroes, or Ghost Hunters re-runes are the best times. She is so beautiful. Anyway, I gotta get up at like 5:30 in the morning for work so I'll let you go.

Oh by the way... what have you done for God's kingdom today?

AG

Humility

2008-10-26T15:17:00.002-04:00

Did you know that the disciple John (who wrote the book of John) never mentioned himself directly in his book. The name "John" does appear 20 times in the book, but is never used to mention the author. It is also believed that the disciple John was very close to Jesus. This meaning even closer than other disciples. He was probably only 17 -19 years old when he started following Jesus. Maybe Jesus clung to him because of his youth. Maybe because he knew that John would be able to care for his mother after his death and ascension. Maybe he was close to John because he just clicked with him. Regardless of why they were so close, the question remains, why did John never mention himself in his Gospel writing?

Many Christians find that they go through certain stages in there lives with Jesus. One stage I know I went through and sometimes still flirt with, is forgetting why I do and love ministry. You see, John saw the bigger picture. His gospel wouldn't be remembered for who he (John) was. It would be the starting point for many Christians biblical reading because of who Jesus was and is.

As people living in and of this world we live with tremendous pride. But one stage of regeneration through Christ MUST BE HUMILITY! We will not be remembered for who we are as people, but who we influence for eternity through JESUS!

We as Christians MUST remind ourselves to be disciples of John's awesome humility. One thing I pray often before I go into a ministry situation is that it wouldn't bring me glory, but would bring Him glory.

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

Pride to Humility.

AG

My Pending Promotion

2008-10-21T16:41:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago we saw a video at Seacoast Church called "Cardboard Testimonies". The idea is not new. You basically get people from your church to hold up cardboard boxes with writing on them. One side says what they came from, and the other says what God has transformed them into. We had things in our video like "drug addicted gang banger"/"Spirit filled small group leader", or "Raped, ashamed, depressed"/"Loved, Adored, Happy". The video really caught me off guard. I have a burden on my heart to see dramatic life change like this, and to be used by God to help these transformations occur, but sometimes when I see things like it, it simply breaks me. To have a calling into ministry is not simply something that would be "cool", or a "fun job". It seriously is a burden!

When I was called into ministry in 2005, I didn't really tell many people my plans... mainly due to the fact that I didn't know how God was going to do it. I have a family of four and a youth pastors salary to say the least is... nothing to brag about. But I reserved in my heart that he would provide when the time is right. I am in the military and will not get out until July 2011 so I knew I had a little while for God to work out the details. When I did tell people what I was doing I got responses like "how are you going to survive financially?" or "Are you sure that is what God wants you to do? You won't make any money". And those responses were from CHRISTIANS, so you can imagine what I got from non-Christians.

What I am getting at is the fact that I get very frustrated and I actually doubt myself because of these reactions I get from people. I know in my heart that God will provide, and I don't really care about wealth as long as my family is taken care of.

One of the cardboard testimonies in this video was one that said "Wealthy CEO" on the front and "Promoted to Youth Pastor" on the back. When I saw that I lost it. Right in the middle of service I began to cry like a little baby. To see that attitude in another person is really reassuring. You see, I don't see leaving the military as a demotion in pay or benefits, I see it as a promotion to what God intended me to do.

In three years I get my promotion, from working on multi million dollar defensive avionics systems on the C-17 aircraft, to a Youth Pastor. I can't wait!

AG

Andy's New Look

2008-08-02T19:32:00.007-04:00

Well, it is official. My son got glasses.

We noticed about 4 months ago that he was covering up one eye while looking at things. We didn't think much about it, but then about two months ago it became more consistent. Then over the past month... it was every time he watched TV and whenever he specifically looked at something. We asked him why he was covering an eye and he replied "So I can see it better." Simple answer, simple conclusion. Miranda made an eye appointment and the doc said he has 20/100 vision.

Previous to this event, I never looked down on people who wore glasses. They are normal people and I never looked at them differently. This was different. I must admit, at first, I was like "Not my son! He is perfect! How dare the doc say there is something wrong with him!". **Again, if you wear glasses, don't take this personal** It took me a couple days to come to grips with the idea that he needed glasses. As a father, I just assume that my son will be better/healthier than I. It is natural. I guess these things make us re-evaluate that concept. We picked up his glasses on Friday and he loves wearing them. He says he can see a lot better now. We have tested it and he really can see better. Without his glasses he can't tell how many fingers we hold up at about 10 feet away. With them on, he gets it right every time.

Above all, he is absolutely adorable with them. I love him so much!

The Blood

2008-07-24T09:43:00.004-04:00

Have you ever felt like you have been climbing a hill for a long time and can finally see the peak right in front of you? The past six months have been so refreshing for my family. We have gone through a lot, but most has been so good! God has blessed me with so much (My newborn daughter, and buying the new house is probably the coolest). I still feel like I am climbing, but seeing God bless your life right in front of your face is so amazing! Most of the time it is easy to see God looking back at your life past, and hard to see him in the present and future. Not now... this season in my life I can actually say I can clearly see His hand at work in my past, present, and future!

With that said, yesterday I saw how quickly that could be altered. Miranda and I were on our way down to James Island to give blood at our church. We did not have the kids with us. We were at the intersection of I-526 and Highway 17. Turning left onto 17 we had a red light. It turned green and I hit the gas. The car next to us honked his horn (I assume to get my attention) and as I looked to my left, a car barrelled through the red light from my left running the red light at about 50 MPH. I hit my brake just in time to have him zoom right past the front of my car. If it weren't for that guy to my left honking, I would have been T-Boned... and I don't think it would have felt to good. Kind of ironic that I was going to give blood, and had a near death (or at least a near "bad accident") experience.

The bible teaches that it is the blood of Christ that gives us life and redeems us:

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:18, 19)

"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Heb 9:14)

Pastor Joey made the announcement on Sunday asking us to give blood this week. He said something that made me look up and pay attention (that is big for a guy with A.D.D.). He said something like this... 'If we call ourselves Christians, then giving blood is one of the most practical way to show the love of Christ since it was the giving of His blood that saved us!' Me giving blood yesterday may not have led someone directly to Christ, but just maybe it saved someones life and gave them more time on this earth to hear and experience Jesus... and maybe that person will later give their life to Jesus.

Two things I want you to get out of this post: First, it is because of the shedding of Jesus' blood that we can call ourselves Christians. Second, if you are a Christian... I think you should feel obligated to give blood, since it was His blood that saved you.

If you would like to give blood, South Carolina is in great need right now. Please visit the American Red Cross website and sign up today at a local blood drive. Just as Pastor Joey said on Sunday... Most of you will simply say "Yeah, I am going to do that!" and then never do it. If you said while reading this that you are going to do that. Do me and the person your blood might save a favor, STOP what your doing right now and go to the website and find out how to give blood right now. Do not wait. They need your blood. Thanks!

In His Blood,

AG

OK... OK... OK...

2008-07-14T10:21:00.002-04:00

It has been brought to my attention... (Thanks Cyndi and Cathy) that people actually do read my blog. I have been a slacker in recent months and have been rightfully scolded (Thanks again Cyndi). Please check back often as I will be blogging more regularly from now on!

AG

I Am Prejudice!

2008-06-12T09:31:00.001-04:00

Got your attention yet?

OK... it's 10:00 a.m. Sunday June 8th 2008. I have just arrived at Seacoast James Island, SC (My Church). We are starting the ONE Prayer series. Jesus says in John 17:20-24, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."" Wow! I know a lot of Christians that need to hear this message. You know the ones that criticize other churches for being to edgy with worship. Or the ones that if you wear flip-flops to church your going to hell. The ones that say if you speak to a member of the opposite sex, your sinning! We all have meet the overbearing, self-righteous Christians that think they are the only "true" Christians in the world. How dare they! We all need to be one... they should accept the fact that not all that don't see everything the way they see it are going to hell.

Ok, you might be asking yourself how the title of this message fits the words of this message. Hold on, here it comes. It is 11:45 p.m. Sunday June 8th 2008 and I am leaving the service feeling good. Feeling that the pastor let those holier than though Christians a spiritual beating! That message was for them, not me! Right?

Fast forward to yesterday. We were enrolling our 3 yr old on K-3 Kindergarten at an unnamed Baptist church. In walks what looks like the Pastor and his wife. The man in his late 60's has a neat but obvious comb-over and a suit (it's 100 degrees outside). His wife is wearing a pee green shoulder puffed ankle dress (again, IT'S 100 DEGREES!!!!) I think to myself, "pshhhh.... these people probably think me with my flip flops and torn jeans is a sinner bound for hell. They probably look at my wife's shorts and deem them to short for a Christian. They probably think we are bad parents to our two children."

IN FLIES THE BRICK WALL... **SLAM** God slaps me over the face and says "shoulda had a V8!" I was thinking and acting like those that I was pointing fingers at on Sunday. I was thinking down on them with no evidence just because of the way they dressed! God taught me this week that it isn't just the puffy shouldered ankle dress ladies, and old comb over men that are looking down on other Christians... I do it to! Hey if really weird dresses and comb-overs work for you... see you in heaven!

Next time you leave a church service pointing your hearts finger at someone else... stop and analyze your own life.... maybe you should be pointing your finger at yourself... I know I should have!

AG

Multimedia message

2008-05-26T16:28:00.001-04:00

My new nephew Ian. Good work Scott.

Multimedia message

2008-05-22T11:00:00.001-04:00

Still under a dollar on base.

Multimedia message

2008-05-15T18:53:00.001-04:00

Hanging out at Chick-Fil-A.

On The Road Again... Just Can't Wait To NOT Be On The Road Again!

2008-05-12T08:49:00.004-04:00

Just left my beautiful wife. On the road until tomorrow. Miss ya babe.

Sleeping Beauty

2008-05-10T18:02:00.001-04:00

She sleeps so beautifully!

Long Awaited "MOVE" Update

2008-05-08T11:06:00.002-04:00

Well, this isn't the post that reveals exactly where and when we are going to move, but it is an update. I received a phone call yesterday from my career field manager. He informed me that he knows I want to stay in Charleston, but it looks as if the only place he can move me is Cannon AFB, NM. While I don't have a problem with New Mexico, I would love to stay here. He then told me that I can apply for a "no cost/low cost" move. That is, I get the approval of the squadron commander here at the C-17 maintenance squadron to take me on in his unit. It would save the Air Force money, which they desperately need... so they say. He did say that if I were to get the approval of the commander here, it would most likely get approved. Good news? sure... but please pray that all the details work out. I can see how God is opening up HUGE doors for me here in Charleston, and possibly moving me into a position where I could be hired by an incredible ministry once I get out of the Air Force in 2011. Please pray that GOD's WILL would unfold, and that we would know God's calling on our lives as to which direction we should pursue. Like my wife always says, "God's will, in God's timing, never lacks God's supply". Please pray!

AG

Multimedia message

2008-04-30T19:02:00.001-04:00

On the road this week. Here i am at a movie by myself... How boring. I miss my boy and my two beautiful ladies.

A Walk With My Son

2008-04-26T07:53:00.004-04:00

The other night I took little Andy (my almost three year old son) on a walk. Just me and him. As we were walking and holding hands he said "Dad, I needed to go on a walk so we could talk.". I said, "OK, what do we need to talk about?". He said, "Jesus". "Jesus?" I asked. "Yes, Jesus is my friend and He helps me.". I was pretty impressed! I said "That is right! Did you learn that at church?". "Yes" he said "I like church". I then asked "What should we talk about now buddy?". He said "We need to talk about Mommy's Jesus". "Mommy's Jesus?" I asked. "Yes, Mommy's Jesus". "Who is Mommy's Jesus?" I questioned. "Mommy's Jesus is God!" He exclaimed. "Wow!" I said, "you have grasped an elementary knowledge of the Trinity on your own!" I said as a proud father. :) We have no clue where he learned the idea that Jesus is God, but he picked it up somewhere! I love it! The church we attend does do object lessons even for the toddler class, so maybe it was there. Anyway, I better be cautious as to what I say around him, because he is learning!

On a lighter note... he said "Freakin' Eh" the other day, which I say a lot. :-( Oooopppsss.... It was VERY funny though!

PASTOR Jeremiah also taught him how to shake his booty. HAHAHA!!!

AG

Big Brother

2008-04-21T19:09:00.002-04:00

Well, all the family has left. We are officially on our own as a family of four. Andy loves holding Ainsley and being a big brother. He does really good. More pics to come.

Spiritually Desensitized

2008-04-14T07:28:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at church we had a baptism during the time of decision (that's the time after the message, before you leave). What was cool was a ton of people decided to get baptised during the service and just went out and did it. The message was all about decisions. How we as Christians have to make decisions all the time. Some need earnest prayer, others you simply need to know your bible to know what God's decision is, some decisions aren't the ones that make since, others are not the popular decision. but they all are God's will. He gave everyone the opportunity to respond in their own way, and some chose to get baptised. So, at first I was like "Cool, people gettin' dunk for Jesus... I've seen this a thousand times... no biggie!". So when they started worship, they began to feed the video from the baptism (which was outside) to the big screen that had the words to the worship songs on it. You could see live what was happening outside the building as the people in the building worshiped and prayed to God. That is when the power of what was happening really hit me. I almost felt guilty because I think that I sometimes become numb to the idea of other people making decisions for Christ. I get excited about sports, and vacation, and video games, and even work/school, but when was the last time I actually got jacked up emotionally for someone giving their life to Jesus, or being baptised to show the world your faith is in Christ. I watched as those people got dunked and almost began to weep. I asked God to never let me get to the point where this doesn't affect me emotionally. I asked God to never let me get desensitized to what He (God, Jesus) is doing in the world around me. That is a scary place, when the distractions of this world out way your excitement for what God is doing right in front of your freakin' face!

"God, never let me get to that point again. Forgive me for letting myself ever get there in the first place. Let every decision for Christ, baptism, testimony, life change, spiritual decision, always bring overwhelming joy to my heart. If there is celebration in heaven when one person decides to follow Jesus, then there should be celebration in my heart. I ask you again to forgive me for ever getting there, and never let me be desensitized to your hand at work in my world ever again! I love you Jesus. Amen"

AG

Seattle Sounders FC

2008-04-09T08:35:00.004-04:00

I am so pumped! Earlier this year, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced plans to start a new franchise in Seattle Washington. As most of you know, I am a Seattle sports fan... Mariners, Sonics, Seahawks, etc. But most of all, I am a soccer fan. So the fact that a MLS team is coming to call Seattle home, pumps me up. On Monday they announced that their name will be the Seattle Sounders FC (FC = Football Club). For you uninformed Americans... Football is the original soccer game. America just stole the name and used it for gridiron football. Miranda and I have an opportunity to get stationed in Tacoma WA come this summer, which is a twin city to Seattle. If we get orders there I told Miranda that I am getting season tickets. They are playing at Qwest Field (home of the Seahawks) which is a beautiful stadium. For more info on the Seattle Sounders, click here.

Army Wives

2008-04-03T20:08:00.002-04:00

So I got a chance to be a movie star today. My buddy was an extra in the filming of "Army Wives" (TV series on Lifetime), and he asked if I'd like to come along today. I said sure! It was really cool actually. We checked in, went through wardrobe, make-up, briefings, and then started to shoot! My character was an Army Airborne Ranger. Kind of ironic seeing how I am in the Air Force! :) It was really weird wearing an Army uniform. I filmed for about 5 hours and made about $100. The episode will air as the second episode of the upcoming second season. it starts in June 2008 on Lifetime. If you are wanting to look for me, I am in the formation of soldiers outside the headquarters building as some chick is giving a speech on safety. Also, I am directly behind the lady when she is spilling the news that she is pregnant to her boss. I am reading a file on the porch of that scene. Anyway, a lot of fun, and I got paid! The really cool thing is they told me that they want me to come back Tuesday night for some more filming. They took head shots of me and had me fill out a casting application. They told me that I fit the type of person that they really need for extras. Kinda corny, but I liked it... and I get paid like 16 bucks an hour. I could use a little extra cash! Anyway, I am going to take my cell phone on Tuesday and Mobile Blog so you all can see this movie star in action! Watch out John Travolta! Step aside Mike Meyers! Andy Gill is in da house!

Vandalism For Chirst!

2008-03-30T21:31:00.004-04:00

Today we went to a rockin' church service that reminded me of how badly I want find and grow people into the body of Christ. The Pastor spoke about Luke chapter 5. The story of the men who lowered the paralyzed man down through the roof where Jesus was speaking. He taught that the men could have easily said that the house was to crowded and that Jesus was inaccessible for them and their paralyzed friend. But, they climbed to the roof and ripped the flippin' tiles off the roof to get him into Jesus' presence! Gotta love vandalism for Christ! So, next time you are in a situation and the door is shut in your face, don't think "Well, God has shut the door... it must not be his will." Rather, climb to the roof and rip a whole in the ceiling before you say it isn't God's will!

AG

Future Look?

2008-03-25T23:37:00.003-04:00

I am trying to think of what I want to do with my hair after I get out of the Air Force. I came upon this and wanted to know what you all think! Please comment!

AG

Jenna is here!

2008-03-25T22:59:00.002-04:00

Jenna (sister-in-law) is here! She flew in tonight from Spokane, WA. She will be here for two weeks! Very excited she made it ok!

Random Photos From My Phone

2008-03-25T12:19:00.002-04:00

^^^Ainsley^^^

^^^Ainsley and Andy^^^

^^^Andy^^^

^^^Ainsley^^^

^^^Andy^^^

^^^ANDY^^^

Random Pics

2008-03-24T23:18:00.002-04:00

OK, the last few posts have been me transferring my pics from my phone to the blog so I can save them on my hard drive. Until I got this Mobile Blogging thing up and running, I never had the ability to get the photos off my phone and onto my hard drive, so that is why you see pics of Andy when he was an infant. Very old pics. Now my phone has enough room to actually take a photo! Anyway, just wanted to explain all of that. Enjoy!

AG

Random Photos From My Phone

2008-03-24T22:09:00.002-04:00

Random Photos From My Phone

2008-03-24T21:22:00.002-04:00

Random Photos From My Phone

2008-03-24T21:16:00.002-04:00

Random Photos From My Phone

2008-03-24T21:05:00.002-04:00

Multimedia message

2008-03-24T16:56:00.001-04:00

I now have entered the world of mobile blogging! I can blog from my cell phone! So, now you can see and read about what is going on in my life. The pic above was taken from my cell phone while at my office in Goose Creek! As you can tell, I was very busy working! Anyway, much more to come!

A Heart Melting, Jaw Dropping, Wrapped Around My Pinkie Moment!

2008-03-22T07:51:00.002-04:00

OK, so first of many, but last night I had my first "you could get anything you want in the world right now" moments with my daughter, Ainsley. I was holding her in the kitchen on my shoulder. She is very fragile and weak since she was born so small. So, she hasn't really done much of picking her head up and looking around yet. But something caught her eye this time. It was my eyes. She just started to stare in my eyes. She was looking so deeply and attentively into my eyes that I just freakin' melted right there. I swear, anything, if she could have talked, she would have had it right then and there. I would have bought her the world. Seriously, I love my son, but this is going to be bad, people. I am a sucker for a good puppy dog face, and when it comes to my daughter it is going to be even worse! She literally stared into my eyes for an entire minute, only to stop because her neck muscles needed a rest on my shoulder.

OK, there is the set-up

Here is the application

Isn't that how God feels about us? When we actually get up enough spiritual muscle to lift our heads and actually stare into the face of God for a while. He probably is there waiting anxiously for us to be strong enough to forget everyone and everything around us for just a minute and PAY ATTENTION TO HIM! I bet he just melts! Most of us don't get that spiritual neck muscle too often, do we. We are so distracted by things around us, even ministry and church, that we rarely pause enough to look up and make it about HIM and not about US! We are often spiritual newborns walking in a spiritual adult world. So, try this day to pause and get enough strength to look into your Daddy's eyes for a few moments. He may just give you the world. At the least you WILL make His heart melt.

AG

More pictures!

2008-03-20T18:55:00.005-04:00

Presenting!!!!

2008-03-19T21:08:00.004-04:00

Ainsley Marie Eden Gill

Born: March 18th, 2008 at 3:42 p.m.

Weight: 6 lbs. 0 oz.

Height: 19 inches

She has a debatable hair color. My mom swears it is more red... I say more strawberry blond... but like all newborns, we will have to wait to see the final color. It does definitely have red in it though. She is absolutely beautiful! Very tiny. We thought Andy was small at 6 lbs. 14 oz., but 6 lbs even is really little, for full term. After we resolved the issue in the previous post (and yes, one nurse had an unpleasant beginning of her shift, but I got my way), the experience was excellent. The nurses and doctors were great! A few highlights from the two days:

- We got there at 9 a.m. yesterday and had a baby at 3:42 p.m.

- Miranda got an epidural, but it only numbed the right side of her body.

- They were about to reset the epidural to get it to work completely when the nurse checked Miranda... the next thing we heard was "Wow! There is the head... you are going to have a baby like right now!" The nurse pushed me out of the way, and yelled through the call system " I will take Doctor Chandler and that cart NOW!". Within 20 seconds the bed was broken down and she was pushing... without any medicine on the left side of her body. She did awesome!

- Miranda's first words after Ainsley came out were "Hi, baby! That Was Freakin' Ow!". The nurse laughed and said that that was classic!

- She only pushed for 7 minutes and she was born.

- My mom got to be here for the birthing experience! She was awesome!

- Two of the best people in the world watched Little Andy from Monday night until Tuesday evening. Thanks Pastor Jeremiah and Cyndi!

- We had a block party in our room Tuesday night. Thanks to all 13 people who came to see her! We had a blast! And thanks for my gift Bill! Yes, Bill thought about me too! :)

- We kicked everyone out when Andy got there so he could have his moment meeting his little sister. He did great! He loves his baby sister. He told me "Daddy, you be gentle with my baby sister!" hehehe!

- My wife is awesome!

- My daughter is beautiful!

- My son is incredible!

- My mommy is a life saver!

- My friends are the best in the world!

- We are home tonight (Wednesday)!

- God has tremendously blessed me beyond what I deserve! Thank you Jesus for a beautiful miracle!

What is another two hours, we have waited 9 months!

2008-03-18T06:44:00.004-04:00

OK, so most of you know Miranda went into Labor like a week and a half ago, but it stalled half way through and they sent her home. Well, last Friday we went in for a check-up and they said enough is enough, you are being induced on Tuesday morning! Cool right? Well, they told us to report into the hospital at 6 a.m. on Tuesday (today). So, my mom drove down last night from Richmond, VA. We dropped little Andy off at Pastor Jeremiah and Cyndi's apartment last night to sleep over. And we woke up at 4:45 a.m. to get ready. We were about to walk out the door at 5:30 a.m. and we got a call from the hospital saying that they did not have a bed open!!!!!!!!!! I am soooo mad! They told us to call back at 8:00 to SEE if they had an open room. Maybe it is because we were spoiled in Washington state when we had Andy two years ago, but the labor and delivery process down here sucks! It has been the most unorganized mess I have ever seen! OK, I am just venting, but seriously... if I call back in an hour and they still say they do not have room for us, some nurse is not going to have a very pleasant start to her 7 o'clock shift. Just pray things go smoother than they already haven't. :)

Everyday Life

2008-03-13T15:13:00.004-04:00

When your walking through life, you never know what or who God will lead you to. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings or you will never know what God could have done through your everyday happenings.

Who are you!?!?!?

2008-03-12T10:11:00.003-04:00

OK, I know I have slacked off in the past month with no blogging, but I just got pumped to start blogging regularly again! Why you ask? Simple, I have had 462 visitors in the past 30 days! Wow! I have a few return visitors from Indiana. I really want to know who you are. So Indiana represent! I am sure you have some connection with Pastor Jeremiah, but I don't know you! And if your not from Indiana, I still want to know who you are. So stop simply reading this blog and hit the freaking comment button below and tell me who you are and where your from! Come on... you know you want to! Everyone is doing it! **Just a little peer pressure**

Wow... life is crazy!

2008-03-11T09:01:00.004-04:00

So, I could go into a long explanation as to why I haven't blogged in... a while. But, it's a long story and let's just say at the end of the story, I realize how awesome God really is, and how he works His will out perfectly in our lives. Miranda and I have had a crazy few weeks that culminated with almost having a baby last week.

Miranda went into labor last Wednesday and was in labor for hours. At around 2 a.m. on Thursday morning she stopped. That's right, stopped. She had dilated all the way to 5 cm and was 80% effaced. Then at 2, Ainsley just said... "I ain't comin' out!"

Long story short, they had no choice (so they say) but to discharge Miranda and send her home until labor contractions start back up. Sheesh... it's almost been a week, and no baby girl. I am dying to see her!

On another note, how awesome are our friends here. I feel closer to them now then I ever have. You all know who you are! I am serious! They have got to be the coolest peeps on the planet. God is bringing us closer and closer each day. It truly saddens me that we only have a few months left here.

I am pumped for my family to come down to see Ainsley's dedication next months. We are going to have a packed house! I love my family! And my in-laws are the best. I hear people talk so badly about their in-laws, and I can't! They are actually cool! Imagine that!

Speaking of Ainsley's dedication! I found out that this is Pastor Jeremiah's first baby dedication! How cool! It is going to be so awesome! Intimate, but awesome! Thanks Pastor J!

AG

Complacency and Boredom

2008-02-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

How many times have I seen a less than one year old baby christian slowly fall/crawl/run back to his/her old lifestyle? Too many times. I feel like beating my head in when they do this... it seems like such a waste of time and commitment by them. What is it that makes it so hard for new Christians to stay with thier commitment and grow past that infantile stage?

I say it is avoiding, no, fighting the urge to give in to spiritual complacency and boredom. My son is 2 and LOVES "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", but in a few months Mickey will be a thing of the past. Now he can't wait to wake up and watch it. Even though the episodes are all the same and he has seen every one, he still wakes up with that overwelming desire to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. This will end soon. We have all seen it as Christians too... a new Christian is so excited and desires God's presence in their life so much that they can't help but reflect Christ in their lives! Then the "spiritual high" (not to coin an overused phrase) dissipates, and their christian life becomes something of the past. I wish they could all avoid this spiritual hump and hang on to what God has for them, but they don't. I naturally want to blame myself for this occurance. Maybe if I was just a little more involved in their life, or maybe if I pushed a little more when I saw it beginning to happen. Then God reminds me that it is always their choice. We can influence other Christians all we want, but ultimately every person has to make their own decision and no one can be blamed or credited for that choice but the person who made it.

Keep that commitment as important today as it was the first day we made it. After all, God hasn't changed since that day....WE have. I want to be as furvently in love with Christ everyday as I was when I first commited my life to him.

This Ticked Me Off!

2008-02-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

Please click here to read a story that really made me mad... No offense to anyone from California... but I can not stand them! Tell me what you think.

AG

It's Definitely a Girl!

2008-01-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

Well, we went back to the doctor today to get an ultrasound and they said it is definitely a girl! They were only 99% sure last time. This time it is definitive! Here are some pics from today's ultrasound! (Click to enlarge)

Always Looking Downstream

2008-01-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

Why do we always look to the future to bring us comfort? Why do we look at the next segment in life to bring us joy? Why do we say 'When this happens, then God will use/bless me.'? Why do we feel that we will have financial freedom once that next paycheck comes in, or when tax season comes. But it seems like once that time, or money, or segment in life comes, that we are still looking downstream. Still looking to the future for total fulfillment.

I think God would want us; no me, to look at the now for fulfilment and joy. Look at today for God to use us. God will worry about what is downstream in life. Who are you? The one looking to the next best thing, or are you listening to God for what He has for you now?

Just something I was thinking about this morning. I want to be in the NOW, and let God handle my future.

Look! The Moon!

2008-01-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

So, I know I am late in posting this, but in my defense I have not sat down since returning from Ski Retreat on Saturday evening. Let me tell you, we have the best students in the world at Coastal. I had the privilege of driving the Middle School van and leading the Middle School cabin for the four days we were in Gatlinburgh, TN. It was a blast! Here are a few of my most memorable moments:

- The personal encounter time in the morning and evening. Loved seeing the students getting into the Word of God and CONNECTING with Him.

- Seeing Jeremiah wipe out at the END of the slope. Still haven't figured out how he fell. He just kind of tipped over. :)

- Myself falling over more when I was in the line for the lift than when going down the hill.

- Seeing the Claudes!

- Mastering (Ok, maybe not mastering) the Bear's Run, and Castle slopes.

- Connecting with some of the High Schoolers that I hadn't really gotten to know. Mainly Dillon, and Jamie.

- Hanging out with the middle schoolers until Midnight every night.

- Getting to know Donna more. Cool volunteer!

- Getting to talk to my wife and son at home in the evenings. :) I missed them!

- Certain things that people had thrown into the trees on their way up the ski lifts... None of our students did this... it was just interesting to see what other people had thrown off the ski lifts. I'll leave it at that.

- How well behaved our students where. I have been on a lot of youth events and this one ranks up with the best. Hardly any issues of discipline were necessary.

- I am glade Cameron S. was able to ski the second day. He was sick the first day.

- Walking around Gatlinburgh Friday evening.

- The excellent meals the the Beams coked for us!

- The entire middle school van singing Gwen Stefani at the top of there lungs at 10:30 p.m. on our way back to the cabin.

- Whitney thinking that lights on a hill were stars, and a Burger King sign was the moon. I will never again look at a BK sign the same. Thanks Whitney.

Well, those are just some memories of ski retreat. I can't wait until Summer Retreat! Comment back with your most memorable moments!

AG

Connect - Ski Retreat 2008

2008-01-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

So, tomorrow I leave with WAVES student ministry to go to Tennessee for our annual ski retreat. Hear are a few thoughts before I leave:

1. This is my first ski retreat with WAVES, and I am hoping that there isn't any initiation... trust me I have served at many youth ministry's and they do this sort of thing to newbies.

2. I am really jacked about one of the games we are playing. We will get it on camera and Ill post it on here.

3. I am leading the middle school cabin... please pray for me... really!

4. Along the same subject... Sunday night at youth group I reminded all middle schoolers to bring deodorant, and also reminded them they actually have to wear it.

5. I have only been skiing once in my life about 11 years ago, and snowboarded once about 4 years ago. Also pray I come back with no broken limbs.

6. While we are talking about praying... please pray that our encounter time (Thursday and Friday night services) goes well, and God challenges the kids.

7. We are calling it Connect with an iPod theme. And yes, the rumors are true... we will be giving away a few iPod Shuffles.

8. Jeremiah doesn't often get mentioned enough... He really has worked hard on this retreat and I know God is going to use him mightily on this trip. He truly has a heart for God and these kids.

9. In my cabin I also have Matt and Kathy Beam, and Donna (I don't know her last name) as cabin staff. They are really awesome people to take time out of their schedules to help out with this trip. Donna is our medically trained person... hopefully we won't need to use those skills of hers. Kathy is cooking... for everyone! GOD BLESS HER!!!

10. I really am looking forward to this trip and what God is going to do. But, I really will miss my wife Miranda, Little Andy, and baby Ainsley. I was on the road last week for business, this week for the trip, and next week I'll be on the road for business again. My wife really does an awesome job with the house and kids and I don't nearly thank her enough. You are awesome babe, and I thank God for putting you in my path of life.

Well, that's it for now! I'll post when I get back!

On the Road Again

2008-01-08T23:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a couple of months since I have been on the road for work. I left today for a three day business trip to Augusta, GA and Macon, GA. I feel almost guilty at times when I am packing up my bags to go. I feel guilty because I look forward to the hotel hot tubs, free breakfasts, occasional social golf match, and well... the total lack of responsibility in the evenings... not to mention total domination of the TV remote. Then I receive a phone call from Miranda (My gorgeous wife) telling me of something funny or cute my son did or said, and I am right back there holding him and her in my arms. I love those two... wait three... sorry Ainsley (My unborn daughter). Wow! I gotta get use to that.

Anyway, Clinton won the New Hampshire Primary... I am not an Obama fan, but come one Barack! Look, I am not anti-Clinton... I just really do not believe in her policies. I come from a background that I think people should receive what they have earned. I couldn't afford to go to College and my grades didn't earn me a scholarship, so I looked at alternate sources of money and educational funding... the military! There are so many people that have figured out out welfare system to be a ticket to free handouts and an excuse to be unemployed. Some people in our country don't go out and seek employment because they get more free handouts from the Government by NOT working! Now she wants to go to this universal health care system a.k.a. Hillary-care, that is going to do one thing... make health providers less motivated to treat with quality because they get no more incentive to do so. I am not a political genius, but that is my take on it. If you think I have it wrong please inform me.

I saw "I Am Legend" today. Good flick, not the way I wanted it to end, but good flick. Also, did anyone else notice that they never showed his family dying in the helicopter... did they actually die? Also, in the movie, the viral outbreak happened in 2009, well I noticed a billboard in the background of the movie that was an advertisement for a Batman/Superman movie. It was the Superman symbol on top of the Batman symbol and underneath it had a 2009 release date. A little foreshadowing maybe? That would be cool. Speaking of Batman, there is another one coming out! And it had The Joker in it. The preview actually didn't spark my interest believe it or not. Anyway, I am out! Comment please! I like to know what my readers think.

AG

The Candidate of Your Heart

2008-01-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

The race for the white house is on. No, this is not going to be a politically spun blog entry. Sorry to disappoint! I did happen to watch a little of both debates last night, and on both sides of the table, Republican and Democrat, it struck me that they all seemed to want to help and fight for our nation’s freedom and prosperity. Seriously, no matter how Democrat or how Republican, how left or how right a candidate is, I think everyone can say that they are trying to stand up for what they believe to be the best direction for our country. They go out and spend millions and millions of dollars of campaign money for commercials, public speeches, research on the other candidates, poster, billboards, radio spots, and anything that gets their name out in the public’s eye. They basically sacrifice an entire year of their lives to try and make it on the ballot in November. Most of them if asked would say they would do anything for the American people. Above all of their sacrifices and dedication, there has been only one man to campaign for an entire world. Jesus spent a good thirty some years on earth. He spent about three of those years campaigning, if you would, for the hearts of every man, woman, political leader, high priest, lowly servant, the rich, the poor, the healthy, the diseases, the churched, and the un-churched. Despite all the hype of what each candidate could do for you and this country. Jesus laid down his life, not for your vote, but for your heart.

He already won the election. Will you accept his nomination in your heart?

AG

2007 Year In Review

2008-01-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

Here are my top things that happened to me in 2007:

1. IT'S A GIRL!!!! That's right. Miranda and I are having our little princess in March 2008. her name will be Ainsley Marie Eden Gill. Ainsley is Scottish and it means "from the meadow". I am already very protective of her and want to do anything for her.

2. I transferred to Liberty University Distance Learning Program. I will graduate around the summer of 2010 with a Bachelors degree in religion.

3. One of the coolest things was where God brought Miranda and I to. At the beginning of the year, we both would have said that we wanted to finish a career in the Air Force and then go into full time ministry. I had a desire to go into full time ministry before getting out, but I told myself I wouldn't do it if Miranda wasn't on board 100%. I simply told God that if this is what you want for my life that He would have to change Miranda's desires. Long story short, it looks as if we will be getting out in 2010 and pursuing full time ministry as a pastor. Wow! It is an awesome story, but it's late and I don't have the time to tell it in it's entirety.

4. We went on a Caribbean Cruise! 7 days, Carnival Cruise Lines, Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and the Bahamas! Amazing.

5. I got to spend about 6 months living in the same town as my sister and brother in law. With him in the Navy and me in the Air Force, that is next to impossible. It really was awesome to have her close by for a little. Their son Gabe and our son Andy got to know each other a lot more. Now the Navy is taking them to New York. Love you guys!

Well, that is at least the top 5 things that happened to me in 2007! I am sure 2008 will be even better! After all, my baby girl is coming this year!

AG

12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-24T17:19:00.001-05:00

I am not a big "Choir" guy... but this was pretty good. Merry Christmas!!

AG

A Soldier’s Silent Night

2007-12-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

I heard this on the radio today. I am sure many of you have heard it. Please listen as it Really tells a good story. Click the link below to here the audio.

Click Here -----> "A Soldier's Silent Night"

Thanks for listening.

AG

Anticipation

2007-12-22T20:52:00.000-05:00

Christmas is a season of anticipation. We anticipate food, family, cheerful times, lights, decorations, and MOST importantly… presents! As a child I can remember having my stomach in knots for weeks anticipating the big day. Actually that "kid" anticipation never left. I think everyone remembers in elementary school making the Christmas countdown paper chains. Every day for a month before Christmas you'd rip off one paper chain link until you ran out and then the anticipation was over, and it was Christmas! Those were the days... when we had time to make a stupid paper Christmas chain. Now a days, I anticipate the look on my son's and wife's face when they open their gifts.

I am sure there was a ton of anticipation the night of Jesus’ birth as well. I’d imagine Joseph was afraid of being the earthly father of the Son of God. Imagine that! "Hey, your fiance is pregnant... and by the way... He is the living Son of God... No pressure Joe!" I am sure that Mary was anticipating, well, labor! I can only imagine the anticipation in heaven at the idea of the Savior of the world being born. But, I bet not many were anticipating what that sweet infant child was truly put on earth to do, to die for our sins on the cross. The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus wept and was in so much anguish over the anticipation of what he was about to go through that scholars say He sweat blood. He was the perfect God-Man, but He still anticipated the pain that He was sent to bare for our sins.

In this season of anticipation, let’s pause and remember what Christ ultimately was born to do, to die and rise to life for our sins. Without that sacrifice, we would have nothing to anticipate.

AG

I Elf'ed My Family!

2007-12-20T00:17:00.000-05:00

Hey, I just made a total elf of myself. Check it out by clicking the link below.
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1592851792

This is hilarious! Especially Little Andy! Enjoy!

Monsters in the Closet

2007-12-13T10:05:00.000-05:00

My son loves the movie Monsters Inc. He literally will watch it every evening before he goes to bed. He yells "MONSTERS, MONSTERS!". He isn't yelling in fear, but in anticipation for the movie. For those of you who do not know the movie, please crawl out from the rock you are hiding under and get with times! No, seriously it is about an alternate dimension that exists on the other side of children's bedroom closet doors. At night, the monsters come in through the closet door and scare kids to capture there screams in little bottles that supply power to the Monster world. Cute concept right? Well, they make it surprisingly cute and not scary. But for a two year old I think there are certain parts that scare them. Not enough for Little Andy to NOT want to watch it, because he constantly wants to watch it.

Lately though, Andy has been having night terrors. he will awake from a dead sleep and scream bloody murder. I started thinking of what could be scaring him that much. I asked him one night (Andy is 2, but he is surprisingly articulate and carries on conversations very well with adults), and he said he was scared of the monsters. I never taught him what a monster was, so he had to get this from the movie.

He loves the movie, yet at night he realizes the reality (or childhood reality) of what a monster really is. It is something ugly, scary, evil, and down right wrong! While he watches the movie he couldn't imagine doing anything else because it is soooo fun! But at afterward, at night, he realizes that he wished he never introduced this evil movie into his mind!

**Side Note: If you are thinking I am making a statement about Monsters Inc. being an evil movie, please try again. Stay tuned for my punchline.**

A lot like sin isn't it. During the act of sin we couldn't imagine doing anything else, but after we commit the sin, we wish we never strolled down that evil path of human nature. Regret is almost inevitable after sin. Just like the movie, it seems fun for a while, but is a scary reality afterwards. It is our sinful nature.

Listen to what Paul (One of the most influential writers of the New Testament) had to say about HIMSELF! Pay close attention to the final statement in verse 25!

Romans 7 : 14 -18 / We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7 : 21 - 25a / So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

It is not a profound spiritual statement that I am making here, but it is the basis of what being a Christian really means. We are totally reliant on Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross, just as Paul was! It is simply nice to remind ourselves of that central truth from time to time. My son happened to remind me. :)

Signature Riffs

2007-12-11T18:52:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I like to re-post a blog that I read that really spoke to me. Pastor Furtick hit the nail on the head when he blogged this: Click here

Every Christian should have his or her own Riff. What truth about God/Jesus inspires you to be a Christian. What one life lesson do you want to empress on other Christians.

My Christian Riff: Mine would have to be that as Christians, our lives should reflect our decision to follow Christ. Others should be able to see who Jesus is by how we live, not just by what we say. If I ever looked at my own life, and could not see Christ... I'd reevaluate my priorities.

1-1-1 Challenge

2007-12-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago, Pastor Chris challenged the church to pray for one person for one minute at one o'clock every day for the month of December. Now, I have ADD so this seemed to be a daunting task. I set my cell phone alarm to ring every day at 1:00 p.m. and that way I wouldn't forget. I started praying for my co-worker Joe and his family of 6. They are not saved at all. Joe's wife was raised Catholic and he was raised half of his childhood in a catholic church and half of his childhood on an Indian reservation. I have witnessed to him before but was at the point in our working relationship that if I pushed the issue, it would drive him away. He has come to me in the past asking for advise about his son who is searching for what to believe (he is only 16). I decided to do the 1-1-1 challenge with him and his family since I can see them searching. I have been doing it daily for two weeks now.

The other day during a conversation at work about how I was going to pay him back for a lunch he bought me, he simply said... Just pray for me, that can be your pay back. Think about it. The person I have been praying for for two weeks in this challenge actually came to me and asked me to pray for him. He didn't want me to pray for him right then and there, he meant it like just pray for him in general. I simply responded by saying... "I can do that, actually I already do that." I do not know where this is going, but I am going to ask him to come to the Christmas Eve service. Who knows what God has in store for them.

It is times like this, that make me realize the importance of what we learn and do through Coastal Community Church. the Holy Spirit is truly guiding our congregation, and I can not wait to hear all of the things God is doing through this 1-1-1 challenge. If you have a report about your 1-1-1 challenge, please post a comment below about what God is doing!

AG

Combat Descent a.k.a. My Life

2007-12-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been just minding your own business in life, and things are going well, and then God challenges you to step it up a notch and it seems like your life takes a nosedive for flat broke and disaster after disaster. I once had a flight on a C-17 (Air Force cargo aircraft) and they were doing a combat descent. Imagine flying at 35,000 feet in the air and then dropping to 10,000 feet in a matter of seconds. I felt like I was a kid in a zero gravity chamber at space camp. Then I felt like I was a kid after a carnival ride puking up cotton candy and deep fried Twinkies. Yes, it is true I puked everywhere.

The last few weeks have reminded me of that experience. Life had been great, and God was at work. He challenged us to step it up a little and we obeyed. Since then, My computer got a Virus, the Ethernet card went bad, my network router broke, the monitor stopped working, my car broke down, my trucks headlight went out, and oh yea, this all happened during the Christmas shopping season! :) One might be quick to lash out in anger towards God at this but I am actually in a twisted way, excited about it. I know God is going to bless us in His timing. What exactly that blessing is, I do not know. I am not even saying that it will be in the form of money. I just know God is good, and he does provide.

My free XBox 360 Elite

2007-12-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

Ok, I need your help people! I know this Youth Pastor that showed me how to get a free XBox 360. All I had to do is create an account and get people to log on under my account and try a free trial of any of the sponsors on my page. I need 9 people to try a 30 day offer and I will get my free XBox. Click on this link and you will automatically be directed to my account. Once there find the Stamps.com (that is the easiest one to do) advertisement and click on try a free trial. You get $5.00 of free postage that you can print directly onto an envelope from your computer. Once you download the software and install it just print some free postage and you have done all you need to do to help me out. **It will ask for your credit card info, but this will not be billed. At the end of the free 30-day trial, just log on to the stamps.com account you created and cancel the account. You pay nothing! And I get a free XBox. i will be surprised if any of my readers would do this for me, but it is worth a try. Comment if you can help!

Picking The Perfect Tree

2007-11-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

Andy is two years old. We thought that this was the year that we should start his Christmas traditions. Today we made a trip to the tree farm. We brought a saw, and wondered out into the field. Andy was funny because he simply kept going to the tree's that were barely taller than he is and saying... "I like this one daddy!" I almost suggested to Miranda that we get him a little one to put in his room, but I didn't. After searching for about 30 minutes, we found "The Tree". It was an eight foot tree before we cut it, so after it was cut it was perfect for our ceiling. We brought it home and spent the evening decorating it with Christmas music in the background. we topped the evening off with Miranda reading Andy the original Christmas story.

It is very important for kids to be able to have fun with the Santa Clause idea, but also to know what it truly is all about. It isn't about presents, lights, or even the Church Christmas Cantata! It is about our Savior. My son will know that Jesus is the real reason we have Christmas, but Santa is something that we pretend with to have fun. And even though we will tell him that Santa is pretend from the beginning, he will still think he hears reindeer on the roof, and a "Hohoho!" on Christmas Eve. That is what kids do, they imagine! They don't need our help pretending. We only confuse them when we try!

And now I know I'll get a comment (or at least someone will think it) that says "You don't know! Your kid is only two! What do you know about raising kids!" If you are thinking that... you are old, and need to get over it.

AG

**By the way, my computer is fixed, so I can Blog!!!! please comment if you missed me!**

Life Update

2007-11-10T21:56:00.001-05:00

So, here is what is up with me lately

- Chris (little Chris) told me that I never blog anymore... atleast I know someone reads this.
- Coastal life is awesome! We go to two services on January 6th.
- God is guiding Miranda and I through a time of trusting in his guidance. Sometimes that is REALLY scary!
- We are at Pastor Jeremiah and Cyndi's apartment.
- I am speaking tomorrow night at youth group. Very excited! It has been since May that I spoke to them.
- I am reading through the prophet books of the old testament. Right now Joel.
- I really want to be in full time ministry. God will provide.
- Halo 3 is awsome!
- I am getting fat... gotta lose weight.
- We ate tostados at Jeremiah's. MMMmmm...
- OH YEAH!!! WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!!! WAHOO!!!
- Her name is going to be Ainsley Marie Eden Gill (probably).
- She is going to be soooo spoiled.
- I love my church
- I love God
- I'm tired. Good night.

AG

VIRUS!

2007-11-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know I have dropped off the face of the blogging planet, but I have a reason! My computer got a Trojan Horse! Basically it is out of commission until my buddy can fix it. Apparently it can take some time to do so. So, in the meantime I can only check and update my blog on my neighbors computer. Thanks Erica. Anyway, I can't stay over here for a long period of time occupying her computer so I promise I will get back to posting when my compter gets better. Hopefully soon! Anyway, talk to you all later!

AG

Worldy Sorry vs. Godly Sorry

2007-10-25T11:57:00.001-04:00

Why is it that our culture has retarded the word repentance. We have all been guilty of it. "Jesus, I REPENT of my sins, I'm sorry I (fill in the blank). Please forgive me." WHY ARE YOU BEGGING GOD TO FORGIVE YOU!?!?!?! He already has! Now, before you get all upset, I am not saying we don't need to ask for repentance of our sins, but what exactly is repentance? What does God's Word tell us about the word repentance? What does the language of Jesus say about the word repentance.

The Hebrew word for repent ( התחרט ) is to be sorry, regretful for one's actions, but also to return, turn back, or restore oneself to a place of holiness. It is a verb; an action requiring you to actually change something. The Hebrew for repentance ( חרטה ) is an actual returning, or retirement, or withdrawal from something. The Greek word for repentance (μετανιώνω or metaniono) means changing one's mind of something already done. A change is involved in all of these definitions. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,..." (Acts 3:19) Did you catch the "and turn to God" part? Hey, I didn't say it... the Holy Spirit said it.

Have you ever known those people that say "I know (blank) is a sin, but God forgives sin, so it is OK to do it.". I want to smack that person in the forehead. The Bible says in 1 John 2: 3 - 6, "We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." Maybe they should actually live by his commands. That is true repentance. God is not an enabler of wicked ways, he is a transformer. He doesn't allow us to live the way we want to freely, He convicts us to live the way Jesus did.

Jeremiah 5:3, "O LORD, do not your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." Some of us get hit over the head by God and still refuse to repent (change). Ever had to hit rock bottom before you changed your ways? Are you on your way to rock bottom now?

"For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10) This is Miranda's new favorite verse. God says that there is such a thing as a worldly "sorry". It is the one that keeps leading to death. Instead, the sorrow that is according to the will of God is a sorrow that leads to repentance (which we know means "a change").

So, for the Christian that is stuck in their ways of saying sorry to God, maybe try asking Him for strength to actually CHANGE instead of saying sorry. For the Christian that says on Friday morning ' God will forgive me for what I will do tonight' THINK AGAIN! For the Christian that feels like they are heading for rock bottom, maybe try truly repenting before you feel the full wrath of God. And for the Christian that says sorry but has no passion behind the idea of changing... are they really sorry? Maybe not. Remember that God judges the heart and not the mouth. Listen to this,"If you love me you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15).

The Spirit of Joy!

2007-10-16T14:40:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just wanted to say that I am having more and more fun at Coastal Community Church every Sunday. This morning I woke up ubber excited! Yes, I just said "ubber". I was jacked for service today. I don't know what it is, I just was excited. I think it might have to do with the new SiMPLE CHURCH series that we are doing, but whatever it is, it seems to be not just me that is pumped. I just sense a spirit of joy in the church lately. That we are coming to realize the true implications of what we do and why we do it.

And man! What a week of visitors and return visitors. We had a ton of new people and a ton of people come back for a second time! I couldn't keep up with all the new people I saw this morning. January 6th could not come soon enough. Going to two services is exciting but let's not forget why we are doing it. It isn't so we can come at 11:15 and get a few more minutes of sleep. It is to promote growth! Like Pastor Chris is always saying... "Who are you praying for? Who are you inviting? Who are you bringing?" I always am asking myself that question. I can't wait until right after we go to two services and we quickly realize that that is not enough. I can't wait until our biggest problem is fitting all the people into the building that we are inviting... and then seeing their lives dramatically change because of Christ! That is what it is all about... LIFE! and experiencing LIFE together!

Well, I have to calm myself down and go study. Man it is good to be in Christ!

Becoming a Man

2007-10-14T15:59:00.001-04:00

As my son Andy gets older (he is now almost 2 and a half) I see him becoming a man. I know what your thinking... How can he already be learning the concepts of manhood? Well, the answer is... It is in our Godly nature. Most of the time, I have to give him direction, give him guidance, or simply order him to do something. But, every once in a while he will surprise me. I walked into the living room the other day and saw that he had attempted to clean the room. He lined all of his toys up against the wall in an unorthodox, unorganized manner that would make only his father proud. It was his decision to get up and do something on his own accord that pleased me, not the overall success of his actions.

This reminds me of the second missionary journey of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Paul decided on his own that he would go from Antioch to the previous cities evangelized by his previous mission. After he visited those cities, he longed to go to Asia and eventually Ephesus. The Holy Spirit directed him NOT to go into Asia but gave him no more direction. He chose to go north on his own judgment, and eventually was lead by the spirit to Troas and evangelized modern day Greece. He eventually (years later) made his way to Ephesus and stayed there in ministry for some thirteen years.

You may ask, what do these two subjects have in common. Well, sometimes as Christians we have our own spiritual, and personal goals. God also has a plan and sometimes seems to disrupt our goals. On the other hand, we as Christians need to grow in faith and make decisions on our future spiritual and personal goals on our own sometimes. God wants us to use our surroundings (That he determines most of the time) to make an informed decision on movement. Like my son, we must at some point start stepping out in spiritual knowledge and moving toward our and God's goals for our life without the constant demand for prophetic guidance. Sometime people say... we are waiting on God to tell us what to do, when all they really are doing is delaying the action due to lack of faith in their own decision making.

It is time that Christians stop acting like babies and make some decisions. I am not saying rush the Lord, but i am saying do not doubt yourself in stepping out in faith toward your ultimate goal of furthering the kingdom. Whether that means going into ministry, or simply talking to your co-worker about Jesus. It is your turn... stand up and do something.

AG

Sign in!

2007-10-13T10:12:00.000-04:00

I want to know what you think of my Blogspot as a whole. I love reading comments on specific blog entries, but want also to hear from you on why you keep reading my page. Please feel free to sign in by clicking the "Post a Comment" link below and entering your name, how you found my blog, and why you keep reading. Feel free to speak your mind. That is what I do. Thanks and look forward to hearing from you!

AG

Steven Furtick Said This...

2007-10-12T18:08:00.000-04:00

This is the Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. I frequent his blog and love how knowledgable he is on the things of God. Here is a blog that I absolutely loved from the other day. I want to make it clear that these are NOT my words. It is linked and posted on my blog from Pastor Steve's blog. If you want to read more of his blog, click here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don’t put Jesus first
October 11th, 2007

The worst thing you can do as a Christian is to try and put Jesus first in your life. I know it sounds good, and Lord knows, I’ve said it plenty:Put Jesus first, your family second, your job third…But it’s a flawed paradigm.
Jesus doesn’t want to be first on your list. He doesn’t need your shout out.He’s not content to be first in your life.He insists on being the center of your life.
Putting Jesus first in my life means I kind of segregate Him from my other priorities.Making Him the center of my life means I integrate Him into every priority.
It’s not Jesus, then my family, then my job…It’s Jesus: in my family, in my job…
It’s not Jesus, then anything…It’s Jesus in everything!

He doesn't need your thanks, He deserves it.

2007-10-11T18:06:00.000-04:00

A good friend of mine was telling me yesterday that he finds it unbelievable that he can go to Iraq, carry a gun, see unspeakable things, do unspeakable things, and all for the freedom of so many people back home. He told me how he went over and slept in makeshift bunks, which were constantly being shelled with mortar rounds. He said he had to fight an enemy so evil that it was their goal to kill him and eventually kill his family back home. The enemy wanted nothing more than to destroy everything that was good in his life.

After he came home to the U.S. he had no patience for bill collectors yelling at him about a water bill that was a little late. He didn't have patients for people getting upset at him or not respecting him. Not that he wanted the affirmation, but that he at least wanted some sort of respect for who he was and what he did for them. He didn't go to the other side of the planet, sleep in ditches, get beaten up by the harsh conditions, endure sleepless nights, and suffer for people who can't even acknowledge what he did for their freedom.

Remind you of another story? You know, it floors me how people don't realize who and what Jesus did for them. he went through His own war with his own enemy to fight for our freedom. He was beaten, stabbed, whipped, and mocked by his enemy. He felt pain, rejection, sin, abandonment, and even tasted death before he rose again. And all for the gift of freedom. But still people purposefully reject him, and even unwittingly slap Him in His face by not acknowledging what He did for them. It is a free gift for us, just need to accept it.

Have you truly thanked him lately? He doesn't need your thanks... He deserves and desires it.

I am sorry!

2007-10-10T00:20:00.000-04:00

To all three of me reading audience... I have had family in town and been hitting the books hard this week, as well as keeping up with work and church, so I have not had a chance to blog lately. I am working on a few blogs for later this week though. One named "Benchwarmers" and another on what Gos is teaching me through studying the book of Acts. So, please keep checking back as I will be getting back to regularley blogging a few times a week.

AG

D.C. United win!

2007-09-30T09:48:00.000-04:00

My dad and I were witnesses of DC United literally embarrassing the Canadians last night. They beat Toronto FC 4 -1. They were actually losing 1 - 0 at half time and then in 18 minutes in the second half they scored 4 goals. SEE THEM HERE. It was a great time. My dad and I use to go to games all the time when I was living at home. We were trying to estimate how many games we had gone to, and our estimates were over 100. WOW! On the way up we shared stories of crazy things that we had seen and experienced in the years past. It was a great time for me and my dad to just be the guys again. And what a game! WOW!

I am traveling back to Charleston today. We came up for the weekend on leave, and it was a great experience! What a week. We had great Sunday services last weekend, and then I had a great week at work, got baptized on Tuesday night with some friends, got to see my parents and family, and went to a great soccer (FUTBOL) game. Well, I am going to eat a home cooked breakfast that my mommy cooked for me. Peace out.

AG

Why I Did It Again

2007-09-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

The bible is clear that water baptism is an outward expression of our inner faith that we already have. Meaning, baptism by water is not necessary for salvation. It also is clear that Jesus instructs us to be baptized by water after you come into faith in Jesus Christ. For this reason, I was baptized again this past Tuesday. I was first baptized when I was around 6 or 7. I believe that I was a Christian, but I cannot remember it. I have a vague memory of the event, but I doubt I truly knew the meaning and importance of the event. About four years ago, I rededicated my life to Christ, and truly starting living the Christ like life. For this reason I decided to die to my old life publicly, and resurface as a new creation in Christ outside of water. I had the privalige of being baptized by my really good friend and Youth Pastor at Coastal Community Church, Jeremiah. It was an awesome evening. My wife, Justin (my friend), and Justin's finance Sarah were all baptized as well.

Cameron forgot to press record on the video camera for my baptism, so I actually got baptized twice! :) Thanks Cameron! Really, Cameron is awesome. He comes every Tuesday to watch all the kids in our group. Great guy. We had an audience for the baptism as well. These two college age guys were watching curiously the whole time. Pastor Chris went over afterwards and talked with them. They said that it was cool, because they had never experienced something like that in person. He told them about the church and who knows... maybe they will come.

I am so happy and exciting to see what God is doing in my life, my family's lives, and my church. Seeing the hand of God move in our midst is sooo awesome. I love it! I get a little excited about this stuff. Wouldn't it be awesome to see 562 people baptized in one afternoon? It happened at Newspring on September 9th. READ ABOUT IT HERE It can happen at Coastal. Just continue to be Jesus, and allow God to use you and we can see change to this size. I truly believe it. Love you all.

AG

Halo 3

2007-09-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

The greatest gaming leap in the history of modern videogaming has begun. Yes that's right, I am the proud owner of the VERY first copy of Halo 3 sold from the West Ashley WAL-MART. Chris and I went at 10:30 p.m. on Monday night and hung around for an hour and a half to make sure we were first in line. My reciept says 12:01 a.m. I was talking with the checkout lady and she was telling me that for every copy of Halo 3 sold before 12:01 a.m. on the 25th of September, they would be charged $50,000. WOW!

So, I bought it and went home and played until 2 a.m. It is everything that they said it was going to be and more. The graffics, audio, live matchmaking, campain, and especially the graphics are incredible. Here is the catch, I have made a commitment to miranda and myself that I would not play it until this semester is over of school. If I didn't make that commitment I think I would fail this class because it is amazing! So pray for me... I will need it. :) Anyway, I gotta go to work. Signing out!

AG

If you find this boring, you are probably who I am writing about!

2007-09-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

As I was doing my school studies I came across a story that I have never really spent a lot of time with before. It is the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch -- Here is the link. I have read this story before but have never given it much thought as to what it was teaching. When I spent some time with it and my study guide expanded on it, it was freshly revealed to me what it meant. I just thought it was something we could all learn to do a little better.

Let me set this up:

Phillip has just spread the new redemptive gospel of Jesus to a Samaritan (Non-Jewish) city for the first time in history. He is lead by the spirit to go down a certain road while traveling to another city. Meanwhile, there is this unnamed Ethiopian Eunuch who has just finished a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship God. Not that significant of a detail is it? Well, picture this... Jesus has recently been crucified, died, raised again, built up 11 disciples to start his church, they have expanded that church to at least over 5,000 people, Stephen was just martyred (the first Christian murdered for their faith), Saul has started the persecution of Christians on a big enough scale to cause most of them to flee Jerusalem in fear, and this Ethiopian has been in Jerusalem for a while and NO ONE has told him the story of Christ. I don't know about you, but I think it is odd that he has spent so much time at the temple worshiping God, but hasn't heard the story of Christ. One must ask, why?

To Jews, Ethiopians were dirty. Actually, to Jews, anyone who wasn't a Jew was considered dirty. But, Eunuchs were not even able to enter the temple beyond the outer courtyard even if they converted to Judaism. Even if he had to stay out of the temple, how was it that none of the members of the first Church spoke to him about Jesus in the courtyard? I am not accusing the Church of a failure since I wasn't there, I am simply raising a question. Was it because of fear of Saul's persecution? Maybe it was mere coincidence that he didn't hear. But what if it were the fierce prejudices in their society. Could it have been? Sure it could have.

For whatever reason he didn't hear the gospel the entire time he was in Jerusalem. But on his way home he was reading from the prophet Isaiah. Specifically he was reading Isaiah 53 : 7, 8 where it prophecies about Jesus being crucified. While reading this, the Holy Spirit prompts Phillip to go up to him. Phillip asks him if he knows what he is reading. The Ethiopian says that he can not understand unless someone teaches him, and asks of who the scripture is talking about. Phillip begins to tell him the story of Christ. They pass by a body of water and the Ethiopian becomes a Christian and is immediately baptized. Wow! The Holy Spirit prompted Phillip to reach out to someone that would normally be overlooked. And since Phillip responded, the Ethiopian became a follower of Christ. Amen!

How does this apply today? Christians are suppose to NOT be prejudice towards people. But, it is ramped in the church today. I have seen it. The person that is avoided on Sunday morning because of the way they look, or dress. The unwed mother that other parents tell there children to not talk to because they look down on them for their failure as if they themselves had never made a mistake. It is the faces that you see every Sunday, but never notice when they stop coming to church. Phillip listened to the Spirit telling him to talk to someone that most wouldn't think of talking to. If we only ever reach out to people that we approve of, then we are NOT doing what we need to as Christians. Let me say this again, if YOU are not reaching out to people that you do not know, or people who you would not normally talk to, then you are failing the Lord by what he said in Isaiah 56 : 3 - 8. Maybe the church needs more Phillips.

AG

Why?

2007-09-15T22:09:00.000-04:00

I know this guy that made a complete lifestyle change. He was in the youth group, in the band, read his bible, prayed, sought after God, and was your typical crazy teen Christian. Why then did he turn his back? Why did he run? What made him say "I am no longer a Christian, because that is what I have been taught my whole life." What was the point? Why waste all that time? I mean, how can one devote his whole life to God, and then completely turn his back on Him. I mean I had years where I lived totally away from what God wanted me to. That is not what I am talking about though. I am talking about a complete refusal of who God is. Even at my worse I knew God was real, and I knew Jesus died for my sins. I wonder then if he is even a Christian now? Has he lost his salvation, and for those who believe in "once saved always saved" was he ever a Christian at all? It breaks my heart that people can turn from this awesome life that Jesus gives us. Freedom, forgiveness, grace, power, confidence, assurance, eternity, these are all things that Jesus means to me. I couldn't imagine living without these.

He is just another statistic now. For those who haven't read Pastor Jeremiah's blog you really need to. If these statistics do not upset you, then I do not know how you can call yourself a Christian. So many people hear the message of Jesus, but they don't listen to it. Maybe I am just stupid, but I feel that that can change. Why not? Why not a generation that doesn't leave the church after High School. What if our Colleges were overrun with crazy Christians. The kind of Christians we read about in Paul's Epistles. Ones that say "Your going to kill me for my beliefs? To die is gain! Let's get it on!". It could happen.

Seeing how my friends (not most of them, just some) have grown up and chosen to live breaks my heart. Most I know are Christians still, but they are missing the point. The life Christ gives us is so much more exciting when we do it His way. They are just going through life, rather than living life! The bible says that Jesus comes to give life and give it MORE abundantly! More abundantly than what? THAN THEY WAY WE WOULD LIVE IT! Wake-up people and realize that life is more than just the next thrill and satisfaction! I am sorry that I sound a little fired up, it just sucks seeing people make choices sometimes.

My prayer is that this friend would realize what he is doing and come home. Like the prodigal son in the bible, there is this awesome grace that says he can turn back to God at any time and see a smiling Jesus with arms open wide, ready to welcome His son back into the true way to live life. Enough said.

AG

It's Not About Me!

2007-09-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

Man was tonight's new series "It's Not About Me" awesome! Pastor Jeremiah talked about how we sometimes feel/think that this life is all about us, when the Bible teaches us that it's all about God! If you ever start thinking that this life is all about you and what you have accomplished you really should read Job 38. God lays it out like none other. God can really put us in our place sometimes. He is da man!

We had 17 students tonight at Undercurrent. That is a good number for us, and I am encouraged by it. It would be nice to have a line out the door, but that time will come. Our students are committing more and more to inviting their friends. We want to see hundreds of students dedicating their lives to God at Coastal. And no, that is not an unachievable task. Try me... just get out and invite people. If they don't have a ride, call a student leader... we have cars! :)

Finally, I just want to say how awesome it is for me to be a part of a student ministry that is about changing lives and not just about having fun. You guys/gals encourage me so much every Sunday night. And this morning at Coastal Community Church's main service I was taken by a group of our teen girls who stood in the front of the service during communion and prayed with each other. They didn't see it, but the whole church saw that, and I know were encouraged by it. I know I was! You all know who you are, and you rock!

Here Comes Number 2!!!

2007-09-09T16:22:00.000-04:00

Sometimes life sucks... This is NOT one of those times! Miranda is pregnant! WAHOO!!!! Shew.... I have been holding that in for about two months now! We had our first ultrasound this past week and we are 11 weeks along! The baby is due the 28th of March. I can not wait! I will scan and post a pic of the ultrasound later. Lil' Andy is excited to be a big brother. He kisses mommy's tummy and says hi to his baby sis or brother. He is going to be an awsome big brother.

Ok, I know what your thinking... and no I don't care what it is... although to find out I get to spoil my little baby girl would be awesome! But, another boy would be loads of fun as well. We just want him/her to be healthy (By the way, the ultrasound confirmed that it is only one) .

My wife is so hot as a pregnant woman too.... :) not that that matters to any of you all, but it does for me! Anyway, I will post more updates later. For now it is off to Youth Group where we are going to tell all the students tonight... should be fun! WAHOOOOO!!!!! I am going to be a daddy.... Again!

AG

Mike Huckabee responds to evolution question

2007-08-31T15:59:00.001-04:00

I am not stating that I am a Republican or Democrat so stop assuming. I am actually neither. But this guy I could see myself voting for, just because of this response! Politicians are usually not very strait forward, but this guy hit the nail on the head! Check it out!

AG

My wife

2007-08-29T20:24:00.001-04:00

Top 20 Reasons I Love Her:

20. She still makes me laugh
19. Her hair smells REALLY good
18. She is a great mother to our son
17. The fact I always dated blond hair and blue eyed girls, but she has green eyes
16. She is a blond, and "blonds, like, totally have more fun!"
15. She takes care of me
14. That girl can cook... this one I have paid for in inches
13. She is spunky
12. She can stick stop me in my tracks when we she looks at me with her beautiful eyes
11. She likes Sci-Fi movies
10. She wants to adopt one day
9. She still bats her eyes when she really wants me to do her a favor... and I still fall for it
8. She is passionate about youth ministry just as I am
7. She doesn't care what people think of her, she is who she is and she doesn't hide it
6. She loves kids, as do I
5. She has a servants heart
4. She supports me and my decisions
3. I could have all the fun in the world, but at the end of the day all I want is to see her
2. She is drop dead SEXY!
1. She loves God, me (despite my shortcomings), and our family with all her heart

Baby I love you, and I do not care what kind of comments I get from my guy friends... they are all whipped as well, and they know it. :P

Eternal Things

2007-08-27T14:31:00.000-04:00

What is it about today's society that has it all backwards? What i mean is people are so caught up in things, and success, and happiness for this life! WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT?!?!?! People try their whole life to "make it" in this world. They focus on monetary success, and popularity, and what kind of car the person next to them at a red light is driving and how they wished they could afford it. They dwell on the next great thing that they can do to impress their boss when their boss will forget they did it hours after it is complete.

I am not saying that we shouldn't be successful, or do well at out jobs. On the contrary, I think we as Christians should be good stewards of our jobs and do well at where God has us at any given time. I believe that Christians get so caught up in the stresses and successes of life, that we lose focus on why we truly are here. I would rather lie on my death bed and know that I had some kind of eternal impact on this world. If it means that I can think of one person that saw my life and it motivated them to change their life and accept Christ as their Lord, it would be well worth it. I do not want to be lying on my death bed and only have worldly successes to take with me into eternity.

The reality is that we are all going to one of two places... Heaven or Hell. In Heaven, all the earthly successes won't be worthy enough to be brought into that side of eternity. In Hell our worldly successes will simply burn up in eternal fire. :) So either way.... THEY DON'T MAKE IT!

In the Air Force we have what we call "I love me walls". This is where you display all of your accomplishments throughout your career. Now, I must say that my office does have a wall designated as my "I love me wall". But God has been teaching me something. He has been teaching me to hate that wall. Not that I am not proud of what I have accomplished in the Air Force, but that it is all temporary. It doesn't matter. It is staying on this side of eternity. The reality for me these days is that if it isn't an eternal success... it means very little to me. I can't imagine living in eternity with God knowing that I could have focused more of my attention to impacting people's eternities and increased His kingdom and never took advantage of that opportunity. Eternity is real. How will you impact it?

AG

Wild Ride series

2007-08-21T14:24:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about our upcoming series at Coastal Community Church. Wild Ride! Isn't it true... Our lives after Christ comes into our hearts are so crazy! You know the roller coaster... You get saved, things are exciting, life couldn't be better, and then *BAM!!!* you wake-up and realize that there is this resistance to this eternal relationship with God, and his name is Satan. My buddy recently got saved and he was saying that he didn't understand why life was so hard after he got saved. I told him, because Satan doesn't want him to be saved! I think Satan is strategic to. I think he waits until the initial "spiritual high" wears off, and then makes your life a living hell... and no I didn't just curse... I mean a literal hell! The key is to rely on God's Promise for us.

Romans 4:20 "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God"

If you can rely on the promise and have faith, then God can totally blow your mind! If you haven't already... start inviting your friends! This could impact their eternity! We are going to have a Car Show, a Nascar Nextel Cup car (A real one! Can't disclose who... but come and check it out!), and a ton of giveaways! Hold on, it is exciting, it is crazy, it is dramatic, it is adrenalin pumping, it is God sending you on his Wild Ride!

J.R.

2007-08-18T17:20:00.000-04:00

There is this guy in Waves Student Ministry that I think doesn't know how cool he really is. He doesn't come every Sunday, he doesn't come to every outing, he doesn't go on every retreat... but the things that he does do with us, are just that much more fun. Most of the time he is quiet, but deep down inside I see a potential future Man of God, Leader, Father, and who knows... maybe even a pastor. (Ya never know) Since guys aren't good with the "telling each other we appreciate them" kinda thing... I figured I do it on here... Josh R. Waves student ministry wouldn't be the same without ya. Thanks for being cool man.

AG

Cameron...

2007-08-15T10:59:00.000-04:00

Well, I went to a Charleston Battery soccer game last night with the Waves Students last night, and let me tell you how traumatic an event it was. All because of Cameron W.

I have worked in youth ministry for over seven years now. That is a long time! Since I was 18 I have been a Youth Leader. Since being in the military I have had the privilege of moving a lot and have since worked in leadership in four youth groups! I am about to turn 25 which in no means is old. I consider myself to be young until I feel old. I know, a lot of you students are saying that 25 is already old... but if you ask a 25 year old if they are old, they will say no... and if you ask an old person (sorry Marcy) if 25 is old, they too will say no. So, by the power of wisdom... I am confirming that 25 years old is not to be considered old. But... That doesn't mean that you can not feel old from time to time. I am not talking about sore backs, or ankles... or having to take a nap at two in the afternoon or you will have a headache at five in the evening kind of feeling old. No, I am talking about getting laughed at from a teenager for the first time because of something you are wearing kind of feeling old. Yes, it is true... I have reached that point.

So, I walk into the church last night to go to the game and Cameron W. doesn't say hi, or what's up?... no he says **Laughing** "Nice socks Andy!". Ok... my idea of an ankle sock is one that comes right above your ankle line... I THOUGHT that that was ok to wear. I thought wrong. Immediately the whole youth group was laughing... I guess in today's standards an ankle sock comes to right under your ankle, and it is not cool to where anything higher than that. Who knew?!?!?!?

So, I proceeded to stooping myself to the level of taking my shoes off and learning (from a high schooler) how to turn 'above the ankle' ankle socks into 'below the ankle' ankle socks. It is a delicate skill of folding about two inches of the toe part of the sock up and over the top of your foot and then putting your shoes back on. All of a sudden I had REAL ankle socks and got the ok from the group to be seen in public with them. Good thing!

Cameron... the group just wouldn't be as cool without you. Thanks for making me cool once again.

P.S.~~ Our team lost 3 - 0, but we all had a great time...

Awesome Week!

2007-08-02T22:20:00.000-04:00

So, tonight wasn't the last night of VBS, but it was the last night for us. We are leaving tomorrow for Richmond, VA. We are going up to see my family and celebrate all the July/August birthdays that are in my family. Miranda turns 24 on Monday. :) Anyway, I just wanted to share how awesome this year's Vacation Bible School went for all the kids. It was tremendous. Miranda and I were in charge of the game time. At first, I thought it would be easy to think of games. let me tell you, my hat is off to all Pre-School teachers out there. Pre-Schoolers are a hard bunch to keep attentive, and busy. Just trying to figure out a game they can all do was a challenge. We did it though. It was great seeing how the kids responded to some fun at church.

I also want to say how awesome all the Waves Students were in helping with the kids. They did a great job as well. We really couldn't have done it without them. Tonight Chris had to fill in for his dad (Pastor Chris) doing the Keynote (multi-media) for the presentation. He wouldn't say it, but I think he was a little nervous. I helped him calm down by saying "Don't mess anything up now!" :) Hehehe... But he did awesome! He didn't miss a beat, and the service went smoothly.

Well, I have to wake up early tomorrow morning and go to a doctors appointment, and then drive six hours to Virginia. So, I gotta hit they sack.

OH! Just in case you hadn't heard yet, our Student Ministries web page is up and running so please check it out! www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/waves

AG

Psalms 91 : 11

2007-07-28T21:16:00.000-04:00

Last night as I fell to sleep I began to have a dream. I had it once, maybe twice. I was holding my son Andy and walking up some stairs when i saw what was like and evil spirit with a mask and a black cape on hiding under the stairs. As I past it flew out and went at my son and I. I shielded my son from it and grabbed it around the neck and and pinned it against a wall. It freaked me out so much that it woke me up from a dead sleep. I sat in bed with goose bumps all over my body.

As I lie awake in my bed I began to pray. I asked; no commanded, that anything evil in my house will leave in the name of Jesus. If my wife weren't asleep next to me I would have said it with authority out loud. I still got the point across to whatever was there. I started praying for God to protect my family especially my Son. I rebuked all evil in the name of Jesus.

I believe (as the bible tells us) that a spiritual war is raging in our midst where demons and angels battle for the souls of all. I believe that God has given us authority to bind evil spirits. Many people do not believe this to be a reality, or they don't want to. Really, for us as Christians, there is nothing to fear. So I live by this.

Tonight, as I tucked my son in I said a prayer. I asked that Jesus' blood would be poured out on him, his room, and my entire house. I prayed that all evil would be bound from entering my house. I asked that nothing evil, or fearful would entire my son's mind. Then I asked for a thousand legions of angels to come down and protect him. As I asked this, I thought (maybe asked) for God to show me that my son knows/sees this happening. Almost immediately after I thought this, my son began to smile and point in the air. I asked him what he was pointing at and he began to point all over the room at the ceiling and kept smiling.

God showed me that my son saw His angels protecting him. He saw the love of God protecting His most prized possession. His child. I laid him in his bed with his Pooh, and his cow flashlight and he is now falling asleep amongst thousands of angels.

He is only two and is already experiencing God's love and protection. How awesome is that.

AG

Completely selling out....

2007-07-26T08:57:00.000-04:00

OK, so I lied... I said I'd never do it, but I was curious and created a MySpace. I am still not a fan of the site. Don't get me wrong, it is fun creating your very own personalized space to communicate with family, friends, bands, etc. It can be very beneficial. I am just not a fan of all the crap that you see on it. I mean, in today's society and culture it seems that temptation for men is all around us, and sites like this promote it. I hate it. Having a son makes you change perspective on what you bring inside your household. My son is only two, but when do you start censoring what can come in your house, and what stays out? Do video games influence kids? What about music? What about the Internet? How far do you go before you are being to restrictive and cause them to eventually rebel? And if you don't want to be overly controlling like that... how much should you let go? I know that I won't budge on certain items, but it scares me. I feel that everything I do is going to affect the outcome of my son's decisions. I guess in the long run, you do your best to protect them, and hope (and pray) for the best.

So, yes, I created a MySpace. It is www.myspace.com/andy3space . You will have to send a friends request and I will have to approve you before you can get in to see it. You really should check it out, leave a comment, stay awhile. :) Miranda helped me figure out how to set it up. She is a junkie. It is cute though, 'cause she made me her top friend. I feel special. Anyway, I have to rush off to work. Only two more days left until the weekend. Saturday we are going to Mark and Corky's house to swim in the pool and grill some burgers. That is always fun. We have the best friends here. I'm going to miss them when we leave. Cya! God bless!

AG

In The Beginning

2007-07-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

In the beginning Andy created the BlogSpot. And he saw that it was good.
He created the name; www.andywgill.blogspot.com. And he saw that it was good.
He then created the title; Andy's Reality. And he saw that this was good.
He continued to create the colors and the layout. And he saw that this too was good.
He created the first blog. And saw that this was good.

Ok, enough of that.

If you know me, you know that I don't do the myspace thing, I don't waste time with facebook, I don't even have an iGoogle page. I don't do much on the internet besides check sports scores, and research homework assignments. I am not anti-new technology, I just haven't got sucked into the black hole of internet fellowship. Pastor Jeremiah says that if I ever expect to be a youth pastor, I must get into it. So here I am, selling out, giving in, falling to the temptation of trying to fit in, be cool, and go with the crowd. I must admit, it is kinda cool. But, this doesn't mean you will find me on myspace now. Just search for my wife's space.

AG